Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charlestown, NH and Hartland, CT
Charlestown, New Hampshire, and Hartland, Connecticut are two picturesque towns located in New England, the heart of the United States. With lush greenery, rolling hills, and winding roads, these two towns offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A road trip from Charlestown to Hartland is an adventure that invites travelers to experience the charm and beauty of small-town New England. The halfway point of the trip is in Greenfield, MA, a charming town with a historic downtown area.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Hike Mount Sunapee
A road trip through New Hampshire and Connecticut would be incomplete without a visit to Mount Sunapee, about an hour's drive from Charlestown. This mountain offers a generous network of hiking trails and stunning scenic views. With hikes ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced, there's something for everyone at Mount Sunapee. The summit views are picturesque, and visitors can take the Sunapee Express chairlift to the top of the mountain. Interesting fact: In the winter, Mount Sunapee turns into a popular ski resort for locals and tourists.
2. Explore Quechee State Park
Quechee State Park is a picture-perfect destination for anyone driving through Vermont. Visitors come to Quechee for its 165-foot deep gorge and the adjacent Quechee Gorge Bridge, which offers sweeping views over Vermont's stunning countryside. The park also boasts picnic areas, and visitors can swim in the park's swimming holes. Interesting fact: Visitors can experience the renowned hot air balloon festival in Quechee Rivers in mid-June.
3. Visit Mystic Seaport Museum
A must-visit site on a road trip from Charlestown to Hartland is Mystic Seaport Museum. The museum re-creates 19th-century America and its seafaring traditions, complete with a shipyard and vessels captained by volunteers. Visitors get to witness the shipwrights, coopers, and blacksmiths at work, as they repair and restore antique boats and ships. The museum also boasts a planetarium and a working Treworgy Planetarium, plus other educational exhibits for all ages. Interesting fact: Mystic Seaport was featured in the 1988 movie, "Mystic Pizza," starring Julia Roberts.
4. Take a Stroll in Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich, Connecticut, is a stunning suburban town, located about an hour's drive from Hartland that embodies the charm of small-town New England. The town boasts colonial-style architecture, high-end shopping, and beautiful parks and gardens. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque town center, window-shop boutique stores, and dine in charming restaurants and cafes. Interesting fact: Greenwich, Connecticut, is home to many well-known celebrities, including Martha Stewart and Tommy Hilfiger.
5. Visit the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut.
The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, is a must-visit destination for all literature enthusiasts embarking on a road trip from Charlestown. Mark Twain, one of America's greatest writers, lived in this house for nearly two decades, writing some of his most famous books and raising his family. The museum offers guided tours that showcase the house's interior, Mark Twain's personal and professional life, and his writing process. Interesting fact: The Mark Twain House had the first telephone installed in any private residence
Conclusion
A road trip from Charlestown to Hartland offers visitors a chance to explore the best of what New England has to offer. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is something for every traveler on this route. Depending on the number of stops, the trip, which covers 263 miles, can be completed within six and a half to seven hours of driving. With a combination of picturesque scenery and historic destinations, this road-trip is one that should not be missed.