Photographed in Essex, Connecticut on October 19, 2024.
GALLERY: Cape Cod [October 2024]
Photographed on Cape Cod during October 2024.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Deaf + Mental Health Access
September is Deaf Awareness month. It also is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
I’m going to talk about an important topic that combines of those two themes… Deaf and Counseling. Many of Deaf/Hard of Hearing people are still struggling to this day to find appropriate help. The issue is… accessibility.
Let’s go back to my childhood. I grew up in a rural Upstate New York community. I struggled a lot being the only Deaf student in my mainstreamed school. From Kindergarten to Grade 4, I was in special education with other Deaf students that also had more disabilities. When I was going into Grade 5, I transferred to the local elementary school. I was the only Deaf student. I wanted to go to same school as my brother and my neighbors. To this day, I don’t regret that decision but it was a very isolated life for me as a Deaf student.
That was a big change in my life so my parents took me to see a counselor. There had been no Deaf counselors available in my area. The counselor I was taken to see was hearing with no background/experience in the deaf world. So a second person, an interpreter, was brought in. Which again, happens to be the same interpreter that was with me at school daily. I lived in a small town, it was impossible to find more interpreters. Imagine the awkwardness of having someone you see daily at your counseling appointments. My interpreter and I had a very close relationship, it was like having a family member sitting in the sessions with me. I recall only talking about the typical drama with my friends, never really opened up about deeper feelings related to my challenges/frustration with being deaf. It also wasn’t only because of my interpreter being there, but why would a hearing person understand my life as a Deaf person?
My parents tried to find a Deaf counselor. My dad even wrote a letter to someone. It didn’t work out because back then, without computers and video conferencing, it wasn’t feasible. I didn’t continue with the counselor for too long. I didn’t have a counselor during my middle school years. In my high school years, the isolation got even worse. I was still the only Deaf student. I no longer had the same friends. It was tough for me to make new friends. The closest Deaf kids that I knew of were at least an hour away. I struggled a LOT during high school. I definitely felt depressed. I didn’t feel like I had a normal high school experience like everyone else. I felt lonely. All I thought about was getting through high school to that light at the end of the tunnel.
That light was Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I had attended a summer camp in Rochester the summer before my senior year in high school. The camp was for Deaf kids my age so I left there with MANY new friends. During senior year in high school, I came home and spent a lot time online talking to those Deaf friends. All I thought about that year was my future life in Rochester. Once I was in Rochester, I felt like I belonged. I was finally home.
Despite “being home”, it didn’t take long for the depression to kick in again. It was challenging for me to figure out my Deaf identity, accepting who I am on top of academic goals. I had spend 18 years of my life in the hearing world so switching to the deaf world wasn’t as quick as flipping a switch. It got overwhelming. I had hit a low point in my life during second year. Luckily, RIT offered counselors, a few were Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH)! I scheduled my first appointment with a Deaf counselor. I was so nervous about seeing a counselor that also saw many other Deaf students including some of my friends. I didn’t want to run into them in the waiting room. I knew it was necessary for me to talk to someone. I ended up seeing that counselor for rest of my college years until graduation. It was the best decision I made. It was amazing to communicate to her in my native language. She understood the challenges we go through as a Deaf person. She also had grew up mainstreamed and mostly in the hearing world until she came to Rochester too. We could relate a LOT. I quickly opened up to her! She helped me so much. It was extremely hard to leave her when I graduated.
When I moved to Connecticut, I had fun exploring a new area. This also was the further I’ve ever been from my family (Rochester was only 2 hours from my hometown so I could visit on the weekends). It was whirlwind of emotions and changes which unfortunately stirred up depression again. Especially when I wasn’t finding a job after a year and a half of trying. I had missed the deaf community in Rochester terribly, it was all I talked about… going back there someday. With that distraction, it was hard to fully be in the present and enjoy my new life in Connecticut.
The hunt began for a Deaf/HOH counselor… again. I found a counselor who was a CODA (Child Of Deaf Adult[s]) in a town a hour away. We took turns with driving to each other. I only had 4 sessions with her. She found out that I worked at the deaf institute up in Hartford, CT as mentioned in this blog. We had an awful experience working at the school so she ranted about it during EVERY session. I stopped scheduling appointments with her.
