Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road is a 98km road trip that starts and ends in Old Lyme, United States. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Lyme, Portland, and Essex. The best time to drive this road trip is in the spring or summer, when the lush green of the valley is at its most vibrant. On this trip, you will experience stunning panoramic views, rolling hills, and picturesque towns. The road conditions are excellent and the route is suitable for all drivers. You can complete the trip in one day, and the cost is manageable for most budgets. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road offers a high-level experience and memories that will last a lifetime.
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number of days
98 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Old Lyme
Distance 98 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: modest
25.4 kWh
Airports
HVN
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Old Lyme is a charming town located in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States. It is the ideal starting point for the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road, a scenic road trip offering stunning views. Visitors will find plenty of interesting sights to explore in Old Lyme, including the Florence Griswold Museum, a beautiful 1817 mansion with a stunning collection of American Impressionist paintings. The town also boasts a number of stunning beaches, perfect for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road. Along the way, visitors will find some of the best sights in the state, such as the historic Yale University, the breathtaking Mystic Seaport, and the charming seaside towns of Mystic and Stonington. Old Lyme is the perfect starting point for a memorable road trip.
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Old Lyme
- Lyme
Distance 8 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: fast
2.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Old Lyme to Lyme road trip! This 5-mile journey will take you less than an hour, so you'll be able to enjoy the scenic road and all the sights in no time.
The first stop is Old Lyme, a small town known for its art galleries, antique shops, and historic buildings. Make sure to check out the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Art Association, and the Lyme Historical Society if you're looking for a dose of culture. For a taste of nature, don't miss out on the Nehantic State Forest and the Great Island Wildlife Refuge.
Your next destination is Lyme. This charming town is home to the Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa, a historic inn with a picturesque setting. Be sure to visit the Beebe Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary and the Connecticut College Arboretum to take in some of the natural beauty of the area.
No matter where you stop, you're sure to have a great time on this road trip! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Lyme - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Lyme
- East Haddam
Distance 24 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
6.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure? Starting in Lyme, United States, and ending in East Haddam, this 15mi drive will take you less than one hour. You will be able to take in some of the most amazing sights that these two places have to offer.
In Lyme, you must visit the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, a unique structure built in 1780. This is the very same structure that Nathan Hale taught in before he was captured by the British during the Revolutionary War. Also, don't forget to visit the Lyme Art Association, a great place to admire artworks from local artists.
In East Haddam, you must visit the Gillette Castle State Park. This castle was built by William Gillette, a famous actor from the early 20th century. You will be able to explore the grounds and take in the incredible views from the castle's towers. Additionally, take a tour of the Goodspeed Opera House, a theater that has been around since 1876 and has hosted some of the most famous musicals in history.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
East Haddam - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - en.wikipedia.org
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East Haddam
- Portland
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
5.7 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip adventure from East Haddam to Portland! This 12mi journey will take you less than an hour to complete, but don't rush it! Along the way, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites, as there are plenty of them to explore.
Start your journey in East Haddam, a small town in Connecticut, and take a stroll along the Connecticut River. Stop at Gillette Castle State Park for a picnic, and take a tour of the castle to learn about its fascinating history. Then, head to the town of Portland to admire the picturesque views of the Connecticut River and the Portland-Columbia Covered Bridge.
Continue your journey to the town of Middletown, home to Wadsworth Falls State Park. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the falls, or just sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. As you make your way to your final destination, don't forget to visit the historical sites of South Glastonbury, such as the Glastonbury Historical Society and the Glastonbury Town Hall.
Finally, you'll arrive in Portland, a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do. Visit the Wadsworth Mansion, a stunning historic estate, or take a tour of the Portland Museum of Art. You can also explore the city's many parks and gardens, or take a stroll along the Connecticut River.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from East Haddam to Portland!
Portland - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Portland - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Flickr
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Portland
- Middletown
Distance 2 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: slow
0.5 kWh
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Are you ready for an epic road trip from Portland to Middletown? Get ready to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest as you drive through the scenic roads of Oregon. This trip is just 1 mile long and will take you less than 0 hours to complete.
Along the way, you will get to experience the vibrant city of Portland and the quaint town of Middletown. In Portland, take a stroll through the Pearl District and enjoy the city's diverse restaurants and galleries. In Middletown, explore the historic downtown area and visit the local farmers market.
Make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey. You never know what you may find along the way! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip.
Middletown - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Middletown
- Essex
Distance 36 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
9.3 kWh
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Welcome to the amazing road trip from Middletown to Essex! This is a 22 mi journey that will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the area.
