Yeah, as a CT resident unless you're ok with ubering everywhere, a car is a mild must. If you're visiting the US for the first time and you prefer walking I'd reccomend places like Boston or New York which have way more historical sights. Or California. Our coast is fine, but not the beach towns you see in movies or TV.

Please bare in mind, I'm not a professional tourist, I'm just a schmuck from the center of my state telling you what I know, there's definitely alot I don't know. I hope you and your partner enjoy your trip wherever you end up.