Learn about antique cannons, take wine tours and tastings, and see historic houses, tall ships, a coal-fired passenger steamer, and preserved town centers.
The sights on this drive have more to do with history and culture than vistas viewed from winding roads on coastline drives or mountaintops. And if you are checking out some of the fine wines at vineyards along the route, please choose a designated driver. The Connecticut shoreline is best reached by travelling I-95 with stops at various Points of Interest. The drive begins in the town of Clinton (Exit 63 on I-95), famous for great antique stores and the Clinton Crossings outlet shopping center. The Clinton Historical Society in the Capt. Elisha White House on East Main Street is popularly known locally
as the “Old Brick.” Other historic locations in Clinton include the ancient cannon at Waterside Lane that was used in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and the Stanton House, now a museum of American antiques.
Just outside town on Walnut Hill Road is Chamard Winery, which offers not only tours, but also wine tastings. Return to I-95 north to Exit 90 and the seaport town of Mystic. Known for its tall ships and well-preserved historic houses, Mystic also has restaurants, fine shops, and antique stores. Mystic Seaport, a maritime museum with a working shipyard and exhibition galleries, is a great way to learn about the region’s seagoing past. Better yet, take a voyage on the Steamship S.S. Sabino, the last coal-fired passenger steamer in operation. The Portersville Academy, a restored 1839 school with genuine classrooms, is open to the public.
The Haight Vineyard Winery, near the aquarium, is also open for travel and tours. For the final leg of the travel, return to I-95 north to Exit 91 at Stonington, another town steeped in New England history. Stonington Borough, off Route One, is a small village with many carefully preserved 18th and 19th Century houses and a busy village center. The Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer House has exhibits giving details on the life and times of the Antarctic explorer. Why don’t you climb the tower of the Old Stonington Lighthouse for some wonderful views of the village and harbor. Built in 1823, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its current location so it would not be washed into the sea as the shore was fast eroding. In 1925, the ancient structure was sold to the Stonington Historical Society and converted to a living maritime museum.
Starting Point:
Clinton, CT
Distance of Drive:
36 miles
Must Eat:
Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough
117 Pearl Street, Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: 860-536-7719
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Seafood
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Early spring to late autumn
Points of Interest on Drive:
Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer House
Mystic Seaport–a maritime museum
Chamard winery
Tagged with: best time:spring and fall • Connecticut • summer destinations
Filed under: Best Road Trips