This beautiful 2024 autumn, explore scenic backroads while marveling at the fall foliage with a weekend road trip through southeastern Connecticut. If coming from the New York City area, you can follow this road trip itinerary from the starting point to the end, while if you are coming from Boston, you could reverse the itinerary to take advantage of the beautiful fall season in Connecticut. With stops at popular eateries, beautiful scenic areas, hiking trails, and specialty seasonal spots, you are sure to have a memorable weekend.
Traveling along Route 1, stop for your morning coffee or a pick-me-up with a snack at Ashlawn Farms Coffee. This local favorite spot is a family-run business that roasts their own coffee beans to produce delicious specialty coffees. Along with your coffee, enjoy delicious pastries and sandwiches to hold you over until lunchtime.
After crossing the bridge from Old Saybrook to Lyme, follow 156 along the scenic shoreline for views of the coast, quaint farms, and beautiful homes. Make your next stop at Rocky Neck State Park for a walk along the water and a stroll along the beautiful grounds. Peak into the windows of the historic Ellie Mitchell Pavilion, which is a large stone building that is often used for weddings and other special events. Walking trails throughout the park also lead visitors pass a salt marsh, cave, and shipyard.
To work off your dessert, head slightly off Route 1 to Haley Farm State Park. This scenic state park has colorful foliage come fall and a few great walking trails. The trails are well-maintained here and are suitable for walking, biking, jogging, and also offers wheelchair and stroller access.
For a seasonal snack and historically interesting visit, don’t miss your chance to stop at B. F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, which is the oldest still functioning steam powered cider mill in the U.S. At Clyde’s, you’ll have the opportunity to watch the cider mill functioning to mash apples to produce fresh apple cider. Other apple products such as apple pie, apple cider doughnuts (these are amazing), apple cider, apple jack, apple crumble, and more are all available in country store on-site.
See if you can spot businesses and scenes from the famous movie Hope Springs (2012), in which the Inn at Stonington was featured. This lovely accommodation is one of the most highly rated in Connecticut and offers guests 18 unique rooms. Some rooms have balconies with views to Stonington, others offer a Jacuzzi, and some have a crackling fire lit in a glass fireplace.
After a romantic evening spent at the Inn at Stonington, window shop along Main Street and stroll into Noah’s Restaurant for a hearty breakfast. Noah’s is a small, locally owned restaurant that serves excellent breakfast including challah French toast, blueberry pancakes, Portuguese baked eggs, omelets, and more.
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