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Connecticut Day Trips

Traveling the globe from my home base in beatuful Connecticut

Saturday Farmers Market in Washington Depot CT

Washington, Connecticut: The Town That Inspired Gilmore Girls [Itinerary]

December 31, 2019 By Elizabeth Larkin Leave a Comment

Some days, you just gotta get in your car and drive to a new town and see the sights. Washington, Connecticut is a really good town to drive to. It’s got a rustic-chic vibe with its mix of locals and weekenders from New York City. There are rolling hills, sprawling farms, and very nice restaurants to eat and drink in.

Washington Connecticut Day Trip

Bryan Memorial Town Hall in Washington CT

You can park your car at the Hickory Stick bookshop and spend an hour or two wandering it’s little “downtown” area. There’s the bookshop, Marty’s Cafe for coffee, some clothing stores and on Saturdays in the spring, summer and fall, a small farmers market.

Washington is famously the setting for the TV show show “Gilmore Girls” and while it doesn’t exactly resemble Stars Hollow, it does have all the trappings of small town life: lots of community activities, a folksy vibe, and tons to do (see my list below). As I say in my Gilmore Girls Guide to Connecticut (coming soon!), Washington is way more rural and outdoorsy than Stars Hollow.

Saturday Farmers Market in Washington Depot CT

The point of traveling to a town like Washington is to just be there, to soak up the small-town atmosphere.

Park at the Byran Memorial Town Hall. There’s a farmers market on Saturday mornings in the spring, summer and fall where you can stock up on local produce. Then hit Marty’s Cafe for a coffee before browsing the Hickory Stick Bookshop. There are other small retailers to dip into as well.

The day I visited I spent about an hour checking out the scene in town before wandering down route 47 towards the intersections of Kirby Road, Whykeham Road, and Parsanoge Lane.

There’ll you’ll find another little town center but this one looks like time forgot it. The buildings are still well kept and blindingly white, but there’s one lonely store and what looks to be an old town square.

I parked my car on a side street ear the intersection, grabbed my camera and roamed the area. There you’ll find the The First Congregational Church, the Gunn Memorial Library and the Gunn Historical Museum.  I didn’t see many people, but there was a fairly regular flow of vintage cars out for a weekend drive.

From there I continued North on Route 47 (enter Hopkins Vineyard into your GPS or Google Maps app) and enjoyed some of the most beautiful scenery Connecticut has to offer: rolling hills, gentleman’s farms and finally, a view of Lake Waramaug on the approach to Warren and the winery.

This would be a beautiful day trip year-round.

PLACES TO VISIT IN WASHINGTON, CONNECTICUT:

Averill Hill Farm
250 Calhoun St.
Washington, CT 06794

For apple picking, pumpkin picking, pizza, apple cider and apple cider doughnuts.

Hollister House Garden
300 Nettleton Hollow Rd
Washington, CT 06793

The Institute For American Indian Studies
Curtis Rd
Washington, CT 06793

Mayflower Spa
118 Woodbury Rd (Route 47)
Washington, CT 06793

I am DYING to try this place. I plan to organize a day trip there with my girlfriends this winter

Gunn Historical Museum
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

Hidden Valley Preserve
198 Bee Brook Rd
Washington Depot, CT 06794

PLACES TO EAT IN WASHINGTON, CONNECTICUT

The White Horse Country Pub
258 New Milford Turnpike
New Preston, CT 06777

British Pub Food in the Litchfield Hills.

GW Tavern
20 Bee Brook Rd
Washington Depot, CT 06794

The Pantry
5 Titus Rd
Washington Depot, CT 06794

Norimaki
4 Green Hill Rd
Washington, CT 06793

A local Favorite.

