Connecticut Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the Connecticut Road Trip, a 730 km journey through the picturesque towns of Woodstock, New London, Old Lyme, Middletown, Essex, New Haven, and Stamford. The best time to drive this route is in the spring or summer, when you can enjoy the UNESCO Heritage Monuments along the way. The roads are generally in excellent condition, with some curvy sections. With a recommended time of 7 days to complete the trip, you can make the most of your time, taking in the sights and sounds of the region. This trip is suitable for all drivers, but may require a higher budget to get the most out of it. The Connecticut Road Trip is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and lasting memories.
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number of days
730 km
route length
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START
Windsor Locks
Distance 730 km
Driving time 11.5 h
Pace: fast
219.1 kWh
Airports
BDL
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Windsor Locks, Connecticut is the perfect starting point for the Connecticut Road Trip. Situated along the Connecticut River, this town is steeped in history and offers plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Start your trip by visiting the historic sites like the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden and the Windsor Locks Canal Museum and Historical Society. The Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden is a National Historic Landmark and is worth a visit for its beautiful gardens. The Windsor Locks Canal Museum and Historical Society showcase artifacts from the canal that was built in the 19th century and offers a glimpse into the town's past.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL). Car rentals are available at the airport so you can easily begin your journey.
Windsor Locks is also home to the Connecticut Trolley Museum, which offers visitors a chance to ride a vintage trolley car and learn about the history of the trolleys in the area. The town also has several parks, including the Windsor Locks Canal State Park, which is a great spot to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
With so many attractions to explore, Windsor Locks is an ideal starting point for the Connecticut Road Trip. Make sure to add this town to your itinerary and enjoy all that it has to offer.
1
Windsor Locks
- Woodstock
Distance 90 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
27.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Windsor Locks to Woodstock road trip! This 56mi journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete and will take you through some of the most interesting historical sites in the area. Along the way, you’ll be able to visit some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. This is just one stage of a larger tour, so be sure to look out for more attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the way. The full itinerary of this stage is available in the “Itinerary” section, so be sure to check it out for more information. We hope you enjoy your journey and have a great time!
Woodstock - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Woodstock
- New London
Distance 81 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
24.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Woodstock to New London? This 51-mile journey is one of the stages of a larger tour, and it will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you'll get to experience some of the best sights and attractions that both cities have to offer.
In Woodstock, make sure to visit the Woodstock Museum and the Woodstock Opera House. Both are great places to learn about the city's history and culture. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, you can also take a stroll in the beautiful Woodstock Square Park.
In New London, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore. Take a walk around the historic New London Square and admire the beautiful architecture. Then, head over to the historic New London Lighthouse and take in the stunning views of the harbor. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can also visit the nearby Crystal Lake Beach and take a dip in the lake.
Make sure to pay attention to the scenic roads along the way and enjoy the beautiful views. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
New London - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
New London
- Old Lyme
Distance 36 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
9.4 kWh
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Welcome to the New London - Old Lyme road trip! This scenic 22mi drive in Connecticut will take you less than an hour, so you can enjoy a leisurely drive along this winding road. Start your journey in New London, where you can explore the local culture, visit the historic Customs House, or take a stroll along the waterfront. Then, make your way to Old Lyme, where you can explore the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Art Colony, or take a hike through the nearby forests. Don't forget to take in the stunning views of the Connecticut River as you make your way to your destination. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Old Lyme - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Old Lyme
- Portland
Distance 51 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
15.3 kWh
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Take a road trip from Old Lyme to East Haddam and Portland, two charming towns in Connecticut. This 32-mile drive will take you less than an hour, but the journey is full of sights and activities. Start your journey in Old Lyme with a visit to the Florence Griswold Museum, a historic house and art gallery. Then, drive through the picturesque countryside to East Haddam, where you can explore the Goodspeed Opera House, a National Historic Landmark. Finally, end your journey in Portland, home to the Wadsworth Falls State Park, with its stunning waterfall and hiking trails. As you drive, take time to appreciate the historical sites and quaint towns along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Portland - United States - North America - Road Trip - Flickr
Portland - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Portland
- Middletown
Distance 2 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: slow
0.4 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Let us take you on a journey from Portland to Middletown. This stage of the trip is an easy one, only 1mi away and takes less than 0 hours to drive. Along the way, you will be able to take in the beautiful scenery and snap some great photos.
