7-Day Connecticut Itinerary

Fly into Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Top Things to Do in Hartford

• Visit the Mark Twain House & MuseumSee where the famous author wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
• Explore the Connecticut State Capitol & Bushnell ParkBeautiful architecture and a scenic downtown park.
• Take a Walk in Elizabeth ParkOne of the oldest public rose gardens in the U.S.
• Dinner in West HartfordBlue Back Square has great restaurants and shopping.

Overnight in Hartford.

Drive from Hartford to Weir Farm (1 hour).

Weir Farm National Historical Park - Connecticut's only National Park Service site, dedicated to American Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir.

Top Things to Do

• Tour Weir's Historic Home & StudioSee where he and other artists painted.
• Walk the Weir Preserve TrailsA peaceful area filled with inspiration.
• Try a Plein Air Painting SessionThe park encourages visitors to sketch and paint!

Things to Do in Litchfield Hills

• Visit Topsmead State ForestA beautiful countryside estate.
• Stop at a Local OrchardGreat for fresh apples and cider (seasonal).

Drive to Litchfield Hills (45 minutes) for scenic New England charm.

Overnight in Litchfield or Danbury.

Drive from Litchfield to Mystic (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Mystic

• Explore Mystic Seaport MuseumA living history museum with historic ships & a 19th-century village.
• Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream or S&P Oyster Co.
• Visit Ocean Beach Park in New LondonA classic boardwalk & sandy beach.
• Stroll Through Olde Mistick VillageA charming shopping and dining area.

Overnight in Mystic.

Drive from Mystic to Essex (45 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Essex

• Ride the Essex Steam Train & RiverboatA scenic ride through the Connecticut River Valley.
• Drive the Connecticut River Scenic BywayBeautiful in the fall!

Top Things to Do in Gillette Castle State Park

• Explore Gillette CastleA unique, medieval-style mansion built by actor William Gillette.
• Hike the Trails Around the CastleGreat views of the Connecticut River.

Drive to Gillette Castle State Park (30 minutes).

Overnight in Old Saybrook or New Haven.

Drive from Essex to New Haven (45 minutes).

Top Things to Do in New Haven

• Tour Yale UniversityWalk through the historic Ivy League campus.
• Visit the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural HistoryGreat dinosaur fossils!
• Eat at Frank Pepe Pizzeria NapoletanaOne of the oldest pizzerias in the U.S.!
• See a Show at Shubert TheaterA historic venue with Broadway-caliber performances.

Overnight in New Haven.

Drive from New Haven to Connecticut's Quiet Corner (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in The Quiet Corner

• Visit Sharpe Hill VineyardOne of Connecticut's best wineries.
• Explore Bigelow Hollow State ParkA peaceful spot for hiking & kayaking.
• Stroll through PutnamA charming small town with great antique shops.

Overnight in the Quiet Corner or return to Hartford.

Drive back to Hartford (1 hour).

Optional Stops Along the Way

• Talcott Mountain State ParkHike to Heublein Tower for stunning views.
• Visit Hill-Stead MuseumA historic home with Impressionist art.

Fly home from Hartford.