It took another few years before I found another one. I even tried to reach out to the college counselor and see if it was possible that she could still have me as a client. I contacted the college, begging them to allow alumni to be able to access counseling services.
Four years later, I finally found a Deaf counselor 20 minutes away! I couldn’t believe my luck. When I met her, I found out that she had worked at the same deaf institute and also had an awful experience. My fears from the previous counselor stirred up again but luckily she didn’t rant about that in our sessions. Still, I found myself not being able to fully open up to her. Why? I have finally found a good Deaf counselor. At this point, I had gone so long with no interactions with a Deaf person. I was lonely. I missed having Deaf friends. I found that we had a lot in common with hobbies and our mainstreamed background. I enjoyed going to counseling only because of our interactions. I wanted to be friends with her outside of the office. I didn’t open up because I didn’t want her to be turned her off from being friends with me in the future. Eventually one day, I told her I was ready to move on.
I went a year until my grandpa passed away. It was first close family death that I had to deal with. I tried to go as long as possible to handle it on my own. I knew I had to reach out to her. I felt sad because I felt that the chance of being friends with her was getting low. I started seeing her again until the pandemic hit. The pandemic forced us to do the sessions virtually. I disliked that so much! The sessions would freeze a lot and prior to the pandemic, I’ve found it difficult to really open up over video-conferencing. I fell out of touch with her.
It’s interesting to compare the experiences with all of the counselors I’ve seen. My life as a Deaf person has a LOT to do with my identity, the experiences in my daily life, the way I think, the way I do things and the challenges. I was so frustrated that I should feel lucky to find a Deaf counselor but I realized it didn’t work because I didn’t grow. I didn’t vent. I didn’t get what I needed. I was so lonely that I ruined it with the last counselor, I should have not been limited to only her. I should have many options like hearing people do. There needs to be more Deaf counselors available for all Deaf people, not just me. My experience is just one example of what other Deaf people go through in finding the help that they need.
I live in Connecticut which is more congested and busier than the rural community I grew up in Upstate New York. I do have access to a lot more here. I STILL don’t have what I need. I can’t imagine how much hard this would be on me if I remained in Upstate New York. Mental Health shouldn’t be a low priority for the Deaf community. Mental Health isn’t something to mess with.
I am also surprised (and also not) by the lack of counselors available online after the pandemic. All counselors had been forced to go virtual. This should’ve allowed more accessibility for Deaf/HOH people! It always was difficult even before the pandemic for us to find that help but you would’ve thought with everyone being remote, it would give us even MORE options!
What’s next for me? I don’t know. I still have my bad days, but I have found ways to cope with the support of my immediate family. Sometimes that isn’t enough but I find the strength to fight through those bad days. But… that is ME. Not every Deaf person has that.
Due to the lack of resources for the Deaf community, many of them don’t seek help. Self-medicating and self-help is common. Ironically the counseling center at RIT shares the building with the Substance and Addiction Intervention Services for the Deaf center. I was always embarrassed about that, wondered if the hearing people thought the majority of us had addiction issues. I quickly learned about the issues of providing care for the Deaf community, then I understood how important it was to have that center.
I hope my experiences of the difficulty of finding help shows how important this topic is… Mental Health within the deaf community. We need more work on providing resources and accessibility. Deaf people deserves better care!
Book Review: The Deaf Girl
As a long time Bachelor/Bachelorette fan, I was thrilled when there would be a D/deaf contestant for Matt James’ season. I do have to admit that I was disappointed when Abigail Heringer stepped out of the limo. She spoke and didn’t use sign language. I wasn’t disappointed with her as a person. The spectrum of D/deaf identities is so wide. A D/deaf person who can talk well and doesn’t use sign language often ALWAYS gets picked to represent the ENTIRE D/deaf community. It gives people the wrong assumptions about us.
That didn’t stop me to continue to watch the season. D/deaf people with cochlear implants still ARE a part of the D/deaf community. I rooted for Abigail! I really liked her authenticity, personality and the person she was.
When she announced that she was writing a book, I knew I’d be one of the first people to read it. It always intrigues me to read about the various life experiences of other D/deaf people no matter where on the spectrum they are.
Synopsis:
An inspiring story of hearing loss and hope from The Bachelor's first deaf contestant
Abigail Heringer made her television debut as an instant fan-favorite on season 25 of The Bachelor. Stepping out of the limousine, she approached her bachelor with a playful declaration: she would be staring at his lips all night for two compelling reasons—her profound deafness since birth and because he had some nice lips!
