Beautiful Beaches, Luxurious B & B, Great Food = Great Getaway

It may be Columbus Day weekend but I have a summer post I haven't gotten around to sharing, so press PAUSE on autumn for a moment and come along on a little end-of-summer adventure.

I've featured Essex, CT in my blog before, a few times in fact, but I have a couple of new Essex treasures to share, ones too good to miss.   Essex is a pretty tiny vacation destination, but it is the perfect destination for a short getaway.  Just three hours from the Capital Region, Essex is a quaint smalltown-America town seated on the banks of the Connecticut River.

Is this not the perfect Colonial town?

Even though Essex is tiny, it's loaded with great places to eat, sleep and be entertained so when John and I were looking for a quick, two-day getaway....it was a no-brainer that Essex was just the place!  Since it was off season, (we went mid-September) we were able to get a room at our favorite Connecticut B & B - the Copper Beech Inn, located in Ivoryton, CT.  I've featured this beautiful B & B in the blog before so you can read more about it later (link will be at the end of this post).  We loved it last year and we love it still.  My first thought when we checked into our room was, "We can't just stay one night!!!".  This room, located in the Comstock House, beckons you to stay, and stay.  Guests at the Copper Beech can either stay in the Main House, the Carriage House where we stayed last year, or the Comstock House.  

The only thing better than the accommodations at the Copper Beech is the food.  In all my years (and that's many) I've never had better scrambled eggs.  You're probably thinking eggs are eggs, but trust me....these are not just eggs.  I don't know what the chef does, but these eggs are fluffy and flavorful.  I tried to get his secret, but even the manager can't pry it out of the chef!  Whatever you're doing, Bravo!  I'll forever be disappointed in average scrambled eggs!

If I lived in the area, I'd be there weekly just for breakfast.  I hear their dinners are out of this world too.  Our bed was comfy and the Inn quiet - just what you want on a getaway retreat.

We were really hoping to take a cruise on the Mary E Schooner but unfortunately since it was off-season and a weekday, not enough passengers showed up so the Mary E didn't sail.  That was a bummer.  Lucky for us the Mary E is part of the Connecticut River Museum so to ease our disappointment (since we'd called before coming to CT to see if the Mary E was sailing), we were given complimentary tickets to the museum.  We hadn't visited the museum on our previous visit and Trip Advisor rates it very highly, so we were more than happy to check it out.  It was easy to see why it has great reviews.  Here's a peek at a little of what's hidden inside:

 Click on any photo to view in a larger format.  Just hit your 'back' button to come back to the blog.

Two of the big attractions for tourists to Essex are the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride - which I wrote about in a previous post, and Gillette Castle, also in a previous post.  While we really loved both of these, we'd just done both a year ago so we were looking for something new to do.  After enjoying dinner at our favorite local eaterie - Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale (where the fried shrimp is the best you can find), we asked our waitress where to go to catch the sunset.  You probably know I'm a sucker for a good sunset.  She asked another waitress who is into photography and she suggested we go down the road a bit to Hammonasset State Park.  Well, photography a factor or not....that suggestion hit the jackpot.  What a beautiful place!  Because it was post Labor Day, admission was free - nice perk, combined with the fact that it was a weekday evening which meant the beach wasn't crowded.  It was early but this was indeed the perfect sunset location, so we waited.  While we waited we met a lovely gentlemen who was also there for photo ops.  We got to chatting and it seems our new acquaintance, Terry Wild, is a professional photographer who has been in the business for many years and actually sells and licenses his work in the stock photography market.  You can check out his work at www.terrywildstock.com  We had a great visit once again proving this blog has introduced me to some great people I would not have otherwise met.  The sunset was no less exciting and Hammonasset State Park is definitely on our list of stops for every future Essex visit.  Here's a few photos ....

The next day we tried again to go out on the Mary E and again - not enough passengers - so we explored around town and got lunch at our favorite deli - Olive Oyl's.  We drove back to Hammonasset and found that about a million other people had the same idea so parking was a challenge.  We headed down the coast and came upon Guilford, CT and the Henry Whitfield House, built in 1639.  There's a lot of history in New England.

From one era to another, we came across this not-so-historic home, 

built by architect Wilfred Armster...

You might imagine a place like this stirred up a little controversy in a quaint colonial town and it did.  Read about it in this article:  http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20141011/30-years-later-guilford-architect-reflects-on-controversial-spaceship-design
Also in Guilford.....

