Cromwell/Middletown - Middletown, CT

Middletown and Cromwell emerged in the 17th century from the Mattabeseck settlement, a port town that profited from its close proximity to the Connecticut River. Nautical industries drove economic growth throughout the area, and the natural river boundary between Middletown and Cromwell fueled the decision to separate the two towns in the mid-1800s.

While both towns evolved as bedroom communities, the establishment of Wesleyan University led to more robust commercial development and urbanization in sections of Middletown. Within a few minutes of the college, you can see renditions of "Shrek the Musical" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Oddfellows Playhouse, or the high school-sponsored Middletown Stage Company.

Test your mettle on the Ring of Fire coaster at the traveling Coleman Brothers carnival in the spring, or let the little tykes feel independent as they play with musical instruments and explore faux caves at KidCity Children's Museum.

Dining in Middletown and Cromwell transports you from New England to India, Japan, Latin America and many other locales. Divide your mealtimes between trusted franchises, classic diners and pizza parlors, and international restaurants without straying far from Main Street in Middletown and Berlin Street in Cromwell.

Beat the morning rush at O'Rourke's Diner to dig into a hearty Irish-inspired breakfast of banana-bread French toast smothered in clotted cream. O'Rourke's was featured on the hit TV show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, so the eatery's few tables fill up rapidly as locals pile in to sample Brian's Breakfast. This daily special showcases a random concoction cooked up by the chef, which could include anything from a savory spinach omelet to barbecued meat on waffles. The diner only opens for morning and afternoon hours, and you should plan a weekday visit if you want to order from the lunch menu.

Bring a group for a family-style feast of spicy curry, garlic naan bread and crispy pakora fritters at Haveli India. Locals suggest stopping in for the weekend buffet to find your favorite menu picks, and be sure to load your plate with drool-worthy specialties, such as chicken tikka masala, saag paneer and lamb curry.

The college crowd gathers at Mondo pizzeria for the ultimate comfort food, pizza pies loaded with meat, veggies and more. At this trendy bar hangout, classic pizzas merely serve as the blank canvas for creative toppings, such as Brussels sprouts and sopressata, shrimp and capers, and goat cheese and truffle honey. Regulars praise the breakfast-themed Oozy Egg pizza topped with prosciutto and an over-easy yolk, while gluten-free and wheat crust options provide tasty alternatives for conscientious diners.

Nightlife mainly consists of the pubs and bars catering to youthful clientele around the Wesleyan University neighborhood. The abundance of clubs and music spots in nearby Hartford make up for the limited night-time hangouts in Middletown in Cromwell.

For drinks and live music, locals catch shows at Billy Tee's and the Hideaway, a sports bar and restaurant with an attached music hall. Bring a few bucks to pay the cover charge, and enjoy hours of tunes from live DJs and bands. Celtic Cavern and Keagan's Irish Pub serve as two popular bar scenes where you can celebrate the good times with ale and chicken wings.

Middletown and Cromwell locals rely on cars or public transportation to navigate this residentially dense area, so free parking remains readily available in most neighborhoods. Downtown Middletown near Wesleyan University ranks as one of the only walkable or bikeable nieghborhoods, so be prepared to take the 53, 54 or 55 CT Transit bus if you need to travel in town or commute to Hartford.

While several highways cut through both towns, Interstate Routes 9 and 91 link Middletown and Cromwell to major urban centers, including Hartford, New Haven and Meriden. Hailing a cab in downtown Middletown may be easy, but most other areas require an arranged pickup from local cab companies or services such as Uber. If you need to arrange long-distance trips, you can catch the train at Amtrak stations in Meriden and Hartford.

Parks in Middletown and Cromwell cater to the town's family-oriented population with pet-friendly recreation hubs where kids and adults can embark on scenic hikes, go for a swim or test their athletic skills in team sports. Most facilities are free, but you may encounter occasional fees for weekends, holidays or rental permits.

Cromwell residents love to take in the fresh air at Pierson Park, a popular children's hangout with a castle fort-inspired playscape. Let the kids swing from the monkey bars while you power walk through the paved Rose Garden trail or have lunch in the pavilion. Basketball, football and softball facilities provide space for sports, and live music concerts give you entertainment to look forward to in the summer.

For nature exploration, visit the beautifully forested grounds at River Highlands State Park in Cromwell. Hiking through River Highlands gives you breathtaking views of the landscape from incredible vantage points, including natural bluffs overhanging the water. Located along the southwestern edge of Middletown, Wadsworth Falls State Park accommodates hiking, mountain biking and stream fishing with its network of woody trails. Visit the beach area for a dip in the ocean or a seaside tanning session. The nearby Wadsworth Mansion hosts events year round, including summer music shows and the open-air market. The festival pumps up the community spirit by spotlighting local artisans and food vendors, and providing arts-and-crafts activities for families.

On average, living costs in Middletown and Cromwell hit about 10 percent higher than Hartford, but higher food-and-housing expenses mainly account for the cost difference. If you're hoping to settle down in an apartment, consider the area's median rent cost of $1,018 while planning your budget.

Traveling to Hartford by public transportation costs about $3 a day, but if you decide to drive your own car, plan to pay gas prices roughly 8 percent higher than the national average. At local pubs, you can get a pint of beer fresh off the tap for $5 to $6.

Cromwell shoppers benefit from close proximity to large chain stores, while downtown Middletown delivers a more varied mixture of franchises and local boutiques, especially antique stores. When you need value and convenience, stock up on home goods and groceries at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, polish up your wardrobe at Marshall's, or pick up new tools at Home Depot.

If you treasure priceless memorabilia, check out the nostalgic posters, Hippie art and collectible toys at Wild Bill's antique shop on Newfield Street in Middletown. If you have time to spare, stroll through the trippy funhouse attraction, or chat up the store's eccentric owner.

Browse the racks at Signature for Women on Court Street for trendy fashions in an intimate boutique setting, or head a few shops down to Pamela Roose for a store filled with professionally knitted clothing and accessories. Sign up for the store's low-cost craft classes to fine-tune your knitting or crocheting skills. For daily munchies, Cromwell and Middletown both have Stop & Shop grocery stores, while the latter also houses both Aldi and Price Chopper on Washington Street. You won't find farmers' markets within either town's boundaries, but you can take a short trip to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. With its aromatic pie stalls and bins overflowing with plump produce, this renowned market draws families from around the state. Drive out for an afternoon of apple picking, or clear your schedule for the orchard's popular holiday events.