The Scenic Drive In Connecticut That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Canterbury
By Lisa Sammons|Published August 01, 2023
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
If you’re reading this, it’s pretty likely that you already agree with us on this point: the Nutmeg State is beautiful, and there’s an array of scenic drives in Connecticut for motorists to enjoy. We may not have the long winding highways you’ll find out west, but some of our tree-lined parkways are just as beautiful in their own way. One of our favorites is Route 169, which passes through several great small towns in Connecticut, including the beautiful town of Canterbury.
Route 169 starts in Norwich, Connecticut and runs for 38 miles through the state before crossing the state line. It ends about nine miles later in Charlton, Massachusetts.
About 32 miles of the highway is designated as a National Scenic Byway in Connecticut, and it's easy to see why. The lush countryside is beautiful in any season.
This northeast corner of the state is known as the Quiet Corner, and many falsely believe there isn't much to do here. However, you'll find many charming small towns, plus beautiful farmland, adorable boutique shops, and so much more.
One of the best things to do in Canterbury, CT is a visit to the Prudence Crandall Museum. This historic house museum was once the site of the Canterbury Female Boarding School, operated by Prudence Crandall from 1831 to 1833.
Prudence Crandall Museum, 1 S Canterbury Rd, Canterbury, CT 06331, USA
The school admitted a single African American student and the outraged parents of the white students all immediately pulled their daughters out of the school. Crandall responded by closing the school and promptly reopening it exclusively to African American female students.
Sadly, the town did not respond well and Crandall was forced to close the school and flee the state, but she has since been named the official state heroine of Connecticut. The museum is open seasonally and provides a look back in time at how the school would have looked 200 years ago. Learn more or reserve a tour from the Prudence Crandall Museum Facebook page.
Canterbury is such a neat stop along Route 169! What are some of your favorite things to do in Canterbury, CT?
Whether your travels take you down Route 169 or any other road, it’s important to be prepared. Check out some of our most-recommended items to bring along on our Road Trip Essentials Packing List.
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