You can start your journey in Portland, where you can explore the city’s vibrant culture, visit the waterfront, and take a stroll through the city’s many parks. You can also check out the many shops and restaurants, or take a trip to the Portland Art Museum.
Your next stop is Middletown, a charming small town with a rich history. Here, you can visit the historic Middletown Opera House, take a stroll through the town’s quaint streets, and visit the Middletown Historical Society. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore Portland and Middletown on your next road trip! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Middletown - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Middletown
- Essex
Distance 39 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
10.0 kWh
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Welcome to the Middletown to Essex road trip! This 24-mile journey takes less than an hour to complete and is one of the most scenic drives in the area. Starting in Middletown, you can visit the Wadsworth Falls State Park for some beautiful views of the falls and the Connecticut River. Then, make your way to the Lyman Orchards, where you can enjoy some delicious fruit pies and pick-your-own fruits and vegetables.
As you make your way to Essex, you can stop at the Connecticut River Museum to learn about the history of the river and its impact on the local area. You can also take a stroll along the boardwalk in the Eagle Landing State Park for some stunning views of the river.
Finally, you'll arrive in Essex, where you can visit the Gillette Castle State Park. Here, you can explore the castle, take a boat ride, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your Middletown to Essex road trip!
Essex - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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7
Essex
- New Haven
Distance 72 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: modest
18.7 kWh
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Welcome to the Essex - New Haven Road Trip! This 45mi journey is full of surprises and takes less than 2 hours to complete. As you drive, pay attention to the scenic roads and the beautiful landscapes that you will pass. You can visit the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, the perfect spot to learn about the history of the area and enjoy a relaxing ride. In New Haven, you can explore the Yale University campus, visit the Peabody Museum of Natural History, and the New Haven Green. Don’t forget to take a stroll in the Yale University Art Gallery and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. There are plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information, please check the “Itinerary” section of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
New Haven - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.goodfreephotos.com
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8
New Haven
- Stamford
Distance 74 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
22.3 kWh
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Embark on a wonderful journey through the cities of New Haven, Norwalk and Stamford. This 46-mile route will take you less than an hour to complete. On your way, you will be able to explore the beauty of the scenic road and discover the hidden gems of these cities.
Start your trip in New Haven, where you can visit the Yale Center for British Art, the Peabody Museum of Natural History, and the New Haven Museum. Then, head to Norwalk and explore the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and the Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Finally, end your journey in Stamford, where you can visit the Stamford Museum & Nature Center and the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens.
Along the way, you can also enjoy the stunning views of the countryside and take in the fresh air. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Stamford - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Stamford - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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9
Stamford
- Kent
Distance 149 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
44.7 kWh
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Stamford to Kent? This 93 mi journey will take you less than 3 hours, so get ready for a fun-filled day! Start your journey by taking the Merritt Parkway. This scenic road is a great way to experience the best of the countryside. As you make your way down the Parkway, you'll be able to take in the beauty of the surrounding area. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the interesting places along the way, such as the historic town of Greenwich and the picturesque town of New Canaan. When you reach Kent, you'll be able to explore the town's quaint shops and restaurants. And don't forget to check out the Kent Falls State Park, where you can take a stroll through the beautiful waterfall. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Hop in the car and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Kent - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Kent - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipédia
Kent - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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10
Kent
- Canaan
Distance 41 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
12.3 kWh
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Embark on an exciting journey from Kent to Canaan and explore the best of both places! Start your journey in Kent, a small town in the United States with a rich history and a plethora of attractions like the Kent Historical Society Museum, the Kent Iron Furnace, and the Kent State University Museum. After a 25mi drive you'll reach Canaan, where you can visit the historic Canaan Village, the historic St. John's Church, and the historic Canaan Union Church. During this road trip, you'll be able to witness the beauty of the rolling hills, the lush greenery, and the scenic views of the countryside. You'll be able to experience the peace and tranquility of nature, and you'll also be able to explore some of the most interesting places in these two locations. The entire journey will take less than 1 hour, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.
Canaan - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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11
Canaan
- Hartford
Distance 68 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: fast
20.5 kWh
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Welcome to the Canaan-Hartford road trip stage! This journey of 42 miles and less than two hours will take you through some of the most interesting places in the United States.
First, you will pass through Canaan, a town with a long and interesting history. Here you can visit the historic St. John's Episcopal Church, built in 1813, and the Canaan Union Cemetery, the resting place of many veterans from the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
The next stop is the city of Torrington, where you can explore the Warner Theatre, a historic theater that has been entertaining audiences since 1931. You can also visit the Torrington Historical Society Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts from the city's long history.