But Abigail's journey wasn't always marked by such confidence. Growing up deaf and introverted, she dreaded being the center of attention, fearing her disability would burden those around her. Among her hearing peers, she felt like an outsider, simply labeled as "the deaf girl." And after receiving a cochlear implant at the age of two, she subsequently struggled to find her place in the Deaf community too. Caught in between two worlds and grappling to define her identity as a deaf woman, Abigail felt like she belonged in neither.
Supported by her family, particularly her deaf older sister Rachel, Abigail has come to understand that while being deaf is part of her identity, it doesn't define her. Throughout her journey, marked by challenges and adversity, Abigail has grown into her own strongest advocate, discovering a new voice that is confident, fearless, and empowered—a voice that enables her to proudly reclaim the title of "the deaf girl" she once resisted and rewrite it as a testament to her resilience and strength.
Hopeful, vulnerable, and uplifting, The Deaf Girl shares Abigail's journey of navigating life with a profound hearing loss and her transformation from merely accepting her disability to embracing it wholeheartedly. This memoir serves as an inspiring reminder for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to embrace their differences, showcasing that every voice is worthy of being heard.
Review:
Abigail being the first D/deaf contestant on the Bachelor was amazing, she’s educating people about her specific life journey with cochlear implants. That led people to be more interested about deafness/hearing loss. In this book, she talks a lot about her upbringing from her birth, school years, college, post-college and The Bachelor experience.
It was very interesting as we didn’t get to learn about the depth of Abigail’s life while she was on The Bachelor. I didn’t realize that she had an older sister who also was born with hearing loss and also got cochlear implants. It was tough reading about her mom’s reaction to the hearing loss as it was similar to my parents’ reaction. The fear of how to help your child without understanding deaf culture or knowing what the future will look like for them.
The perspectives of Abigail and her sister, Rachel were so different related to their hearing loss/cochlear implants. While Rachel adapted to cochlear implants easily, Abigail struggled with hers. They both processed them very differently. I loved how Abigail shared about this and was honest about cochlear implants as they are not one size fits all. She really educated well about what it is like to have cochlear implants, how it takes time to adjust to sounds, putting in effort to process sounds and more.
While cochlear implants are a controversial subject of the deaf community, there are also deaf people who are not accepting of them. I was sad to read about Abigail’s experience with her ASL teacher who was anti-CI. She was singled out in the class for having them. Abigail explained about the deaf activists who were against the implants but shared she was in agreement about the inaccuracy of cochlear implants being perceived as a ‘cure’ for hearing loss. I love Abigail’s maturity on this sensitive subject and that she understands that it’s not for everyone. Abigail is very grateful for her mom to make the decision that she did and she is appreciative of her implants.
I’m always learning about cochlear implants, and was amazed that I learned even more from Abigail’s book. I also was amazed that even through we had such a different journey (I never had cochlear implants), we experienced so much alike related to our hearing losses. It spoke to my soul when she talked about:
How much she tried to hide her hearing loss while in school. Me too, girl! I always tried to hide my deafness in school or in public.
Attending parties with her boyfriend and his friends who didn’t know her since they went to different schools. I always loved meeting people from other schools who didn’t know me as ‘that deaf girl’!
Being more open about her hearing loss in college helped her develop confidence in herself. I might’ve went to a college with a large deaf community but that’s exactly what helped me to develop confidence in myself - accepting my deafness.
I’m happy that Abigail wrote this book. There aren’t any memoirs to my knowledge of a D/deaf person with cochlear implants. On social media, I like to recommend a variety of deaf identities (as I mentioned, there’s such a wide spectrum) so I’m glad to add this book to that list. I throughly enjoyed reading about Abigail’s life story as well her The Bachelor experience!
D/deaf: The ‘uppercase D’ is used to describe those who identify as culturally Deaf and are active with the Deaf community. The ‘lowercase d’ refers to the physical condition of having hearing loss and don’t always have a strong connection to the Deaf community.
How to learn American Sign Language
If you’re one of the people who have said “I’ve always wanted to learn American Sign Language but I never know how to start!”, you’re in the right place!
As a deaf person, I love to help people find the right resources to learn about deaf culture and/or community. Learning American Sign Language may feel overwhelming to you but if you find some time, you can do it!
