Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Canterbury, CT to Portland, CT
Canterbury, Connecticut, and Portland, Connecticut, are two unique towns located in the state of Connecticut, USA. Canterbury is known for its scenic beauty and serene countryside while Portland is home to several historic sites and landmarks. A road trip from Canterbury to Portland is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the best attractions Connecticut has to offer. The journey from Canterbury to Portland is approximately 50 miles long, and the halfway point is Colchester, CT.
Top Five Things to do on a Road Trip from Canterbury to Portland
1. Visit the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT
The Mark Twain House is a beautiful historic house located in Hartford, Connecticut, and was once the home of the famous American writer, Mark Twain. The house is now a museum, and visitors can wander through the beautiful gardens and explore the stunning Victorian architecture. The Mark Twain House is a must-visit destination for history and literature lovers.
Interesting Fact: Mark Twain wrote some of his most famous books, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, while living in this home.
2. Hike at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, CT
Sleeping Giant State Park is a beautiful state park that covers over 1,400 acres in Hamden, Connecticut. The park is known for its incredible hiking trails, stunning vistas, and unique rock formations. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll or tackle one of the more challenging hikes to reach the tower at the top of Sleeping Giant. With over 30 miles of trails, Sleeping Giant State Park offers something for everyone.
Interesting Fact: Sleeping Giant State Park gets its name from the park's unique formation, which is said to resemble a giant sleeping on its back.
3. Explore the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT
The Mystic Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the country and is located in Mystic, Connecticut. Visitors can explore the aquarium's various exhibits, including the Mariana Trench, where they can see some of the deepest ocean creatures in the world. The Mystic Aquarium is not only an excellent place to learn about marine life, but it is also a fun destination for families.
Interesting Fact: The Mystic Aquarium was the first aquarium in the country to successfully breed beluga whales in captivity.
4. Take a Tour of the Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, CT
The Gillette Castle State Park is a unique destination located in East Haddam, Connecticut. The castle was once the home of actor William Gillette and is now a museum that allows visitors to explore the castle's stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. The castle is a must-visit destination for history and architecture buffs.
Interesting Fact: The castle features unique features such as secret passages and hidden doors that Gillette used to entertain his guests.
5. Visit the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, CT
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in the country and is located in Hartford, Connecticut. The museum's collection includes over 50,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Visitors can explore the various exhibits throughout the museum, including the European art collection and the contemporary art exhibits.
Interesting Fact: The museum was founded in 1842 and is the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the country.
Conclusion
A road trip from Canterbury, CT, to Portland, CT, is an incredible adventure that takes visitors through some of Connecticut's most beautiful destinations. Whether you're looking for outdoor activities or a chance to explore history and culture, there is something for everyone on this road trip. The journey takes approximately one hour, but visitors should plan to take their time and enjoy all that Connecticut has to offer.