7 Destinations Way Up North In Connecticut That Are So Worth The Drive
By Lisa Sammons|Published January 16, 2024
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
Editor’s Note: Some of these destinations are open seasonally, so make sure to check the websites before heading out.
Tourists have a tendency to stick to Connecticut’s shoreline. We’ll be the first to admit, we have so many things to do along the coast! From beaches to tasty restaurants (lobster rolls, anyone?), there’s no end to the fun you’ll have in the lower part of the state. However, there are plenty of attractions in the northern half of Connecticut that are most definitely worth a visit, too. We’re big fans of the Quiet Corner, but there’s a lot to love in northwest Connecticut, too! Here are a few of our favorite attractions in northern Connecticut that we think are worth the drive:
1. New England Air Museum: Windsor Locks
New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT 06096, USA
Windsor Locks is home to the New England Air Museum, the largest aviation museum in the region. The museum takes about 2-3 hours to explore in full, and has three hangars full of fascinating vintage aircraft, plus an outdoor space.
Nipmuck State Forest (and the adjoining Bigelow Hollow State Park) lie just south of the Massachusetts-Connecticut state line. Together, they comprise more than 9,000 acres and are one of the best areas for hiking in the state. This is a grand adventure for any season - check out some of the amazing trails here on Alltrails.
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3. Lime Rock Park: Lakeville
Lime Rock Park, 60 White Hollow Rd, Lakeville, CT 06039, USA
Looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush? Lime Rock Park is a unique motor track that's one of the country's oldest continually operating road racing venues. Instead of having a grandstand with bleachers, it's tucked away into the hills, so you can set up a blanket and relax while watching the cars fly by.
Roseland Cottage is a beautiful historic home that's been incredibly well-preserved and feels like a step back in time. The property has original antique furnishings, a lovely boxwood garden, and the country's oldest surviving indoor bowling alley. The historic house museum here has fascinating exhibits on life in the 19th century.
5. New England Motorcycle Museum: Vernon
New England Motorcycle Museum, 200 W Main St, Vernon, CT 06066, USA
The New England Motorcycle Museum is set inside a 200-year old mill and is home to the largest collection of vintage and custom motorcycles in the Northeast. There are nearly 200 motorcycles on display here.
6. Mt. Riga State Park: Salisbury
Mount Riga State Park, Undermountain Trailhead Parking Area, Under Mountain Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068, USA
Mt. Riga State Park is one of our favorites to visit in the summertime thanks to an epic swimming hole. Even in the cooler months, however, the 276-acre park has plenty to offer visitors. There are plenty of trails and bow hunting of turkey and deer is allowed.
7. The Traveler Restaurant: Union
The Traveler Restaurant, 1257 Buckley Hwy # I-84, Union, CT 06076, USA
The Traveler Restaurant is a unique eatery that's a book lover's dream come true. Each meal comes with a free book, and if you decide to pick up extra reading material, you can check out the downstairs Cellar Bookstore and purchase additional books.
How many of these great attractions in northern Connecticut have you visited? What others do you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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