Travel Suggestions 

The Ellington church is looking forward to hosting the General Conference this year! We’ve compiled a selection of places to explore in and around Ellington, as well as beyond. We hope you take the opportunity to enjoy the rich history and expansive landscapes of the East Coast. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list - only a place to get you started!

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Nearby ACCA Churches & Contact Information

The small churches in the east would love to have you visit during your travels! Please reach out to the contacts below if you have questions about the area, or if you plan to attend on a Sunday. If you would like the contact info for any of these individuals, please fill out the form here.

In Ellington

In town for just a day or two? Ellington may be small, but we have things to do!


Around Ellington

Only in the area for a couple of days? Peruse this list of places that can be visited from Ellington in a day!

Hartford, CT

Science Center (for kids), Mark Twain House, Elizabeth Gardens, Wadsworth Atheneum of Art


Historic Towns & Attractions:

  • New Bedford, MA - a historic coastal city once known as the “Whaling Capital of the World.” Its rich maritime heritage is preserved at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits on whaling, maritime trade, and local history. The city also offers waterfront dining, art galleries, historic districts, and vibrant festivals, blending cultural attractions with its working-port charm.  Approx. 2 hours from Ellington
  • Lowell, MA - a historic mill city that played a central role in America’s Industrial Revolution. The Lowell National Historical Park preserves its textile mill heritage with restored factories, canals, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can take canal boat tours, explore museums, enjoy arts and music festivals, and stroll through revitalized downtown streets that blend history, culture, and modern urban life. Approx. 1.75 hours from Ellington
  • Normal Rockwell Museum -  celebrates the life and art of Norman Rockwell, featuring his iconic paintings, illustrations, and personal archives. The museum offers immersive exhibits that showcase Rockwell’s storytelling, artistic process, and influence on American culture. The museum is located in the charming town ofStockbridge, MA, a picturesque New England village with historic homes, quaint shops, galleries, and scenic streets. Visitors can enjoy local dining, stroll through town parks, and experience the quintessential small-town atmosphere that inspired much of Rockwell’s work. Approx. 1.5 hours from Ellington

Old Sturbridge Village, Strubridge, MA - a living history museum that transports visitors to early 19th-century New England. With restored homes, farms, and workshops, it showcases the daily life, crafts, and traditions of the 1790s–1830s. Guests can watch artisans at work, explore period gardens, ride in horse-drawn wagons, and participate in seasonal events, making it both an educational and immersive experience that brings history vividly to life.

Essex Steam Train/Gillette Castle, Essex, CT  - The Essex Steam Train offers a nostalgic ride through Connecticut’s scenic Connecticut River Valley aboard a restored vintage steam train, often paired with a riverboat cruise for a unique, historic experience. Nearby, the Gillette Castle State Park features a whimsical medieval-style mansion built by actor William Gillette for famously playing Sherlock Holmes, complete with secret passageways, unique architecture, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Both attractions combine history, architecture, and scenic beauty, making them popular stops for a memorable day trip. Nearby check out Devil’s Hopyard with picturesque waterfalls and hiking trails.

USS Nautilus & Museum, Groton, CT - the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, is preserved alongside the Submarine Force Museum. Visitors can step aboard the historic vessel to explore its control rooms and living quarters, while the museum offers interactive exhibits on submarine history, technology, and life at sea—making it a fascinating stop for anyone interested in naval innovation and Cold War history.

  • Yale University Visit & Tour - New Haven, CT -  A prestigious Ivy League institution known for its historic campus, Gothic architecture, and world-class academics. Located in New Haven, the university features iconic landmarks like Sterling Memorial Library and vibrant courtyards that reflect its rich history. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours to explore the campus, learn about its traditions, and see highlights such as museums, residential colleges, and public art. Tours offer a glimpse into student life while showcasing Yale’s blend of history, culture, and innovation. While there, check out New Haven’s famous pizza scene. Approx. 1 hour from Ellington.
  • Block Island, RI - a serene getaway just off the southern coast of Rhode Island, known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint New England charm. On a day trip, visitors can explore the scenic Mohegan Bluffs, climb the historic North Lighthouse, stroll through the cozy downtown with shops and cafés, or rent bikes and scooters to tour the island’s trails and coastline. Whale watching, kayaking, and relaxing on beaches like Ballard’s Beach round out a perfect day of nature, history, and coastal charm. Hi-Speed Ferry launches from New London - approx. 1.25 hours from Ellington and brings you over. You can also bring a car over but may need advanced reservations and that ferry launches from Point Judith - approx. 2 hours from Ellington.
  • Mystic, CT - Mystic is a scenic coastal village known for its maritime history and charming New England atmosphere. The town’s historic seaport, Mystic Seaport Museum, features a recreated 19th-century whaling village, tall ships, and interactive exhibits. Nearby, the Mystic Aquarium showcases marine life including beluga whales, penguins, and sea turtles. Visitors can stroll along the quaint downtown streets, enjoy waterfront dining, browse boutique shops, or walk across the iconic Mystic River Bascule Bridge. With its blend of history, family-friendly attractions, and coastal charm, Mystic offers a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Right down the road is Old Mistick Village where you can find additional dining and shopping. Approx. 1.25 hours from Ellington.
  • Add on beach towns to visit: Stonington Borough, CT and Watch Hill, RI / Napatree Point

