Norwich, CT Road Trips

The city was founded as Norwichtown in 1659 by settlers from Saybrook Colony. They purchased the land "nine miles square" that became Norwich from Mohegan Sachem Uncas. In 1668, a wharf was established at Yantic Cove. By 1694, the public landing built at the head of the Thames River allowed ships to unload goods at the harbor; the harbor area is known as the Chelsea neighborhood. By the late 18th century, shipping at the harbor became far more important than farming, especially when industrial mills began manufacturing on the three smaller rivers. By the early 19th century, the center of Norwich had effectively moved to the Chelsea neighborhood. Norwich merchants were shipping goods directly from England, but the Stamp Act of 1764 forced Norwich to become more self-sufficient. Large mills and factories sprang up at the falls on the rivers which traverse the town. The ship captains of Norwich and New London were skillful at avoiding Imperial taxation during peacetime and were later just as successful eluding warships during the American Revolution. Norwich supported the cause for independence by supplying soldiers, ships, and munitions, and it was also a center of activity for the Sons of Liberty. Regular steamship service between New York and Boston helped Norwich to prosper as a shipping center through the early part of the 19th century. During the Civil War, Norwich's textile, armaments, and specialty item manufacturing expanded. This was also spurred by the building of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad in 1832–1837, bringing goods and people in and out of Norwich.

1 Slater Memorial Museum (on the Norwich Free Academy campus), toll-free: +1 860 887-2506. Tu - F 9AM - 4PM; Sa - Su 1PM - 4PM. The museum has been open for over 100 years providing to the general public a chance to see a mix of American, Asian, and African cultures, and original casts from some of the most extraordinary sculptures like Michaelangelo's La Pietà and David, and a towering pedestal with Nike the Greek goddess of victory placed on top. Free. (updated Mar 2016) Leffingwell House Museum was built in the 1600s and was home to Christopher Leffingwell who was a provisioner to George Washington during the American Revolution. The house is a collection of antique home furnishings and brings you into life during this time period. Located at intersection of Route 2 and 348 Washington Street. Open seasonally and by appointment. Call +1 860 889-9440 for information. Norwich Rose Garden is located on Rockwell Street in Mohegan Park. Norwich is called the Rose city and keeps this name alive with a collection of 2,500 rose bushes in over 120 different varieties. The best time to visit this Rose Garden is during the month of June when the roses are first beginning to bloom and continue to grow throughout the summer.

The Rosegarden Ice Arena at 641 New London Turnpike offers public skating for any level skater. For a fun time come watch the Norwich Sea Captains play hockey. The arena can also be rented out for private parties. For a listing of prices and times call ☏ +1 860-892-2555. The Norwich Golf Course at 685 New London Turnpike is one of New England's premiere golf courses, ☏ +1 860 889-6973. Norwich Bowling and Entertainment Center has just been redesigned to give a retro atmosphere including a bar, several lanes, an arcade, and pool tables. 188 West Town St ☏ +1 860-889-PINS (7467).

La Stella Pizza offers New York styled brick oven pizza and other delicious Italian dishes, 1 Market Street, ☏ +1 860 887-5574. Visit Manny's Restaurant for pizza, grinders, seafood, pasta, and other entrees with an inexpensive price and large portions, 724 Boswell Avenue, ☏ +1 860 886-4212. Vocatura's is a local favorite featuring an authentic Italian deli on the west and east side of Norwich, 695 Boswell Ave, ☏ +1 860 887-2220. Infinity Palace Chinese food, 77 Salem Tpke Ste 115, ☏ +1 860 886-8388. Prime 82, 181 West Town Street, ☏ +1 860 949-8893, all American type food with steaks being their signature meal Mahzu's features the cities best sushi and Japanese cuisine, 624 West Main Street, ☏ +1 860 889-8288. Irene's Family Restaurant, 58 Town St, ☏ +1 860-887-0075. M - Sa 9AM - 10PM; Su 10AM - 10PM. Pizza, grinders, sandwiches, seafood, soup, salad, pasta, and a kid's menu. (updated Jan 2026)

Billy Wilson's Aging Still 57 Broadway, ☏ +1 860 887-8733. Harp and Dragon is an Irish pub that also serves food, 130 Main St # A, ☏ +1 860 885-0147.

Courtyard Norwich, 181 West Town Street, ☏ +1 860 886-2600, fax: +1 860 889-2001. Holiday Inn, 10 Laura Blvd, ☏ +1 860 889-5201. The Comfort Suites, 275 Otrobando Avenue, offers many hotel amenities like a spa and indoor pool

Southeast Area Transit District is a bus service, also known as SEAT, that makes daily stops from Norwich to New London, Foxwoods, Groton, Lisbon Landing, Mohegan Sun Casino and provides service to stop along this route at any time.