Fall towns to visit in Connecticut

Happy Fall!

One of my most favorite seasons, especially during the foliage! I find myself going back to many same towns during Fall. There are some towns that were just made for this season!

Here are the Fall towns you must visit in Connecticut:

Mystic, CT

As a local of Mystic, I may be biased. You can’t beat the beautiful foliage views on Mystic River! The peak is usually mid to late October. There are plenty fall activities to enjoy - read about them under my Mystic tab here!

Old Wethersfield, CT

During the month of October, they host the annual Scarecrows on Main event. I love seeing all the creativity! It is such a beautiful walkable neighborhood. The residents are always friendly. I usually park in the area of Heirloom Market (go there for lunch - the best sandwiches!) and walk on Main St to Garden St then down to the Cove and circle back to Heirloom Market. Don’t forget to visit the Webb Deane Stevens Museums and Keeney Memorial Center.

Essex, CT

A picturesque town where the residents takes pride in maintaining the beautiful historical homes that lines the Main Street. There are also several shops that you can pop in and peek around. I highly recommend to walk down to the waterside by Connecticut River Museum (also worth to visit!) to see the ducks and enjoy the foliage views. Eat lunch at Olive Oyl’s or Griswold Inn.

Washington, CT

Most known as the town that inspired Gilmore Girls, it is a beautiful small town with that Star Hollows charm! I enjoy every time I’ve visited Washington and never been disappointed. Read more suggestions about Washington + surrounding towns in Litchfield County here. Litchfield County is my favorite countryside in CT during the fall - many beautiful rural roads for scenic drives (a photographer’s dream!).

Stonington, CT

It’s a beautiful town to visit year-round, but there’s something special about fall in the borough. The historical homes are decorated with pumpkins, the crispy leaves falling on the ground and foliage on the water. Read a good book on the green in front of Stonington Free Library. Can’t beat any of that!

New Haven, CT

It’s always a must to walk around Yale Old Campus during fall. It is just stunning with the backdrop of the gothic architecture. The Sterling Library gives a Hogwarts vibes for you Harry Potter fans!

There are many more beautiful towns in Connecticut that didn’t get mentioned, I’m sure! Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments below!

Gilmore Girls Day in Connecticut

Over two decades ago, the TV show Gilmore Girls was introduced to the world. Following the life of a single mom, Lorelai and her teenager daughter, Rory living in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.

I never watched Gilmore Girls until they made the revival for Netflix in 2016. I had just moved to Connecticut a few years prior and the excitement for the revival intrigued me to watch. I binge watched and was instantly hooked! I watch Gilmore Girls on repeat all the time, especially every fall!

Not only do I binge watch the show during fall, but I also roadtripped to the real towns that inspired Stars Hollow! The writer of the show spent two weeks in Litchfield County when she got the inspiration for Stars Hollow. There’s not a definite ONE town, but a few that makes up Stars Hollow. I went on this Gilmore Girls trip twice, both times were mid-October. I recommend this time of year because you also get the enjoy the beautiful foliage in Northwestern Connecticut.

Washington Depot, CT.

Here’s a guide of how to have a Gilmore Girls day/weekend:

WASHINGTON DEPOT, CT

• Mayflower Inn & Spa [Independence Inn]— The town of Washington gets the most recognition behind the inspiration of Stars Hollow because the writer stayed here. The grounds are stunning! I walked around the outdoor gardens. The screened porch off their restaurant is very dreamy! Don’t forget to look for the library nook.

• Hickory Stick bookshop [Stars Hollow Books]— A small cozy bookstore that gave the vibes of bookstore that Rory frequented. They even had a small section for Gilmore Girls fans!

• Washington Supply Co. [Luke’s Diner]— If you recall, Luke’s Diner originally was a hardware store when his dad owned it prior to his passing.

• Washington Food Market [Doose’s Market]— The small town grocery store looks very similar to Doose’s Market.

• Titus Park and Garage [Gipsy’s garage] — I stumbled upon this garage when I popped in a store nearby. It reminded me of Gipsy’s garage!
  
  

Mayflower Inn & Spa.

Hickory Stick Bookshop.

Washington Food Market.

Titus Park and Garage.

Washington Supply Co.

I found Washington, CT to have the small town charm that Stars Hollow portrayed on the show. The people were very friendly. On the day I visited there happened to be a farmer’s market! Don’t forget to stop in the Five Janes store for some Gilmore Girls merch.

Washington Farmers Market. Held on Saturdays 10am-1pm from June to November.

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NEW MILFORD, CT

• Gazebo — The gazebo on the town green in New Milford is very picturesque. I loved how it was dressed up with fall decor!

• Canterbury School [Chilton] — The prep school resemblances Chilton, the school that Rory attended. The street takes you directly into the middle of the campus, you can see the gorgeous buildings from the car.

• Theo’s Downtown Diner [Luke’s Diner]— There’s a long counter with stools to sit on just like Luke’s Diner. It had the small town vibes, there were many locals enjoying their breakfast or lunch with COFFEE!

• First Congregational Church — Stars Hollow had a white church with tall steeple. While all towns I visited had at least one church, I thought this one was the most similar!

New Milford gazebo.

One of the buildings at Canterbury School.

I loved New Milford, but it is bigger than what Stars Hollow would be. I got a taste of the locals life in New Milford when I saw another farmer’s market and kids collecting donations for their football team. The layout of this downtown reminded me the most of Stars Hollow. There were plenty of restaurants, shops and businesses to visit.

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KENT, CT

Book sale at Kent Memorial Library. The sale runs every weekend from Memorial Day until October.

I loved visiting this small town. There was a small town green where a political rally was taking place the day I visited - maybe they’re working on Jackson’s run for Mayor of Kent?! It was also a surprise to find a huge book sale at the library. My inner Rory could’ve spent hours looking through the books! I got a few books, of course. I popped into the local bookstore down the street from the library called House of Books. It is a beautiful curated bookstore. Kent had a small main street, but there were a few shops and restaurants. There was a church on the corner too.

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WOODBURY, CT

One of many antiques shops in Woodbury.

Mentioned several times on Gilmore Girls, I had to stop in this town. It’s not far from Washington. Woodbury has an antiques trail where there are 10+ antiques shops. Most of them are located on Route 6, but you won’t come across anyone like Mrs. Kim!

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LITCHFIELD, CT

Loving fall in Litchfield, CT.

This town is often mentioned as part of Gilmore Girls trip around Connecticut. I didn’t really see anything that jumped out at me with Stars Hollow vibes. It is a beautiful town to visit, so I wouldn’t discourage you to skip it. Check out the Tapping Reeve House & Law School!

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NEW HAVEN, CT

Yale University.

The home of the bulldogs - go Yale! It’s highly recommended that you stop in New Haven, although you could easily take an entire day to explore it. So if you have more than a day to roadtrip around Northwestern CT and if you’re up for another hour drive down to New Haven, go check it out. The campus is stunning and beautiful, I always love to photograph the details, especially during fall!

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I throughly enjoyed doing this Gilmore Girls roadtrip around Connecticut. While in Washington and New Milford, I ran across many others who were doing the same thing! The back roads that takes you from town to town are gorgeous and a great place to see the foliage. I loved how almost every town had the small town aesthetic with a church, gazebo, town green, libraries and a main street with shops/restaurants. It’s very quintessential New England!

"It’s just my favorite time of year. The whole world changes color.” - Lorelai Gilmore

Found a Lane St. in Kent, CT!

Southeastern CT Lighthouses

Today marks National Lighthouse Day! I have been fortunate to visit many lighthouses ever since I lived in coastal New England. Coming from a rural farmland in Upstate NY, I never saw lighthouses unless I went on vacation down south with my family. Now I get to see lighthouses daily! I thought I’d share some of my favorite lighthouses [in order]:

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Morgan Point Lighthouse [Noank, CT]

My most favorite lighthouse. It is so gorgeous and located in Noank, CT. I’m lucky to see it every time I go out on my sailboat. Unfortunately, it is a private residence (lucky owners!). While you can’t see it on foot/on land (the road leading to the lighthouse turns into their driveway), you can see it from the water in Long Island Sound. I recommend a cruise on Argia out of Mystic, CT to see this gorgeous lighthouse. If you own kayaks, you can use the public launch at Esker Beach to paddle out there.

Stonington Lighthouse [Stonington, CT]

Located on the point of Stonington Borough, this historical lighthouse is open to the public to tour. You can walk up to the tower which gives you a panoramic view of the water. Check the website here for their hours as they are opened seasonally and admission tickets. I love the stone-covered lighthouse. I enjoy sitting on one of the few benches in the back overlooking the water, where you even can see Watch Hill, RI.