Newport, RI

This could be a day trip or extended to a couple of days. Newport is a coastal gem where the charm of an old seaport village meets the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Quaint streets lined with seaport historic clapboard houses sit alongside opulent mansions, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of America’s wealthiest families. Visitors can stroll the scenic Cliff Walk, drive the scenic Ocean Drive & the storied Bellevue Ave. lined with its historical mansions & homes, sail on the harbor, explore boutique shops and art galleries, or relax on beaches that dot the shoreline. Festivals, seafood dining, and waterfront parks add layers of local flavor, making Newport a place where history, culture, and coastal recreation come together.


CT & RI Beaches:


Additional Nature Attractions:

  • Mt. Monadnock, Jaffery, NH  - Second most hiked mount in the world after Mt. Fiji - Approx. 2.25 hours from Ellington
  • Heublein Tower, Avon, CT - Picturesque view of the Connecticut River Valley - Approx. 45 min. From Ellington
  • Kent Falls, Kent, CT - Approx. 1.75 hours from Ellington
  • Enders Falls, Granby, CT - Approx. 40 min. From Ellington


Beyond Ellington

Making a trip out of it? We compiled a great list of places to visit for extended stays!

Acadia National Park (ME)

Acadia National Park is a stunning coastal national park in Maine, mostly located on Mount Desert Island. It’s famous for its mix of rocky Atlantic coastline, forests, lakes, and mountains—all packed into a relatively small, easy-to-explore area.

It’s also one of the first places in the U.S. to see sunrise, especially from its highest point, Cadillac Mountain.

Approximately 7 hours from Ellington

Hiking, biking, kayaking, Beehive Loop Trail, Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Jordan Pond House, Thunder Hole


Cape Cod (MA) 

Cape Cod, a hook-shaped peninsula of the U.S. state of Massachusetts, is a popular summertime destination. It's the site of quaint villages, seafood shacks, lighthouses, ponds and bay and ocean beaches. In the large town of Hyannis, the John F. Kennedy Museum is the first stop on the Kennedy Legacy Trail through downtown, where ferries depart to the resort islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.


Approximately 2.5 - 3.5 hours from Ellington (depending how far up you go)

Lower Cape Cod (which is referred to the top of the hook - the farthest point) —especially towns like Wellfleet and Truro—feels quieter, wilder, and more remote than the rest of the Cape. It’s defined by the natural beauty of the Cape Cod National Seashore: dunes, forests, marshes, and long, uncrowded beaches. The towns are small, low-key, and a bit artsy, with a strong connection to nature and local traditions like oystering. Compared to busier, more polished spots like Hyannis, it’s slower, less developed, and feels more like a peaceful retreat than a typical beach destination. It has a very distinct feel compared to the rest of the Cape. It’s quieter, more rugged, and deeply tied to nature.


Cape Ann (MA) 

Cape Ann is a scenic coastal region in northeastern Massachusetts, about 30–40 minutes north of Boston. It’s known for its rugged shoreline, historic fishing towns, beaches, and classic New England charm.

Approximately 2.25 hours from Ellington. Could spend time in the city of Boston on the way and would also pass through Salem.


White Mountains Area (NH)

One of the most popular outdoor destinations in the Northeast—known for rugged peaks, scenic drives, year-round recreation and quaint towns

Approximately 2.25 - 3.75 hours from Ellington (depending on where you stay)

  • White Mountain National Forest
  • Kangamangus Scenic Byway - The Kangamangus Byway follows the Swift River - The water is clear and fast-moving, flowing over smooth rocks and forming natural pools, small waterfalls, and gentle chutes. It’s usually cold (even in summer), the kind that shocks you at first but then feels incredibly refreshing on a hot day. You’re surrounded by forested mountains, so it’s quiet except for rushing water and wind in the trees. Unlike ocean swimming, it feels more tucked away and intimate—like you’ve stumbled onto a hidden spot. There’s also lots of hiking trail.


New Hampshire: Lake Region

Located in the central part of the state, is a premier four-season destination centered around more than 250 bodies of water, including the72-square-mile Lake Winnipesaukee. Key towns like Laconia, Wolfeboro, and Meredith offer boating, beaches, fishing, hiking, and skiing, along with attractions like Weirs Beach and the Squam Lakes Natural Science.