Marty’s Cafe
4 Green Hill Rd #1
Washington Depot, CT 06793

The Washington Pizza House
13 River Rd
Washington Depot, CT 06794

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Connecticut

Day Trip to the Antiques Marketplace in Putnam

December 9, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin 4 Comments

Antiques Marketplace in Putnam, CT

I found such a treasure trove of items I wanted to buy at the Antiques Marketplace I even surprised myself, and I really like to shop. I went in with my boyfriend who was looking for a price on an old watch he found in his family’s basement, and while he spoke with some dealers, I perused the store and began mentally decorating the huge mansion I’ll own in my future.

Below are pictures of some of my favorite pieces, as well as an itinerary with recommendations on places to eat, and notable neighbors to visit if you’d like to make your trip to the Putnam Antiques Marketplace a full day trip.

Photos & a Day Trip Itinerary for Antiques Marketplace in Putnam, CT below.

[Read more…] about Day Trip to the Antiques Marketplace in Putnam

Filed Under: Connecticut, Travel Tagged With: antiquing, day trip, Eastern Connecticut, Putnam, quainty quaintness, Quiet Corner, Windham County

Day Trip to Essex, Connecticut

December 7, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin 8 Comments

 The town square in Main Street in Essex, Connecticut (map)

Boasting one of the prettiest Main Streets in the world, a water front, it’s history as one of the only towns in America to be attacked by another country (the Brits, during the war of 1812), and a world-class Inn, Essex, Connecticut has a lot going for it. It’s proximity to some of Connecticut’s most acclaimed theater companies (the Ivoryton Playhouse in Ivoryton, CT, and the Goodspeed Opera in East Haddam, CT), don’t hurt Essex’s claim as a must-stop destination.

The truly great thing about this Connecticut gem, is that it’s truly a town for all seasons: it’s just as charming and visitor-friendly during the winter as it is in the summer. Sarah and I visited on a very cold-but-sunny afternoon and were struck by the combination of coziness and elegance a walk through Essex provides. I’ve suggested an itinerary below, but this is the kind of place I recommend just showing up and seeing where your stroll around town takes you. No maps necessary.


{The Episcopal Church on Main Street in Essex, CT}


{I can’t resist a red barn; this one, again was taken on Main Street in Essex.}


{A nautical door knocker fits right in with the town’s seaside history.}

{Rooftops of Essex, CT}

DAY TRIP ITINERARY: Essex, CT
Each day trip itinerary includes the main event, plus suggestions — with names, addresses and maps — of places to eat, shop, or “notable neighbors” to check out while you’re in the area. There is baked-in flexibility to mix and match, or follow the itinerary to the letter. If you have suggestions, lemme know!

For sightseeing:

The Connecticut River Museum (map)
67 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426
(860) 767-8269

The Essex Steam Train (map)
1 Railroad Avenue
Essex, CT 06426
(860) 767-0103

For shopping:

Goods & Curiosities At the Griswold Inn (map)
47 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426
(860) 767-0210 ‎

The French Hen (map)
16 Main Street
Essex, CT 06426

For dining:

Black Seal Seafood Grille (map)
15 Main St # C
Essex, CT
(860) 767-0233 ‎

Griswold Inn (map)
36 Main Street
Essex, CT
(860) 767-1776

For take out food, snacks and ice cream:

Olive Oyl’s  (map)
77 Main St.
Essex, CT

Filed Under: Connecticut, Travel Tagged With: a good walk, day trip, Essex, happy hours, kid-friendly, Middlesex County, museums, quainty quaintness

Day Trip to the Griswold Inn in Essex

November 30, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin 5 Comments

The Griswold Inn in Essex, CT (map)

With a wood-burning stove, house band, and happy hour specials like complimentary appetizers and half price tap room cocktails, a trip to “the Gris” just might be the best way to spend a wintery Friday afternoon. [Read more…] about Day Trip to the Griswold Inn in Essex

Filed Under: Connecticut, Food + Drinks, Travel Tagged With: CT Shoreline, day trip, Essex, Middlesex County, Preppy Connecticut, romantic

Day Trip to Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington

November 25, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin 8 Comments

Untitled

A visit to the Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, CT  (map)