Ledge Light [Groton/New London, CT]

Located in the mouth of Thames River on the line of Groton and New London, you can see this lighthouse from various points. Some of them are: UConn Avery Point campus, Eastern Point Beach, Ocean Beach Park in New London, Harkness Park in Waterford, CT. If you want to get up and close, I suggest the Lighthouse Cruise with Cross Sound Ferry. More info here. *Note: Both beaches require a fee during in-season, but free to enter off-season. Harkness Park requires a fee for out-of-state visitors.

Avery Point Lighthouse [Groton, CT]

Located on UConn Avery Point campus, the public is welcomed to walk around on the waterside walking path. No admission fees, but you need to pay for parking. The lighthouse is located behind Branford House. While you can’t tour the inside, you can peek through the windows. It is the last lighthouse to be build in the state. Also from here, on a clear day you can see New London Light, Ledge Light and Race Rock Light.

Mystic Seaport Light

The lighthouse is located inside Mystic Seaport Museum so you will need an admission ticket to enter the grounds. It is a replica of the Brandt Point Light from Nantucket. You also can see it from across Mystic River in the area of Pearl Street x Seahorse Ln. A very photogenic lighthouse!

North Dumpling Light [Long Island Sound]

Located on its own island between Groton Long Point, Connecticut and Fishers Island, New York. Built in 1849, it is an octagonal tower on a house. Since it is out on the water, you can see it up close in your personal vessel (boat) or the Lighthouse Cruise I mentioned for Ledge Light. You can see it from Groton Long Point in the distance. I suggest you reading up on the tidbits of this lighthouse as there were some interesting drama behind it!

Watch Hill Light [Watch Hill, RI]

This may not be in Southeastern CT, but it is just a hop over the border. Located in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, you can walk around the lighthouse but there is no tours of the inside. It is a gorgeous waterside walk taking you through a maze of mansions to the lighthouse. There is time limited (2 hours, I think) free parking on Bay St and you can walk up Larkin Rd to Lighthouse Rd. Cars are not allowed on Lighthouse Rd unless you are handicapped.

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That’s it for my favorites! It’s definitely worth a look into the Lighthouse Cruise with Cross Sound Ferry that will take you to even more lighthouses that were not listed here (and some of them are in NY too). Enjoy seeing those beautiful lighthouses!

The Ultimate Guide to New London, Connecticut

New London, CT is one of the oldest seaport city on Thames River. A city filled with rich history, art and music, eateries, diversity and many more.

Here are some suggestions of what to do in New London:

Custom House Maritime Museum

New London has a rich history, being one of the busiest whaling port during the 19th century. The museum has a lot of exhibits to explain the history. Located in the heart of New London’s Bank Street and housed in the former historic Custom House built in 1833, it is worthwhile to visit. The gift shop is also a fun spot for nautical goods.

Art Community

The city is known for its art. You can see the murals in several spots. If you walk around a bit, you can enjoy them. My particular favorite is the whales (of course!) at the intersection of State Street and Eugene O’Neill Drive. In downtown, there are several art galleries to visit, one of these is housed in a former firehouse! I love seeing artworks with the Ledge Light (one of my favorite lighthouses). There is definitely a lot of pride in reserving the art culture in New London.

Garde Arts Center

One of the most fascinating venue to visit. A former movie theater during the 1920’s is used as a multi space for performing shows, musicals, education, movies, events and many more. I’ve attended a few shows and a book signing here. I admire the interior details!

Oldest Courthouse in CT

Across the street from Garde Arts Center is the oldest courthouse in Connecticut. It was built in 1784. The wood framed structure with wooden clapboards, gambrel roof and cupola is just a beautiful sight!

The Starr Street Historical District

A block of homes that were built during the 1800’s. Each home has a unique detail, it’s a fun small street to walk up and down and just admire the homes. You can easily type in Starr Street Historical District on Google, it’ll show you several websites with facts about some of the houses and the map of the walking route.

The Waterfront

There is a pier with a boardwalk where many go to enjoy the views of Thames River.

Fort Trumbull

Located on the waterfront, an old battlefield was built in 1839 to protect New London Harbor from British attacks. It is currently a state park for people can enjoy. There is a pier in front of Fort Trumbull where many people fish. The fort itself is opened to the public Wednesdays-Sundays (Memorial Day-Labor Day) from 9am-5pm for a fee. The top platform of the fort gives you a panoramic view of Thames River.

Cross Sound Ferry

Over the summers they also offer lighthouse cruises. The lighthouse cruise is a 2 hours long ride taking you around to see all of the lighthouses and sights. I’ve took the cruise twice and enjoyed it so much! They also offer daily ferry rides to Block Island, RI; Fishers Island and Orient Point, NY.

Ocean Beach Park

It’s one of the nicest beach in Connecticut, with a half mile long boardwalk. There is a daily fee to get in the beach during the summers. Nearby is a mini golf course, a swimming pool, gym, arcade and snack bar. Ocean Beach Park hosts a lot of events such as movies on the beach and classic cars shows. A few years ago, I wanted to watch a movie on the beach to check off my bucket list - they were very accommodating and put captions on. I was very grateful for the experience!

Michael’s Dairy

Not too far from Ocean Beach Park, this well established institution is the best spot for ice cream in New London. It is located on Mitchell College next to the red barn.

Muddy Waters Cafe

A great breakfast/lunch spot! It’s a fun spot with many movie posters, nautical photos plastered all over the walls making it a fun Instagrammable spot. If you come to New London by train, it isn’t far from the station.

Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock

If you’re in the mood for seafood, this is a good spot! It is a hidden gem located in a marina with outdoor dining area. The lines can be crazy long but the food is so worth the wait.

Fiddlehead’s Food Co-op

A cooperatively owned grocery store. You do not need to be a member to shop there. They offer many local goods and delicious produce. Always a friendly service every time I drop in to find gluten free goods!

New London Public Library

Every time I visit a town, I always stop in the library. This particular library is housed in a historical 1889 Richardsonian Romanesque style building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, so it’s worthwhile to visit this beautiful site!

Mike’s Famous Harley Davidson

Whenever my parents visit from Upstate NY, my dad who is a motorcycle enthusiast enjoys going to Mike’s in New London. Housed in 1938 Coca-Cola factory, it is one of the largest motorcycle selection in New England. The storefront is decorated with old Coca-Cola memorabilia keeping the building’s history alive. New London/Groton has a strong military presence, home to the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London Sub Base and Electric Boat. Mike’s is a huge supporter of the military, hosting their well known fundraising event Toys for Tots.

Sail with Tall Tales

Go sailing on Thames River on Tall Tales — a 35 ft sailboat with Captain Stu! The boat is located at the marina right next to Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock. Captain Stu is an interesting person with many stories from his life experiences! Read more about my experience here.

Sailfest [July]

An annual event in New London which occurs every July. It runs for few days, with one of the biggest fireworks show on the Saturday night. The festival is on the waterfront and on Bank Street. Many vendors, rides, food, concerts, and more. It is one of the biggest events in New London, where many people from all over comes to enjoy this festival. Sailfest 2022 is taking place on July 8-10.

Where to Stay in New London

I had a wonderful stay at Inn at Ocean Avenue — a historical bed and breakfast inn built in 1914. It is located near Ocean Beach Park. Read more about it here.

New London has so MANY to offer, that I didn’t even cover everything in this guide. Be sure to follow Visit New London here to find more tailored to your interests. It’s a city that definitely has something for everyone!

National Library Week

Happy National Library Week! I have such a huge appreciation for the libraries. I have been a bookworm dating back to my childhood days. Due to my deafness, I wasn’t able to hear information, books gave me that access. I learned so much through books about the world, people, cultures and beyond.

I still utilize libraries to this day. One thing that I love about Southeastern Connecticut is that there are so MANY libraries and some are in historical buildings. Where I grew up, I only had one library in a rural town. I’m amazed at how many there are within half hour of Mystic, CT so I’m sharing some of my favorites that you must visit:

WESTERLY LIBRARY & WILCOX PARK — WESTERLY, RI

This is a beautiful library overlooking a park. Keep an eye out for their book sales over the summers - they have a great selection. This time of the year is definitely the best to visit the park, all of the trees and plants are blooming. I always make this an annual spring trip!

WHEELER LIBRARY — NORTH STONINGTON, CT

In a former schoolhouse, this library is gorgeous. Especially the upper level. When you walk in Wheeler Library, there are two lions statues guarding the doors (reminds me of NYC Public Library!). Also the best part? There’s a year-round book sale in the cellar, all profits go back to the library. The staff here is so friendly, I would go back there just for them alone!

