There’s something about packing up the car, grabbing some road trip snacks, and hitting the highway that never gets old. And guess what? Road trips aren’t just for summer! Whether it’s fall foliage, a cozy winter drive, or a fresh spring getaway, the open road is always calling.

Recently, we took a classic East Coast road trip from Northern Virginia to Connecticut, making our way to Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casino—but this trip was about way more than just the destination.

This was about the drive, the pit stops, the random roadside diners, and the joy of the journey itself. So, let’s talk about what makes this drive awesome, some great places to stop along the way, and why road-tripping in any season is the way to go!

The Route: 7+ Hours of East Coast Goodness

Taking off from Northern Virginia, the trip up to Mohegan Sun is about 400 miles and roughly 7–8 hours, depending on traffic (and how many snack stops you make).

🛣 Route Overview:

• I-95 North – The backbone of the East Coast highway system.
• Through D.C., Baltimore, and Philly – A mix of city skylines and suburban sprawl.
• Bypass NYC – Because driving through Manhattan is not the vibe.
• Connecticut’s winding roads – The scenery just keeps getting better.

🚗 Quick Stops for Fun & Food:

• ✅ Baltimore, MD – Craving a real meal? Stop at Lexington Market for a crab cake.
• ✅ Wilmington, DE – A small city with a surprisingly cool riverwalk if you need a break.
• ✅ Philadelphia, PA – If you’ve never had a Philly cheesesteak, here’s your excuse.
• ✅ New Jersey Rest Stops – Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they’re iconic. Grab a coffee and keep rolling.
• ✅ Mystic, CT – A quick detour takes you to Mystic Pizza (yes, the one from the movie) and some of the best coastal views in the state.

🎰 Finally—Destination: Mohegan Sun!

After hours of road-tripping, rolling into Mohegan Sun feels like a victory. This place is massive, with its glowing entrance and all the energy buzzing inside.

🔥 What’s Cool About Mohegan Sun (Even If You Don’t Gamble):

• 🎶 Concerts & Shows – Big-name artists, comedy acts, and sports events year-round.
• 🍽 Tons of Food Options – Grab a steak at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse or go casual with Todd English’s Tuscany.
• 🛍 Shopping – Yeah, it’s got an actual mall inside.
• 🛁 Spa & Relaxation – Treat yourself. You deserve it after that drive.
• 🎲 If You Wanna Gamble – Slots, blackjack, poker… it’s all here. Just set a budget!

Foxwoods: The Other Giant in the Woods

Since Foxwoods Casino is only 15 minutes away, it’s worth checking out too. It’s actually bigger than Mohegan Sun and has even more stuff beyond gambling:

• 🚗 HighFlyer Zipline – Ever wanted to zipline over a forest? Now’s your chance.
• 🎳 Bowling & Arcades – Great if you’ve got kids with you.
• 🛍 Tanger Outlets – If you’re in the mood to shop.
• 🏎 Indoor Karting – Perfect for channeling your inner Fast & Furious.

🌲 Why This Road Trip is Worth It (Any Time of Year!)

• 🚗 The drive is an adventure – There’s a lot to see between Virginia and Connecticut.
• 🍂 Seasonal beauty – Every season has its own charm.
• 🎰 More than just gambling – Food, entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly fun.

📍 Final Thoughts: Pack Up & Go!

So, whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, just pack up, hit the road, and let the adventure happen!