Having crossed from New York State into Connecticut, you've officially arrived in New England, where everything feels a bit smaller, quainter, and older. (And indeed it often is; the town of Greenwich, Connecticut, was founded in 1640.) The Plaza Restaurant isn't historic by those standards, but its unfussy interior, booths and counter stools, pendant lights, and open flattop and kitchen prep area, is certainly a time capsule from the last century in a nostalgic way.
American diners are known for having massive breakfast menus including egg omelets, scrambles, and Benedicts, served with fruit and home fries, plus stacks of pancakes, waffles, and French toast, breakfast sandwiches, toasted bagels with a heavy-handed schemer of cream cheese — the list goes on. Saddle up at the counter stools and watch the action happen right in front of you — just keep in mind it's going to be a big day of delicious eats.

Clams on pizza? Probably not the first topping that comes to mind, but in Connecticut's pizza capital of New Haven, it's a classic New England combination at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. One of the reasons Frank Pepe's white clam pizza works so well is that the "apizza" is a white pie, meaning it doesn't have a tomato sauce base. The fresh clams play beautifully when essentially roasted in the pizza oven, along with fresh garlic, oregano, olive oil, and plenty of grated Pecorino Romano.
The good news about arriving on the early side of the lunch rush is that hopefully you won't have to queue too long for a table at the nearly 100-year-old establishment. In any case, make the most of your visit by ordering at least one other more traditional pizza, to compare and contrast the styles and flavors — just don't be surprised if the white clam pizza is the crowd favorite.

You could easily spend half a day exploring the various exhibitions of the Mystic Seaport Museum, which are located indoors, along the shoreline, and in the river itself on the grounds of the largest such maritime museum in the US.
Take a lap around the waterfront loop, stopping into any exhibition sheds that catch your interest. If the weather's a bit inclement, head directly for the Thompson Exhibition Building, which has some fascinating exhibits into the maritime history of ship building in New England, as well as changing art exhibits.

Grinders, fried clams, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, fish and chips, even a lobster roll — there are so many New England specialties on the menu at Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House that for first timers visiting this classic Rhode Island establishment, ordering can be a bit overwhelming, understandably. (It could easily take a whole month to eat through the extensive menu here.)
Focus instead on Iggy's namesakes — Rhode Island-style clam chowder and doughboys, which are similar to a zeppole or beignet. In fact, Iggy's is a great place to taste test all three types of American clam chowder, which include classic, creamy New England clam chowder (white), tomato-based Manhattan-style clam chaser, and Rhode Island-style clam chowder, which has a clear broth. Order a cup of each, plus a few clam cakes for dunking, and finish with an order of freshly fried and sugared doughboys for the road.

Rhode Island, the smallest of all 50 US states, has a few notable, sippable claims to fame, including Narragansett Beer, coffee milk, and Del's Lemonade.
While many Del's locations are only open seasonally, this East Providence brick-and-mortar location is open year round because when hearty New Englanders are craving the frosty, slushy treat — which comes in flavors including watermelon, cherry, orange, and blueberry, in addition to the classic, tart-sweet lemon — they want it, whatever the weather. One pro tip: Just don't ask for a straw (or a spoon).

Wood's Seafood might look a little underwhelming from the outside, but New Englanders aren't terribly concerned with all the bells and whistles, so long as what matters most — that the seafood is fresh off the boat — delivers. And in that category, Wood's Seafood surely does and has for more than half a century. (Frankly, any time a restaurant in New England is located harborside and also operates a fish market on site, you know you're in good company.)
Hopefully, after a day of delicious eats you still have some reserves because Wood's Seafood is the place to indulge. Start with a cup of their chowder or lobster bisque, a house speciality. Move onto something from the chilled section — perhaps shrimp cocktail or littlenecks on the half shell. In lieu of fried options, try a fresh caught local lobster plate — served with drawn butter, lemon wedges, coleslaw, and french fries or rice pilaf — or a broiled fresh fish plate. Order a couple of lobster rolls for the table (enough so that everyone can have at least 1/2 of a roll) — because when in coastal New England, it's only fitting to eat lobster in every which way, all day.

Congratulations on completing your gastronomic tour! As you wind down from your food-filled adventure, take a short walk to Pilgrim Memorial State Park, just a 10-minute walk from Wood's Seafood restaurant. The park offers stunning views of Plymouth Harbor and the iconic Mayflower II, a replica of the historic ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620. You'll love taking in the fresh sea air and the peaceful ambiance of this coastal town.
Once you arrive, you can take a leisurely stroll along the pier and snap some photos of the picturesque scenery. Alternatively, you can take a seat on one of the benches, and enjoy the views while listening to the soothing sound of the waves. Simply savor the moment!