A Perfect Day in Connecticut: From Providence to NYC
If you’re planning a road trip from Providence, Rhode Island, to New York City, taking the scenic route through Connecticut offers a delightful mix of charming coastal towns, rich history, and family-friendly stops. We made the most of our day by exploring Mystic and New Haven—two iconic spots full of character, culture, and charm. Here’s our day itinerary, complete with autism-friendly tips to make your trip enjoyable for everyone.
Morning: Exploring Mystic
Stop 1: Mystic River Walk
We started our day in the quaint, coastal town of Mystic, famous for its maritime charm and picturesque riverfront. The Mystic River Walk is a lovely spot to stretch your legs, watch the boats, and take in the fresh sea air. The calm, scenic atmosphere makes it a great sensory-friendly activity, especially for those who thrive in quiet, outdoor spaces.
Autism-Friendly Tip: The Mystic River area has plenty of benches and shaded spots, perfect for taking breaks and enjoying the view at your own pace.
Stop 2: Mystic Pizza
No trip to Mystic is complete without a stop at the iconic Mystic Pizza, made famous by the 1988 movie of the same name. This family-friendly pizzeria combines nostalgic charm with delicious food. Avery loved the classic cheese pizza, and Mom enjoyed the trip down memory lane.
Fun Fact: The movie Mystic Pizza, starring Julia Roberts, was inspired by this local favorite, and the restaurant features memorabilia from the film.
Autism-Friendly Tip: Arrive early or visit during off-peak hours to avoid the lunchtime crowd and enjoy a quieter dining experience.
Stop 3: Local Bookstore and Candy Shop
After lunch, we visited a charming independent bookstore nestled in downtown Mystic. The quiet, cozy atmosphere was a perfect spot for Avery to browse books while taking a sensory break from the bustling town.
Next, we stopped at a delightful candy shop by the river, where the colorful displays and sweet smells added a bit of fun to our day. Avery loved picking out her own treats, and the staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating.
Autism-Friendly Tip: Small bookstores and candy shops like these are great stops for neurodivergent travelers, offering sensory-friendly environments and engaging activities.
Afternoon: Yale and New Haven
Stop 4: Exploring Yale University
Our next destination was New Haven, home to the prestigious Yale University. The campus is a beautiful mix of Gothic and modern architecture, and we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the historic buildings and nearby park.
Highlights of Yale:
- The Sterling Memorial Library, a stunning example of collegiate Gothic architecture.
- Old Campus, where you can immerse yourself in Yale’s rich history.
- Nearby New Haven Green, a peaceful park perfect for a quick break.
Fun Fact: Yale University was founded in 1701, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the United States. Its alumni include multiple U.S. presidents and prominent figures in arts and sciences.
Autism-Friendly Tip: The Yale campus and New Haven Green offer wide-open spaces, making them great for families who need room to move and relax. Consider bringing headphones if your child is sensitive to bustling city sounds near the campus.
Stop 5: Local Eats and History
Before heading out, we enjoyed a quick snack at a nearby café, soaking in the lively yet historic atmosphere of New Haven. The city is known for its diverse food scene, including its famous New Haven-style pizza, but since we’d already enjoyed Mystic Pizza, we opted for lighter fare.
Autism-Friendly Tip: Many local eateries near Yale offer grab-and-go options, which can be helpful if your family prefers to eat outdoors or in a quieter setting.
Evening: Heading to NYC
With full bellies and plenty of great memories, we continued our drive to New York City. The day gave us a wonderful mix of coastal charm, historic exploration, and family-friendly fun.
Why We Loved This Route
- Charming Small Towns: Mystic’s cozy vibe and friendly locals made it a standout stop.
- Rich History: Yale University and New Haven are full of opportunities to learn and explore.
- Sensory-Friendly Options: The mix of outdoor spaces, quiet bookstores, and scenic walks ensured there was something for everyone.
Tips for Autism Families
- Plan Breaks: Incorporate quiet, calming stops like Mystic River Walk or New Haven Green to balance out busier activities.
- Engage with Interests: Whether it’s books, history, or food, include activities that align with your child’s passions to keep them engaged and comfortable.
- Pack Essentials: Bring headphones, snacks, and familiar comfort items to help manage sensory sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Connecticut’s coastal towns and historic charm made this road trip day one to remember. From the maritime beauty of Mystic to the academic grandeur of Yale, we found something to delight every member of the family. If you’re planning a similar trip, we hope our itinerary and tips inspire you to enjoy all that Connecticut has to offer!