As I described a few weeks back, my day tip to Jonathan Edwards Winery was not done under the ideal fall day tripping conditions. I had envisioned a romantic walk around the quaint borough of Stonington, lunch at a local seafood joint, and then settling in at Jonathan Edwards with a bottle of wine for the afternoon. Things did not quite go as planned, as we opted to buy a bottle and dash back to Hartford before the storm made Route 2 impassable. But, I did spy some other, braver souls out wine tasting and having an absolutely fabulous time. Jonathan Edwards was treating these wine tasters to the biggest pours I have ever seen at a tasting, and I can’t wait to go back (in the spring, perhaps?) to savor some tastings of my own. One note: If you go in the colder months, there doesn’t appear to be too much seating.  If you want to stay and linger, go May-October.

Day trip Itinerary:  Wine Tasting at Jonathan Edwards Vineyard in Stonington


Each day trip itinerary includes the main event, plus suggestions — with names, addresses and maps — of places to eat, shop, or “notable neighbors” to check out while you’re in the area. There is baked-in flexibility to mix and match, or follow the itinerary to the letter. If you have suggestions, lemme know!

Jonathan Edwards Winery
74 Chester Main Road
North Stonington, CT
(860) 535-0202

DINING OPTIONS

Yellow House Coffee and Tea Room (map)
149 Water Street
Stonington, CT 06378-1300
(860) 535-4986

Recommended: I had no qualms about eating a grilled cheese sandwich at 10:30a.m. and declaring it “brunch.” It was was served panini-style, and it was good.

Dogwatch Cafe (Map)
194 Water Street
Stonington, CT 06378
(860) 415-4510 ‎

NOTABLE NEIGHBORS

The Saltwater Farm Vineyard  (map) and the Old Lighthouse Museum (map), both in Stonington.

Interested visiting a Connecticut winery? Read more about Connecticut Wine.

Filed Under: Connecticut, Food + Drinks, Travel Tagged With: ct wine trail, day trip, foliage, girls day out, good for groups, Mystic Area, New London County, North Stonington, romantic

Manchester Road Race, A Thanksgiving Tradition

November 24, 2011 by ctcalendargirl 1 Comment

photo (6)

When does a tradition turn into a tradition? When you can’t remember the exact number of times you have participated anymore? When the pictures you took start to look yellow around the edges? When you realize, you MUST partake in this tradition or else!? Well, that is exactly the sentiment we feel every year when it’s time to run the  Thanksgiving Day Manchester Road Race.  It has become a tradition in our family ….along with 15,000 other people. The Manchester Road Race is in it’s 75th year and is one of the most exciting (and healthy) ways to start Thanksgiving day in Connecticut! Runners travel from all over the state, and beyond, to run this festive race.

Here are some of the main attractions: Safety Man, the rowdy crowd at the Hungry Tiger Bar, neighbors tailgating along the route, bagpipers, runners in costumes, and a big-stinkin-grin on each of the runners as they cross that glorious finish line.  That is tradition I don’t want to break anytime soon.  To all the runners, thanks for keeping the tradition alive! Happy Thanksgiving. Time to eat. ~ Sarah

Morning Sun

{Thanksgiving Morning}

frost removal

{Frost removal – a chilly start to the day!}

Turkey Heads

{Turkey Heads}

photo (8)
{American Flag over Main Street at the Manchester Road Race}

photo (3)Runners waiting at the Starting Line

race!

 {Manchester Road Race Runners}

safety man

 {Safety Man}

supporters

{The Hungry Tiger Bar and patrons}

Post Race Cooldown

{Manchester Road Race Finish Line}

For more information on running in the 2012 Thanksgiving Day Manchester Road Race – visit Manchester Road Race.

Happy Thanksgiving !