It’s a great place to get a house rental and rent a boat for the week.

Approximately 3.5 hours from Ellington (depending on where you stay)


Adirondacks

  • Lake George, NY 
  • Lake George is a town in New York’s vast, protected Adirondack region of mountains and old-growth forest. The town sits on the lake of the same name. On the shore, the Fort William Henry Museum & Restoration is a restored British fort, built in 1755. Nearby, Million Dollar Beach has picnic areas and a boat launch. The Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway offers views of the lake and the Adirondack High Peaks,
  • Approximately 1 hour from Castleton church, 3 hours from Croghan church, and 2.5 hours from Ellington
  • Lake Placid 
  • A small, scenic mountain town —best known for outdoor adventure and Olympic history.


  • Approximately 2 hours from Castleton church, 2.25 hours from Croghan church,  3.5 hours from Ellington
  • Kids: Wild Center
  • High Falls Gorge
  • Ausable Chasm (NY)- Immerse yourself in a journey through time at one of the United States' oldest natural attractions (Established in 1870). Hike, float, or climb amidst the primeval Adirondack forest, encountering captivating landmarks such as Rainbow Falls, Elephant's Head, Column Rock, Hyde's Cave, and the serene Mystic Gorge. Delve hundreds of feet below to traverse natural stone walkways, marveling at the eons of geologic history etched in stone. Approximately 1 hour from Lake Placid

Lake Champlain/Burlington VT

Lake Champlain in Burlington, VT, is a premier year-round destination offering stunning Adirondack mountain views, 587 miles of shoreline, and extensive water recreation. Key attractions include the vibrant Church Street Marketplace, the ECHO (science & nature museum), Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, and the scenic Burlington Bike Path. It is a hub for boating, swimming, and ice-related winter activities.

Approximately 1.5 hours from Castleton church, and  3.5 hours from Ellington



Quechee Gorge VT

The Quechee Gorge, formed 13,000 years ago by glacial activity, is Vermont's deepest gorge, stretching 165 feet down to the Ottauquechee River. With spectacular views from the Route 4 bridge and scenic hiking trails, it's a must-see destination for visitors. 

Approximately 1.5 hours from Castleton church and 2.5 hours from Ellington


Stowe VT

Stowe, Vermont, in the summer is a premier outdoor destination offering hiking on Mount Mansfield, over 50 miles of mountain biking trails, and scenic, paved recreation paths. Visitors enjoy charming village shopping, local breweries, waterfalls, swimming holes, and the Gondola SkyRide for panoramic views. It is a cool, scenic escape known as the "Ski Capital of the East," thriving with activity from June through August.

Approximately 2 hours from Castleton church and 3 ½ hours from Elington


Woodstock, VT

Historic buildings surrounding the central square, known as the Green, include the 1880s pink sandstone Norman Williams Public Library. Just north, Billings Farm & Museum is a functioning dairy farm, with an 1890 farmhouse and exhibits re-creating 19th-century farm life. Trails lace Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which contains an 1800s Queen Anne–style mansion. 

Approximately 1 hour from Castleton church &  2.5 hours from Ellington


Amish Country (Lancaster PA area)

Amish Country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is the nation’s oldest Amish settlement, offering a blend of authentic 18th-century culture, scenic farmland, and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch charm. Top attractions include guided buggy rides, farmland tours, and historical sites like The Amish Village, alongside towns like Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand. 



Approximately 1 hour from Malvern church and 5 hours from Ellington

Things to Do within or near Amish Country:


Philadelphia, PA 

Philadelphia is where America began. It’s where the Founding Fathers made history. It’s America’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. It’s about diversity and innovation, pretzels and cheesesteaks, Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin.

Historic Downtown Philadelphia, USS New Jersey (BB-62) - Battleship Museum (across the river in NJ), and the Philadelphia Zoo

Approximately 40 minutes from Malvern church and 3hrs 45 mins from Ellington


Hudson River Valley (NY)

Starting outside of NYC and stretching up to Albany, NY where scenic beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich history come together along the winding path of the Hudson River. Rolling hills, orchards, and charming small towns create a landscape that shifts with the seasons. The valley is known for its grand historic estates, including the Vanderbilt Mansion, which showcase Gilded Age elegance set against sweeping river views. Visitors can tour these homes, stroll formal gardens, and step into the lives of some of America’s most influential families.  In additional, other historic homes and places include the FDR Mansion & Presidential Library, Olana State Historic Site (mansion), Staatsburg State Park (Ogden Mills Mansion), Bannerman Castle, and the town of Sleepy Hollow - home to Kykuit (the Rockefeller estate, Lyndhurst Mansion,  Washington Irving's Sunnyside, and Philipsburg Manor. Outdoor activities are just as compelling—hiking in Bear Mountain State Park, kayaking on the river, biking along scenic rail trails, or apple picking at local farms. Towns like Beacon and Hudson offer vibrant arts scenes, galleries, and farm-to-table dining that reflect the region’s creative spirit.

