Belinda

CT: Fairfield County- Ridgefield- Ballard Park (Spring)

Likely my favorite town in Fairfield County is Ridgefield. It has lovely stores, a great mix of restaurants from fast to fancy and lovely outdoor parks and events. Highlights of my early springtime walk in Ballard Park included the gazebo and the garden. In the summer there are wonderful free “Chirp” concerts here (with aContinue reading “CT: Fairfield County- Ridgefield- Ballard Park (Spring)”

NY: Ulster County- Marlboro-Benmarl Winery

One of my favorite trips was biking in Napa Valley and stopping at vineyards along the way. Seeking a touch of Napa on the east coast, I stopped at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro NY. According to an article it’s the oldest vineyard in America. I admit I am a bit skeptical so I will seeContinue reading “NY: Ulster County- Marlboro-Benmarl Winery”

NY: Dutchess County- Beacon

It has been quite a while since I ventured outside of Connecticut. Not too far over the border is the town of Beacon, NY in the Hudson Valley. This town and its surrounding area has a little bit of everything- cute stores, museums, waterfall, restaurants, biking friendly and loads of hiking with spectacular views. IContinue reading “NY: Dutchess County- Beacon”

CT: New Haven County- Meriden- Hubbard Park (Spring Biking)

Many go to Hubbard Park in the Fall to take in the beautiful views of the changing leaves at the castle (link to Fall visit at bottom). But in the Spring there are fields of daffodils – or so I always heard. The weekend crowds always discouraged me. But today is Thursday and it’s myContinue reading “CT: New Haven County- Meriden- Hubbard Park (Spring Biking)”

CT: New Haven County: Farmington Canal Trail- Southern (ECG- Biking)

The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail extends from New Haven to the Massachusetts border (84 miles). It follows the path of the former Farmington Canal and the New Haven & Northampton Railroad. It’s broken up into two main pieces- the Southern (New Haven to Southington) and the Northern (to MA). Today’s ride was the Southern halfContinue reading “CT: New Haven County: Farmington Canal Trail- Southern (ECG- Biking)”

CT: Fairfield County-Pequonnock Valley Trail (Biking)

From Bridgeport to Newtown the trail is a 13.5 mile combination of paved and gravel trail with some short road biking between scenes. Don’t stop due to any gravel! Continue through and get to the next section with new scenes and opportunities! As long as it’s not private property, go down to the stream –Continue reading “CT: Fairfield County-Pequonnock Valley Trail (Biking)”

CT: Hartford County-Manchester- Wyllys Falls

Down the road from the grandiose Case Mountain Falls, a bit off the beaten path, is another set of falls worth finding. While the parking lot was full at Case Mountain, I decided to try and find Wyllys Falls down the road. An intentional but unmarked path can be found beside a guard rail. GoContinue reading “CT: Hartford County-Manchester- Wyllys Falls”

CT: Hartford- Farmington River Trail (Biking)

Distance: 26 milesCommunities: Farmington, Cheshire, Collinsville, Canton, Avon, Simsbury This is one of the top rail trails for walking, jogging or biking. It runs along the Farmington river for a long portion and provides for a 26 mile loop. There is also an adjunct trail referred to as the Farmington Canal Trail. I started atContinue reading “CT: Hartford- Farmington River Trail (Biking)”

CT: Windham County-Putnam (Biking)

Awesome bike ride along the East Coast Greenway from Putnam to Pomfret and back. Start in town along the Quinipaug River and take rolling hills with farms to the Vanilla Bean in Pomfret and back for a bite at one of the great restaurants in Putnam. About 12-15 mile ride. I parked at the PriceContinue reading “CT: Windham County-Putnam (Biking)”

CT: Hartford County- Manchester- Case Mountain Falls

5 stone archways make up the bridge. Part natural and part man made by the Case family who owned a paper mill. You can walk right up almost into one of the archways peering at the water behind! I found a painted rock, “Brave” as I continue to climb the rocks for a better shot.Continue reading “CT: Hartford County- Manchester- Case Mountain Falls”