Block Island, Rhode Island is one of the best destinations most people never visit. That’s relatively speaking, of course. Through the years, many folks from around the world have made the trip to Block Island, yet it seems that every New Englander I’ve ever spoken to hasn’t had the pleasure. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s the cost of the ferry that goes to and fro. Perhaps it’s the lack of information on what the island can offer. Perhaps it’s people being too busy. Whatever the reason, I hope the photos in this post can enlighten you and show how much fun and how worth a short trip can be. To offer a bit of information, Block Island is located just nine miles south of Rhode Island and 14 miles north of Montauk Point, Long Island. On the island are wonderful sandy beaches, an old red brick lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and many restaurants, hotels, and things to do. There’s even a wildlife refuge and a small airport. It really is an excellent weekend getaway if you live close by. Click through to take a look at some photos I captured on my last trip to Block Island. Continue reading…
Essex, Connecticut
Essex is more of an “area” than a town and that area consists of three villages; Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton. We’ve only visited one of these places and it’s what I discuss on this page. Essex Village is a magical thing and I can say with absolute certainty that I’ve enjoyed some of my life’s finest and most memorable evenings there. While living in Connecticut between the years of 2008 and 2013, Laura and I made our way to Essex on a number of occasions. If memory serves, we ate dinner at the Griswold Inn each and every time. We’ve walked the streets, visited the shops, strolled through the green, and kissed at night on the dock overlooking the Connecticut River. Again, it’s magical. Please click through to see all the (way too many) pictures I’ve taken of Essex and to read some of the stories I’ve written about it. And if you have any of your own experiences to share, please do so in the comment section at the bottom of the page. Continue reading…
Coventry Farmers Market, Connecticut
There’s a lot more to the Nathan Hale Homestead than a farmers market. It’s actually a historical place. Simply put, this landmark is a historic home that’s located in Coventry, Connecticut. It was once called the Richard Hale House and it’s on the National Register of Historical Places. Interestingly, there’s a museum on the property that you may visit and some have even claimed that the property is haunted, with the main house being occupied by its previous owners. If you’re interested, you can look into all of this. For now though, let me tell you that there’s an excellent farmers market that’s been held every Sunday from June through October since 2003. We visited this farmers market some years ago and I took quite a few photos. Please click through to this post to view those photos and to read some of my thoughts on the day. Continue reading…
Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret, Connecticut
Mashamoquet Brook State Park is a great little getaway area located in Pomfret, Connecticut. If you’ve never been to Pomfret, I encourage you to visit. It’s situated within the borders of what locals refer to as the “Quiet Corner.” They refer to it as that for good reason. The area has a low population density and not much vehicle traffic at all. It’s relaxing, to say the least. This part of Pomfret in particular is actually a combination of three parks: Mashamoquet Brook, Wolf Den, and Saptree Run. Within its borders are two campgrounds, a beautiful brook, a small lake, and plenty of space to lounge around and relax. It’s also host to an excellent trail system, so if you’re into hiking, you’ll want to stop by. In this post, I show off some photos I took while visiting the area. I also offer some information about the land as well as some reasoning for why I went to this park in the first place. Continue reading…
The Satan Caves
The Satan Caves are something of urban legend by this point. Stories about them have been passed around for generations. If you grew up in the Brewster, Croton Falls, Somers, Carmel area of New York, you likely know what I’m talking about. The Satan Caves are located in the woods off of Lower Mine Road in the Town of Southeast (near the old dump). For years, they were open and available for just about anyone to wander in and do whatever they wished with them. In more recent years, the front entrance doors have been blocked off with large piles of dirt. Some handy folks have attempted to dig that dirt away without much success, but I’m sure access will somehow and eventually be granted once again. If you’re interested in learning about the Satan Caves, please click through to get your fill and immerse yourself in the wonder of it all. You won’t likely find a more comprehensive collection of photos and stories about these caves anywhere on the internet. This is the original post from 2006 and it remains strong today as the source people visit when they need to know what matters. Enjoy. Continue reading…