The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buffalo, NY to Hampton, CT

Buffalo, NY to Hampton, CT is a quintessential road trip. It covers approximately 400 miles of beautiful scenic roads that reveal the treasures of Upstate New York, Western Massachusetts, and Connecticut. There’s a little bit of everything to see on this trip, from waterfalls to museums and old hometowns. The halfway point, Little Falls, NY, should be the highlight for many people. This charming town will give you a glimpse into small-town America. Here are the top five must-visit destinations on a road trip from Buffalo, NY to Hampton, CT.

Stop 1: Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park in Castile, NY, was voted the best state park in the country by USA Today in 2015. The park is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" because it features a magnificent gorge 600 feet deep and 14 miles long. Visitors can hike along the gorge, enjoy breathtaking views, picnic in one of the many picnic areas, or stay the night in a cabin. The park is home to three stunning waterfalls, including the 107-foot-tall Upper Falls.

Stop 2: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

The iconic children's author Eric Carle might be known for his books, but he is also an artist. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating picture book art. Here, visitors can explore 40,000 pieces of art from picture books and discover Eric Carle's creative process. It's a perfect place for both children and adults, as there are plenty of hands-on activities in the Art Studio for visitors to create their picture book art.

Stop 3: Yankee Candle Village

Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, MA, is a colorful and whimsical destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Visitors can wander through the magical Candle Emporium, where over 200,000 candles in more than 200 scents fill the store. Visitors can also explore the Bavarian Christmas Village in July, where there are over 50,000 items for sale, including ornaments, decorations, and more. Yankee Candle Village also features several restaurants, gardens, and a petting zoo to keep visitors entertained.

Stop 4: Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, CT, is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves maritime history. The museum sits on 19 acres and features a recreated 19th-century village with more than 60 historic buildings. Visitors can climb aboard historic ships, including the last wooden whaleship in the world, the Charles W. Morgan. There are also hands-on exhibits and activities, including sailing lessons, blacksmithing, and rope-making.

Stop 5: Gillette Castle State Park

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, CT, is a unique destination with a fascinating history. The castle was designed and built by William Gillette, a famous actor who was best known for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage. The castle sits on 184 acres of scenic woodlands, and visitors can take a guided tour of the castle to see its turrets, secret doors, and hidden rooms. There are also plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

In summary, this road trip is an excellent opportunity to discover some of the best destinations in Upstate New York, Western Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Letchworth State Park in Castile, NY, Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, MA, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA, Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, CT, and Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, CT, are all must-visit destinations on this trip. And don't forget about the halfway point, Little Falls, NY, which is a charming town that offers a glimpse into small-town America. This trip will typically take around ten hours, so make sure to plan for plenty of stops and sightseeing time along the way.