STONINGTON FREE LIBRARY — STONINGTON, CT

You can’t miss this library situated in the middle of the green, right as you enter the borough. Go inside and see the gorgeous upper level combined with regal columns and amazing floors. When the weather is beautiful, they have an outdoor patio where you can read or work at the table.

MYSTIC NOANK LIBRARY — MYSTIC, CT

One of the most beautiful libraries! Since it was a sea captain who built this, you can see nautical touches throughout the library. I love the exterior details… those green moldings! I also admire the carved oak ceiling! Cat lovers, this will be the one for you - there are two library cats that lives there. I always have to visit with them every time I drop in. The interior detail is just stunning, especially the green banker lamps which reminds me of the ones at Boston Public Library.

BILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY — GROTON, CT

Located right next to Fort Griswold, this beautiful small library is worth a peek. The interior details are stunning, wood paneled ceilings and the iron cast doors! Despite it being probably the smallest library, it is very cozy.

BILL LIBRARY — LEDYARD, CT

Yes, you read that right - there is another library in the area with the same name. If you read up on the history - there is a family connection with both. There is a walkable sidewalk from the library into Ledyard Center.

NEW LONDON PUBLIC LIBRARY — NEW LONDON, CT

Situated in Downtown New London, on the corner of State Street and Huntington Street. The historical library is surrounded by other historical buildings — the oldest courthouse across the street, Garde Art Centers and more.

PHOEBE GRIFFIN LIBRARY — OLD LYME, CT

I enjoy my visit there as it is perched on Main Street in Old Lyme, where there are nearby businesses to check out. The library also has a book sale cellar opened on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

There are more libraries in the area that I didn’t include. I always make sure to visit libraries on my day trips or travels. It’s amazing to see the variety of details and structures. I am forever grateful that libraries exist in today’s world!

5 kayaking spots in North Stonington, CT

This summer I made some reels for the tourism account - Visit Eastern Connecticut on Instagram. Recently, I shared about the 5 kayaking spots in North Stonington. I thought I’d share them here too because I really enjoyed kayaking in North Stonington!

First of all, North Stonington is a rural agricultural town so I’d never guess that there were FIVE spots for kayaking there. There are several lakes and ponds hidden in the town.

Here are the 5 kayaking spots:

Billings Lake

This was probably the busiest spot - a lake big enough for boating and kayaking. There was also a large rock where many people were swimming near and jumping off of. On this lake, there are also many private residences.

Parking: The parking lot was very small, but luckily I found a spot that day. My advice for this one would be to go there EARLY!

I enjoyed kayaking on this lake, but I was uncomfortable because of the high activity with boaters and jet skiing. I can’t hear them coming from behind me (I’m deaf) so I had to be on high alert. The views were beautiful!

Anderson Pond

Anderson Pond is right next door to Billings Lake. A lot smaller pond with less traffic.

Parking: Small but not crowded. The launch area was C-shaped, this is 1 way only and allows drop off near the water. The launch was a little tough. There wasn’t any ramp, but pavement that goes into the water.

Anderson Pond was the most open pond, where you could see the entire body at once. The views were nice. I found this spot to be the most quiet.

Wyassup Lake

A large lake similar to Billings Lake. There are several houses by the water, a popular spot for fishing boats.

Parking: A decent sized parking lot with a nice launch ramp. There were many off-road parking on the side of the road directly across from the parking lot.

Wyassup Lake was gorgeous. I really enjoyed kayaking here. I wasn’t as stressed about the boaters as it was very spacious. Many boaters were anchored and fishing.

Long Pond/Lantern Hill Pond

In the reel, I mis-labeled it as Lantern Hill Pond, it actually is Long Pond. Both Lantern Hill Pond and Long Pond are located right next to each other.

Parking: Lantern Hill Pond had the trickiest parking area/launch. I was unable to launch the kayak into Lantern Hill Pond because it was covered in lilies and weed. Long Pond had more accessible launch and a huge parking lot! I wouldn’t have to ever worry about finding a parking spot at Long Pond.

I don’t recommend Lantern Hill Pond for kayaking. Long Pond is another quiet place for kayaking, but big enough to explore! I enjoyed watching the wildlife here, there were plenty of geese and birds.

Lake of Isles

There is a pond in the middle of the golf course at Foxwoods! It is the most shallow pond. This seems to be the most popular spot for kayakers.

Parking: This one had the best parking lot. A spacious and paved parking lot. There were a lot room at the launch ramp, where there’s even a dock.

Lake of Isles was the most fun spot for kayaking. A lot to see with the golfers golfing, golf carts passing over the lake via a wooden bridge, the shallow water allowed you to see the seaweed/turtles/etc. There were many kayakers there the day I went.

THE VERDICT:

My most favorite was… Lake of Isles! Wyassaup Lake was a close follow up. Overall, all lakes and ponds were gorgeous for kayaking. All of them are surrounded by trees so I kept thinking how stunning they all will be in October during the foliage!

Hope you enjoy kayaking there!

Stonington Coastal Accesses

Recently I shared about coastal accesses in Mystic here and Noank/Groton here. In this blog I will feature those in Stonington. Stonington is another town that I frequent and enjoy all the shoreline views from there!

Here are some coastal accesses opened to the public to enjoy in Stonington, CT:

• Stonington Point - past the Stonington lighthouse, this public parking lot is where many people come and sit to take in the views. During warmer months, people will walk along the rocks. There is a small grassy area with a few benches. DuBois beach is located here, during summer there is a fee to get in the beach.

• Stonington Commons (Water St at Cannon Square) - this is one of my favorite pathways. If you walk towards the waterfront on the sidewalk from Stonington Commons sign. Turn left towards the white gazebo. The path will start there. Another point to enter/exit is the path across from Trumbull Street. Whenever I dine at Breakwater restaurant nearby for dinner, I walk on this path to see the sunset!

• Wayland’s Wharf (Church Street) - there is a small parking lot here. A small park with a gazebo. This seems to be really popular spot for dogs! It is not far from the Stonington fishing docks.

• Stonington Fishermen Dock - a small dock where you often see people fishing, there also is a memorial for lost fishermen. This is the best spot to watch the fishing vessels come back or leave. You can also walk through the dock as long you respect them, their equipments and vessels. There is a public parking lot on site.

• Northwest St x Cross St (Stonington Small Boat Association) - there is a short path to an overlook area, there are benches where you can sit and enjoy the waterfront views.

• Dodge Paddock / Beal Preserve - located at end of Wall St. There is a trail taking you through the marshes, meadow and along the coastline. If you enjoy oyster shells hunting, this is the ideal spot depending on the time! It is dog friendly too. There is a small parking lot right at the entrance to the preserve.

• Barn Island - Located on the border of Pawcatuck/Stonington, there is a 5.1 mile loop trail through the tidal marshlands. Very popular spot for birdwatching and biking. Barn Island is over 1,000 acres so there is plenty to see! There are several parking spots. There is a large paved parking lot near the boat launch.

There are plenty more along Connecticut shoreline! You can look up via Google to see more coastal accesses in specific towns. A reminder to please respect the locals while exploring the coastal access points. I can’t imagine what I’d do without them! It’s a great way to enjoy the CT shoreline.

Groton/Noank Coastal Accesses

In another blog here, I shared about some coastal access points in Mystic. Now I will be sharing even more that you can visit in Noank and Groton. I’m very grateful for public coastal accesses! It’s so fun to see all the various angles of the water!

Here are some coastal accesses opened to the public to enjoy in Noank, CT:

Riverview Ave x Palmer Ct - this is one of my favorite spots for sunrises. There is a small beach that is open to the public. The nearest parking is at the Town Dock park on Main Street so you will need to walk. From the Town Dock, walk up Riverview Ave past Ford’s and up the steep hill. You’ll see the coastal access sign right next to the street name sign.

Town Dock and park - at the end of Main Street past Carson’s Store, there is a small park with a dock overlooking the water. This is the best spot to watch all the boats passing by. Bring some lawn chairs and snacks/drinks! There is a small parking lot.

Tanglewood Park / Haley Farm State Park - Tanglewood Park is around the corner from Haley Farm on Seneca Drive - a small park with a playground. There is a small beach overlooking the cove. There is parking lot at the top of the hill. Haley Farm is an old shoreline farm with several paths. I haven’t really walked far into Haley Farm to see if they have coastal views but I would assume so since it abuts Palmer Cove! There are bike paths too if you have a bicycle!

