Mystic Country, Connecticut

The Last Green Valley

Northeastern Connecticut & Southcentral Massachusetts

Imagine a place that’s every shade of green by day, and positively brilliant – with a minimum of artificial lighting -- by night. A National Heritage Corridor so true to its roots, that airline pilots use its patch of pure nighttime darkness as a reference point. Welcome to the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor --  the Last Green Valley amid the East Coast’s urban sprawl. 35 towns. 695,000 acres. 30,000 people – who all share a love for a region that has retained its lush pastures and woodlands, clean waterways, small cities and even smaller towns and villages. Here’s just a bit of what there is to do.

Paddling

The Quinebaug River Water Trail System includes several water trail segments that provide more than 30 miles of paddling, with signs, maps, and partnerships to expand public shoreline access.

Biking

The Last Green Valley features a number of enchanting self-guided bike tours.

Hiking

The Last Green Valley is a treasure tucked a world away from the stress of the 21st century. It is the last large tract of predominately undeveloped land in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C.

Museums, Historic Sites, and Nature Centers

Over 30 small museums add charm to our landscape. Some of the more notable include:

• Blue Slope Country Museum
• Brooklyn Museum
• Clara Barton Birthplace Museum

Farms, Orchards, and Nurseries

Numerous farms dot the landscape, offering everything from fruit picking to bison viewing. These include:

• Burgis Brook Alpacas
• Creamery Brook Bison

Wineries, Breweries and Restaurants

The countryside is dotted with great restaurants – fancy and plain – and several excellent wineries. Notables include:

• Golden Lamb Buttery
• Inn at Woodstock Hill
• Taylor Brooke Winery
• Willimantic Brewing Company

Shopping

The Last Green Valley is a paradise for those who live browsing country stores for arts, antiques and uniques. Some worth looking into:

• Coventry Country Store
• Majilly
• Sawmill Pottery