If you’re reading this, it’s pretty likely that you already agree with us on this point: the Nutmeg State is beautiful, and there’s an array of scenic drives in Connecticut for motorists to enjoy. We may not have the long winding highways you’ll find out west, but some of our tree-lined parkways are just as beautiful in their own way. One of our favorites is Route 169, which passes through several great small towns in Connecticut, including the beautiful town of Canterbury.

Route 169 starts in Norwich, Connecticut and runs for 38 miles through the state before crossing the state line. It ends about nine miles later in Charlton, Massachusetts.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
About 32 miles of the highway is designated as a National Scenic Byway in Connecticut, and it's easy to see why. The lush countryside is beautiful in any season.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
This northeast corner of the state is known as the Quiet Corner, and many falsely believe there isn't much to do here. However, you'll find many charming small towns, plus beautiful farmland, adorable boutique shops, and so much more.
JJBers/Flickr

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One of our favorite small towns along the Route 169 is Canterbury, CT. Tucked away in Windham County, the town has a population of just over 5,000.
JJBers/Flickr
The town's Butts Bridge spans the Quinebaug River. It was built in 1937 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Butts Bridge, 56 Butts Bridge Rd, Canterbury, CT 06331, USA
Cathy Cline/Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Canterbury, CT is a visit to the Prudence Crandall Museum. This historic house museum was once the site of the Canterbury Female Boarding School, operated by Prudence Crandall from 1831 to 1833.
Prudence Crandall Museum, 1 S Canterbury Rd, Canterbury, CT 06331, USA
Prudence Crandall Museum/Facebook
The school admitted a single African American student and the outraged parents of the white students all immediately pulled their daughters out of the school. Crandall responded by closing the school and promptly reopening it exclusively to African American female students.

Sadly, the town did not respond well and Crandall was forced to close the school and flee the state, but she has since been named the official state heroine of Connecticut. The museum is open seasonally and provides a look back in time at how the school would have looked 200 years ago. Learn more or reserve a tour from the Prudence Crandall Museum Facebook page.

Canterbury is such a neat stop along Route 169! What are some of your favorite things to do in Canterbury, CT?

Whether your travels take you down Route 169 or any other road, it’s important to be prepared. Check out some of our most-recommended items to bring along on our Road Trip Essentials Packing List.

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Featured Addresses
Connecticut 169, CT-169, Lisbon, CT, USA
Canterbury, CT 06331, USA