Location: From the Connecticut/New York state line near Greenwich along the Long Island Sound
Length: 37 miles (60 km)
Time To Allow: 1 hour

Description/Highlights/Points of Interest

Travel this graceful highway set in natural surroundings. Transportation buffs will especially enjoy this corridor's significant design, which brilliantly integrates the craft of the engineer and the artist. The bridges along the Merritt Parkway are excellent examples of Art Deco or Art Moderne, styles of the 1920s and 1930s. Magnificent foliage abounds in both spring and fall.

Suggested Itinerary

Along Connecticut's Merritt Parkway are several interesting sights which are easily reached from the Parkway.

The Stamford Museum and Nature Center, with its impressive displays of classic Americana, is located approximately 9 miles (14.4 km) from the eastern terminus of the parkway at the New York state line. Traveling northeast on the Merritt, exit at Junction 35 and take Route 137 north, the center is less than a mile away. Bartlett Arboretum is just north of the center and is worth visiting, as well.

Returning to the Merritt, continue traveling northeast about 4 miles (6.4 km) to Junction 37, exit and travel north on Route 124. The Silvermine Guild of Artists is about 2 miles (3.2 km) off the parkway at the Junction of Route 124 and 106. An ever-changing, interesting and varied collection of artwork from local and international artists can be seen here. Rest areas can also be found near Junction 37.

Further up the Merritt, 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Junction 41 is the Nature Center for Environmental Activities. Located near the town of Westport on the Saugatuck River, the center is a popular educational stop.

Travel Season/Dates

Avoid driving the parkway during morning and evening rush hours.

The following organization offers trips in Connecticut:

Islands of Southern New England
Tauck World Discovery
Cruising is an ideal way to explore the waters surrounding New England's beautiful islands and coastal towns; discover centuries-old villages, magnificent beaches and wind-swept landscapes. This unique vacation gives you an opportunity, most days, to pursue your favorite leisure activity.

Grand Autumn New England
Tauck World Discovery
Enjoy four two-night stays in the classic destinations of autumn New England! Our longest fall foliage excursion gives you more time to explore spectacular landscapes vibrant in color, steeped in historical attractions, and brimming with charming "Americana." Travel from New York City through the states of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut for the quintessential journey through autumn New England.