Spicer Park - A small park overlooking Beebe Cove. This is the location of Noank Rowing Club and their boathouse. Naturally seeing how my Instagram is central around the shoreline living, I love photographing the rowing boats there. The view is very beautiful and there are picnic tables near by the shoreline. Parking lot is across the street from the park.

Here are some coastal accesses opened to the public to enjoy in Groton, CT:

Esker Beach - a small beach that is free to the public year-round. There are several picnic tables with grills for cook outs! There is a small path that takes to you to a small overlook with a bench. From there, you can see the iconic Morgan Point lighthouse (Noank) across the water. There is an on-site parking lot.

NOTE: A movie crew was in town doing a Christmas movie at Esker Beach so that’s the reasoning behind the decor!

UConn Avery Point - there is a walkway path on UConn Avery Point. The waterfront views is amazing from here especially at sunset! You can see all three lighthouses (Avery Point, New London and Ledge Light) from here. A lot of ferries passes by through this area. There is an overlook dock. A lot people fish on the rocks below. Parking is available on campus.

Bluff Point - a popular park for cyclists, dog walkers and hikers. There are a few paths throughout the park. It’s fun to watch people shellfishing in the water here! Also from here, you can see airplanes taking off and landing at Groton-New London Airport across the water. There is an on-site parking lot. Plenty of picnic tables and several portable potty available.

Poquonnock River Walkway (65 Depot Road) - This is a beautiful path, especially when the beach grasses thrives during the summer. The park is right before you enter Bluff Point so look for the Poquonnock Park sign. You’ll see a small playground and a paved walkway with a small parking lot.

Calf Pasture Overlook - located at 770 Shennecossett Rd, a small overlook off Baker Cove. There is a single bench. Two parking spots (one is reserved for handicapped).

Hope you enjoy exploring and appreciate the beautiful shoreline views we have here in Southeastern CT. A gentle reminder to please respect the locals as some of these coastal accesses are near private residences. Stay tuned for Stonington coastal accesses blog!

Wicked Tulips

One of my bucket list items for years now has been to visit Wicked Tulips in Exeter, Rhode Island. Imagine my excitement when they opened a Connecticut location in Preston, 30 minutes drive from Mystic. I was thrilled to finally get my chance to go on opening day for Preston farm this year.

The Preston farm is the largest with 700,000 tulips! All together there are 1.5 million tulips between the three farms [Exeter, RI / Johnston, RI / Preston, CT]. It was easy to find the farm, they have a flags/“Entrance” sign off Route 164. A few people directed me where to park. It is a grassy farm land. The check-in was quick and easy. You do have to purchase tickets online as there aren’t any tickets sold on site. The tickets are sold in bundles at a time, as they follow the bloom reports closely and want to be sure there’s enough for everyone.

Each ticket will allow you to pick 10 tulips and any additional are $1 per. At the check-in, the staff was very helpful and asked if it was my first time visiting. They explained how to pull tulips appropriately. The website also explains everything. Pulling the tulips was fun, some of them will come up with its bulb attached (don’t worry, they’ll cut it off for you!).

It was a STUNNING sight. ALL. THE. COLORS. Wow. It was very impressive. I don’t know why I waited so long to visit Wicked Tulips! A very photogenic spot, they encourage you to take as many photos as you can! There’s a guideline on the website for photographers (professional and causal). I enjoyed photographing the tulips. I was there right before the sunset, so the lighting was mostly good!

Did you know there’s morning yoga sessions at Wicked Tulips too?? It’s on the weekends, pending weather. The tickets are sold the week of the yoga sessions. There’s also some sunset yoga sessions as well. It’s definitely worthwhile to subscribe to the emails where all the most recent updates are shared, even some information that you’ll get before it’s shared with the public.

I was able to stay there as long as I wanted. There were several tables and benches where you can take a seat. Snacking is allowed. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. I was very impressed by their positive attitudes. On the way out, they even asked if we enjoyed ourselves and to have a good night. I was able to ask a staff to snap a photo of me and my husband. 5 stars for the staff!

Don’t wait on visiting Wicked Tulips like I did. The season is also very short, and varies on each location so again the website here will be helpful to plan your day. It’s so stunning and I loved it there. Definitely won’t be my last time visiting Wicked Tulips.

Wicked Tulips

• Preston | 382 Route 164 Preston, CT 06365

• Exeter | 400 Hog House Hill Rd Exeter, RI 02822

• Johnston | 90 Brown Ave Johnston, RI 02919

www.wickedtulips.com

A novel day in New Haven, CT

I celebrated my birthday this past weekend. It’s always hard to plan a fun getaway in the middle of winter. It so happened that this weekend also brought low windchill too! I decided that my love for books would make New Haven a perfect destination. Last Fall, I met two women in Kent, CT at a bookstore. They had been bookstore hopping that day. I never ever had done bookstore hopping and thought that was a brilliant idea!

There are so many bookstores, libraries and museums within walking distance, and all indoors! The best part? It was very low cost. I only had to pay for parking and snacks. I ate lunch beforehand and didn’t stay long enough to eat dinner in New Haven, so if you do - look into the pizzerias. New Haven is known for their pizza!

Here is the itinerary of my bookish day:

Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscript Library

For the longest time, I’ve been seeing photos of this library on Instagram. I had to finally check this off my bucket list! The largest building in the world devoted to books. There were over a million books, manuscripts and more. It was a beautiful sight to see all the books. I took my time, sitting in one of the comfy chairs around the library to take in the sights!

Yale’s Sterling Memorial Library

I’ve passed this iconic library several times on my walks around Yale campus but have never gone inside. On reason why is cause I’ve always had my pup with me. It was too cold for her to join me this weekend so I finally got my chance. I WAS BLOWN AWAY. The library was GORGEOUS. It is built in the collegiate gothic style (resembling a European cathedral). There are many beautiful stained glass windows everywhere (later on, I read there is a total of 3,300!). All the study spaces were stunning, I’m jealous of the students who gets to enjoy the beauty of the library on a daily basis! It would be a dream to work there!

Grey Matter Books

A small bookstore with many used books! The books were mostly unique, rare and unusual. I enjoyed looking through the older editions of classics. The atmosphere was very laid back and relaxing. Chairs were scattered throughout the bookstore for people to take a seat while browsing. There were multiple piles of book stack everywhere.

Atticus Bookstore Cafe

Located on the first floor next to Yale Center for British Art, it is a small bookstore and cafe. The bookstore had beautifully curated organized sections of books. I loved browsing through the ‘staff recommendations’ and ‘best books of 2022’ sections. The cafe was bustling, with nearly every table occupied.

Yale Center for British Art

This isn’t a ‘bookish’ spot but worthwhile to check out! It had a large collection of British art. It was organized by time period, making it easy to maneuver through the gallery. They suggest starting at the 4th floor and working your way down. My favorite was The Long Gallery on the 4th floor. A gallery with the walls covered in paintings. I could see myself take a seat and study the art!

Free admission. Also note YCBA will be closed February 27th until 2024 for a building conservation project.

Yale University Art Gallery

The oldest university art museum has four levels of extensive art collections from African Art, Asian Art, paintings, sculptures, Early European art, photographs, drawings, coins and many more. It had plenty to see! I didn’t get to see the entire gallery because of timing, so be sure to plan at least half a day for this. I was excited to spot some of my favorite painters like Monet. The building itself is also gorgeous!

Free admission.

Book Trader Cafe

This bookstore was really crowded when I visited. I didn’t get to see much of it unfortunately, but I did see that it had a good selection of used books from $1-$10. The atrium side of the shop was really busy, it is a cool spot where the tables were surrounded by bookshelves. The cafe sold coffee, drinks, pastries and more.

The Yale Bookstore

Every time I come to the Yale campus, I always pop into Barnes and Noble (The Yale Bookstore) to browse through the Yale memorabilia and souvenirs. Of course, I also browse through the books, especially the Yale authors section. Did you know that the author of Ninth House and recently released Hell Bent, Leigh Bardugo is a Yale alumni? I bought a Yale mug for all the tea I tend to drink while reading!

It was a fun book themed day and I enjoyed my time in New Haven! I love Yale with all of its gorgeous gothic architecture. There’s so many details that I continue to find new-to-me every time I visit. New Haven has plenty more that I didn’t share here such as shops, restaurants, more museums, so forth. It’s easy to do a day trip here during the winter! I had the perfect evening at home reading Ninth House which the opening scene was at the Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscripts Library while drinking delicious tea in my new Yale mug!

Stonington Borough

A hop over from Mystic, visit the quintessential New England historical town of Stonington. The borough quickly became a favorite place of mine when I first moved here. I was drawn to the beautiful homes lining the main street. Stonington is the oldest village in Connecticut, established in 1649. It’s the perfect destination during any season, I love to take a stroll around the borough!

