This peaceful corner of Northeastern Connecticut is very different from bustling Hartford. You can reach it by taking Route 169, a designated National Scenic Byway, into Woodstock. This is a great drive for history buffs, who can visit the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry and the Prudence Crandall Museum in Canterbury, among other historic spots. The Thread City Crossing Bridge in Willimantic, watched over by beady-eyed bronze frogs, is a fun stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids. There are plenty of great places to eat, including Sweet Evalina’s on Route 169. To learn more, check out my book, Backroads and Byways of New England: Drives, Day Trips & Weekend Excursions, available at your local bookstore or from Amazon.com. Next, we’ll move on to Rhode Island and visit the East Bay and Sakonnet Peninsula, so check back soon.
By the way, if you’re thinking about next spring’s travels, be sure to include the Nantucket Wine Festival, held every year in May, in your plans. It’s a truly stellar event.