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Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Connecticut is a region so peaceful and untouched that locals simply call it “The Quiet Corner.”
And running right through the heart of it is Route 169, one of only a handful of designated National Scenic Byways in Connecticut.
This 38-mile drive winds past rolling farmland, historic villages, orchards and classic New England churches, with barely a chain store in sight.
I did this route as part of my New England road trip, choosing it over the faster highways precisely because I wanted something scenic, and it did not disappoint.
Here’s how to road trip Connecticut’s Route 169.
🚗 Good to know: Route 169 runs roughly from Lisbon in the south of Connecticut, up to the Massachusetts border. A car is essential, and it’s especially glorious in the fall. Phone signal can be patchy out here, so it’s worth downloading an offline map before you set off.
🌾 Stop 1: Griswold
Start your journey near Griswold and Lisbon, at the southern end of the byway.
This is where the quiet countryside really begins to unfold.
It’s a lovely, low-key introduction to the region and a good spot to fuel up before the drive north.
It’s also known as the ‘Sunflower Capital of Connecticut’ so it’s a great place to visit a sunflower farm if you are visiting in spring.
📚 Stop 2: Canterbury
A little further along, Canterbury is a small town with a big historical story.
It’s home to the Prudence Crandall Museum, once a schoolhouse run by a brave teacher who opened one of America’s first schools for Black girls in the 1830s, in the face of fierce opposition.
It’s a moving, important piece of history set in a beautifully preserved building, and well worth a stop.
⛪ Stop 3: Brooklyn
Continue on to Brooklyn, a classic small New England town with a lovely historic center and a strong Revolutionary War heritage (it was home to famous general Israel Putnam).
It’s also known for the Brooklyn Fair, said to be one of the oldest continuously running agricultural fairs in the country. They also have regular events on so it’s worth checking their website.
It’s a peaceful, pretty place to slow down and take in the rural charm.
🍎 Stop 4: Lapsley Orchards
Just before reaching Pomfret, you’ll find Lapsley Orchard. It’s a lovely farm stand and pick-your-own spot that captures the agricultural soul of the Quiet Corner.
Depending on the season, you can pick apples, pumpkins and berries, or just stop by for fresh produce, cider and baked goods.
It’s a wonderfully wholesome stop, especially in the fall.
🌳 Stop 5: Pomfret Center
Pomfret is one of the main towns along the route, with lovely rolling scenery, historic churches and the well-regarded Pomfret School.
I stopped for lunch at The Vanilla Bean Cafe, a popular local spot (and a favorite with the motorcyclists who love cruising these roads).
The town is a bit spread out so it’s not that walkable but it’s very pleasant to drive through as there are beautiful churches and the surrounding trees make it so beautiful in the fall.
🎸 Stop 6: Putnam
Next up is Putnam. It’s a little detour but it’s the liveliest town on the route and a paradise for antique lovers. Once a mill town, it reinvented itself as the antiques capital of the region.
The compact downtown is packed with antique shops and vintage stores, and you could easily lose an afternoon browsing.
I only had time for a couple of shops and still managed to walk away with a Bruce Springsteen vinyl! It’s a charming, walkable little town right on the river.
🍏 Stop 7: Woodstock Orchards and Bakery Barn
This family-run orchard and farm store is the perfect final stop, with fresh apples, cider and, best of all, the Bakery Barn.
Pick up some homemade baked goods and a jug of cider to take home, and enjoy the peaceful farm setting.
It’s a lovely way to round off a drive through Connecticut’s most tranquil corner.
🏡 Stop 8: Woodstock
Next is Woodstock. It’s a quintessential New England town with an open green with a gazebo, historic homes and old buildings.
The highlight is Roseland Cottage, a striking pink Gothic Revival house built in 1846 as a summer retreat. It’s a nice place to visit but it closes pretty early, so even if you get there a bit late, it’s still nice to admire from outside.
🗺️ Map of this Route 169 Road Trip
💡 A few practical tips
- A car is essential.
- Route 169 is at its most beautiful in the fall foliage season.
- Download an offline map, as phone signal in the Quiet Corner can be patchy.
- Many orchards and historic houses are seasonal, so check opening times before you go.
- Take your time, this is a drive to savor slowly, not to rush.
❓ Is Route 169 worth driving?
Absolutely. If you want to see a side of Connecticut that most visitors miss, all rolling farmland, historic villages and orchards, the Quiet Corner is a delight.
It’s peaceful, scenic and refreshingly untouristy, and one of the loveliest drives in New England.
