Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Carmel, New York to Fall River, Massachusetts

Carmel, New York and Fall River, Massachusetts may not be top destinations for tourists seeking a cultural experience. Nevertheless, a road trip from one town to the other is a unique way to enjoy the Eastern Seaboard's sights, sounds, and sceneries. En route, the traveler will encounter picturesque small towns, some haunts of literary luminaries, and iconic structures that put the region's history and architecture on display. The halfway point along the route is the quaint village of Essex, CT. Here are the top five things a traveler must do when on this trip.

The Old State House, Hartford, CT

One of the highlights of the trip is the Old State House in historic Hartford, CT. Built in 1796, the State house is where the State government of Connecticut conducted its business until 1879. A must-see for its neoclassical architecture and rich history, the State house survived the tornado of 1979 and was restored in 1987 to its former glory. Visitors will enjoy guided tours that give them a taste of Revolutionary history, and view the old House chambers, the Senate Chambers, and the office of the Governor.

Did you know that the Old State House is Connecticut's oldest public building in continuous use?

The Emily Dickinson Museum, Amherst, MA

Emily Dickinson lovers will be intrigued to learn that one of the tour's highlights is the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, MA. The museum is on the poet's birthplace and childhood home, which she inhabited for most of her life. The house and grounds provide ample insight for those who want to understand more about the extraordinary life and artistic legacy of America's beloved poet. The site features many of her manuscripts, letters, and poems set in artifact displays relevant to her life.

Did you know that Emily Dickinson's works were published only after her death, and initially, volumes of her poems met with literary resistance and controversy?

The Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford, CT

Another literary haunt along the way is the Mark Twain House and Museum, serving up the humorist's tricky devices and iconic cigar smoke. The imposing house takes visitors into the world of the master writer and storyteller, the characters and adventures he spun and the life he lived. The house has been restored precisely to its 19th-century appearance, immersing visitors deep into Samuel Clemens' world.

Did you know that Mark Twain's real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens?

The Breakers Mansion, Newport, RI

The Breakers Mansion in Newport, RI, is one of the must-visit destinations on this route. The mansion is one of the grandest mansions of America's Gilded Age, designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt and commissioned by the wealthy Socialite family the Vanderbilts in 1895. The mansion is grandly stylized in 18th-century French architecture and contains rich art and artifacts from across Europe.

Did you know that The Breakers Mansion was used to portray the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's London home in the movie 'The Great Race'?

The USS Constitution Museum, Boston, MA

The USS Constitution Museum in Boston, MA, brings history to life, honoring the legendary ship nicknamed "Old Ironsides." Visitors can participate in interactive exhibits and simulations, board the ship, and visit the vessel's storied past. The museum pays tribute to the contributions of the US Navy and the mariners who defended American interests during crucial moments in the nation's history.

Did you know that the USS Constitution frigate is the oldest commissioned Naval vessel still afloat, having commanded 42 battles since 1798?

Conclusion

Road tripping from Carmel, New York, to Fall River, Massachusetts, is an unforgettable way to see the Eastern Seaboard's hidden gems. The old State House in Hartford, the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, the Mark Twain House in Hartford, the Breakers Mansion in Newport, and the USS Constitution Museum in Boston all the make for incredible stops for tourists who want to experience deep historical and cultural experiences. Anyone embarking on this journey should be sure to incorporate these top five locations to make memories they will cherish forever. After covering the nearly-300-mile journey, one should take a total of 6-9 hours without stops.