It is that time of the year again as millions of people travel to New England from as far away as Asia and Europe to view the splendid colors of New England in autumn. The contrasts of the white New England Congregational Church Steeple, the Red and Auburn of the Maple Tree, Yellow of the Birch and mixed variety of the Oak and other give New England a very special look that makes millions more dream of a weekend in the land of the colored leaves.

Northern New England is already realizing peak and in some cases (Northern Maine) past peak colors. However along the coast/shore of New England the warmer waters allow for the leaves to turn at a slower pace giving the late of the gate traveler an opportunity not to stress and travel the beautiful coast to see the glorious colors of New England's Autumn. For more information on this area and the rest of New England please see a great site on New England at  http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/index.html 

Southern New England's Coast while most of the main action for leaf peepers is happening in Northern and Central New England Southern New England is beginning to be painted with the fine colors of fall. While the peak is about 2-3 weeks away now is still the time to venture onto the side streets of Southern New England to view the colors. For example while in Mystic, head toward Olde Mystic and then toward Groton and Gales Ferry on Route 12 north. From here head toward Norwich, just 20 minutes from Mystic. Here the colors are advancing quickly and the large numbers of 18th century homes in area offer one a great view.

The State of Connecticut issues Foliage Reports weekly. Above is a shot of the most recent report and again one has to remember that there are pockets of colors throughout Southern Connecticut as elevations just minutes from the shore can be at 400-450 feet above sea level and the colder valleys in the Connecticut River area from Killingworth and inner Clinton on toward Haddam and Lyme, over to Salem and Norwich then to Voluntown are already spotting with a great deal of color.

Southern Rhode Island realizes color even later than it's cousin Connecticut. Surrounded by the Atlantic and various bays Rhode Island is warmer than Connecticut and the leaves other than those in the far Northwestern Corner of Rhode Island take about 3 days to 1 week longer to turn than in the most of the Connecticut and Central/Western Massachusetts. However remember with foliage viewing... time is of the essence as you will note... B&B's and Inns are packed by fellow travelers using the latest information and some good old fashioned "wet finger" guestimates.

Some Suggestions for Southern New England's Coast/Shore:

While peak season is still a couple to a few weeks away when the foliage is about ready and you are as well... I would suggest the following Southern New England trips:


(Highlighted in Red on our Map Below)
(I) Beginning on I-95 from New York the Meritt Parkway one of America's finest highways (scenery) can offer a multitude of colors and a bit of break from the congestion of I95. The parkway starts just over the border from New York and ends near Stamford. One travels through many fine old towns with others just minutes off the parkway. Ridgefield, Brookfield, Fairfield, Weston and Easton, Canaan, Danbury and Westport are all just off the "way". Each offers excellent dining options and a number of Inn's, B&B's and more.


(Highlighted in Orange on our Map Below)

(II) From I95 follow until signs for Route 1 (Guilford). One of the first towns in Connecticut on the first highway (Route 1) or the Boston Post Road Guilford has a wonderful town Green, great shops, places to dine and a ton of history and foliage too boot! The town of Guilford bosts the oldest stone house in Connecticut, the 1639 Henry Whitfield House just seconds from the Green. The surroundings features dozens of 17-19th century homes and churches and is one of America's best kept secrets. From here follow Route 1 North toward the next community of Madison another 18-19th century gem that bosts a thriving main street loaded with shops, cafes and boutiques as well as one of the best beaches in the area (Hammonasett). (one of the stretches on Main Street in Madison)

From here head on toward Clinton where you will be continuously greated by 18th century home after 18th centur home. The route along Route 1 features a nice mixture of architecture and fauna. At the Liberty Green that features a statue honor the Civil War Veterans one call follow North (left) for a few hundred yards past many of the towns first buildings or follow south toward Clinton Beach where a cannon guards the former 18th century shipyards. Although a short detour this is well worth the trip. There are not many dining spots in this area but other alternatives lie further afield on Route 1 heading toward the next points, just minutes away. From here continue on Route 1 toward Westbrook and Old Saybrook.

Following Route 1 you will arrive at Westbrook Green and Center. Another historic village with a couple of dining spots however the entire route is filled with historic homes, antique shops and dining establishments. The Historic Westbrook Church is often photographed and cherished.