Here are some suggestions of what to do in Stonington:

Shop the local businesses

There are a variety of shops up and down the main street from clothing, floral, jewelry, antiques, art galleries, boutiques, pet supplies and more.

Walk around the borough

There are several routes in Stonington. There is a short coastline trail in front of Stonington Commons, if you walk down the paved path from the Yacht Club to the gazebo - the trail will start there. Another route is inside Dodge Paddock/Beal Preserve. Go down Wall Street and you’ll find a small lot to park in. The trail is through the marshes with views of the harbor.

Visit the locations of where movies were filmed

See the Mystic Pizza blog here. Many of the locations were filmed in Stonington. Another movie, Hope Springs starring Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones also was filmed in Stonington. You will recognize the yellow house near the Cannon Square as ‘the therapist office’ in the movie. A few Hallmark/Lifetime holiday movies also have been filmed here.

Stonington Fishermen Dock

I enjoy coming here a lot to photograph the fishing fleet. It is open to the public from dawn to dusk. Please respect the fishermen and don’t touch or use their equipments. I do have to warn, the seafood smell can be STRONG so if you don’t like the scent, this is not the place for you! There is a small lot near the overlook where you can enjoy the views (and sometime watch people fish!). Nearby the dock, you can purchase frozen seafood from Sea Well Seafood to bring home.

Old Lighthouse

Built in 1840, it has a beautiful stonework on the exterior. Recently, the museum inside the lighthouse underwent a renovation, and it looks amazing! Very open and spacious. There is an admission fee of $10 for adults. This fee will allow you entry to the tower (top of the lighthouse), the views can be breathtaking! I often enjoy the grounds of the lighthouse with my pup, as well many other dogs.

DuBois Beach

Across the street from the lighthouse is a small beach. During the summers you will need a pass to enter. During off season it is open to the public. The parking lot gives you a 360 view of the harbor. You can see the Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI. One of the best spots for sunsets!

Dine in many of Stonington’s restaurants

There are several restaurants in Stonington that are really good! My favorite breakfast spot is Indulge Coffee and Sandwich Co. Indulge, a quaint neighborhood spot with delicious egg sandwiches, coffee and more. They have gluten free options! For lunch or dinner, I love Breakwater. You cannot beat the waterfront views during the warm months. The shrimp tacos are the best! Noah’s Restaurant is also a wonderful long time institution in Stonington (40+ years!). A true local’s spot. It’s always so cozy especially during the holidays. Dog Watch Cafe is another good one! They have a dock overlooking the water and the boatyard, which is a must during the summer.

Velvet Mill

A bit way out of the borough, but not too far, is a repurposed mill with many small businesses. A variety of artists studios, antiques, clothing, health services (massage, yoga, etc), tattoo parlor, bakery to restaurants. There’s even a brewery in there. Velvet Mill is a great hidden gem in Stonington. I love stopping in Zest for the gluten free goods. Woodfella’s Pizza and Wings also has been a long time favorite of mine, both pizza and wings are so good! The best part about Velvet Mill is that it’s dog friendly too!

There are so many events that occurs in Stonington. Here are a few that I’ve attended and really enjoyed!

Tulips [April]

In the spring there are thousands of tulips blooming all around the borough. The majority of them were around the green where Stonington Free Library is. It’s always so beautiful to see. I had read somewhere that there was 3,000 tulips planted!

Gardens by the Sea [June]

The Stonington Garden Club hosts this event in June. A walking tour of gardens in the borough, where some private residences open up their property to the public for a fee. It is a very popular event in the borough, and it always is packed that weekend! The tour tickets for this event can be purchased online (Stonington Garden Club website) or on-site.

Fourth of July Parade [July]

The parade and reading of the Declaration of Independence is a tradition in the borough on Fourth of July. The Stonington Historical Society hosts this event annually. It’s always one of the best times of the year in Stonington when the whole village is decked out patriotically. Small town living at its best!

Blessing of the Fleet [July]

An annual event I always look forward to at end of July. It is a weekend long event honoring our lobstermen and their families, as well remembering the lost ones. The weekend usually starts with a 5K through the borough. On Saturday, Stonington Holy Ghost Society hosts a gathering with live music and food. On Sunday, there will be a mass at St. Mary’s Church. After the mass, there will be a ceremony at the fishermen dock. The boats are usually decked out for the ceremony - very nautical! The vessels goes out in the water where they are blessed and lay a wreath for the lost fishermen. This year, there will be an open house at the fishermen dock where you can tour some of the vessels! Read more about it here.

Village Fair [August]

A long time tradition going back to 1952, the fair consists of many vendors, games, music, food and many more. One of my favorite part, there’s a used book sale! It’s a great community event open to everyone! The fair is in the Wadawanuck Square.

Holiday stroll [December]

I regularly attend this every year. The main street is decked out in holiday garnish, the shops stays opened late, horse carriage rides, people milling around with friends, and there’s the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the square near the library.

Stonington Lobster Trap Tree [Late November-January]

New to Stonington’s holiday tradition, there is a lobster trap tree on the green in front of the fishermen dock. It is a stunning display with amazing community involvement. All buoys are hand painted by local artists. I enjoyed visiting this tree several times last winter and appreciated all the beautiful artwork/buoys. I am very much look forward to seeing it again this winter!

North Stonington, CT

North Stonington, CT is situated north of Stonington. A farming town that reminds me of my hometown in rural Upstate NY/Pennsylvania. Whenever I get homesick, I find myself going for a drive around North Stonington. It is beautiful with all the farmlands and there are some historical homes to appreciate!

Here are some suggestions of what to do in North Stonington:

Wheeler Library

A beautiful historical library established in 1908. The upper level is GORGEOUS, with the wood everywhere. There are also many busts around, it reminded me of Trinity Library in Dublin, Ireland. The basement is where the year-round book sale is! Always a wonderful selection, I almost always leave with 6-8 books each time!

The Tin Peddler

A market and cafe with local sourced food. I love how their focus is on supporting the local farmers. Naturally, with my stance of supporting local farmers, I had to check them out shortly after they opened the doors back in 2020. It quickly became a favorite spot. The cafe offers sandwiches, soups, salads and more. I love their roasted turkey sandwich with the bacon-cranberry jam. It’s so delicious! Gluten free options. I also love how easy it is to order online and pick up at their drive thru window. The staff is always super friendly.

Hike Hewitt Farm

Hewitt Farm is 104-acres with fields, wetlands, rivers/ponds and trees. There are some historical houses (but please respect the privacy of the homeowners) to admire too. The hiking trail is just over a mile long with visible markers. The map also can be found on this website here. It’s a beautiful area to enjoy the outdoors!

Farm stands

There are a few stands selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc. If you drive around on the back roads, you’ll come across them. Kady’s Farm Stand is easily found at the intersection of Norwich Westerly Road and Main Street.

Terra Firma Farm

It’s a worthwhile to mention that this North Stonington based farm sells delicious milk. Seriously, they have the BEST. I loved chocolate and coffee. They also offer yogurt, eggs, meat and more. You can order their products online and get delivery if you live within a 30 miles radius of the farm. Over the summers, they host summer camps for kids. I was fortunate to get a tour there twice for field trips when I worked at the school. The farmer, Brie is very educational and informative about farming. Contact her first if you want a farm tour, or have questions. For those visiting from out of town, you can find some of their products at McQuade’s Marketplace in Mystic, CT.

North Stonington Fair [July]

The fair season is one of the best parts about summer! I’ve been a long time fan of the North Stonington Fair. This 4-days long fair occurs annually in mid-July. The small community ambiance is one big reason why I love it there. It’s noticeable that North Stonington residents have a lot pride by the hard work they put into hosting the fair. Each day has a schedule of different activities, competitions, shows and events. It is posted on their website here. I love checking out the agriculture shows - especially cows and goats. They also make a fun subject to photograph when I walk through the barns! Often the farmers are there and can be available to talk with if you have questions. Another favorite event that I never miss are the tractor pulls. A motor sport event where tractors (or vehicles) are modified to pull set weights. Whoever travels the furthest usually wins. I always find it so fascinating. Especially how people work on their tractors/vehicles year-round to win these competitions! The fair has all the typical rides, games, baking contest, princess/queen show, quilt show, food concession stands and more. It’s always the best time at North Stonington Fair! 2022 North Stonington Fair is happening July 14-17.

It’s amazing how a town that I’ve never worked or lived in could hold a piece of my heart, but it truly reminds me of my hometown. I love the pride of the residents and the beauty of nature to make North Stonington a beautiful town to visit! It always does my soul good to take a drive through the countryside.

