Road Trip from Catawba to Ellington: The Best Things to Do

The journey from Catawba, North Carolina to Ellington, Connecticut is an exciting and scenic one. Travelers will experience a mix of the Appalachian Mountains, the East Coast, and the bustling cities along Interstate 95. The halfway point of Springfield, VA is not to be missed with its rich history and attractions. Here are the top five things to do on this road trip:

Visit the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC

The National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC is the most visited natural history museum in the world. It offers visitors an unforgettable experience of discovering the natural world and its history. The museum boasts over 126 million specimens and artifacts, including the legendary Hope Diamond. Whether you’re interested in ocean life, insects, geology, or human culture, there is something for everyone. The admission is free, and the museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Interesting Fact: The Hope Diamond is a blue diamond estimated to be worth over $200 million and has a long and storied history. It was donated to the Smithsonian Institution by Harry Winston, a famous jeweler, in 1958.

Walk Through Central Park, New York City

Central Park is a must for any visitor to New York City. The park spans 843 acres and features a variety of attractions, including lakes, gardens, fountains, and monuments. Visitors can take a carriage ride through the park, visit the Central Park Zoo, or take a stroll through the Conservatory Garden. The park is a hidden oasis in the middle of Manhattan, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Interesting Fact: Central Park was the first public landscaped park in the United States and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the mid-19th century.

Discover the History at the Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path that takes visitors through 16 historic sites in Boston, Massachusetts. The trail begins at Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument. Along the way, visitors will discover the history of the American Revolution and the role Boston played in it, including the Boston Massacre, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution Museum. The trail is open year-round, and tours are available for an additional fee.

Interesting Fact: Faneuil Hall, one of the stops on the Freedom Trail, was once a central marketplace for Boston and played a significant role in the American Revolution. It was also used for speeches by revolutionaries, including Samuel Adams and James Otis.

Take a Tour of the Yale University Campus, New Haven, Connecticut

Yale University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States, founded in 1701. The campus is rich in history and architecture, featuring buildings designed by some of the most well-known architects in the country. Visitors can take a guided tour of the campus, including the Yale Center for British Art, the Beinecke Rare Book Library, and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. The campus is open year-round, and tours are available for an additional fee.

Interesting Fact: Yale University has produced five U.S. presidents, including William Howard Taft, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

Explore the Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford, Connecticut

The Mark Twain House and Museum is the former home of the famous author Mark Twain, best known for his novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The house was built in 1874 and was the residence of Mark Twain and his family from 1874 to 1891. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house, including the library, billiard room, and drawing-room. The museum also features exhibits on Mark Twain’s life and legacy. The museum is open year-round, and admission fees vary.

Interesting Fact: Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, wrote many of his famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, while living in Hartford.

Conclusion

This road trip from Catawba, North Carolina to Ellington, Connecticut is not only scenic but also offers a rich history and culture. Visiting the National Museum of Natural History, walking through Central Park, discovering the history of the American Revolution at the Freedom Trail, taking a tour of the Yale University campus, and exploring the Mark Twain House and Museum are among the top five things to do. The trip took approximately 11 hours, covering approximately 660 miles, and made for a memorable experience.