Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cheshire, Connecticut and Westport, Connecticut
The state of Connecticut is filled with scenic highways and back roads that offer stunning vistas and charming towns. A road trip from Cheshire to Westport provides a great opportunity to explore the state’s diverse landscape, cultural attractions, and historical significance. This article will showcase the best things to do on this road trip, with something for everyone along the way. The halfway point of the trip is Shelton, CT, which offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
1. Yale University - New Haven, CT
One of the top-rated Ivy League universities in the country, Yale University is worth a visit for its stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural significance. Visitors can visit the Peabody Museum of Natural History, the famed Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and the Skull and Bones Secret Society. Located in downtown New Haven, Yale has been a leader in research and innovation since its inception in 1701.
Interesting Fact: Yale Students consume approximately 50,000 pounds of bananas every year.
2. Mystic Seaport Museum - Mystic, CT
Mystic Seaport Museum is an ideal destination for history buffs and those who enjoy exploring America's maritime heritage. A living history museum, Mystic Seaport takes visitors back 200 years to a seafaring village. You can visit the historic ships, see how traditional rope-making is done, and even take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. The museum’s replica of the Mayflower is a must-visit attraction.
Interesting Fact: In 2019, Mystic Seaport Museum was the host of the 15th Annual WoodenBoat Show, a showcase of the finest wooden boats in America.
3. Mark Twain House and Museum - Hartford, CT
Mark Twain House and Museum is often called the “Gem of Hartford” and is a must-visit destination for fans of literature and history lovers. Here the visitors can learn about the life and work of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain who is considered one of the greatest American writers. The tour of the house offers glimpses of Twain's private life, such as the billiard room where he often worked and entertained guests. Visitors can also learn more about his writing process and legacy at the onsite museum.
Interesting Fact: Mark Twain was born shortly after Halley’s Comet had passed by the Earth. In 1909 he predicted that he’d “go out with it” too, and he passed away the day after the comet’s next visit, in 1910.
4. Harkness Memorial State Park - Waterford, CT
Harkness Memorial State Park is a picturesque nature park situated on Connecticut’s Long Island Sound and is the state's most popular attraction. The park features a mansion with sprawling, immaculately manicured gardens and a beach. While here, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and picknicking making it a perfect destination for a summer day trip.
Interesting Fact: Rita Reys, a famous dutch jazz singer, performed at the Music Pavilion on July 31, 1970, drawing a crowd of over 7,000 visitors.
5. Westport Country Playhouse - Westport, CT
The Westport Country Playhouse is a renowned regional theatre in Connecticut that has been providing audiences with top-quality productions since 1931. The Playhouse is open all year round and features performances by some of the nation's most talented actors alongside less-known but still highly skilled performers. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of productions including drama, comedy, and contemporary plays.
Interesting Fact: The original Westport Country Playhouse sat on an old cow pasture and served as a cow barn before it was converted into a theatre.
In conclusion, this road trip provides a wonderful way to explore the state of Connecticut, from its cultural and architectural heritage to its stunning natural landscapes. Visitors will travel through New Haven, Mystic, and Hartford, encountering many must-see highlights, including Yale University, Mystic Seaport Museum, Mark Twain House and Museum, Harkness Memorial State Park, and Westport Country Playhouse. It takes approximately two hours to complete the entire road trip, depending on how long visitors plan to stay at each location. Travelers can embark on this trip anytime during the year and enjoy the scenic drive and the exciting destinations along the way.