newsandviewsjb

NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts from the “Tourism” Category

Destination: Buell’s Orchard – Eastford, Connecticut

Posted on August 24, 2015

  Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Buell’s Orchard in Eastford, Connecticut is a treat!      Tucked in the countryside of the northeastern part of the state, Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner”, Buell’s can be a bit tricky to find – it’s easy to drive past the small sign indicating the turn to reach the orchard.   Upon arrival – on the day of my visit last October – it seemed like a New England fantasy oasis come to life amidst deep red, orange and yellow leaves. Alluring rich hues that enveloped the orchard turned due to the cold nights accompanied by warm days characteristic of the autumn season. In mere weeks, Buell’s is primed to look that way again as the regional late…

Beautiful Weather Accompanies “Taste of Mystic” 2015

Posted on June 15, 2015

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Beautiful weather accompanied the 2015 Taste of Mystic in Mystic Connecticut which ran June 12, 13 & 14. Crowds that turned out for the event had a chance to sample menu items from about 30 area restaurants. Seafood was a popular choice such as clams shucked on the spot when customers made their purchases at the “HARBOUR HOUSE at the INN AT MYSTIC”, as well as, Lobster Mac prepared by the “Portuguese Fisherman”. Soup lovers were drawn to offerings of Lobster Bisque and New England – of course – Clam Chowder.   The Taste of Mystic was set up in a parking lot outside the Olde Mistick Village shops with a large tent of picnic tables…

Connecticut’s Breathtaking Autumn Foliage Continues Into November

Posted on November 2, 2014

  Write-up by Jacqueline Bennett Photos by Michelle Larned & Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com     New England is known for the brilliance of its autumn foliage. In Connecticut, breathtaking views have been bountiful this season. Some tree crowns began turning in the latter part of August – by October, the landscapes awash in rich colors, have rendered vistas so beautiful there is joy simply in being alive to drink it all in.   Good news for Nutmeggers and other leaf peepers, areas in Connecticut are predicted to hold their color for two more weeks through to November 15, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.   From orchards and pastures in the “Quiet Corner” to hills of the City of Village…

Destination: Skippers at Niantic Bay

Posted on September 30, 2014

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com Although autumn has officially arrived, temperatures in the 80’s extended summer’s reach this past weekend. I spent my “extended summer” the way I began the season, enjoying a restaurant in Niantic, Connecticut near Niantic Bay and Long Island Sound. In this case, a seafood shack called “Skippers”. Skipper’s is a pleasant year round spot with indoor and outdoor seating – the latter is most likely seasonal – and a friendly staff. The food is good. Be sure to try the spicy relish available at the self-serve condiment corner.                        Using “cholesterol free” oil, fried is the focus for seafood dinners here, such as the Fisher Man’s Platter…

Beautiful Backdrop for Saybrook Point Labor Day Car Show

Posted on September 2, 2014

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com   Over the Labor Day Weekend I stumbled upon the 6th Annual Labor Day Car Show at the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.   Having reported on many a car show in the Greater Hartford area, including my favorite – Wednesday night Cruise Nights at Bart’s Drive-In in Windsor – I was curious to see if  I spotted any familiar vehicles. Admission was free as I strolled through the Old Saybrook event. Participants paid a $10 registration fee.                                   As far as I could tell I had not seen these entries before. Classics, rods, antiques and a…

A Glance at Connecticut’s State Park Beaches

Posted on May 5, 2014

Write-up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb Late spring tranquility and solitude along Connecticut’s state park beaches will soon give way to wall-to-wall people on colorful blankets, or in sand chairs soaking up the sun and enjoying the surf.  Here’s a glance at some and what they have to offer. HAMMONASSET STATE PARK, this two mile beach on 1288 Boston Post Road in Madison is the state’s largest. A popular vacation camping site, it has 550 grassy campsites, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection which oversees the state park system. Generally, campsites are booked well in advance. Hammonasset  has a boardwalk, swimming, saltwater fishing, bicycling, carry-in boating, walking trails, concessions, showers, picnicking and Meig’s Point Nature Center. A variety of restaurants…

Destination: Brown’s Harvest in Windsor, CT a Delightful Autumn Tradition

Posted on October 27, 2013

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb There could not be a more delightful destination this time of year then Brown’s Harvest in Windsor, Connecticut. The pumpkin patch attracts visitors from throughout Connecticut and beyond. In fact, many people say an autumn stop at Brown’s is an annual tradition. “I’ve been bringing them here since they were little tykes,” Rich Massaro of Windsor Locks said about his son and daughter Zack and Lexi during their October 26 visit to Brown’s. “I like the hayrides and picking out pumpkins,” noted Lexi. Eleven- month–old Lucas Smith’s parents live in Enfield and brought him to the farm to pick out baby’s first pumpkin. Meanwhile, Fernando of Manchester came with his 4-year-old daughter Makayla who was having her…

Scarecrow Festival on Display Through October 26 in Manchester, CT’s Historic Downtown

Posted on October 15, 2013

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb The Fifth Annual Scarecrow Festival & Contest runs through October 26 in Manchester, Connecticut. There is no cost to visit the historic downtown where individuals, schools, businesses and organizations have put their imaginations to work and created an entertaining variety of scarecrows that line the long Main Street in the “City of Village Charm”. From the local produce farmer scarecrows that greet visitors at  the northern gateway to the the pirate ship scarecrows collaboration by students at Bennet Academy at the southern end of the street, the festival makes for a fun stroll. As one might expect, a book wizard scarecrow graces the entrance to Mary Cheney Library. Nearby is a ballerina dressed in pink. And, not…

Destination: Johnny Appleseed’s Autumn Farmstand Ellington Ct

Posted on September 26, 2013

Write -Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb Johnny Appleseed’s Farm on Route 83 in Ellington is among the popular autumn farmstands abundant throughout the Connecticut countryside this time of year. Perched on a hillside just off the road, an “open” flag greets customers to this small outdoor market situated not far from the farm’s apple orchards which pre-schoolers can tour on pre-arranged field trips; and U-PICK-APPLE-DATES are available.  Opened daily at 9 a.m. until Thanksgiving, the Ellington stand makes a lovely Saturday or Sunday drive. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, they have hardy mums and plenty of pumpkins and cornstalks. They sell their own jams and jellies, as well as, Connecticut made maple syrup and honey. They also offer Connecticut made…

153rd Woodstock Fair is Coming Labor Day Weekend 2013 – August 30, 31, September 1 & 2

Posted on August 27, 2013

Don’t miss out on one of Connecticut’s oldest and most popular fairs – always Labor Day Weekend – the 153rd Woodstock Fair will be held August 30, 31, September 1 & 2 on the Woodstock Fairgrounds, 281 Route 169 in South Woodstock. At the gate general admission is $12.00, senior citizens age 65+ $8.00 and children age 10 and under are free. Advance tickets are available through August 29 at the Woodstock Fair Office – individual admission $10.00, senior $8.00, 4-Pack $36.00 and midway ride tickets 11 for $22.00. According to the fair brochure (see below), look for Main Stage entertainment daily including performances throughout the afternoons by various groups. The local Southern Rock band Cold Train will perform Friday at 4:30 & 6:30…