Mystic Country

Starting in Mystic (from Mystic Seaport, Olde Mistick Village, Mystic Aquarium) travel along Route 27 (Whitehall Ave) north into Old Mystic. At the three way stop sign – you’ll see Old Mystic General Store at the intersection – keep to the right, following Main Street. You’ll come to a fork in the road, stay to your right to continue onto North Stonington Road.

Continue on North Stonington Road; at the intersection of Route 184 (also called New London Turnpike) make a right. Follow this road for a few miles, taking in the scenery along the way. Turn right onto Taugwonk Road (you will see a blue CT Wine Trail sign). Stonington Vineyards will be about a mile down on the right. After a tasting a tour, continue south along Taugwonk; make a left onto Pequot Trail/Route 234. (A State designated Scenic Road). Travel a few miles to turn right onto South Anguilla Rd, a quiet scenic neighborhood road. At the end of this road, make a right onto Route 1/Stonington Road. Once on Route 1 you can take a detour to Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, offering excellent hiking and birding (make your first left onto Greenhaven and first right onto Palmer Neck Rd, follow to end).

Continue following Route 1, a scenic coastal drive. Make time to stop at Saltwater Farm Vineyard, for another unique Connecticut winery experience. Travel approximately one mile and make a right onto North Main Street. Along this tree lined road you’ll find several grand historic homes that are wonderful illustrations of New England architecture. At the end of North Main Street make a left onto Pequot Trail (Route 234; this is lower part of the same scenic road you were on earlier). This road winds through beautiful countryside with some amazing vistas along the way. At the end of Route 234, turn left onto Route 27 (Whitehall Ave) to return to your starting point.

Distance: 30 miles

Nearby or en route:

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