Pivot and Pause in New England
A Photographic Journal of Opportunities
Only a few more weeks until I can no longer access many of my favorite coastline beaches. But tonight my favorite veggie crunch salad was on sale so I grabbed a bunch and head to see the sunset.
As I opened my car door, the wind pushed it back towards me. I realized my view would have to be from the car.
I laid back, relaxing from the long work day and the hard workout which followed and watched as the setting sun reflected on the hood.
Perfect.
As I continued my quest to find bunches of daffodils I was reminded of Twin Brooks Park in Trumbull.
Now I grant you, if you don’t live here it’s a bit of a challenge to know of these daffodils as you can only park with a resident sticker.
But you can walk or bike in and then just hang out with the flowers and geese.
A great first spring bike ride is the Farmington River Trail. Seems I rode the same trail just a month prior a year ago where I explained the ride (see below link)
CT: Hartford- Farmington River Trail (Biking)
So this year I didn’t take as many shots as I got a flat. But it didn’t stop me from noticing the daffodils that lined the trail and also stopping at La Salle Market in Collinsville.
Each time I ride it I do stop at my favorite spot where you can see the rapids of the Farmington River and all the fisherman standing throughout.
I can tell you that a great tasty and reasonable spot for breakfast or lunch at the Rebel Dog Coffee Company. But notice there are two- one in Plantsville and one in Farmington. I accidentally ordered from one and went to the other. Fortunately they’re only 3 miles apart!
A great day!
The soft opening of the 2022 season starts with a daffodil viewing.
It’s not only about the daffodils.
It’s about the rolling hills, the misty waters, the chatty geese and the biggest snapping turtle.
While the pictures don’t do this place justice, I’m so grateful for having taken them to recall each magical moment so far away from any hustle and bustle.
Go into the small town of Millbrook before or after. Babette’s Kitchen is great for a coffee and snack. There are restaurants along the Main Street with great reviews I hope to try.
I had been to the Big Falls several times as they are right off one of the parking lots and a lovely scene.
This time I decided to take the short and easy hike to Little Falls by following the orange trail to the yellow trail to the blue trail!
I love to carefully climb around the rocks and find colorful colors and rock formations from the glow of water.
Then of course there’s the sound. I tenuously sat on top of a huge boulder looking down upon the falls.
Perfectly present (mostly so I didn’t fall off while taking the picture ;). Be focused and careful but enjoy!
I was drawn by the Spring garden but the museum was just as colorful.
Definitely one of the spots where you can’t help but smile and those around you equally enjoying the flowers.
Hard to capture was the surprise contrasting colors which appeared within each bloom.
Peaking within each room the vibrant outside colors come inside. Wonderful colorful surprises.
My first visit here and a great add as I continue to chase Spring flowers.
893 Clinton Avenue, Bridgeport, NY
As captured from a Facebook post of background “The Colorblends House, 893 Clinton Ave, Bridgeport. This 1903 Colonial Revival house was built in 1903 for Albert S Wells, the general superintendent of the Bridgeport Malleable Iron Company. It has also served as an architect’s office, a doctor’s home, and a place for private tutoring. Purchased by the Colorblends Flower company, it is now in it’s 7th year of planting it’s half acre idea garden with 50,000 spring flower bulbs. The garden is free to the public and for a small donation you can tour the house with it’s original woodwork and stained glass windows. It also showcases the work of 11 artists. Take a stroll in the garden, be amazed at the interior of the house and the work of the artists, or just sit on the porch and enjoy the view of the gardens. Open April 1 to May 8. Something different is always in bloom.”
No better place to celebrate Earth day then at Daffodil Hill at the NYBG!
The garden’s website will advise you of what is in bloom so you can determine the right time to go.
The dedication of the team there is clear. The gardens are just immaculate.
Bring a picnic lunch is my tip. Grab a bench amongst the flowers and simply enjoy.
Parking isn’t fun so leave some time for that but just know before you go so it doesn’t bug you. The place is beautiful.
New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx, NY
I first learned of this farm last year during the height of covid. Finding outdoor opportunities such as this is one of the small upsides of the pandemic.
Laurel Ridge not only has fields and fields of daffodils but also a daffodil island right beyond your reach.
A great choice for portrait photography.
And another place for me to practice jumping for joy!
160 Wigwam Road, Litchfield, CT
Options for lunch: White Horse Tavern but of course 😉 and a stop at Thorncrest farms for the best chocolate and fresh vanilla milk.
Happiness is . . . chasing cherry blossoms, magnolias and other flowers as they spring up over night.
I had last snow shoed at Lasdon Park but with its focus on horticulture I decided to see what may be blossoming.
How awesome it was to reach the top of a hill and look down upon a row of beautiful cherry trees perfectly in bloom.
Better was to take the extra few minutes to go down the hill and dance amongst them.
2610 NY-35, Katonah, New York
I was just shy of peak this year where you have both the cherry blossoms and daffodils in bloom.
But the experience was nonetheless beautiful at the Field of Daffodils in Redding planted for a loved wife.
What fun it was to dance and have fun amongst them. You would have thought I planned wearing the flower embroidered new jacket 😉
PS to Deb: Fun being a kid again. Happy Passover. Next step is the carousel. 🙂
Last years blog below for story behind the lot.
https://btographytravels.com/2021/04/20/ctfairfield-county-redding-field-of-daffodils-spring/
Where to eat nearby- I enjoy Milestone.
Pivot and Pause in New England