Filed Under: Connecticut Tagged With: Hartford County

Day Trip to Mansfield Hollow State Park

November 23, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin 3 Comments

After an unseasonably angry storm, it’s been unseasonably pleasant this fall. I decided to get one more Saturday hike in before the cold and wet finally settle for winter. I chose Mansfield Hollow because it has a history: it was created by the Army Corps of Engineers who damned the Natchung River, creating the Mansfield Hollow Lake and the park. You could head this way and spend a full day in the area with great breakfast options, coffee shops (detailed below in the itinerary), and as I described last week, a stroll around Mansfield Hollow’s Historic District which directly neighbors the park. Or, you could just hike and get a latte, which is what we opted to do with our time in the Hollow.

 

DAY TRIP ITINERARY: Hiking in Mansfield Hollow State Park
Each day trip itinerary includes the main event, plus suggestions — with names, addresses and maps — of places to eat, shop, or “notable neighbors” to check out while you’re in the area. There is baked-in flexibility to mix and match, or follow the itinerary to the letter. If you have suggestions, lemme know!

Mansfield Hollow State Park (map)
Mansfield Center, CT

DINING

Breakfast or coffee…

Bagel One Wholesale (map)
5 North Windham Road
North Windham, CT 06256
(860) 456-0689

Recommended: If you’re hiking and want something hearty, treat yourself to the bacon, egg and cheese (on a bagel, of course), if you plan on strolling, try one of their egg dishes.

Cafemantic (map)
948 Main Street
Willimantic, CT
(860) 423-4243

Recommended: The mocha latte was a delicious post-hike treat.

Lunch or dinner if you’re heading West…

Pancho Loco (map)
218 Talcottville Road
Vernon Rockville, CT
(860) 871-1819

Recommended: The beef tacos are some of the best I’ve ever had.

Lunch or dinner if you’re heading East, or staying in the area…

Chuck’s Steak House/Margaritas (map)
1498 Stafford Road
Storrs, CT 06268
(860) 429-1900

Recommended: Arrive pre-6:00pm or post-8:00pm if you don’t like to wait.

NOTABLE NEIGHBORS

Take a stroll around Mansfield Hollow’s Historic District, or drop in on UConn.

Filed Under: Connecticut, Travel Tagged With: day trip, foliage, good for groups, kid-friendly, Mansfield, pet-friendly, Tolland County, UConn Area, Windham County

Christmas in Connecticut Movie Marathon

November 22, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin Leave a Comment

Of all the joys of Thanksgiving, there’s really nothing I anticipate quite as eagerly as settling down on the couch  for the traditional post-dinner Larkin family viewing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” This year I’ve decided to spice it up with some meatier fare for a Christmas marathon that mixes the classic, with the slap-happy, with the sublime. I want to call special attention to “The Ref,” which features a killer leading cast (Kevin Spacey, Judy Davis and Dennis Leary), and takes place in a fictional Connecticut town on Christmas Eve.

1. Christmas in Connecticut, $6.99
2. Holiday Inn (Special Edition), $6.99
3. White Christmas (Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray], $16.49
4. Miracle on 34th Street (Special Edition), $6.99
5. It’s a Wonderful Life [Blu-ray], $21.49
6. A Christmas Story [Blu-ray], $11.49
7. The Ref, $6.25
8. The Polar Express [Blu-ray], $12.99

Filed Under: Connecticut, Life Tagged With: christmas in connecticut

Postcard From the French Hen in Essex, CT

November 21, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin 3 Comments

The French Hen, 16 Main Street, Essex, CT (map)

When it comes to holiday decorations, my mother has always erred on the side of understated. No colored lights, no tinsel and definitely no fruitcake. That’s not to say she doesn’t decorate the house beautifully, she just tends to put more thought into the little details rather than big, flashy decor.  She prefers a perfectly placed bow on the front door wreath, or a lone candle in the window rather than a full-scale Clark Griswold-style assault on the house. So when I walked in and saw the elegant holiday decorations at the French Hen in Essex, I felt right at home. This is a must-stop destination for home goods, table top, and jewelry and a great place to find that one-of-a-kind item for the discriminating person on your list.

