CT: Middlesex County- Old Saybrook- Biking

A great choice for my first ride of 2022. 15 miles around the shoreline of beautiful Old Saybrook.

The Maggie P (see link below of history)

Started at the Old Saybrook train station, went through the lovely town and rode along the shore.

  • North Main Street to Main Street
  • Left on North Cove Road
  • Right onto Cromwell Place
  • Continue onto Fenwick Street
  • Continue onto Cove Street
  • Continue onto Bridge Street
  • Turn left onto Nibang Avenue
  • Turn right onto Fenwick Avenue
  • Took some detours and pictures in the borough of Fenwick which is the prior neighborhood of Katherine Hepburn.
  • Continued along shore to Harvey’s Beach

Going through Fenwick in Old Saybrook on a bike allows you to see areas otherwise unavailable by car. I always wanted to see the lighthouse closer up.

Refer to interesting history about the Maggie P

https://inkct.com/2018/07/the-maggie-p-was-and-still-is-home/

It was a great day and a great ride. Highly recommend touring Old Saybrook by bike. I stopped for a bite for lunch at Tea Kettle which was delicious.

I had a soup and half a tuna melt. Additionally the coffee was great. I find that so rare in restaurants. So good food and good coffee!

I found this to be the perfect use of an early spring 70 degree day.

CT: Fairfield County: Norwalk- Best Hot Chocolate

As I continued my search for the best hot chocolate in the area, I came across an article about Cafe Social and the number of different flavors of their hot chocolate.

I chose the Nutella! It was very beautifully presented and was absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to return on another wintry day and try the others!

Caffe Social, 73 North Main, Norwalk, CT 06854

203-939-9523, 9am-4pm

Inspiration: It’s a mad world

I spent a cold winters afternoon at Grace Farms in an inspirational and warm environment.

One of their beautiful glass buildings is their library filled with opportunities for growth and insights.

I recognized I selected a book which may take me on a journey far away while sitting in New Canaan, CT.

Its messages were repeated throughout to reinforce its principles with steps to apply them to your daily life.

One practice I have tried to employ in recent years is one recognizing how anger may be counter productive. I found comfort in the Dalai Lama sharing his philosophy.

I have found very little said in anger that isn’t regretted later – there are some that can admit that and there are those that can’t. The downstream impacts may be unnecessarily irreparable.

Take a break from whatever you’re doing to allow your body to recover from the physiological reactions of anger. Your present and your future will thank you.

CT: New Haven County- Guilford: Cilantro (hot chocolate)

This year one of my gold is to try the different hot chocolate options in the state.

Cilantro offers one of the better hot chocolates with offering of whipped cream and it’s located right on the Guilford green!

85 Whitfield Street, Guilford

I’ve vote this one behind Kent Coffee and Chocolate but ahead of Arethusa (possibly due to Arethusa not offering whipped cream) but neck to neck with Cafe Dolce in Norwalk.

Tips: give it an extra stir to capture the true flavor of the chocolate and always drink to the last drop to fully appreciate the chocolate.

Kent does offer different chocolate types when considering whipped cream to better complement the whipped cream (like dark versus white).

Mmmm I will continue the adventure and see if that’s out there! So many hot chocolate variations to consider!

CT: Middlesex County- Madison (Drive up sunset)

It’s been a while. At 55 in February it was time for a sunset with reflections.

I have always enjoyed the drive up sunsets by the Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, CT

You can also stop at their bar and overlook the sunset on the beach on their wraparound porch and simply get lost in the moment.

94 West Wharf Road, Madison, CT

After sunset, stop inside for dinner or an appetizer near one of the many fireplaces.

CT: Fairfield County- The Goose Bistro & Bar (Winter)

A good friend, a tasty restaurant with good wine and a fireplace is a great find in the winter months.

I was fortunate enough to hit a home run at The Goose in Darien with a friend recently. we each enjoyed a red wine from Napa Valley sharing grilled calamari and a cauliflower pizza.

Sit at one of the high top tables in the bar for the full experience near the fireplace.

972 Boston Post Road, Darien CT

CT: Middlesex County- Comstock Bridge

Gates to Heaven . . . Or so it appeared to me.

This bridge was originally built in 1785. It’s one of three covered bridges that remain in Connecticut. Located in East Hampton, this one is my favorite.

Beneath the bridge I swear Salmon River was smiling at the heavenly thought.

Stopped at nearby Cato Corner Cheese farm to follow. A perfect complement.

CT: Hartford County- Blackledge Falls (Winter)

I stood in the center of Blackledge Falls in Glastonbury, CT which was literally frozen in time. I included myself in the shot for scale.

It’s Connecticut’s natural ice castles and is truly amazing to see. About 1/2 mile hike from the lot but it is a steep decline to the falls so must wear micro spikes.

While the trail may be hard to see if the snow is fresh, the signage is excellent. However do pay attention to where the brook may be or you could wind up breaking into icy water. With appropriate precautions it’s a great time!

“Let it go, let it go
I am one with the wind and sky”
(Lyrics from the movie Frozen)

Recommend going to Spicy Green beans for lunch with a tasty allergen free dessert next door at Dee’s bakery in the town.

Side note for those with food allergies! Dee’s bakery is an allergen free bakery and as a family with a food allergy it’s one of the best I’ve found in the state. My son gave it two thumbs up!