Newport and Mystic weekend in 2 wks

We will be traveling from DE to Newport on a Wed in the 2nd wk of Oct. We will be traveling up 95 (most direct) but was told that Rte 15 through CT offers a more scenic route (obviously we would be diverting back to 95 as 15 heads further West?) However, along the way, we wanted to stop in a nice little CT town for lunch before making our way to Newport (we will already be coming back through Mystic on our way home). I have the following ?

1) If traveling on a Wed, between 10-3:30, would we experience traffic delays on 95, 15 or heading into Newport?

2) Will the leaves have changed during 2nd wk in Oct? i.e is it worth diverting to Rte 15 (Merrit pkway) to see it?

3) What nice towns would you recommend stopping for lunch that are either along 15 or 95?

Any comments or suggestions would be helpful

Newport and Mystic weekend in 2 wks

Well, it sounds like you%26#39;ll be going on Oct. 15, which is the same day my wife and I are going to Newport for a two night stay. In fact we%26#39;ll be on the road at about the same time, and you shouldn%26#39;t have to worry much about traffic. We leave our home usually between 10 or 10:30 and have never hit any really bad traffic, barring any accidents of course.

As far as the foliage is concerned, you%26#39;ll definitely see much more of it on the Merritt Parkway as opposed to I95. I%26#39;m not much of a foliage fan, but I%26#39;m fairly certain that the colors will be nice at that time. One thing I%26#39;ve noticed is that when the colors are fairly bright here at home, the foliage is much more green in Newport. I think it may have to do with it%26#39;s close proximity to the ocean, and it%26#39;s warmer breezes.

A town you may want to check out just off of 95 is Old Saybrook. We haven%26#39;t been there for quite a while, but we did like it. For lunch there%26#39;s a really nice restaurant at the Saybrook Point Inn called Terra Mar. I%26#39;ve never eaten there, but it seems to have gotten pretty good reviews. There%26#39;s also the Dock and Dine, which I believe is a bit more budget friendly, and is right on the water. Last time we were there we had a good meal, but again, that was a while ago.

Have a great trip!

Newport and Mystic weekend in 2 wks

I kind of doubt there would be delays on either road during that time. Things become less congested after New Haven, and SE CT is one of my favorite areas- a couple of weeks ago I went on Rt 49 near North Stonington and thought it some of the prettiest country anywhere. The areas of Hadlyme and Haddam along the CT River are really pretty gorgeous, and you would get more appreciation taking a country road and the little car ferry over the river($2.00) than on the Merrit Pkwy which is nicer than 95, but there really isn%26#39;t anything to see. Other interesting areas are around Deep River, Stonington, Paul%26#39;s Pasta for lunch in Groton.

Thanks Hyborian and Hillside-

I appreciate your comments and recommendations. I am looing forward to our trip and hope that we have the opportunity to travel thru these areas you recommended.

Hyborian enjoy your trip, we will actually be leaving this week.

Once again thanks everyone

Thanks dizzyliz! Can%26#39;t wait to get there ourselves! I may even do a trip report when we get back.

Looks like you%26#39;ll hit good weather when you%26#39;re there, so enjoy, and have a great time!

Thanks Hyborian-

Hyborian/Hillside-

Curious,when leaving Newport have you every traveled down rte 1 vs taking 95 towards Mystic? I am curious if that is a nicer drive? I would like to drive thru Stonington which I believe Hillside mentioned was a worthwhile trip. It looks like it will take a little longer, but not sure if there is anything I should be aware of when traveling that route (i.e difficulty navigating, excessive traffic, etc)

Once again thanks for your help

Route 1 in the Mystic area is a local road (stop signs, stop lights, businesses) slow going, but definitely worth a diversion from the highway. Sometimes (in RI at least) Rt 1A is the more local road. Stonington %26#39;Borough%26#39; is the most picturesque part, and apparantly in that area of CT they serve grilled mussels, which they don%26#39;t make -anywhere- else in NE.... so if you like seafood....even I haven%26#39;t had them yet.

Incidentally, I drove on the Merrit Pkwy today, definitely nicer trees than 95 (still green) love those art deco bridges too-but don%26#39;t expect a leisurely ride. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks Hillside.

We just got back and took rte 1 to Mystic and although there are lights, it went very smoothly. We also took the Merrit Pkway and would definitely reccommend that route over 95. we took 95 home and regretted it after we wre delayed approaching the GW.

Once again thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. everything worked out wonderfully

how to put numbers on keys