PS: I’ve got my eye on Smathers & Branson’s pirate flask.

{Wooden Santa head ornaments.}


{Waxing poetic fan to store jewelry.}

{Tiny stocking stuffer recipe boxes.}

{Jolly Roger Flask by Smathers and Branson.}

{I couldn’t agree with this sentiment more.}

{Or this one.}

More things to do in Essex: Get some ice cream or take out food from Olive Oyl’s on Main Street, visit the Essex Steam Train, spend the whole day in Essex, take a day trip to the famous Griswold Inn.

 


Filed Under: Connecticut, Travel Tagged With: christmas in connecticut, CT Shoreline, Essex, Middlesex County

Greetings From Mansfield Hollow, Connecticut

November 18, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin 4 Comments

Greetings from Mansfield Hollow - 40
Mansfield Hollow Historic District, Mansfield, CT (map)

One of the super quirky things about Connecticut is the town structure: within most towns (which are already pretty darn small to begin with), are even smaller villages and boroughs, and within those, some neighborhoods get their own post offices and “Welcome To …” signs. I stumbled upon one of those places deep inside UConn Country while hiking Mansfield Hollow State Park called Mansfield Hollow.

Mansfield, Connecticut is best known as the home of the University of Connecticut’s main campus, Storrs, which is addressed as Storrs, CT. Yup, UConn gets it’s own town. But that’s not all! According to Wikipedia, there are 19 named places in total inside Mansfield, which is a town of about 20,000:

  1. Atwoodville
  2. Chatham
  3. Chaffeeville
  4. Chestnut Hill
  5. Conantville
  6. Eagleville
  7. Four Corners
  8. Gurleyville
  9. Hanks Hill
  10. Mansfield Center
  11. Mansfield City
  12. Mansfield Depot
  13. Mansfield Hollow
  14. Merrow
  15. Mount Hope
  16. Perkins Corner
  17. Spring Hill
  18. Storrs
  19. Wormwood Hill

This should give you an idea of why people in New England are obsessed with directions: drive five extra feet and you could be paying taxes to another town, with a different mayor, in another county. When I say we stumbled on Mansfield Hollow’s historic district, I really mean stumbled. This blink-and-you’ve-missed-it 18 acre area along the Natchaug River is compromised of about 17 buildings, each one absolutely charming and resplendent in the November sun. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend a stroll around town, but be forewarned: there are no quaint coffee shops, antique stores, or heirloom-tomato farms to shop. All there is to do in Mansfield Hollow is walk, and look, and take some pictures. And that’s a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Greetings from Mansfield Hollow - 35

Greetings from Mansfield Hollow - 43

Greetings from Mansfield Hollow - 42

Greetings from Mansfield Hollow - 30

Greetings from Mansfield Hollow - 22

Filed Under: Connecticut, Travel Tagged With: historic districts, Mansfield, pet-friendly, Tolland County, UConn Area

Day Trip to Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield, CT

November 16, 2011 by Elizabeth Larkin 5 Comments

Day Trip to Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield, CT{Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield, CT  (map)}

Walking into the tasting room at Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield, CT is akin to walking into your college roommate’s parents’ super-posh home. The kind that decided while on a day trip antiquing from the city, to just buy an old barn and convert it into a vacation home, you know, just because… Haight-Brown is just downright comfortable. The tasting room features a large bar with plenty of seating, some tables and chairs scattered around the room for groups, and a few fireplaces to cozy up to. For eats, they serve a killer combination of the three Cs: cheese, crepes and chocolate.

I was far too busy enjoying the cheese and wine to get pictures of the indoor tasting room (you can peruse some here), but the views outside were pretty spectacular, too.

[Read more…] about Day Trip to Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield, CT

Filed Under: Connecticut, Food + Drinks, Travel Tagged With: ct wine trail, day trip, girls day out, good for groups, Litchfield, Litchfield County, Preppy Connecticut, romantic

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