A Nearby New England Getaway

The perfect choice for an easy to reach family vacation or a weekend getaway, Mystic Country is just a few hours from New York City and Boston and one hour from Hartford and Providence. Centered around Mystic, Connecticut, the region is accessible via Interstates 395, 91 or 95.

Driving Directions

From New York City: 130 miles, 2+ hours; take I 95 North, Exits 63-93
From Philadelphia: 220 miles, 4+hours; Rte. 73 South 40 miles to NJ Turnpike to I 95, Exits 63-93
From Newark: 140 miles, 2+hours; NJ Turnpike North to I 95, Exits 63-93
From Boston: 100 miles, 1+hours; I 95 South, Exits 93-63 or I-90 West, Exit 10, I-395 South
From Albany: 150 miles, 2+hours; I 90 East Exit 10, I-395, Exits 100-76

Exits of Interest
Heading North on I-95

Heading South on I-95 

Heading North on I-395 

Heading South on I-395 

Alternatives to I-95 from New York City

Take Hutchinson River Parkway (North) to Route 15 North (Merritt Parkway). Take Merritt Parkway Exit 54 and follow signs to Interstate 95

Return home: Take Interstate 95 South to exit 38 and follow signs to the Merritt Parkway South (Route 15). Travelers can proceed directly on the Merritt Parkway to the Hutchinson River Parkway.

Scenic Routes

RTE. 1 Pick up this winding coastal road at the junction of Route 27 in Mystic and head north toward the Rhode Island border, enjoy views of Long Island Sound as you wind your way through Stonington (CT) and Westerly (RI), to Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

RTE. 14 From Windham Center School in Windham, travel 4.4 miles east to Scotland Center. Part of the Rochambeau Trail.

RTE. 49 In North Stonington, this beautiful country road meanders past historic houses, stone walls, pastures and magnificent views. Continue on RTE. 14A to Sterling, past the site of several Revolutionary War encampments and end your leisurely drive at the intersection of Porter Pond Rd.

RTE. 97 From Rte. 44 in Pomfret, north 4.5 miles to Rte. 169.

RTE. 164 Beginning at the border of Preston and continuing north for 2.76 miles through the town of Griswold, this rural road is dotted with farms, rolling hills and bed & breakfasts in historic homes.

RTE. 169 A 32-mile drive beginning in Lisbon and continuing north through eastern Connecticut. “Scenic America” calls it one of the top 10 scenic roads in the U.S.

RTE. 203 From Rte. 32 in Windham travel north 1.7 miles to Rte. 14.

RTE. 234 Located off of I-95 at Exit 91, also known as the Pequot Trail, these 3.2 miles wind through Stonington. Enjoy breathtaking views on this scenic country road.

RTE. 244 From Rte. 97 in Pomfret, continuing 3.1 miles to Ragged Hill Rd.
 
September or October are particularly lovely times to drive our scenic roads and byways. Peak viewing for foliage is generally Columbus Day weekend.

Along the Connecticut River: Start the drive with a visit to Gillette Castle in East Haddam, CT. The castle was built by William Gillette, the eccentric 19th century stage actor who became famous playing the character of Sherlock Holmes. Today the castle (open until Columbus Day) and its grounds (open year round) are a state park overlooking the Connecticut River, offering a spectacular view of the fall foliage. Follow Rt. 148 west to the Chester/Hadlyme Ferry, which began operating in 1769 and transported horse carriages and Revolutionary War supplies. The 15-minute one-way ride (with car and driver) is $2.75 and passengers are .75. If you keep an eye out during low tide you might spy Gillette’s sunken houseboat Aunt Polly in the Connecticut River. Once off the ferry, take Rt. 148 to Rt. 154 south for a short drive to downtown Essex. Enjoy a stroll, lunch and a visit to the Connecticut River Museum. For a coastal discovery continue along Rt. 154 to Saybrook Point for a scenic trip into the center of Old Saybrook and then out to Saybrook Point where the road turns and follows the coastline and provides beautiful views on clear days.

A Little History, Please: Start your approximately 25-mile drive after a hike at Pauchaug State Forest/Mt. Misery in Voluntown, CT. Exit the park and proceed along scenic Route 49 South towards North Stonington for 12 miles. You will pass by century old farms and fields that were along the route of Revolutionary War soldiers. Once in North Stonington at a four-way traffic light, bear right onto Route 184 West. You will come to a traffic circle. Follow the signs to Route 184 West.

Drive for 6 miles on Route 184 and turn left onto North Stonington Road. You will pass Clyde’s Cider Mill, the oldest steam pressed cider mill in the country, on your right. Continue to a stop sign and take a left onto Lantern Hill Road, which turns into Main Street. Drive for about a mile and bear right at the four-way stop sign, which continues to be Main Street and take the first left onto River Road. Follow this scenic road along the Mystic River for 3.5 miles. Enjoy water views, the ships of Mystic Seaport and Mystic’s 1920s Bascule Bridge. When the road ends, turn right onto Pearl Street. Road ends at Route 1, which is also West Main Street in Mystic. Do some shopping, visit the Mystic Arts Center and have lunch at Mystic Pizza.