I’m taking my mom on a multi day road trip through southern Connecticut up to Boston, and I’d like to find out about some fun or scenic things to do that are under the radar. We’re both from NJ and have spent very little time in CT, so we’re excited to see the coast and the harbor cities!

What are some scenic places to see, fun things to do, and can’t miss opportunities in mid-May?

She’s really interested in early American history, architectural salvage and antique markets, and she’s a big fan of walking through gardens and old estates.

My only experience in Connecticut has been with the Mystic aquarium, and Frank Pepe’s pizza, so I’m eager to hear with the locals have to say!

Thanks all :)

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G3Saint t1_jefeylh wrote on March 31, 2023 at 4:47 PM

#2,538,263

you can try Harkness Memorial State Park , a Newport style mansion with gardens in Waterford. Nearby is fort Trumbull in New London, a masonry fort with nice grounds on the Thames River.

shes-sonit t1_jefij5a wrote on March 31, 2023 at 5:10 PM

#2,539,380

Mother’s Day weekend, Fairfield has its Dogwood Festival up on the greenfield hill. May 12 and 13 I think. This year will be the 86th annual. Dogwoods ‘should’ be in full bloom and it is very scenic ride up there, beautiful houses, blooming trees, etc. there are crafts and refreshments etc. it will be busy, so if you don’t want to get out and walk around, you can just drive through the neighborhoods and enjoy the scenery Fairfield also has beaches and a great little town history museum. You can Aaron Burrs house right down the street and lots of historical houses and cemeteries.
Have a fantastic trip! Edit: added stuff

Betorah t1_jefn3a5 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 5:40 PM

#2,540,767

Walk around in Guilford, CT. Founded in 1639, it’s full of historic homes, including the Hyland House (built 1713), the Thomas Griswold House (built 1764), and the Henry Whitfield State Museum (built 1639–the oldest house in CT and the oldest stone house in New England).

NLCmanure t1_jefobwh wrote on March 31, 2023 at 5:48 PM

#2,541,162

Gillette Castle in East Haddam.

bbpr120 t1_jeg0xa4 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 7:12 PM

#2,545,126

If you can stretch your legs a bit further, go the Mansions and Gardens in Newport RI, sounds like they are right up your mothers alley.

coolducklingcool t1_jegdnev wrote on March 31, 2023 at 8:36 PM

#2,549,326

Seymour and Woodbury have an antiques trail. Lots of shops.

I’m not sure when it opens, but Elephant’s Trunk is an awesome flea market for Sunday mornings. Should be open in May. Antiques and more. Not quite southern, but worth going north.

Book Barn is lovely if either of you are readers. That’s in Niantic.

alisa62 t1_jegmoyg wrote on March 31, 2023 at 9:38 PM

#2,552,716

Stop in Essex! Very historic. If you’re here May 14th we have the Burning of the Ships commemoration. And go to the Gris for lunch.