It’s HIGHLY recommended to learn from Deaf teachers. You can’t get more authenticity from someone directly from the community. It’s no different for any other languages - you would want to learn Spanish from a Spanish speaking person, right?
There are many ways to learn ASL. You can find them on YouTube, Instagram, websites or in person. I’ll share some recommendations:
ONLINE CLASSES
Instagram
Sara Miller @languagepriority / @adventuresindeafed
Loni Friedmann @loni.friedmann
Stephanie Zornoza @theaslshop
ASL Spring (CODA owned, but deaf teachers)
Oklahoma School for the Deaf (FREE)
BOOK
“Learn to Sign with Your Baby: 50 Essential ASL Signs To Help Your Child Communicate Their Needs, Wants, and Feelings” by Cecilia S. Grugan
INTERNET
APP
The ASL App
Lingvano app
I will be continuing to keep this list updated as possible. Don’t hesitant to reach out if you need more help in finding resources to learn American Sign Language!
Apple picking at Holmberg Orchards
It’s that time of year for some apple picking! One of my most favorite activity to kick off September. I am team apples over pumpkins! Don’t get me wrong, I have a tons of pumpkins decor around the house but I will pick apple-flavored over pumpkin any day!
In Mystic region, Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry, CT is the best for PYO (pick your own) apples. The picturesque orchard sits on the hill overlooking Thames River. You can even see Mohegan Sun from there! The farm is owned by 4 generations since 1896.
Why do I love Holmberg Orchards? They have several types of apples to pick from. The orchards are very neat kept and organized. There are tractor rides to bring you up to the orchards. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Delicious apple cider and donuts every weekend. There is a food truck serving up cider donuts for you to enjoy after apple picking. It feels like a festival!
There’s a wine and cider barn opened on the weekends! The barn has a tasting room where you can sample the wine and cider for a cost. The products are also sold in the year-round market for you to take home.
Opened year-round, the market is also a gem. I often drop in there to pick up some treats through out the year. Before my gluten free diagnosis, I’d always pick up the apple crisp. It is so delicious, especially if you heat it up and put vanilla ice cream on it! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I love the slushies they have too - lavender lemonade (July flavor) is my most favorite! The flavor changes monthly so be sure to check what they have. In the market, you also can find local products from other farmers/artistans. I’ve bought goat milk soap here too.
5 Free Things to do this Fall in Mystic, CT
Looking for something to do in Mystic, Connecticut but you’re on a low budget? No fear, I’ve got the scoop for you! As a local, I know all the best recommendations of what to do and see in the area!
Mystic Museum of Art
The museum is located in downtown Mystic. It is right on Mystic River so it has a great water view from the back patio/walking path! The museum itself is on the smaller side with usually 1-2 exhibitions, it is worth a look around! I’ve enjoyed several exhibitions that came in town. Do keep in mind that sometimes a special exhibition may require a fee so keep updated with their website here. While it is free admission, donations are greatly appreciated.
Ender’s Island
A remote compound located on Mason’s Island opened to the public from dawn-dusk. It is a Catholic retreat with a church, several residential buildings, offices, dining hall and more. There are beautiful gardens by the sea that you can enjoy. I’ve seen people picnic on the lawn, sit in the gazebo enjoying the waterfront views, artists painting the scenery, etc. This goes without saying, but please respect the property - keep it beautiful!
Esker Point Beach
It may not be warm enough for a swim but enjoy the locals summer at the beach! Go for a walk by the water, enjoy a cookout at the picnic area, read a good book on a blanket in the sand, or take photos of Morgan Point Lighthouse. Esker Point Beach is free to the public year-round.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
There are several hiking trails at the Nature Center. You can find the map on their website here and at the center. Over 10+ miles of trails will take you through the beautiful wetlands! If you enjoy bird-watching, this would be a great spot for you to visit. Opened dawn to dusk.
Explore the Coastal Accesses
I love the coastal accesses on the shoreline. There are so many of them! I’ve included them in several guides by towns: Mystic, Groton/Noank, and Stonington. The best part? It’s free to appreciate the beauty of the shoreline!
Follow @knotsoloud on Instagram for more recommendations in Mystic, CT!
