The Best Road Trip from Amherst, Massachusetts to Dix Hills, New York
Are you looking for a road trip that will take you through some of the most beautiful and historic places in Massachusetts and New York? If so, look no further than the drive from Amherst, Massachusetts to Dix Hills, New York. This journey will take you through rolling hills, beautiful forests, and fascinating cities and towns, giving you a taste of everything these two states have to offer.
To help you plan this amazing road trip, we've compiled a list of the top places to see along the way. So buckle up, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
The Route
Before we dive into the list of must-see places, let's take a quick look at the route itself. To get from Amherst, Massachusetts to Dix Hills, New York, you'll need to take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) east for about 60 miles. Then, you'll switch over to the I-84 east, which will take you through Connecticut and into New York. From there, you'll take the Northern State Parkway and then the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to Dix Hills.
The entire trip takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you decide to make along the way. And trust us, you'll want to make a few stops - there are too many amazing places to see to just drive straight through!
The Top Places to See
1. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA
Our first stop on this road trip is the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Eric Carle, the beloved author and illustrator of children's books such as "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"
The museum features a collection of Carle's art, as well as exhibitions of other picture book artists. There's also a library where visitors can browse through thousands of picture books and a café that serves up tasty snacks and beverages. This is a great place to start your road trip, especially if you have young children with you.
2. Yale University, New Haven, CT
About an hour and a half down the road, you'll come to New Haven, Connecticut, home of Yale University. This prestigious Ivy League school is one of the oldest and most well-respected universities in the United States.
Take a stroll around the beautiful campus, which is filled with historic buildings and gorgeous green spaces. Don't miss the Yale University Art Gallery, which features an impressive collection of art ranging from ancient times to the present day. And if you're a fan of pizza, be sure to stop at one of the many pizzerias in the area - New Haven is known for its delicious pies!
3. Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, CT
Just a short drive east of New Haven is the town of Mystic, Connecticut, home of the Mystic Seaport Museum. This outdoor museum is dedicated to the history of seafaring in America, with exhibits on everything from whaling to boat building to maritime art.
Be sure to take a walk through the re-created 19th-century seafaring village and step onboard some of the historic ships that are docked in the harbor. You can even take a cruise on a working steamship! The Mystic Seaport Museum is a great place to learn about America's rich maritime heritage.
4. Storm King Art Center, New Windsor, NY
About an hour past Mystic, you'll come to the Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, New York. This outdoor sculpture park is set on 500 acres of rolling hills, forests, and fields, and features more than 100 sculptures by some of the world's most renowned artists.
Take a stroll through the park and take in the stunning views of the Hudson River Valley. You'll see works by artists such as Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, and Maya Lin. This is a great spot for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
5. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Oyster Bay, NY
Our last stop on this road trip is the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, New York. This was the home of President Theodore Roosevelt from 1885 until his death in 1919, and it's now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
Take a guided tour of the home, which has been preserved much as it was when Roosevelt lived there. You'll see rooms filled with history and artifacts, such as the North Room where Teddy gave speeches and the Trophy Room where he displayed his big-game hunting trophies. This is a fascinating look at the life of one of America's most beloved presidents.
Conclusion
The drive from Amherst, Massachusetts to Dix Hills, New York is one that will take you through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of New England and the Northeast. From the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst to the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay, there's something for everyone along this route.
We hope this list gives you some inspiration for your next road trip. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!