 If you're looking for a great little place for a quick getaway for two or three days, head on over to Essex, CT.  Book yourself a room at the Copper Beech Inn and spend a few leisurely days checking out this beautiful area.  I know you'll love it and will want to go back again and again.  For more information on the Copper Beech Inn and the Essex Steam Train, Gillette Castle and the village of Essex, check out my previous blog posts, links below.

Thanks for reading and letting me share my Life As I See It.  

http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2014/07/1889-slumber-in-style-copper-beach-inn.html

http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2014/07/sherlocks-in-house.html

http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2014/07/all-aboard.htmlhttp://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2014/07/the-perfect-small-american-town-essex-ct.html

http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2015/07/trains-riverboats-and-castles-summer.html

http://www.copperbeechinn.com/ 

http://shop.ctrivermuseum.org/

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Trains, Riverboats and Castles - Summer Vacation 101, Part III

Where can you go where you can ride a train and a boat and visit a castle all in same the day, all within 14 miles, even all combined into one experience?  Sound impossible?  Might be in most parts, but not if you're in Connecticut.

Continuing on my Summer Vacation 101 series today I take you on another day trip, this time to Essex, CT.  Just under three hours from the Capital District, south of Hartford, you'll find the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Company.

You might remember my blog about this last year, but if you're a new reader, let me tell you a little about it.  "Essex Steam Train & Riverboat’s 2½-hour journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches at 20 mph through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester. Essex Steam Train offers unique access to several coves and preserves, immersing passengers in an on-board eco-excursion. The train travels near the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek – – bountiful, natural habitats for birds. Among those typically spotted are Cormorants, Ducks, Swans, Greenland Geese, Blue Heron, Egrets, and Red-winged Blackbirds. In February and March, the majestic Bald Eagle is the star of the show, when it migrates south to the Connecticut River Valley from Canada and Maine. At Deep River Landing, passengers are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 1¼- hour cruise along the Connecticut River. The visual serenity of the river valley is on full display from Becky’s multiple decks. The deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are all at once, simply breathtaking! Just as impressive are the historic sights including Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and the Haddam Swing Bridge. Upon Becky’s return to Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes passengers for the return trip back to Essex Station." (Taken from the official website)

 Just as the website says, the ride along the Connecticut River is just breathtaking. 

 As we approach Deep River Landing, we see the Becky Thatcher returning to the dock.

 We disembark the train and hop aboard for the 'boat' portion of our trip.

Gillette Castle - as seen from the Becky Thatcher Riverboat cruise!

 One glance at Gillette Castle is enough to convince you a visit is a MUST!  There is an option for being dropped off at the Chester/Haddam Ferry from the Becky Thatcher.  This will involve a ferry ride to Gillette State Park and a hike up to the castle.  I will tell you the website gives this advisory: "This hiking adventure is recommended for those in good health, with average hiking skills, and appropriate footwear/clothing. It is not suitable for families with small children or strollers due to the hiking terrain."   A better option, and the one I recommend, is driving back to East Haddam upon your return to Essex.  Once your river cruise is complete, you will board the train and return to Essex Station.  Before heading to Gillette Castle, I'd recommend lunch at Marley's.  It's a delightful seasonal restaurant accessible by water taxi.  You can read more about it in my Essex blog: http://gwfirecracker.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-perfect-small-american-town-essex-ct.html

After lunch, head out of Essex just a short way up the road to East Haddam.  There you'll find the most exquisite of castles built from 1914-1919 by actor and playwright, William Gillette who became famous by his portrayals of Sherlock Holmes.  Unique on the outside and completely unexpected on the inside, this is the most surprising interior you'd ever imagine.  Admission is only $6.00 for adults & Seniors!

 Here's a little sneak peak at the interior!

This day trip is filled with something for everyone.  And again - an easy getaway for just a day!  Essex is a well kept secret but a jewel of a seaside town.  Be sure to find more photos and lots more information on Essex, the Essex Steam Train, the Becky Thatcher Riverboat and Gillette Castle in my earlier blogs - links provided below!

http://gwfirecracker.blogspot.com/2014/07/sherlocks-in-house.html  (Gillette Castle)

http://gwfirecracker.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-perfect-small-american-town-essex-ct.html

http://gwfirecracker.blogspot.com/2014/07/all-aboard.html  (Steam Train)

http://essexsteamtrain.com/the-train-boat/  (official website)

Thanks for reading.  Come back soon to Life As I See It!

