Flying with our daughter to move her to Hartford next week. My wife and I will have about a week to ourselves to drive around on our own. We want to see what all Connecticut and maybe Rhode Island has to see this trip. We will be back several times to see the other nearby states.
Any suggestions?

For sure tour the Newport Mansions

https://www.newportmansions.org/

7 North off 84 is pretty (up through Kent)
Eat Pepe's and Sally's pizza in New Haven and decide your favorite
Beach area in Groton/Lyme

My brother in law was stationed in CT and was always leaving to visit other places lol. I lived in RI for a summer in college, I'd say it has a lot more to offer.

Newport area in general is amazing. One of my favorite summer destinations. Adorable hotels, amazing food, and shops if that's your thing. Beaches are decent, esp for NE beaches. The cliff walk and mansion tours are cool. We stayed at the Chanler and it was so beautiful.

Connecticut is accessible to see a lot of nearby places--NYC or RI. In CT, you could tour Yale, Mark Twain house/museum, or the Gillete Castle. Newport is a really great place to visit--my wife's cousin was married there. The Breakers was so impressive.

Connecticut is very scenic, especially along the coast. Haven't been to Hartford in 25+ years, but back then West Hartford was the posh part of town.

Another vote for Newport!

Love love this area and it is so charming. Clients have loved it as well!

Check out Mystic and into Watch Hill.

I lived in CT for 4 years. It's not overly exciting but it is nice… and that area on the coast I loved during the summer.

Connecticut is smaller than Houston, so doesn't really take a week to cover.

Mark Twain house is cool.

I meant to add this in last week, sorry.

In CT, I strongly recommend going to New London / Groton and touring the USS Nautilus.
I've never been but I'd think you'd probably want to stop at Mohegan Sun just out of curiosity.

In RI, (assuming you're not up for Rhode Island Dolls) I recommend eating dinner at this little local place in Woonsocket next to a cemetery. Very down home, salt of the earth people and good food. We used to go there after work when I was working in Franklin, MA (5 miles away).
Savini's Pomodoro @ 476 Rathbun St, Woonsocket, RI 02895

Thanks for all of the replies. Flying to Hartford tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing CT and RI this trip.