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Route 169, Connecticut
(Scenic Drives of America Feature)
A lazy country road in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut.
Not enough can be said about Route 169, a lazy, winding road through the rural northeastern corner of Connecticut. In fact, a 32-mile stretch of Route 169 is listed as a National Historic Byway. One magazine lists this stretch of asphalt as one of the top ten most beautiful roads in the United States. One look at villages such as Woodstock, South Woodstock, Pomfret, and Brooklyn and it is understandable why it is included on this list.
Route 169 winds its way through rolling hills, past farmstands and general stores, and above quiet valleys. Prep schools, upscale homes, and classy restaurants and inns add an air of elegance to the route. And if you're looking for great shopping and entertainment, well...you're in the wrong place. But that's exactly why this road is so special. Route 169 is surely an unknown treasure among the back roads of New England.
Map of Route 169 in Connecticut: Click here to find the location of the most scenic stretch of Route 169.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO ALONG ROUTE 169:
- Brooklyn Green, Brooklyn--On the National Register of Historic Places, Brooklyn Green has several structures that date back to the 1700s and 1800s.
- Inn at Woodstock Hill, South Woodstock--A beautiful inn overlooking the rolling hills of the Quiet Corner of Connecticut, the Inn at Woodstock Hill has cozy rooms, a great restaurant, and beautiful grounds.
- Sharpe Hill Vineyard and Winery, Pomfret--If you are looking for a good bottle of wine, the Sharpe Hill Vineyard and Winery is the place to go in this part of Connecticut.
- Vanilla Bean Cafe, Pomfret--The Vanilla Bean Cafe is a quirky little restaurant in the center of Pomfret that specializes in organic meals, and also has some great musical entertainment at night.
- Woodstock Fair, South Woodstock--Held on Labor Day weekend, the Woodstock Fair is a classic New England agricultural festival that attracts people from all over the Northeast.