Old Wethersfield, CT

Do you know where the oldest and largest historic district in Connecticut is?! Old Wethersfield, CT! Located 10 minutes outside of Hartford, CT. It is the quintessential New England village! I went to visit one weekend in early 2020, because I had noticed a lot posts at a particular location. I quickly fell in love with Old Wethersfield, I’ve returned many, many times! If it wasn’t for my love of the shoreline living, I would’ve picked to live in Old Wethersfield.

Here are some suggestions of what to do in Old Wethersfield:

Heirloom Market at Comstock Ferre

This is the particular location that often popped up on Instagram. A natural food market combined with a cafe. What I love about the cafe is that they use fresh and local ingredients! They do offer gluten free options. I’ve stopped in for their sandwiches several times, even when I’m just passing through. It’s THAT GOOD! Walking in there always feels like a year-round farmer’s market. I also admire how it’s housed in an old historic (200+ years old!) industrial antique building. Truly the best spot to visit!

Walk around the district

It’s the best town for historic homes. I’m always in awe of the homes there, often photographing them during all seasons. I’ve learned the history of some homes which has been so fascinating to discover. I often walk on Main Street from Heirloom Market down to Wethersfield Cove and back. There’s also some historical buildings. The one that you can’t miss as it’s the first you see coming in Old Wethersfield from I-91 - the First Church, the brick church with a beautiful white steeple. Witch trials were held there during the 17th century. There is a cemetery behind it with some stones dating back to 1600’s.

Wethersfield Cove

At the end of Main Street, you’ll find yourself at Wethersfield Cove. It is a park, with a cove that is connected to Connecticut River. Plenty of picnic tables and benches are around the park to enjoy the beautiful waterfront views. Many people have fished here and use the public boat launch to access the Connecticut River. You can’t miss the historical building at the cove, the warehouse, built in 1600s. It was restored in 1934 and currently operates as a museum [Wethersfield Historical Society].

Visit the museums

• Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum. The houses are from 18th century and was home of Revolutionary War diplomat Silas Deane. They are available to host for weddings, the rustic barn on their property would make a beautiful backdrop!

• The Buttolph-Williams House, which was the setting in the book ‘The Witch of Blackbird Pond’.

• Hurlbut-Dunham House, a historical brick house was the home of social and civic leaders, Jane and Howard Dunham.

• Keeney Memorial Cultural Center is across the street from Webb-Deane-Stevens museum. It houses the visitor’s center for Old Wethersfield, where you can get more information about the town and what it has to offer. The Wethersfield Museum is also housed in there, providing more information about the history!

Silas W. Robbins House [bed and breakfast]

I quickly fell in love with this beautiful bed and breakfast. It is one of the most gorgeous home I have ever seen in my life! The house even caught the attention of Hallmark Channel, as it was the setting in a Christmas movie, ‘Christmas at Honeysuckle Lane’. The owners does an amazing job of exterior decor each season, especially at Christmas time! I’ve been lucky to photograph the house during all seasons. One year I finally got a tour of the inside - it is as gorgeous! It’s surely on my bucket list to stay there overnight!

Main Street Creamery

You cannot, I repeat, CANNOT, visit Old Wethersfield without getting an ice cream from Main Street Creamery! It’s one of my favorite ice cream shops in Connecticut with plethora of delicious flavors. Yes, there are gluten free/vegan options! Be sure to have some cash handy.

Support local

There are several shops across the street from the First Church. An antique shop, a home decor boutique, an old fashioned general store, seeds store and more. Pop in some of them and you’ll be sure to find something for yourself or someone!

Attend the events

Many events occur in Old Wethersfield from April to December! My two favorites are the Bicycles on Main [May] and Scarecrows Along Main [October].

Old Wethersfield is truly the perfect town for history lovers. The town preserved the rich history, making it perfect destination for a weekend getaway or for the day trippers. I also love that it’s a low cost, but still has plenty to do and see. You will fall in love with Old Wethersfield!

Elizabeth Park

Whenever June rolls around I always put Elizabeth Park on the list of places to visit ASAP! Elizabeth Park, located in Hartford, CT is over 100+ acres of gardens, walking path, baseball fields, tennis & basketball courts, and so much more. They host concerts and events. The park is on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Starting in late March to early April several flowers starts to bloom at Elizabeth Park. They have a variety from tulips, daffodils, Iris garden, roses and dahlias. I used to work in West Hartford several years ago, that’s when I discovered this park at the peak of season of the rose gardens.

It’s a beautiful park with plenty of picnic tables. You could pack up a lunch and bring it there and enjoy the nature. There’s a cafe on site - Pond House Cafe. I haven’t been there but it looks nice!

Last summer I made sure to wake up at 4:30 so that I could make it to Hartford at sunrise (it’s a hour commute) before it was mobbed with people walking around the rose garden. It was the best moment, having the entire garden to myself! I enjoyed photographing the garden at a variety of angles. There is a gazebo in the center covered in ivy. I could see why this was a popular spot for photography sessions, influencers and everyone!

I usually make a day out of it, visiting the rose garden then walking around UConn Law school. The buildings there are beautiful! The Mark Twain House and Museum isn’t that far from the Elizabeth Park. Of course, there’s also West Hartford Center & Blue Back Square in West Hartford for some shopping! There’s plenty to do in Hartford!

Here are some gorgeous photos from the rose garden:

Elizabeth Park is open daily, dawn to dusk and FREE!

Mark Twain House

The famous American author, Samuel Clemens (best known as Mark Twain) and I have something in common! We both lived in New York and Connecticut. He is known for book titles such as ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’.

Elmira, NY

Elmira, NY is the home to Mark Twain’s summer property, Quarry Farm. It perched on the hilltop overlooking Elmira and Chemung River. The house remains there to this day and currently owned by Elmira College. The Center for Mark Twain Studies (CMTS) was also established when Quarry Farm was gifted to Elmira College. Through an application process, the CMTS offers Quarry Farm Fellows for scholars which allows them to reside at Quarry Farm for up to 4 weeks. While it is a private residence, the house is visible from the road. 

Mark Twain’s octagonal study also was donated to the college. It used to be 100 yards from the Quarry Farm where Mark Twain wrote many of his works. The study is on Elmira College’s main campus in downtown Elmira. I grew up passing it often as it is visible from the main street (Park Place). I’ve had several school field trips to the study too. The study is a small octagonal shaped building, it has some Mark Twain’s books on display and historical photos of his life. The study is opened for tour from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Mondays-Fridays 10am-4pm. 

Also on the EC campus there is an exhibit inside Cowles Hall, the building that is right next to the study. The exhibit focuses on his time in Elmira, his family and Elmira College connections. The hours are same as the study touring hours. There is a statue of Mark Twain and his wife, Olivia Langdon on the campus. 

Mark Twain’s family is also buried in Elmira at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family plot can be visited either on your own or the trolley tour. The trolley tour is offered by The Chemung County Historical Society in July and August. The trolley will take you by Quarry Farm, the study and the cemetery as well many other historical sites that is not related to Mark Twain. 

Hartford, CT

Although he spent more time in Elmira, his main residence was in Hartford, Connecticut. The Hartford home currently operates as The Mark Twain House & Museum. It is opened for tours daily 10am-4:30pm, with tickets purchased in advanced. The Victorian Gothic Revival house has 3 floors with 25 rooms. Twain also had Tiffany & Co. to decorate the ceilings and walls in the house, which was beautifully done. The family lived here for 17 years before their financial instability forced them to move to Europe. 

After the family moved, the house was owned by several families. Facing demolition in 1929, a non profit organization focusing on preserving Mark Twain’s memorial purchased the home. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962. 

I visited the grounds for the first time during summer. I was stunned by the detailing of the beautiful home. Inside was even more stunning. I also learned about the paranormal encounters that some guests have had while touring the home. If you didn’t know, one of Mark Twain’s daughter died in the home from an illness. Ghost Hunters even did an episode at the house one year. The museum hosts Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours during Octobers! I’ll have to return to join this tour in the fall. 

 Virtual Tours

Mark Twain House, Hartford: view here.

Quarry Farm, Elmira: view here.

This blog is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

Celebrate International Firefighters Day in Connecticut

Every year on May 4th, International Firefighters’ Day [St. Florian’s Day] is observed. The date was chosen because St. Florian had passed away on this day. St. Florian, the patron saint for firefighters, he was the first known commender in firefighting. 

