Blog posts of '2025' 'April'

What to See in a Quick Road Trip to Connecticut

If you're planning a road trip to the Northeast, Connecticut may just be the hidden gem you've been waiting to discover. What does Connecticut have to offer in a weekend or longer? We wish you happy mapping and then exploring!

New Haven

On the southern coast, and right on the main thoroughfare of I-95, sits New Haven, the home of Yale University. Students come from all over the world to study here, making it a melting pot of languages, foods, and attractions. If you love history and books, you'll want to visit the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, which holds one of the largest collections in the world, complete with a Gutenberg Bible. Yale itself, built in 1701, is worth the trip for history fans, having its own story to tell and beautiful architecture. Also exciting to visit is the Peabody Museum of Natural History, which houses the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, including a skeleton of a Brontosaurus. New Haven is also popular for its parks with ocean views, art galleries, theaters, concert venues, food trucks, and restaurants. Sushi Palace in North Haven is a hot spot for all-you-can-eat sushi. For pizza lovers, Frank Pepe's, Modern Apizza, and Sally's, all iconic, are just three of the pizza joints loved by locals and tourists alike. Why not try one or more pizza joints during your stay! 

The Coast

As you leave New Haven and travel East, clustered also on (or near) the southeastern shore, you will find Essex, East Haddam, and Mystic. Essex offers rides on a steam train and/or riverboat. From the riverboat you can enjoy scenic Gillette Castle, a medieval, gothic-style castle. To reach the castle on foot, you can hike one of the many trails in Gillette Castle State Park (to see inside, make sure tours are available when you go). About 15 mins from Essex, you can catch a show at the musical theater, Goodspeed Opera House, in East Haddam. The Victorian-style building, surrounded by trees and a swing bridge on the Connecticut River, makes you feel as if you've stepped into a different era. You may also be eager to visit the Mystic Aquarium. Listed amongst the top 5 largest aquariums in the USA, Mystic Aquarium is home to the only Beluga whale habitat in New England and to thousands of species of marine mammals.  While visiting this beautiful part of Connecticut, don't miss out on trying any of the excellent seafood stops you can find along the coast.

Litchfield Hills

What about spots away from the ocean? The northwestern Litchfield Hills are also an attractive way to spend a weekend get-away.  Here you'll find vast landscapes filled with state parks, historic gardens, waterfalls, and vineyards. You will be able to capture the scenery of covered bridges and colonial architecture. With minimal light pollution, you can feel immersed in the night sky as you stargaze. A special mention goes to the Cathedral Pines Preserve, a national natural landmark, where you can see white pines looming at 120–140 feet. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can also hike the 5.4-mile trail through the pines to Mohawk Mountain.  Along with hiking, wine tasting, and exploring, many are drawn to antique shopping and staying at the historical inns. The Connecticut Restaurant Association named Arethusa al tavolo Restaurant as the best restaurant in Connecticut, so make sure to make a reservation in your travels. Don't forget to also stop at Arethusa Farm for the ice cream voted best in Connecticut! 

Bonus Content

If you have a little more time, and the seaon is right, here are some possible additional adventures.

Spring: Fruit picking (until mid-fall), Cherry Blossom Festival and restaurant week in New Haven, hot air balloon rides, and a daffodil farm in Litchfield

Summer: Visiting/camping at Hammonasset Beach State Park, food truck festivals, outdoor concerts

Fall: Foliage road trips, county fairs, corn mazes, wine trails

Winter: Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Litchfield, wildlife eagle cruise in Essex

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