Connecticut is home to whimsical places. Sometimes walking through the Nutmeg State is like experiencing a fairytale. If you want to really absorb all of the enchanting beauty this state has to offer, take this road trip to several magical places in Connecticut! The total drive time is only about 3.5 hours, but you’ll want to stretch it out over two days, so you can have time to really enjoy all of the magnificent sights around you.
It’s easy to adjust the journey depending on where you live. Click here for an interactive Google Map.
Gas up the tank and get ready to embark on this whimsical Connecticut fairytale road trip!
Google Maps
- Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, Old Lyme
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds/Facebook The adventure begins at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme. This stunning destination perfectly combines art and nature for a breathtaking experience. Stroll through perfectly manicured lawns and stare at over 100 different sculptures. Most pieces were created by celebrated Connecticut sculptor Gilbert Boro, but you’ll also see works from other renowned artists. The photo above features an enchanting piece from Deborah Hornbake. After exploring the grounds, it’s easy to understand why this is a magical place in Connecticut. 80 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT 06371, USA
- Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford
cjrmay20/TripAdvisor Next, explore the 42-room Renaissance Revival mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. The ivy-covered archways, perfectly landscaped gardens, and historic decorations will make you feel like you’ve entered another world. Find a secret garden of your very own, or wait and see if Rapunzel will appear from the tower windows. Harkness Memorial State Park, 275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, CT 06385, USA
- Buttonwood Farm, Griswold
Bernie / TripAdvisor After a breezy 45-minute drive, you’ll reach Buttonwood Farm in Griswold. If you visit in the summer, you’ll get to experience their vibrant sunflower fields. Whether you decide to take a relaxing walk or a fun tractor ride through the grounds, you’ll be enamored with their sunny golden hue. Don’t leave without getting a scoop of handmade ice cream from their delicious farm stand! But don’t wait too long, the farm is open to visitors typically from March until the end of October. Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream, 473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold, CT 06351, USA
- Roseledge Country Inn & Farm Shop
Roseledge Country Inn & Farm Shop, LLC/Facebook After a full day of exploring, rest your feet at Roseledge Country Inn. This charming bed and breakfast sits just 8 minutes away from Buttonwood Farm, and it’s the perfect place to recharge for the day ahead. With three fireplace guest rooms, a tranquil tea garden, and lovely antique shop, Roseledge Country Inn is perfectly whimsical. Roseledge Country Inn and Farm Shop, LLC, 418 CT-164, Preston, CT 06365, USA
- Elizabeth Park, Hartford
Elizabeth Park, Hartford CT/Facebook Enjoy a delicious breakfast from Roseledge Country Inn before taking the one-hour drive to Elizabeth Park in Hartford. This vibrant attraction is open every day of the year, and it’s free to the public. Smell the fragrant flowers and keep your eye out for fluttering butterflies. Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, 1561 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, USA
- East Side Restaurant, New Britain
East Side Restaurant/Facebook You’ll really feel like you’ve stepped inside a classic German fairytale when you dine at East Side Restaurant in New Britain. This beloved restaurant serves authentic strudel and schnitzel in a charming environment. If the weather is nice, request a seat on their covered patio. You’ll love relaxing in this scenic dining area. East Side Restaurant, 131 Dwight St, New Britain, CT 06051, USA
- Pine Mountain Reserve, Ridgefield
John Dalton/AllTrails End your trip with a bit of forest bathing at Pine Mountain Reserve in Ridgefield. This secluded area is full of lush woodland hiking trails and peaceful babbling brooks. If you hike along The Red Trail, you may even come across a family of deer. You’re going to love strolling through this natural oasis. Pine Mountain Road, Pine Mountain Rd, Ridgefield, CT, USA
So, there you have it, and you are ready to get started on your road trip! Have you been to any of these magical places in Connecticut? What are your favorite whimsical destinations in the Nutmeg State? Let us know in the comment section. We would love to hear from you!
Google Maps
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds/Facebook
The adventure begins at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds in Old Lyme. This stunning destination perfectly combines art and nature for a breathtaking experience. Stroll through perfectly manicured lawns and stare at over 100 different sculptures. Most pieces were created by celebrated Connecticut sculptor Gilbert Boro, but you’ll also see works from other renowned artists. The photo above features an enchanting piece from Deborah Hornbake. After exploring the grounds, it’s easy to understand why this is a magical place in Connecticut.
80 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT 06371, USA
cjrmay20/TripAdvisor
Next, explore the 42-room Renaissance Revival mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. The ivy-covered archways, perfectly landscaped gardens, and historic decorations will make you feel like you’ve entered another world. Find a secret garden of your very own, or wait and see if Rapunzel will appear from the tower windows.
Harkness Memorial State Park, 275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, CT 06385, USA
Bernie / TripAdvisor
After a breezy 45-minute drive, you’ll reach Buttonwood Farm in Griswold. If you visit in the summer, you’ll get to experience their vibrant sunflower fields. Whether you decide to take a relaxing walk or a fun tractor ride through the grounds, you’ll be enamored with their sunny golden hue. Don’t leave without getting a scoop of handmade ice cream from their delicious farm stand! But don’t wait too long, the farm is open to visitors typically from March until the end of October.
Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream, 473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold, CT 06351, USA
Roseledge Country Inn & Farm Shop, LLC/Facebook
After a full day of exploring, rest your feet at Roseledge Country Inn. This charming bed and breakfast sits just 8 minutes away from Buttonwood Farm, and it’s the perfect place to recharge for the day ahead. With three fireplace guest rooms, a tranquil tea garden, and lovely antique shop, Roseledge Country Inn is perfectly whimsical.
Roseledge Country Inn and Farm Shop, LLC, 418 CT-164, Preston, CT 06365, USA
Elizabeth Park, Hartford CT/Facebook
Enjoy a delicious breakfast from Roseledge Country Inn before taking the one-hour drive to Elizabeth Park in Hartford. This vibrant attraction is open every day of the year, and it’s free to the public. Smell the fragrant flowers and keep your eye out for fluttering butterflies.
Elizabeth Park Rose Garden, 1561 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT 06105, USA
East Side Restaurant/Facebook
You’ll really feel like you’ve stepped inside a classic German fairytale when you dine at East Side Restaurant in New Britain. This beloved restaurant serves authentic strudel and schnitzel in a charming environment. If the weather is nice, request a seat on their covered patio. You’ll love relaxing in this scenic dining area.
East Side Restaurant, 131 Dwight St, New Britain, CT 06051, USA
John Dalton/AllTrails
End your trip with a bit of forest bathing at Pine Mountain Reserve in Ridgefield. This secluded area is full of lush woodland hiking trails and peaceful babbling brooks. If you hike along The Red Trail, you may even come across a family of deer. You’re going to love strolling through this natural oasis.
Pine Mountain Road, Pine Mountain Rd, Ridgefield, CT, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Places To Visit In Connecticut November 18, 2022 Katie Feldkamp What is the best road trip in Connecticut? It’s not easy to narrow the answer down to a single best road trip in Connecticut. The Nutmeg State may be small, but it feels like there are endless roads to amazing destinations for you to get out and explore. Here are several ideas for some of the best road trips in Connecticut:
Get into the holiday season on this Christmas road trip in Connecticut. If you’re feeling brave, check out a haunting road trip in Connecticut. Further proof Connecticut is straight out of a fairy tale? How about a road trip to castles in Connecticut? Take in nature’s beauty on this road trip to waterfalls in Connecticut. If driving makes you hungry, check out this road trip to restaurants in Connecticut.
What are some hidden gems in Connecticut? Connecticut is full of hidden gems waiting for you to come and see! Here are a handful of hidden gems; see if any of them surprise you!
Zack’s Bar and Grill in Stonington West Rock Ridge State Park near New Haven Outer Island, part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Branford Little Oak Café in Canton Westfield Falls in Middletown
Still feeling up for a drive? Check out this road trip of hidden gems in Connecticut!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Places To Visit In Connecticut
November 18, 2022
Katie Feldkamp
What is the best road trip in Connecticut? It’s not easy to narrow the answer down to a single best road trip in Connecticut. The Nutmeg State may be small, but it feels like there are endless roads to amazing destinations for you to get out and explore. Here are several ideas for some of the best road trips in Connecticut:
Get into the holiday season on this Christmas road trip in Connecticut. If you’re feeling brave, check out a haunting road trip in Connecticut. Further proof Connecticut is straight out of a fairy tale? How about a road trip to castles in Connecticut? Take in nature’s beauty on this road trip to waterfalls in Connecticut. If driving makes you hungry, check out this road trip to restaurants in Connecticut.
What are some hidden gems in Connecticut? Connecticut is full of hidden gems waiting for you to come and see! Here are a handful of hidden gems; see if any of them surprise you!
Zack’s Bar and Grill in Stonington West Rock Ridge State Park near New Haven Outer Island, part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Branford Little Oak Café in Canton Westfield Falls in Middletown
Still feeling up for a drive? Check out this road trip of hidden gems in Connecticut!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s not easy to narrow the answer down to a single best road trip in Connecticut. The Nutmeg State may be small, but it feels like there are endless roads to amazing destinations for you to get out and explore. Here are several ideas for some of the best road trips in Connecticut:
- Get into the holiday season on this Christmas road trip in Connecticut.
- If you’re feeling brave, check out a haunting road trip in Connecticut.
- Further proof Connecticut is straight out of a fairy tale? How about a road trip to castles in Connecticut?
- Take in nature’s beauty on this road trip to waterfalls in Connecticut.
- If driving makes you hungry, check out this road trip to restaurants in Connecticut.
What are some hidden gems in Connecticut?
Connecticut is full of hidden gems waiting for you to come and see! Here are a handful of hidden gems; see if any of them surprise you!
- Zack’s Bar and Grill in Stonington
- West Rock Ridge State Park near New Haven
- Outer Island, part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Branford
- Little Oak Café in Canton
- Westfield Falls in Middletown
Still feeling up for a drive? Check out this road trip of hidden gems in Connecticut!
