During the 1800s, Southbury became an industrial hub due to the power that could be harnessed from the two local rivers. Southbury became the home of several textile factories and product mills. Unfortunately, technology soon advanced beyond the need of the rivers to utilize as a source of power. As coal became the power source of choice, most of the factories and mills that were originally located in Southbury moved to nearby Woodbury, Connecticut.
In the 1920s, Southbury's main street became a hub for Russian artists, scholars, and novelists. This area of the town became known as the Russian Village. Its residents included Count Llya Tolstoy and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Llya Tolstoy was the son of the War and Peace novelist Leo Tolstoy. Rachmaninoff was a famous Russian composer during this time frame. During its most popular time, there was even a locally owned printing press that Rachmaninoff used.
Things remained relatively quiet in Southbury until November of 1937 when a gentleman named Wolfgang Jung decided to purchase about 178 acres of land. The town rumor was that he was part of the German American Bund. This group was comprised of ethnic Germans located in America who supported Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Things got even more tense for the residents of Southbury when Fritz Kund showed up to help Jung build something.
Apparently Jung, along with Kund, was planning to establish a training facility for the German American Bund right in Southbury. At this time, Kund was considered the most prevalent and dangerous anti-Semite in the United States. When the local residents heard of Jung and Kund's plan, they called an emergency town hall meeting. In this meeting, they developed a zoning committee with only one goal in mind. The residents of Southbury declared there could not be any military activity within the defined zoning areas. The only exception to this new zoning law was any activity by the U.S. Army.
This new zoning law went into effect December 14, 1937. After this date, Jung and Kund had no other option but to stop building the facility. It didn't take long for Jung to sell the land and head out of town. The town returned to being the sleepy farming community it had been always known for, but it came eerily close to becoming part of one of the darkest parts of history.
In 1987, IBM decided to build its headquarters here. During this time, IBM employed over 2,500 workers locally. Due to this large influx of workers, Southbury morphed from a largely rural community into the varied town it prides itself on today.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Southbury, CT?
If what you're looking for dry weather, the best time to visit Southbury is in September, October or November. These are the months with the lowest chances of significant precipitation with relatively mild temperatures. Plus, September and October offer you the chance to experience autumn in all its glory.
There is nothing quite like all the foliage changing color this time of year. If you have never visited New England in the fall before, it is worth the trip. You will want to make sure you visit on a year that has been relatively rainy the month before. This additional rainfall provides some of the most strikingly vibrant fall colors in the trees.
Since this is the best time of year to visit, prices also tend to be at their peak. Due to the popularity, this is also when the tourist spots and recreational areas are most crowded. Luckily, you have the option to make your reservations early in order to catch the best deals possible on hotel rooms.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Southbury, CT:
Southbury by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Southbury, CT. You can use these charts to determine the cheapest time to book in Southbury for your upcoming travels.
What Are Some of the Best Hotels in Southbury, CT?
4 Star Average Prices: $160.62
If you have the extra money to splurge on your visit, a luxury hotel may be the more attractive option for you. Southbury has several luxury hotel options to choose from.
The Heritage Hotel Golf Spa & Conference Center BW Premier Collection is located directly in Southbury. With 163 rooms, this three-floor property provides two heated pools and 23 meeting rooms. Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. It also has a 9-hole golf course, an expansive health center, a spa with seven treatment rooms, a small vineyard, and New England style pub.
Hosting over 70 weddings per year, this is a popular destination wedding venue. Amenities include in-room breakfast, complimentary newspapers, in-room movies, non-smoking rooms, a business center, private gardens, free parking, a sauna and Jacuzzi, free Wi-Fi, a jogging path, laundry facilities, a full bar, cable television, and a tennis court.
The Wyndham Southbury is another great option for those looking for a more upscale location. With 193 rooms, the recently renovated Wyndham offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and 17 meeting rooms. Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is noon. Amenities include: breakfast in the room, complimentary newspapers, concierge service, a games room, Wi-Fi, a Jacuzzi, laundry facilities, 24-hour room service, a sauna and spa, cable television, movies in the room, non-smoking rooms, and a licensed bar.
The Hampton Inn Waterbury is approximately 9 miles from Southbury. They offer 91 rooms and have an indoor pool. Free breakfast is available, and there is a fitness center on-site. Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m. There are coffee and tea provided in the lobby at no cost and a complimentary daily newspaper on weekdays. If you are in a hurry, they can give you an "on the run" breakfast bag during weekdays. There is also a Jacuzzi for winding down at the end of the day.
The Curtis House Inn is approximately 4 miles from Southbury. Its 17-room facility is Connecticut's oldest inn. With a quaint bed-and-breakfast type feel, this cozy place will make it easy to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m.
What Are Some Budget-Friendly Hotels in Southbury, CT?
3 Star Average Prices: $131.61
While Southbury is a popular tourist destination, especially for people who love history, there are various hotel options that won't require you to demolish your budget in order to enjoy your stay.
The Days Inn Bethel Danbury is approximately 10 miles away from Southbury. There is a fitness gym on-site, and they offer a free breakfast. Check-in and check-out are at 11 a.m. Featuring both king and queen bedroom options, this hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a desk, and a sofa. Other amenities include free local telephone calls, cable television, non-smoking rooms, and the USA Today newspaper. You are also allowed to bring your pet to this location.
The Comfort Inn Naugatuck is also about 10 miles away. This hotel has 50 rooms available with an eco-friendly policy. There is a fitness center on site as well as complimentary breakfast. Check-out is at 11 a.m. and check-in is at 3 p.m. This Comfort Inn also features both king and queen bedroom options with free parking and Wi-Fi access. There is a daily newspaper, flat-panel television, and spacious seating in the lobby area. They also allow you to bring pets to this location.
