Wanda L. De Coteau

Based upon the experiences of some of my more recent brides Underestimating travel time.

I am based in Groton, Ct . Groton has a fairly decent size population for South Eastern Ct. , n a number of ways we are still a bit like a smaller town. In other ways there are growing pains.

We Are a coastal community and home to the New London Submarine Base & Electric Boat a Submarine Builder. Our Major roadways are US rt1 1, Ct Rt 12, & Ct rt 184. Interstate 95 has several Groton Exits.

Part of “Mystic” is in Groton ( the other part of “Mystic” is in Stonington- the Mystic River is the boundary.

We Are a relatively short drive to the Rhode Islands Border- much depending on road construction and traffic issues . Traffic Issues, there Is Indeed the rub, it seems that the skill/ attention span? patience of drivers and over all road courtesy has been falling by the wayside since the pandemic. Traffic has been worse as have been delays. _ If you are heading this way from a distance Plan Extra Time for delays & drive safely, with patience.

So how far is it- I did 3 City Clerk’s offices to the Town Of Groton Town Clerk ( vital records= Marriage licenses) Office.

Here are the findings according to Google Maps: The Bronx, NY City clerk’s Office to Groton Town Clerk; approx 2 1/2 hour drive & 125 miles 1 way ( with smoothly moving traffic) 4 1/2 hours by bus or Mass Transit ( leaves you in New London then it is a Seat Bus , Uber or Taxi).

From Boston City Hall; between 105 & 120 miles ( depending on the specific route) time for either is about 2 hours and 15 min ( again smooth traffic) Bus- 2 hours and 35 min ( That’s what it said)

Now , just for Fun- Bay Shore Long Island- to take a ferry or not? 90.5 Miles & 2 hours and 49 min taking the ferry from Montauk end ; Or Driving doing Interstate 95, 3 hours and 15 min 159 miles ( traffic ), Bus 6 hours and 18 min. ( Stops and changes I am guessing).

We have some delightful Mom & Pop eating establishments, 2 casinos, and Award winning high end eateries in the region. From Hamburger Hill to Down town Mystic & the Casinos we run the spectrum. Side note- Pizza- I find I much prefer some of the Local Mom & Pop places to some of the Big Name establishments ( I got spoiled on by a Greek Deep Dish served up by a man named Spiro, long since retired- none of the deep crust and counted bits- nope thin to medium soft crust with Stuff) but that is a story for another day.

Be sure to drive safely, plan ahead – don’t believe Google Drive times – give your self a cushion- If you arriver Early you can Breathe and unwind and , in season, grab an ice cream over at DQ across from the Town Hall. next to the Local Hardware store