The last stop is Hartford, the state capital of Connecticut. Here you can visit the Old State House, the oldest surviving state house in the country, and the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the United States.
As you drive along this route, be sure to take in the beautiful scenery and the historic sites along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Hartford - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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12
Hartford
- Windsor Locks
Distance 27 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
8.0 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Hartford to Windsor Locks, a distance of 17mi and a drive time of fewer than 1 hour. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so get ready to explore the best attractions in the area.
Start your journey from Hartford, the capital of Connecticut. Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark and the place where Mark Twain wrote some of his most famous works. Then, explore the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the oldest public art museum in the US.
Next, move to Windsor Locks. Here you can visit the New England Air Museum, the largest aviation museum in the Northeast. It is the perfect place to learn about the history of aviation from the Wright Brothers to the present day. You can also visit the Bradley International Airport, the second largest airport in New England.
These are just some of the places to visit during your road trip from Hartford to Windsor Locks. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Windsor Locks - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Windsor Locks
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Windsor Locks is the last destination of the Connecticut Road Trip. This small town of 12,500 inhabitants is located in the Hartford County, and is known for its picturesque New England charm.
When visiting Windsor Locks, you must visit the Windsor Locks Canal State Park. This park features a historic canal, which is the only remaining canal of the 19th century in the state. The canal is 2 miles long and has a variety of birds and wildlife, making it a great place for nature lovers.
The town is also home to the Windsor Locks Historical Society, which is located in the town center. The society offers tours of the town and its historical sites, as well as a museum with a variety of artifacts and displays.
For those who love aviation, the New England Air Museum is the perfect place to visit. This museum is home to a variety of aircraft, from vintage planes to modern jets. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops.
For travelers arriving by car, the closest international airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL). Windsor Locks is an ideal destination to end the Connecticut Road Trip, offering something for everyone.
Windsor Locks - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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Connecticut Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Windsor Locks
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End:
Windsor Locks
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Distance:
730 km
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Stay:
7 days
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Getting there:
Bradley International Airport (BDL)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating 730 km journey through Connecticut's picturesque landscapes and historic towns. The Connecticut Road Trip weaves through the state, showcasing its rich tapestry of culture, heritage, and natural splendor. Highlights include the charming village of Woodstock, the lively maritime atmosphere of New London, and the cultural hub of New Haven with its prestigious Yale University.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Woodstock: Step back in time with its classic New England charm, historic homes, and the Roseland Cottage, an exceptional example of Gothic Revival architecture.
- New London: Explore the United States Coast Guard Academy, the Custom House Maritime Museum, and the vibrant waterfront scene.
- Old Lyme: Discover American Impressionism at the Florence Griswold Museum, the heart of the Old Lyme Art Colony.
- Middletown: Enjoy the cultural offerings at Wesleyan University's Center for the Arts and the bustling dining scene on Main Street.
- Essex: Take a nostalgic ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, and visit the Connecticut River Museum.
- New Haven: Delve into academic history at Yale University's campus, the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and the Yale University Art Gallery.
- Stamford: Experience nature and art at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center and relax at the serene Cove Island Park.
Best Time to Go:
The prime times for this Road Trip are spring and fall when you can witness Connecticut's stunning foliage and flowers in full bloom, and the weather is comfortable for exploring. Autumn, in particular, offers a breathtaking palette of colors.
Potential Risks:
Curvy Roads in certain areas call for attentive driving. Seasonal weather conditions, such as snow in winter or occasional summer thunderstorms, may affect travel plans. Always check weather forecasts and stay informed about local driving regulations.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Designating a week for this Trip allows for in-depth exploration of each destination.
- The route is suitable for drivers of all levels; however, budgeting for diverse experiences ranging from dining to attractions will enhance your Trip.
- Regular vehicle maintenance checks are advisable to ensure a smooth journey.
- Pre-booking accommodations and checking the schedule of attractions is wise, particularly in the busier seasons of summer and fall.
A good choice for:
The Connecticut Road Trip is an immersive excursion into the essence of New England. It offers Roadtrippers a tapestry of experiences from historical discoveries to natural wonders. This journey is not just a drive through Connecticut, but a passage through the pages of American history and the picturesque heart of one of the country's oldest regions.
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