What to do in Mystic, Connecticut during September
September usually signals the beginning of locals summer in Mystic, Connecticut. Let me tell you something, it never slows down in Mystic! There are plenty to do even during September. The weather is still bringing us nice temperatures during the day (but it may be crisp in the mornings/evenings so be sure to dress for it!).
Enjoy apple cider donuts at B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
It’s a September tradition when the last surviving steam powered cider mill opens for the season on September 1st (and usually runs until late Nov/early Dec). You can’t get more into the fall festive with some apple cider or donuts! The cider mill is also very Instagrammable spot - a lot opportunities for photos! Do keep in mind, it gets busy on the weekends and may be crowded. Read more about Clyde’s Cider Mill here.
Sail with Argia Mystic Cruises
Don’t pass up on this opportunity to get out on the water! It may be chilly compared to summer but the views are still beautiful. People always rave about the sunset sails and the amazing staff. I have personally cruised on Argia before and would highly recommend it too! They are doing sails until October.
Paddle with Adventure Mystic on Mystic River
Another way to be on the water can be by kayaking or stand-up paddling. You can rent them at Adventure Mystic located in the Schooner Wharf. This can’t be better location to explore the Mystic River, it takes you right to Downtown area or you can explore Mystic Seaport from the water.
Apple picking at Whittle’s Willow Spring Farm
Whittle’s Farm is the place to be for apple picking! They have several apple trees on the property to pick from. The best part? It’s dog friendly! I never could find apple orchards that allowed me to bring my pup. Another reason why you should go to Whittle’s, they have the best veggies and fruits in their farm market. Gourds/pumpkins also may make an appearance closer to October!
No vampires at the Garlic festival at Olde Mistick Village
A popular festival during September, where there are 50+ vendors and 16 local musicians. It’s fun to see all the creativity of using garlic in food so if you love garlic, this festival is for you! Even if you don’t enjoy garlic, you can shop in all the local businesses which there’s something for everyone!
Mum’s the word at Stonington Gardens
I swear that Stonington Gardens is the best garden center for the mums! I have annual tradition to go there in September to get the mums for the front porch. A beautiful center that is also very photogenic and they do events on the weekends such as building your own scarecrow. It’s worth a look in! This also isn’t too far from B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill.
Never a bad time to visit Mystic Seaport
I love Mystic Seaport so of course, I’ll always recommend to visit the largest Maritime museum. There’s so much to do and see at the Seaport. If you’re interested in attending an event, make sure you check their calendar on their website. Many of their boat vessels are also available for tours in September — private charters, Sabino, Mystic Water Taxi. Fingers crossed that foliage will start to show by end of September!
Mystic has the luxury of being a small town with a charm that is opened year-round. It never slows down here! Don’t hesitant to reach out to me if you wanted more tailored recommendations for your visit to Mystic!
B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
Fall is my favorite season! It’s the time of pumpkins and apples (I’m team apples all the way!). I love that the New England region offers so MANY gorgeous places to visit the during fall season. One of my favorites is the apple cider mill in Old Mystic, CT - B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill.
B.F. Clyde’s is a national historic mechanical engineering landmark because they are the last surviving steam powered cider mill. They still have the machinery that makes the cider in a building that people are welcome to tour. There is a plaque on the building explaining the history of B.F. Clyde’s. I learned that the machinery manufacturer was located in Syracuse, NY (2 hours from my hometown!). There is cider making demonstrations on the weekends in October and November. Check out their websites for specific times of the demonstrations.
They open for the season in September. It’s ALWAYS my first fall tradition to start the season by going there! I’ve tried so many apple ciders but this one is just my absolute favorite.
The smell of the cider donuts hits you once you get out of your car. The vibe of B.F. Clyde’s just screams everything fall. You will see a few buildings on the property - the cider mill machinery building, general store, wine tasting and the gift shop. The general store is where you purchase the sweet cider, treats, and jar goods. They offer wine tastings on the weekends as well. The gift shop has the souvenirs to remind you of your visit to B.F. Clyde’s. They have cool t-shirts and mugs that I have purchased! On the weekends, there are a few vendors selling syrup and popcorn.
I recommend the cider donuts, apple turnovers and apple pie but you can’t go wrong with any of their baked treats! I love to bring a gallon of sweet cider home - sometime I enjoy it cold or heated up. B.F. Clyde’s also offers apple cider slushies.
