The food is better, the air smells different, and the drive itself feels like a reward. The Vanilla Bean Cafe at 450 Deerfield Rd in Pomfret Center is the kind of stop that earns repeat visits. Each town has its own personality, making the drive feel varied and interesting from start to finish. Essex itself is a beautifully preserved river town with a walkable main street. The road moves through town after town, each with its own beach access, green, and food scene.