Approximately 2-2.5 hours from Ellington, 2-3.5 hours from Castleton church, and 3-4.5 hours from Croghan church


Alexandria Bay/Thousand Islands (NY)

Alexandria Bay is a lively destination in the Thousand Islands region, offering scenic boat tours to Boldt Castle and Singer Castle along with outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and scuba diving on the St. Lawrence River. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of accommodations, golf courses, unique shopping, dining, and year-round events.

Approx. 1 hour from Croghan church and 5.5 hours from Ellington


Howe Caverns (NY)

Howe Caverns is a limestone solutional cave, operated as a show cave, in the hamlet of Howes Cave, Schoharie County, New York.

Approximately 2 ½ hours from Croghan


Erie Canal Village (NY)

Walk the original Erie Canal Towpath, visit museums, look inside life on the canal, ride a train, explore the history of the forts that shaped our nation

Approximately 1 ¼ hours from Croghan and 3 ½ hours from Ellington



Finger Lakes (NY)

The Finger Lakes are a group of 11 long, narrow, glacial lakes in Upstate New York, spanning a 9,000-square-mile region known for wineries, waterfalls, and scenic gorges. A premier destination for outdoor recreation, the area features highlights like Watkins Glen State Park, Letchworth State Park, and Seneca Lake.

Approximately 2.75 hours from Croghan church and 4.75 hours from Ellington 

Traveling to/from the West

Don’t have time to travel in the East, but want to stop somewhere fun (kind of) along the way? Here are a few options!


Niagara Falls (NY)

Open 365 days a year, Niagara Falls State Park lives up to its reputation as a natural wonder of the world. America’s oldest state park provides an adventure-packed and family-friendly experience with incredible views. Thrilling attractions and interactive exhibits, riverfront hiking trails, and delectable dining options. Discover an unforgettable Niagara Falls escape with no passport required.

Approximately 4 ¼ hours from Croghan and 6 ½ hours from Ellington


Hocking Hills State Park (OH)

Hocking Hills is a rugged, storybook landscape in southeastern Ohio, known for its towering sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and cool, shaded forests. Winding trails lead to some of the park’s most iconic formations, including Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls—each carved over time by water and weather into dramatic natural sculptures. The park invites exploration year-round, whether hiking along cliffside paths, climbing over mossy rocks, or photographing waterfalls that swell after rain. In autumn, the forest canopy glows with color, while winter transforms the caves and cliffs into a quiet world of ice and stillness. Blending adventure with natural beauty, Hocking Hills offers a sense of escape—where every turn in the trail reveals something striking, serene, and a little unexpected.


Ark Encounter & Creation Museum (KY)

Ark Encounter: Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Inside are three decks of world-class exhibits, illustrating what life aboard the ark may have been like, discussing flood geology and the subsequent ice age, and so much more!

Creation Museum: It’s an experience for the whole family. With a walk through biblical history, planetarium, special effects theater, botanical gardens, conservatory, zoo, zip line adventure course, and more, there’s discovery around every corner.

Combo tickets can be purchased on both websites.

Cities

Prefer the city? Here are two cities close to Ellington that you can visit in a day or stay overnight to explore longer! Learn more about the city of Philadelphia in the Beyond Ellington section.


Boston 

One of the oldest cities in the US known for its role in the American Revolution and landmarks like the Freedom Trail that connect many historic sites as well as its coastal landscape, seafood, and walkable neighborhoods It is an easy city to walk around or take the T (subway).

1.5 hrs from Ellington.


Things to do - The Freedom Trail, Boston Public Garden, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Duck Tour, Food Tour, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Visit Harvard University, Boston Children's Museum, Museum of Science (with Omni Theater & Lightning Show), New England Aquarium, Whale Watch, JFK Presidential Library

New York City 

New York City (NYC) is the most populous city in the U.S., famous as a global hub for finance, culture, media, and fashion. Located at the mouth of the Hudson River, it consists of five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—and is renowned for iconic landmarks, intense energy, and unparalleled diversity.

Things to do - 911 Memorial & Museum, Central Park, Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, NY Public Library, Food Tour, Chelsea Market, Walk the Highline, St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Empire State Building, Visit Times Square 


Getting there:

  • By Car - 2.5-3 hrs (with minimal traffic) from Ellington
  • By Train - 1 hr drive from Ellington to Union Station (New Haven), then 2hr train ride to Grand Central Station


The small churches in the east would love to have you visit during your travels! Please reach out to the contacts below if you have questions about the area, or if you plan to attend on a Sunday. If you would like the contact info for any of these individuals, please fill out the form here.