One of my favorite parts of summer is realizing that you don’t have to board a plane or spend months planning a vacation to make unforgettable memories. Sometimes, all it takes is a tank full of gas, a cooler full of snacks, and the willingness to say yes to adventure. (and a vehicle like this wouldn’t hurt either!)
Truly, living in Fairfield County puts you at an amazing vantage point (dare I say one of the best spots in New England). Within a few hours, you have full access to coastal towns, waterfalls, mountain views, farms, and some of the country’s most beautiful small communities. If your family is looking for a day trip before summer slips away, here are a few destinations worth adding to your list.
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic has something for everyone. Spend the morning wandering through Olde Mistick Village, sampling honeys, visiting kitschy boutiques, and buying homemade fudge. Check out the beluga whales, sea lions, and penguins at the Mystic Aquarium or head over to the Mystic Seaport Museum to hoist sails and check out live exhibits of a 19th-century fishing village. Finish off your day by grabbing a slice at Mystic Pizza (hello Julia Roberts) and walking across the drawbridge for ice cream.
Litchfield Hills
If your family enjoys scenic drives, this one’s for you. The Litchfield Hills are filled with quiet towns and picturesque views. Explore White Memorial Conservation Center, browse antique stores in downtown Litchfield, or pack a picnic and enjoy one of the lakes or parks.
Essex, Connecticut
This part of Connecticut feels like a Hallmark movie. Ride the Essex Steam Train, take a riverboat ride, browse charming shops, and enjoy lunch at the historic Griswold Inn (it’ll make you feel like you’re about to bump into George Washington). The train and steamboat will have your kids begging to come back, but it’s such a relaxing ride, you’ll appreciate it too.
Newport, Rhode Island
While Newport borders on the “one tank” rule, it offers a full day of coastal fun. Walk the Cliff Walk, tour a Gilded Age Vanderbilt mansion, visit the beach, or wander Thames Street for shopping and seafood. Newport may just offer the perfect “let’s do it all” day that will leave you with lifetime memories.
Kent, Connecticut
Kent is one of Connecticut’s hidden gems. Visit Kent Falls State Park, where families can climb along cascading waterfalls before enjoying lunch in one of Kent’s many cozy cafes. Stroll through bookstores and local shops. It’s sure to make you feel like you’re so much further from home than you actually are.
Some of my family’s favorite memories aren’t the actual destinations. They’re the belly laughs from the back seat, the unexpected farm stands, surprise ice cream, and the joy that comes from spending uninterrupted time together.
Before summer gets too far, pick a destination, fill the tank, and head out for a day of adventure. The memories you make will be the stories your kids tell for years to come. Seriously, some of the best vacations are the ones that begin with nothing more than a full gas tank and a sense of adventure.