The cider mill is so popular that there can be long lines on the weekends but it’s definitely worth the wait! If you’re lucky to live close by, it’s less crowded during the week. B.F. Clyde’s only operates until December, so make sure you get there before the season ends! It’s a fun place to visit for everyone of all ages. Nothing feels more fall than B.F. Clyde’s cider mill!
Visit B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill at 129 N. Stonington Road in Old Mystic, CT.
Author Spotlight: Jean Meltzer
Happy Pub Day to MAGICAL MEET CUTE!
I was introduced to Jean Meltzer in 2021 when she wrote THE MATZAH BALL. I was thrilled to read a Hanukkah book! In the book, we meet Rachel who is a Jewish girl who loves Christmas. She writes Christmas romance books while hiding this secret from her family. Her publisher requested she writes a Hanukkah romance so she finds inspiration at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration. It was the most adorable read and I loved how it included Christmas as I am interfaith (I celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah!).
Then came along MR. PERFECT ON PAPER. Dara has a specific checklist for the perfect husband. Her bubbe shared the checklist with a TV reporter, Chris who thought the search for Dara’s perfect Jewish husband would make good TV. Chris is a non-Jewish single dad, didn’t check any of Dara’s boxes but they both begin to fall for each other! It tugged at my heart. This book is a fun (and serious) example how we must expect the unexpected!
KISSING KOSHER is all about Avital who struggles from chronic pelvic pain who needs more help to manage her family’s kosher bakery in Brooklyn. Ethan stepped in, but he’s undercover for his grandfather who is the competition. He had a goal to steal family secrets but gets to know Avital. It was such a delight read where I was transported to the kosher bakery!
Out today, in MAGICAL MEET CUTE, Faye is a potter living in Woodstock, NY. Under the stress of antisemitic flyers circulating around the town, she focused on making pottery while she was drunk one night. She made a golem to protect her in this time of antisemitism. Next day, she meets Greg when she accidentally hit him with her bike. He loses his memory and she couldn’t help to find the coincidence that he’s similar to the golem she created. I adored this book so much. While it covered the serious topic of antisemitism, there also were funny parts that made me laugh.
What I love about Jean Meltzer is that she incorporates serious topics such as chronic illnesses and antisemitism, but also brings a lot of Jewish Joy! It’s the perfect balance and each book has an amazing amount of Judaism. I rave about her books ALL THE TIME — you really can’t go wrong with any of her books!
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]:
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.
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!
Mystic Outdoor Art Festival
One of the biggest events in Downtown Mystic is the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival (MOAF). The annual event isn’t the one to miss! Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce hosts this long running festival for two days, Saturday and Sunday. It is free to enjoy the art festival!
The 2024 MOAF is happening this upcoming weekend August 10 [10am-6pm] and 11 [10am-5pm].
The festival always brings thousands of visitors to Mystic to enjoy this event. There are many, many artists of all kinds. According to the website, 200+ artists - with a variety of paintings, photography, oil & watercolors, sculptures and many, many more!
The ~2 miles long route runs from Cottrell St —> Holmes St —> Bay St —> Mystic Seaport Museum. The art show is in the shipyard section of Mystic Seaport Museum. There is no museum admission fee for this portion of the grounds.
I’ve attended this festival for over a decade now. It’s always something I look forward to because there’s always something new every year! Around my house, there are many art pieces from over the years that I’ve purchased at the MOAF. There’s always something for everyone!
Also a tip: This is a rain or shine event. If it happens that the day of festival is very sunny, there isn’t a lot of shade along the route so wear some sunscreen and stay hydrated!
Don’t miss this fun event in Downtown Mystic!
GALLERY: Wooden Boat Show in Mystic, CT
Photographed in Mystic, CT at Mystic Seaport Museum on June 28 & 29.
GALLERY: Hydrangeas in Mystic/Noank, CT
Photographed in Mystic and Noank, CT.
GALLERY: Hydrangeas in groton long point, ct
Photographed in Groton Long Point, CT.
GALLERY: Hydrangeas in Watch Hill, RI
Photographed in Watch Hill, RI.
GALLERY: Hydrangeas in Stonington, ct
GALLERY: Spring in Southeastern Connecticut
Photographed in following CT towns: Mystic, Groton, Stonington, Noank and Ledyard. Also photographed in Westerly, RI.
