The Best Road Trip from Abington to Willimantic

The route from Abington, Massachusetts, to Willimantic, Connecticut, is one of the most breathtaking road trips in New England. It passes through charming towns, postcard-worthy landscapes, and fascinating cultural sites. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or simply enjoy road trips, this journey will leave you mesmerized. In this blog post, we've put together a list of the top places to see on this road trip, so you can make the most of your adventure.

Charming Towns Along the Way

Plymouth, Massachusetts: Start your journey with a visit to the historic town of Plymouth. It is one of the oldest towns in America and a significant place in American history. You can visit Plymouth Rock, the site where the Pilgrims landed in 1620, or the Mayflower II, a replica of the ship that brought the settlers to America.
Mystic, Connecticut: Just a short detour off the main route, Mystic is a charming coastal town famous for its seafaring heritage. You can visit Mystic Seaport, a living history museum showcasing the lives of 19th-century sailors. You can also enjoy a stroll through the town's picturesque streets filled with unique boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
Storrs, Connecticut: Storrs is a small college town and home to the University of Connecticut. It is a great place to take a break and explore the campus or catch a college sports game. The campus is beautiful, with plenty of green spaces, walking paths, and public art.
New London, Connecticut: New London is a vibrant port city with a rich maritime history. You can visit the Custom House Maritime Museum, which tells the story of New London's maritime heritage through exhibits and artifacts. You can also stroll through the town's many art galleries and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of its many waterfront restaurants.

Spectacular Scenic Drives

The Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts: The Mohawk Trail is a breathtaking scenic drive that takes you through the rolling hills of western Massachusetts. The road winds through dense forests, past streams and waterfalls, and offers stunning views of the Berkshire Mountains. The trail is also dotted with charming towns, historic landmarks, and hiking trails.
The Connecticut River Scenic Byway, Connecticut: The Connecticut River Scenic Byway follows the Connecticut River as it winds through the rural towns and forests of northern Connecticut. The road offers stunning views of the river valley, with sparkling water, lush vegetation, and vibrant wildlife. You can stop at several small towns and state parks along the way to enjoy hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
The Coastal Route, Connecticut: The Coastal Route is a scenic drive along the Connecticut shoreline featuring stunning views of Long Island Sound. The road passes through charming coastal towns like Madison, Guilford, and Branford, where you can visit historic homes, art galleries, and unique boutiques. You can also enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many seaside restaurants or take a walk on one of the sandy beaches.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts: Old Sturbridge Village is a living history museum that recreates life in rural New England during the 19th century. You can explore more than 40 restored buildings, including homes, farms, and workshops. The museum also offers live demonstrations of traditional crafts like blacksmithing, weaving, and cooking.
The Mark Twain House and Museum, Connecticut: The Mark Twain House and Museum is the former home of the famous American writer Samuel Clemens. The house is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture, filled with period furniture, artwork, and memorabilia. You can take a guided tour to learn more about Mark Twain's life and literary works, or attend one of the museum's many events and exhibitions.
The Nathan Hale Homestead, Connecticut: The Nathan Hale Homestead is the birthplace of Nathan Hale, an American Revolutionary War hero who famously said, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." The house is a beautifully preserved example of 18th-century architecture, with period furniture, artwork, and artifacts. You can take a guided tour of the house and learn more about Nathan Hale's life and legacy.

Conclusion

The road trip from Abington to Willimantic is a wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty, history, and culture of New England. With so many charming towns, scenic drives, and cultural sites along the way, you will never run out of things to see and do. We hope this list of must-see places will inspire you to hit the road and embark on an unforgettable adventure.