In Connecticut, there are a few places to go and learn about firefighting history:

The Fire Museum — Manchester, CT

The Connecticut Firemen’s Historical Society was established in 1970. Many of memorabilia and history were becoming lost to other states. The society was formed of firefighters who worked to preserve the history and keep it in Connecticut. The museum is in a restored fire station. The United States Navy Seabees and many other volunteers helped to fix up the station. Now it is a museum that stores some apparatus, firefighting equipment and more. The hours are from 12-4pm on Fridays and Saturdays [April-November]. If you have a larger group wanting to tour the museum, it is encouraged to call ahead. Admission is by donation. 

Fire Museum — Manchester, CT.

I went to this museum and was stunned at how beautiful it was, the collections were preserved so carefully it was very impressive. The 1901 wooden firehouse was bigger than I expected it to be, but the self-guided tour took at least a hour. In one of the rooms, there were photographs from the CT Fire Photographers Association. It was fun to recognize some photographers that I follow on social media. I throughly enjoyed touring the firehouse and would highly recommend it to anyone for a visit. The museum is hosting an open house with antique fire apparatus show on June 4, 2022 from 10am-3pm. Visit the website here for more info. 

The fireman’s pole is still intact here, but couldn’t do a slide on it!

The photos gallery of CT Fire Photographers Association.

Posing with one of the apparatus at the museum.

Museum of Fire History at The Carousel Museum — Bristol, CT

The museum preserved the firefighting legacy of Carlyle “Hap” Barnes, who was an avid collector of equipment, memorabilia and technology. The collection consists of over 1,000+ pieces of apparatus, some dating back to 17th century. Opened Wednesdays-Saturdays 10am-5pm and Sundays 12-5pm. Admission fee is $8/adult, $7/seniors + students, and $5/kids age 2-14.

Fire Fighter fireboat at Mystic Seaport Museum — Mystic, CT

The Fire Fighter currently docked at Mystic Seaport Museum once helped with recovery efforts during September 11th. It has the ability to pump 20,000+ gallons a minute, which made her the most powerful fireboat in the world. The Fire Fighter was the longest serving fireboat for New York, decommissioned in 2010. The historical vessel is available for guided tours during Mystic Seaport Museum hours.

I have visited the Fire Fighter many times in the last few years when she visited City of New London then Mystic Seaport Museum. It is always so fascinating to walk around this historical vessel and think about all it has gone through. It’s like that saying, ‘only if those walls could talk’. The guides are always knowledgable about the history of the boat. As it was mentioned, it served during Sept. 11th - there is a piece from the rumbles that was created into a cross and now mounted on one of the doors on Fire Fighter. During summers, they sometimes do water works where they use the pumps. It’s such an amazing historical vessel.

Fire Fighter fireboat — Mystic, CT.

Around the state, there are many historical fire stations that have been restored, functioning as private residences (do those people still slide down the pole?!) or abandoned. I can’t list them all here as there are that many through out the state. I love to look for old fire stations and photograph them on my travels. 

Engine No.6 Pizza — Norwich, CT.

An art gallery — New London, CT.

I also enjoy seeing historical fire stations that still operates currently and some stations that have older fire trucks. I’m always looking for LaFrance trucks because my great grandfather painted the lettering on some of the trucks when he worked at the plant in my hometown of Elmira, NY. 

An antique LaFrance Westport (CT) firetruck.

Thank you to all firefighters for what you do to keep the communities safe and always there for us! A special thank you to my brother, my favorite firefighter who I am so proud of! 

Essex, CT

Essex, CT is a small town on the Connecticut River in Middlesex county. Approximately a 40 minutes drive from Mystic, it is a beautiful historical village to stroll around! I only visited it for the first time in 2019 and now I always have to go there a few times every year since! 

Here are some suggestions of what to do in Essex:

Essex Steam Train

For the last decade, I kept hearing about Essex Steam Train especially during the holidays when they have Polar Express themed rides. I haven’t ride on the train yet, but it is on my list to do. They also have dinner trains. Essex Steam Train goes on a 12-miles long scenic ride through the Connecticut River Valley. I only can imagine how beautiful the views are during fall with the foliage! The trains are 1920’s locomotive steam trains, I enjoyed walking around the train station photographing them. 

Main Street/Essex Town Green 

Historic Essex Village is a very walkable main street with shops, businesses, restaurants and more. I admire a lot of beautiful homes that lines the main street. There is a town green that overlooks the water. A beautiful gazebo sits in the middle of the park. Every time I went there during summer or fall, there’s were always people picnicking in the park. 

Olive Oyl’s 

Olive Oyl’s offers various sandwiches and sides. It’s also a fun spot as it is in a restored gas station. There is a lot of memorabilia and signs hanging on the walls. It’s my go-to for a quick bite! 

Griswold Inn 

If you prefer a sit down experience, don’t look any further than Griswold Inn. One of the oldest operating Inn in America since 1776. Back in those days, it was the destination for seafarers as the Connecticut River is right down the street. I loved all the historical tidbits about this Inn, it is full of history! It currently houses a restaurant, tap room and lounging. The interior design nods to the nautical history of the Inn, which I loved! The food is very delicious, a traditional New England cuisine. I’ve had the clam chowder and fish which were good! 

Goods & Curiosities 

The Griswold Inn gift shop is located across the street. Here you will find merch with ‘Gris’ logo, nautical inspired goods, barware/home decor, candles, books and many more. It is a fun shop to poke around. It’s always a must stop whenever I come to Essex. 

Connecticut River Museum

A short walk from Griswold Inn is the Connecticut River Museum housed in a restored 1878 three-story steamboat warehouse. I often travel over the CT River on I-95 (Old Lyme to Old Saybrook) and never realized the rich history of the river. The museum preserved the river’s history with many fishing tools, nautical artifacts, nautical equipment, etc. It also had the ‘Turtle’ which was the first American submarine built in Essex. I loved the wall mural in the staircase, an illustrated map of all the cities along the CT river. The green by the museum has beautiful views of the river! 

Essex Coffee and Tea Company

After a lot of walking around, we needed some coffee right? I popped in Essex Coffee and Tea Company for some drinks. They offer other drinks and pastries. I was able to enjoy some gluten free goodies! The coffee here also tastes amazing!  

Essex was easily added to my favorite CT towns list. I love the spirit of Essex, as you can see the pride of the town during the various seasons. If you go around Independence Day, the whole street will be decked out patriotically with flags everywhere, red/white/blue flowers and displays. The street has a red/white/blue line that is permanent. During fall, they have a main street scarecrow contest and all the pumpkins everywhere! December is always a favorite time when everything is decorated for the holidays. Recently, I fell in love with Daffodil Days during spring in Essex! There’s always something during every season so you never have to wait to go visit Essex! 

Waterford, CT

Happy first day of Spring! We saw some nice spring weather last week. On Friday, my little family hopped onto I-95 to Waterford, CT. It’s only 25 minutes from Mystic. We headed to the beautiful Harkness Park. 

Harkness Park is practically a garden by the sea with a beautiful mansion. The mansion is named Eoila, former summer home of the Harkness family. It sits on 230 acres overlooking the Long Island Sound (hello panoramic views!). The Harkness family owned it until it was gifted to the State of Connecticut in 1950’s. 

Most often photographed spot at Harkness Park.

The mansion has 42 rooms! There are usually tours but I’m not sure if they will be continuing this summer. Many weddings have been hosted there. It makes a gorgeous setting for those photographs! The mansion is available to rent for private parties, luncheons, etc. The contact information is on the website here.

Pretty flowers in the garden by the mansion (note: this was May 2021).

There are plenty of paths to walk around on the grounds, including one that takes you right through the gardens. I feel like I’m in the movie ‘Secret Garden’. The gardens provides insta-worthy backdrops, I used my pup as a model! The flowers really thrive here in late spring and summer. I also love visiting the 110 years old Japanese maple tree, it reminds me of the tree I had in the yard of my childhood home. 

Harkness Park also has a seaside trail, you can enjoy the smell of the salty air while watching ferries go by. This is the perfect spot for picnics! There are tables with BBQ as well as restrooms. The park is so spacious, that many come to fly kites too. It’s really fun to see colorful kites in the sky! The day I went there, there were people reading books, playing catch and kicking soccer balls around. There are spots for fishing down by the waterfront area. 

During summers, they have a small gift shop, the money goes back into the park. The park is opened daily 8am - sunset. There is a parking fee for out of state residents. 

My pup enjoys strolling the grounds with me!

Harkness Park is neighbors to Camp Harkness, a beautiful 102 acres land consisting of beach, playgrounds, cabins/cottages, animals, etc. Camp Harkness is one of very few state parks dedicated for residents with disabilities. There are been several events there, so be sure to watch the website here, if you have a loved one with disabilities. They host an annual deaf picnic there too.

