Road Trip from Chester, CT to Stonington, CT
Are you looking for a fun road trip in Connecticut? Then hop in your car and head south from Chester to Stonington! This picturesque route takes you through charming towns and landscapes, full of history and beauty.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that Connecticut's shoreline is only 96 miles long? Yet, it offers some of the most beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and historic sites in the United States.
Halfway Point: As you drive along Route 156 toward the coast, you'll pass through the town of East Lyme, CT, which is a great place to stop for lunch or a coffee break. With its lovely parks and trails, you can stretch your legs and take in some fresh air.
Length of Trip: The trip from Chester to Stonington is only about 40 miles, which takes about 45 minutes without traffic. However, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore and enjoy the sites along the way.
Here are our top five places to visit on this road trip:
1. Gillette Castle State Park
This is an unforgettable place to visit, and it's only about a 20-minute drive from Chester. The castle was built by William Gillette in 1919 and is made of local stone and timbers. It sits atop a hill with sweeping views of the Connecticut River. You can tour the castle, hike the trails, or enjoy a picnic overlooking the river.
Point of Interest: William Gillette was a famous actor who portrayed Sherlock Holmes on stage. He built the castle with secret doors and hidden passages, which you can still explore today!
2. Essex Steam Train
If you love trains and history, you won't want to miss the Essex Steam Train. This tourist attraction lets you ride a vintage steam locomotive through the Connecticut River Valley, passing by beautiful forests, farms, and creeks. You can choose from a variety of ticket packages and excursions, like the Dinner Train or the Riverboat Connection.
Point of Interest: The Essex Steam Train was featured in a number of movies, including "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" and "The Time Machine."
3. Mystic Seaport Museum
Few places capture the beauty and spirit of New England like the Mystic Seaport Museum. This living history museum features a village of historic buildings, a recreated 19th-century seafaring community, and a fleet of tall ships. You can watch craftsmen at work, climb aboard the ships, or take a riverboat cruise.
Point of Interest: The museum's flagship vessel is the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whale ship in the world. It was built in 1841 and has sailed on 37 voyages, hunting whales in the Atlantic and Pacific.
4. Stonington Vineyards
If you love wine, you'll want to make a stop at Stonington Vineyards. This scenic winery is in a beautiful setting with panoramic views of the countryside. You can sample a variety of wines in the tasting room, or take a stroll through the vineyards.
Point of Interest: The vineyard was founded in 1987 and is known for its award-winning Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Gewurztraminer.
5. Watch Hill Lighthouse
The Watch Hill Lighthouse is the perfect place to end your road trip. This iconic lighthouse has been keeping mariners safe since 1745 and has been featured in many films and TV shows. You can climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the ocean and the coastline.
Point of Interest: Watch Hill is also famous for its Victorian-style Carousel, which was built in 1886 and is still operational today.
In conclusion, this road trip from Chester to Stonington is a scenic and exciting journey through some of Connecticut's most picturesque towns and attractions. With so many things to see and do, you'll want to take your time and enjoy every moment of it!