Short hikes with big rewards are a favorite in the winter. The 1.4 mile loop to see Bear Rock is just that! The first section of the hike takes you through groves of Mountain Laurels. Mountain Laurel is the state flower of Connecticut. I hope to return to the grove in the spring. This trailContinue reading “CT: Middlesex County- Durham- Bear Rock (Winter Hike)”
Category Archives: Middlesex County
CT: Middlesex County-Killingsworth- Chatfield Hollow State Park (Winter)
Winter hiking was never on my list of to do’s so I am selective on where I go. Chatfield Hollow State Park met my core attributes. I do a little homework before I go on a winter hike. First I prefer those with paved trails just to be a bit safer from icy falls. Secondly,Continue reading “CT: Middlesex County-Killingsworth- Chatfield Hollow State Park (Winter)”
CT: Middlesex County- Essex- Griswold inn
Said to be the Oldest Continuously Operating Inn in America since 1776, the Griswold Inn found ways to even stay open through Covid! Born of Independence, the building and launch of the Oliver Cromwell warship was at the beginnings of The Griswold Inn, a destination for seafarers and land travelers alike for more than 244Continue reading “CT: Middlesex County- Essex- Griswold inn”
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CT: Middlesex County-East Haddam-Johnsonville Village
A Ghost Town, A Ghost, A Song of the Year, and A Documentary Please note: I stumbled upon this village while driving by and seeing the interesting dual -tunnel covered bridge and made a turn out of curiosity. I saw some workers who were part of the organization which since purchased the area who gaveContinue reading “CT: Middlesex County-East Haddam-Johnsonville Village”
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CT: Middlesex County- East Haddam- Devil’s Hopyard
Dibble or fiddle? Cross over the newly built covered bridge following a loop trail to the falls to consider the foreboding encounters of the Devils Hopyard. There was a malthouse and related hops garden on this property hence the “Hopyard” reference but history is unclear on the reference to the Devil. It’s either related itContinue reading “CT: Middlesex County- East Haddam- Devil’s Hopyard”
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CT: Middlesex County- East Haddam- Two Wrasslin’ Cats (Food & Coffee)
A visit to Gillette Castle, where William Gillette had 17 cats, would be appropriately coupled with the Two Wrasslin’ Cats cafe. A casual eatery and coffee house off the side of the main road in East Haddam offers a “clowder” of sandwich offerings, each feline themed, in a circa 1784 house. Mark the owner retiredContinue reading “CT: Middlesex County- East Haddam- Two Wrasslin’ Cats (Food & Coffee)”
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CT: Middlesex County-East Haddam- Yankee Cider Company
Perfect pairing for the holidays! Loved the ambience of the Yankee Cider Mill. Coupling it with a tour around East Haddam makes for a delightful day. They offer flights of hard cider and sweet wines as well as freshly made cider donuts or s’mores over the open fire outside. Yankee Cider Company, 23 Petticoat Lane,Continue reading “CT: Middlesex County-East Haddam- Yankee Cider Company”
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CT: Middlesex County- East Hampton- Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Farm
What’s better than a Charlie Brown Christmas? An even better Christmas tree! This family farm was absolutely adorable. A beautiful setting into the woods to cut down your own tree and they were lovely. There is also a log cabin with a smoking chimney where you can mail your letters to Santa (#ROLA), get decoratedContinue reading “CT: Middlesex County- East Hampton- Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Farm”
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CT: Middlesex County-Chester-Hadlyme Ferry
Next door to Gillette Castle is the ferry crossing between these two towns. As per Wiki, the Chester–Hadlyme ferry is a seasonal ferry crossing the Connecticut River between the town of Chester, Connecticut and the village of Hadlyme. It is the second oldest continuously operating ferry service in the state of Connecticut and is aContinue reading “CT: Middlesex County-Chester-Hadlyme Ferry”
CT: Middlesex County- Haddam- The Cooking Company (Food)
I usually bring food with me on my jaunts. I prepare something easy at home and bring it along. Sometimes, however, I decide to pick something up along the way. With so many options I have added food to the blogs to potentially make it easier for others. For my trip to Gillette Castle IContinue reading “CT: Middlesex County- Haddam- The Cooking Company (Food)”
Pivot and Pause in New England 