Waterford Beach Park is a beautiful quarter mile long beach located close by Harkness Park. There is a parking lot with a long boardwalk which allows you to trek down to the beach. The views from this beach are worthwhile! Very beautiful and relaxing there. I enjoyed bringing my pup who loves the beach! They allows dogs from September to June on the beach. You can see the Ledge Light in New London from there! Do note that there is a fee for out of state residents to park and lifeguards are on duty from June-Sept. 

Last year, I tried out a new-to-me spot after exploring around Harkness Park one day. Cowlick’s Creamery for some ice cream! They have non-dairy options which is a win-win for me. I enjoyed the Dole pineapple soft serve. They also have a Dole Pineapple Refresher - a drink option with pineapple juice with pineapple soft serve which I’m looking forward to! My pup enjoyed the ‘pup cups’ - vanilla ice cream with a milk bone. They aren’t opened for the season yet however. Last year they opened at end of April so keep that in mind if you visit Waterford after April!

Delicious pineapple soft serve ice cream at Cowlick’s!

My pup enjoying her ice cream and bone!

If you prefer to eat breakfast/lunch, don’t look any further than ‘Where Pigs Fly’ cafe. It is owned by the same folks of ‘Somewhere in Time’ in Mystic. If you know, then you know it’s good! One of the best in the area for breakfast/lunch! 

Waterford is close by New London and Niantic if you want to make a day or weekend out of it. My recommendations for New London is here and Niantic here. Fun fact, did you know that Waterford was named after Waterford, Ireland? The mall, Crystal Mall located in Waterford has chandeliers from Waterford Crystal. I love this tidbit as an Irish gal! You won’t regret visiting this beautiful town on the shoreline!

Gorgeous flowers at Harkness Park (note: this was October 2021).

Connecticut Irish pubs

Happy March!

It’s one of my favorite months because of St. Patrick’s Day. I’m very proud of my Irish heritage so I always look forward to everything Irish this month! 

Every time I travel or explore a new town, I always look up the local Irish pubs there. It’s one of my favorite type of places to see. Being in a pub also brings me back to my memories of Ireland. There’s a few pubs that are authentic like you’re in Ireland! 

I thought I’d share my top favorites in the Connecticut region:

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1 / THE HARP AND HOUND / Mystic

The Harp and Hound in Mystic.

Not to be biased, but living in Mystic area it’s amazing to be a stone’s throw away from the Harp and Hound pub. It always makes me feel like I am back in this particular pub in Kilkenny, Ireland. The pub is always cozy with a stone fireplace, plenty of seating and Irish amibance. Love the collection of first responders patches through out the pub as well. 

Cozy fireplace inside the Harp and Hound.

Celebrated my 30th birthday there a few years ago!

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2 / THE INISHMOR / Colchester

The Inishmor in Colchester.

This pub has the best Irish meals! I’ve been a long time fan especially for their soda bread. Trust me, try it out! Every time my parents come to town from upstate NY, we always have to go there. My dad particularly enjoys the corned beef dish. We’ve never been disappointed on any of our visits there! The customer service is always excellent. 

The corned beef dish with Irish soda bread.

Always a fun time there!

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3 / THE PLAYWRIGHT IRISH PUB / Hamden

The Playwright Irish Pub in Hamden.

I visited Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum outside of New Haven, CT a couple years ago so naturally to keep the day Irish-themed, I looked up Irish pubs to visit. I came across Playwright and boy was I glad! I was impressed with the authenticity of this pub - it took me right back to Ireland. The food was delicious too!

I felt like I was back in Ireland!

Loved how the fireplace was combined with bookshelves! Only if I could have this in my house!

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4 / THE BLACK SHEEP / Niantic

The Black Sheep in Niantic.

A sister restaurant to Harp and Hound in Mystic, the Black Sheep is located in Niantic with a similar menu. It has more restaurant style setting, but still feels like you’re in Ireland. Whenever I am in Niantic, we always stop in at The Black Sheep!

Very cool to see this in the entrance.

The interior of the Black Sheep.

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I love visiting Irish pubs and there’s still plenty more that I haven’t seen. Especially on the other side of the state. Throw me some suggestions of your favorites and I will add it to the must-see list! 

Enjoy your pint! Slainte! 

Groton, CT

Did you know that Mystic is considered a village that is part of Groton, Connecticut? If you’re on the right side, that is. The downtown where Sift Bake Shop and Mystic Pizza are - that is the Groton side. If you cross over the bridge towards Whaler’s Inn and Mystic River Park, you’re in Stonington.

Groton was nicknamed “Rotten Groton”, but there’s nothing rotten about it! When I moved to Connecticut, I learned about its rich military history. Groton is known as the submarine capital of the world. If you’re looking for an easy short day, look no further than Groton.

A painted sub that was part of a town-wide submarine trail in 2016. Some subs can be spotted in the wild to this day.

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is a Revolutionary War era battlefield that sits next to the Thames River. It’s across the river from Fort Trumbull in New London, CT. Fort Griswold is a 17 acres battlefield with old cannons, memorials and monuments. There is a 135 feet obelisk monument dedicated to lives lost during the battle. I had the opportunity to walk up the 166 steps to the top and see the river view! It was gorgeous sunny that day when I went up. Next to the monument, there is a small museum (in the old caretaker’s house) with historical artifacts. The museum and monument are open to the public from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The battlefield is open year-round. It’s fun to explore and walk around the battlefield during any season. The river view is always amazing (here’s a tip, this is one of the best spots for sunsets!).

Entrance to Fort Griswold.

Rocky path down to the open field (there are other paths that aren’t as rocky, but may be steep climb).

One of underground bunkers at Fort Griswold.

The view of Thames River from Fort Griswold.

Submarine Force Museum / USS Nautilus has an amazing collection of the submarine history. The museum is managed by the U.S. Navy. You can also tour the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine. The tour is usually about half hour long, and definitely not for those who are claustrophobic! It was a challenge for me, but I did it. I have EVEN more appreciation for our Sailors, I can’t imagine being confided in a tight space for months! There are two submarines on display out front of the museum as well. There’s so much to look at inside the museum, it’s worthwhile to explore this museum!

The Submarine Force museum.

Submarine coming home - Halloween 2017.

February 2018.

June 2021.

The reason why Groton is known to be the ‘submarine capital’ is because of U.S. Navy base (which is located right next to the museum) and General Dynamics Electric Boat. Electric Boat is the primary submarine builder for the U.S. Navy. If you’re lucky, you can spot a submarine going up or down the Thames River. Usually the best point of views is at Eastern Point Beach.

At Eastern Point Beach, you can see Thames River connecting into the Long Island sound. You can see many boats (ferries included) coming in and out. During the off season, parking is free for anyone. Many people go there to take in the beautiful coastal views. Again, this is another good spot for sunsets. From there, you can see two lighthouses - Ledge Light and New London Lighthouse. During summer, the beach can be a busy place to be!

View of Thames River from Eastern Point.

Eastern Point Beach.

UConn Avery Point is near by to Eastern Point Beach. There is a walking trail that is open to anyone. It also has beautiful coastal views. This is the home to one of my favorite lighthouses - the Avery Point Light. I enjoy watching people fishing off the rocks here. The Branford House (a mansion modeled oof the Newport Mansions) is stunning. I’m always amazed by its details, it seems like I find a new one every visit. Many weddings have occurred here, so if you’re here during summer on the weekends chances are very likely that you will see one. I love the panoramic ocean view from the balcony!

Branford Mansion at UConn Avery Point.

Avery Point Light. My pup couldn’t get in the festive mood with me!

A lot of photo opportunities here!

Avery Point Light in the dark - the green light is on every night.

Groton is also home of the BEST pasta ever. Where? Paul’s Pasta Shop. It is a gem. The pasta is made fresh daily right there in their shop. When I first moved here, it quickly became a favorite. So much that I became a regular there. I’ve celebrated many milestones there. Paul’s Pasta is the coziness of Italian restaurants, friendly staff and amazing food. It is a very special place! The best part is that you can take fresh pasta home to cook another night!

Pesto pasta and lobster ravioli.

Whenever I need some quietness from the bustle of Mystic, I enjoy walking around Groton either at the battlefield or Avery Point. You can’t beat those coastal views! I love how you can see all 3 lighthouses from Avery Point too. I used to sit at the Eastern Point Beach parking lot early in the morning with breakfast and watch the ferry when I lived in Groton. It took me a while before I finally saw my first submarine! That went in my book as one of the coolest thing I saw!

USS Nautilus.