Start your journey in Middletown and visit the historic buildings and sites, such as the Middletown Historical Society, the Middletown Arts Center, and the Middletown Library. After that, you can explore the beautiful scenery of the area, including the picturesque views of the Connecticut River.
Continue your road trip to Essex and visit the historic sites, such as the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, the Connecticut River Museum, and the Griswold Inn. You can also explore the lovely beaches, lighthouses, and other attractions in the area.
As you drive, take some time to enjoy the scenic views of the Connecticut River and the surrounding countryside.
At the end of your journey, you will have experienced some of the most interesting places in Middletown and Essex. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Essex - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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Essex
- Old Lyme
Distance 9 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
2.3 kWh
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Are you looking for a great road trip experience? Look no further than the Essex to Old Lyme route! This 6-mile stretch of road is a perfect way to spend an afternoon, with breathtaking views and plenty of attractions to explore. You'll be able to make the trip in less than an hour, so you can take your time and enjoy the ride.
Start your journey in Essex, where you can explore the Connecticut River Museum, the Griswold Inn, and the Pratt House. Then, take a leisurely drive through the scenic countryside to Old Lyme. Once you arrive, don't miss out on the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Art Association, and the Old Lyme Middlegrounds State Park.
This route is just one part of a larger tour, so be sure to check out the rest of the itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the way. With so much to see and do, you won't want to miss out on this amazing road trip experience!
Old Lyme
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Old Lyme is a beautiful town in the U.S. state of Connecticut, situated at the mouth of the Connecticut River. It is the perfect ending point for the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road, a scenic drive that takes you through some of the most picturesque countryside and towns in the state.
In Old Lyme, visitors can take in some of the best colonial architecture in the region. The town's historic district is home to the Florence Griswold Museum, a former boardinghouse that was home to a number of prominent American Impressionist painters. Here, visitors can explore the house and stroll through the picturesque grounds, which feature a beautiful riverside garden.
The town is also home to Lyme Art Association, which is housed in a historic building and features rotating exhibitions of works by regional artists. Just down the road is the Lyme Historical Society, which offers visitors a glimpse into the town's past with its collection of artifacts and documents.
Old Lyme is also a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The town is home to miles of trails, many of which are part of the Connecticut River Estuary, a National Estuarine Research Reserve. Hiking and biking trails wind through the woods, offering visitors a chance to explore the area's natural beauty.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL). From there, it is a short drive to Old Lyme.
Old Lyme is the perfect end to the Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road. With its wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty, this charming town is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the region.
Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Old Lyme
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End:
Old Lyme
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Distance:
98 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN)
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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
The Connecticut River Valley Panoramic Road is a picturesque journey stretching over 98 kilometers (about 61 miles) that begins and ends in Old Lyme, United States. This scenic route traverses the lush landscapes and historic heartland of Connecticut, providing Roadtrippers with sweeping views of the river valley, rolling hills, and a series of charming towns that embody classic New England charm, such as Lyme, Portland, and Essex.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Old Lyme: Renowned for its artistic heritage, Old Lyme is where the American Impressionist Movement took root at the turn of the 20th century. The Florence Griswold Museum is a must-see for art lovers.
- Lyme: Experience the idyllic New England countryside in Lyme, complete with nature trails, farmlands, and the serene beauty of the Eightmile River.
- Portland: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Portland is home to the Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park, offering an array of water sports in a historic quarry setting.
- Essex: Step back in time in Essex with a ride on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, and explore the town's picturesque streets lined with historic homes and buildings dating back to the 17th century.
Best Time to Go:
The most opportune time to embark on this Road Trip is during the spring and fall months when the foliage is either blooming or displaying its vibrant autumn colors. However, summer also provides lush, green landscapes and is a popular time for tourists.
Potential Risks:
- Changing Road conditions due to weather are a consideration; it's recommended to check local forecasts before departure.
- Peak tourist seasons or events can lead to increased traffic, so planning your Trip outside of these times can result in a more leisurely experience.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route's 98km journey typically takes a day to complete, allowing for stops along the way to explore and take in the sights.
- The drive is suitable for motorists of various skill levels, featuring well-maintained Roads with clear signage.
- The Trip is budget-friendly; many of the natural attractions are free to enjoy, with costs mainly associated with dining, park admissions, and optional activities.
- The Connecticut River itself is New England's longest river, and the valley is known for its ecological significance, supporting a wide variety of bird species and fish.
A good choice for:
Embarking on a journey through the Connecticut River Valley offers more than just breathtaking vistas; it's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich tapestry of New England's history, culture, and natural beauty. Ideal for adventurers, romantics, and families alike, this Road Trip promises to deliver a blend of relaxation and exploration that's hard to match.