Mystic Country

From Routes 6 or 44, arrive at the Nathan Hale Homestead, home of Connecticut’s State Hero – Nathan Hale.  From this historic site, head onto South Street, and turn right onto Pucker Street, over the one-lane Rose’s Bridge. Turn left onto Route 6, then a quick right onto Route 66 West. As you enter the tiny town of Columbia, with the Town Common on your right, turn left onto Route 87 South. Follow 87 to Lebanon, passing through the Liberty Hill area. The mile-long Town Green in Lebanon is dotted with historic homes and a Welcome Center.

Return to Route 87 and head north for a short distance, and take Route 289. Travel for a short distance, and take a right onto Chappell Street. Follow Chappell Street past Graywall Farm, a Farmers Cow farm (producers of milk and ice cream) with scenic vistas surrounding you. If you wish to take a brief detour for more scenic views, take a left onto Bogg Lane for a short distance.

Return to Chappell Street; take a left at the Stop sign onto Kick Hill Road. Travel through the next Stop sign, and at the intersection, go straight through onto Route 203 North, for approximately 2 miles (designated Scenic Road 1.7 miles) to the South Windham Historic District, the largest Historic District in the state. Take a right onto Route 14 East (a State designated Scenic Road 4.2 miles). Drive through scenic Scotland, Scotland General Store is on your left). Continue on Route 14, and take a left onto Route 97 North. A detour onto Route 6 will take you to the James Goodwin State Forest and Conservation Center.

Follow Route 97 through Hampton Center with many colonial homes, and consider a quick stop at the Hampton General Store. Route 97 will take you past the entrance road to Sharpe Hill Vineyard. Cross Route 44 and continue to meander along Route 97 through Pomfret, to Route 169, make a left onto Route 169 and continue to the intersection of Route 44 – where you’ll find the Vanilla Bean Café. Make a right onto Route 44 East and follow it to downtown Putnam with its Heritage Mills Walking Tour, Quinebaug River Walk, shops and restaurants.

Distance: 57 miles

Nearby or en route:

.