A true backyard road trip is all about the journey. With kids in tow, it’s hard for them to completely understand that the day’s trip isn’t as much about where we’re going but how we are getting there. This means that sometimes it’s best to venture on your own. Take this meandering Connecticut backyard road trip which travels from one side of the state to the other. The beginning is all back roads with a hop on the highway for the last part.
From Griswold
Our meandering Connecticut backyard road trip begins in the Doaneville section of Griswold. Griswold is a small town tucked away in the eastern portion of the state, just a stone’s throw away from Rhode Island. Sheldon Road is the best view of Doaneville Pond, where Route 165 presents a picturesque view of busier Pachaug Pond.
This area of eastern Connecticut is sparsely populated, with many beautiful country roads. We’re heading south on Route 201 through the town of North Stonington. Although Foxwoods is close by, there’s hardly a trace of the tourist mecca. Follow 201 until it meets Route 184. Take this road for a short hop before heading south on Route 27.
To Mystic
Route 27 takes you through Old Mystic before opening up into the commercial part of town. (think hotels and a few strip malls). Soon though, the quaintness continues as you pass by Mystic Seaport Museum and head into downtown Mystic. In Mystic get out for a stroll, shop if you wish, or grab a bite to eat. One of my favorite attractions is the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Similar to a drawbridge, the road angles up to let boats pass by.
And into Groton
Mystic is a village that is actually located in two separate towns: Stonington and Groton. On the eastern part of Main Street you’re in Stonington, cross the Mystic River Bridge and you’re in Groton. Soon after the bridge, take a left onto Route 215. Route 215 passes by pretty coves and eventually enters into Groton Long Point.
Groton Long Point is a residential seaside community. There’s not much here for the tourist other than gorgeous views, but for the resident, with private beaches, it’s paradise. Upon entering the neighborhood, the public is able to explore Esker Point Beach. The Fisherman Restaurant is across the street and could be a good option for lunch if you haven’t eaten in Mystic already (or at Ford’s Lobsters located between Mystic and Groton Long Point in the village of Noank).
Through New London and Waterford
Our meandering Connecticut backyard road trip continues back onto Route 215. Continue on this road as it will loop back to Route 1 in Groton. Take Route 1 south even as it joins with Interstate 95 on the Gold Star Bridge over the Thames River. Now you’re in New London. Downtown New London is a fun diversion, with shops, restaurants, and bars, but we’re going to get off the next exit for Route 32. Head south toward New London as Briggs Street intersects with Broad Street.
The destination here on Broad Street is Tox Brewing Company. It is worth a visit for a flight or a pint before hitting the road. Keep heading north on Route 85 (Broad Street) and soon you’ll be in Waterford. Pass by the Crystal Mall (which was THE place to hang out as a 9th grader back in 1997) and if you wish, check out the Toy Vault retro toy store. It’s located in the back of the mall near the food court.
Passing by or after visiting the mall, take a left onto Cross Road. Here there will be businesses such as the Waterford movie theater and Cluff Carpet One but the reason you’re here is to (unfortunately) get on the highway.
Heading Out on the Highway
If you’re heading to Stamford, at this point, the highway is the best bet. It’s about 80 minutes from here to Stamford but if you’re still taking back roads, it’s going to be a long trip. (If you don’t want to take the extra border-to-border meandering Connecticut backyard road trip you can finish in Waterford.)
In Stamford, there are many places that I enjoy visiting. Among these are Cove Island Park, the Altschul Preserve, and Humbled Coffeehouse. Cove Island Park is perfect for a western Connecticut seaside jaunt. The Altschul Preserve is a slice of solitude in the middle of the state’s second-largest city. And Humbled Coffeehouse simply brews good coffee if you’re looking for an afternoon kick.
Even though I’ve come to seek out the destination more than the journey when I have the kids with me (which is mostly always), from time to time though, it’s all about the trip. I hope you enjoyed this meandering Connecticut backyard road trip which (almost) travels from border to border.
Want some more backyard road trip journeys? Check out Route 32, a Coastal Connecticut Trip, or Cape Cod 6A.
