Don't take 6. It's a death trap.

I would take 44 west and go down 169 from Putnam - very pretty NW corner CT. Get across the river prior to Gales Ferry and travel along the river down to CT college. Then it's really a choice through town in New London to get down to the pier - not the prettiest area but head for the seagulls.

Here's a mapped version of this: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...ille/146227320

It's hilly out NW corner of CT but there's plenty of little towns and greens and delis and convenience stores.

If you stay in RI, I suggest 102 South down Rt. 3 all the way to Westerly. It's smooth, has some villages and towns along the way, and a good shoulder. Not as scenic as some of the NW CT roads but a straight shot. The only problem is in Stonington you are on the wrong side of the river - there might be a shuttle that goes over or a local bridge but I've never gone anything but 95 over the river.