Old Saybrook is one of the larger towns along this route. With many nice viewing spots of foliage a "loop" I recommend is when you travel across the Old Saybrook line the road splits at a gas station. Follow this route toward the historic downtown area. Mostly 19th century homes dot the street follow until you reach "Main Street". At the stop sign head toward Shore Points & Fort Saybrooke. The Shore Points include the Historic 19th Century Village of Cornfield Point one of the original settlements in the area and once home to the Hepburn , yes Katherine Hepburn, family. Her former home, where she enjoyed time until her death is located to the left when entering Cornfield Point. Follow the loop around the golf course viewing many fine turn of the 19th-20th century summer homes of Hartford's finest families.  From here take a right when exiting and head toward Fort Saybrook and the Saybrook Pointe Inn & Spa.
"The Lighthouse" - Saybrook Pointe Inn & Spa - Lighthouse - View of the CT River



Saybrook Pointe Inn & Spa

Fort Saybrooke was the site of the first settlement in the area. A monument and walking trails are the highlights here as well as some reminders of the past when this area was actually industrial (train tracks). The Inn is a fantastic all season inn that features the venerable Terra Mar Grille, a fantastic Neuvo American Bistro, a Spa and Work Out Center as well as Inn and Marina. The Marina is full to capacity in the summer months with all types of sailing craft from Yachts to small Ketches. A tiny coffee house lies within the parking area and is nice for a good cup of java. Also here are miniature golf and another restaurant of local fame called Dock & Dine. Of these places for a nice drink or meal I would suggest Terra Mar Grille that also features outside dining and for the family Dock & Dine. Although a bit tired in decor it offers hearty seafood in great portions. After a meal head toward Cornfield Point on foot across the narrow bridge that will help you work off that meal! Also a stoll around the marina gives you unmatched views of the Connecticut and Long Island Sound as well as neighboring Old Lyme.

Heading back toward Main Street trees intertwine with the buildings. Main Street features shops, restaurants and other stores & businesses. All from the Penny Lane Pub to fine almost Mobil Rated restaurants. From here you arrive at the Information Center across from Saybrook Country Store a furnishings store that is unmatched for colonial and country furniture. From here head toward "Essex" and Route 9. Follow the signs for Essex either entering Route 9 or passing it for the 2ndary road. After about a 8 minute ride you will enter Essex, a historic village also lined with shops, galleries and a couple of nice places to dine. The trees are of a variety of types and offer an array of colors. Suggestion here is to park and walk the main street, stopping if hungry at the Essex Market (Pantry) for some coffee or at the Essex Coffee House which features local art. If ready for dinner the Black Seal or 1776 Griswold Inn offer great alternatives. If in the mood for a sandwich... Olive Oyls near the river is a great bet for gourmet foods and take out. At the river one can see views of neighboring Lyme and the colors of the fall at their best. Boat ride via a local tour operator costs a few bucks and "leaves" from Connecticut Rivr Museum Dock. The 1.5 hr ride offers a nice view of Gillette's Castle, Lyme and the Ferry area. The fall foliage is great from here! Colors on the gentle hills and rock outcroppings.

From Essex head north toward Deep River and follow toward Chester Ferry. The Chester Ferry or the Hadlme Chester Ferry is the 2nd oldest operating Ferry in America, 2nd only to the Portland ferry in Portland, Connecticut. The cost is also a few bucks, can be long lines but is worth the wait and 5 minute ride over the CT river! Great foliage views are also available from this area. If the lines are long stop in at Chester where several galleries and dining places are also available including the Wheat Market at Chester and the RiverSide Cafe (Bistro), The Sage, Pattaconk and more.

When arriving in Hadlyme at the old Ely Ferry House & Tavern head off with everyone else. When arriving at Route 156 follow toward Old Lyme. Follow 156 through Lyme, passing the historic village of Hadlyme (check out Reynold's Country Store & Hardware) and Hamburg Cove (A world reknown Yachting Location). However one suggestion is to keep an eye out for "Farm Coffee" located about half way to Old Lyme from the Ferry. Here at Ashlawn Farm...the foliage is plentiful and the 18th century farm offers their own coffee and seasonal produce. A great stop for some great java! Return on 156 and head toward the village of Old Lyme.

Old Lyme's mainstreet is Lyme Street and is capped by a congregational church. Lyme Street features historic ship captain homes as well as an ice cream parlor! Drive through the many side streets and get a glimpse of colonial and 19th century America as well as tremendous foliage views. This area called the "Lieutenant River" colony is the historic center of the area. It is also home to the center of America's Impressionism (Art) with the Florence Griswold Museum, Lyme Academy and more. Finally when ready to rest the Bee & Thistle and Old Lyme Inn offer over nighting and dining as earlier expressed on our voyage through the area.

From here we will continue tomorrow on a journey toward Mystic Country and Rhode Island passing through one historic village after another.


Foliage Route Suggestion Map





Below is the Weather Channel's Map and by clicking on the map you will be re-directed to their website for additional information.