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Day Trippin' in Mystic, CT - Summer Vacation 101, Part II

Summer vacation fun doesn't have to break the bank.  It doesn't have to involve airplanes and it doesn't have to require overnights.  Sometimes a day of fun can be found just a few short hours from home and still have you back home at night to sleep in your own bed!  Not that it isn't fun getting away for a few days....but sometimes that isn't possible so that's when day trips are the perfect solution.  Day trips also offer opportunities to be spontaneous, and take adventures when the weather is cooperative. When our kids were young, our budget didn't allow for more than one short overnight trip each summer.  So to add to our fun without decreasing our bank account, we found day trips that provided excitement but didn't require a hotel stay.  One of our favorite destinations was Mystic, CT.  Just 3 hours from the Capital District, Mystic is a fun place for kids and adults.

Of course there's the ever popular Mystic Aquarium....

From penguins to sea lions, beluga whales to eels, you and your little ones will love Mystic Aquarium.  Kids will love the 'touch tank', and the neon jelly fish.  Big enough to be fun and small enough to be manageable.   Easily done in a couple of hours, there'll be time enough to fit in another stop.  Admission will make a small dent in your wallet, at $34.99 for adults, $28.00 for kids 13-17 and $24.99 for kids 3-12.  However, if you buy a family membership online for $195.00 (on sale now for $189.), the family gets free admission all year of your membership.  So depending on the size of your family and how much you love aquariums, that might be a good option.  And remember...you're saving a big hotel bill!  Although there is a cafeteria, I'd recommend lunch outside of the aquarium.  There are a variety of restaurants and fast food options just around the corner that are cheaper and tastier. ;)  For information on Mystic Aquarium and to plan your visit....check out their website:http://www.mysticaquarium.org/

One of my other favorite stops just down the road from Mystic, is Stonington, CT.  Stonington is a quaint little historic village that is the home of the Inn at Stonington and the Old Lighthouse Museum.  This beautiful lighthouse is located on a little dead end street that features a beautiful parking/sight seeing area and small beach.  It's a wonderful place to spend an hour or so exploring the lighthouse and taking in the ocean views.

Stonington is a really special little town that is easily overlooked unless you know it exists.  To read more about it and see more photos, you can check out my earlier blog post which features Stonington and it's history: http://gwfirecracker.blogspot.com/2014/04/charm-and-history-in-stonington-ct.html
If you happened to see the movie "Hope Springs" with Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones - that was filmed in Stonington!  So even the movie producers recognized what a little gem this town is!

Next time in my blog I'll feature another Connecticut day trip you will definitely want to see.  And if you do head towards Mystic and can stay for more than a day, there are plenty of other things to see like Mystic Seaport and just down the road in Groton, CT is a submarine museum where you can take a tour on a real submarine!  The kids will love it and the adults will have a new found appreciation for what the members of our Navy lives are like deep in the sea!
Summer vacation doesn't have to break the bank, and doesn't always have to be scheduled months in advance.   So be spontaneous and take a day trip soon!

As always - thanks for reading and come back soon to Life As I See It!

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1889 Slumber in Style - The Copper Beech Inn

So, now that you have read my last few blogs on Essex, CT and are anxious to ride the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, explore Gillette Castle and meander around Essex village, you need a place to spend the night.  Not to worry......I have just the place!  Looking for a romantic getaway......I've got you covered!!

I'm a big follower of Trip Advisor whenever I'm planning to travel.  Although my source (T.V's the Bachelorette) in discovering Essex recommended the Griswold Inn , several reviews on Trip Advisor mentioned the noise and "quirks" of this old but popular Inn.  Wanting to step a little outside of the beaten path, I chose another very highly rated B & B - The Copper Beech Inn in Ivoryton - just down the road from Essex and boy, a good choice it was!

According to their website - "The history of The Copper Beech Inn dates back to 1889 when Archibald Welsh Comstock built his grand house and outbuildings on 53 acres in the Ivoryton section of Essex. Mr. Comstock was the son of Samuel Comstock, who in 1847, founded the S.M. Comstock Co., a chief importer of ivory and manufacturer of piano keys. When Archibald inherited the business the company, now known as Comstock, Cheney and Co., was not only manufacturing piano keys, but also billiard balls, dominoes, and combs."  Pretty cool, right?  Stepping into this Inn, you will feel like you are stepping back in time because it is beautifully preserved and decorated with period pieces that make you believe this is  how it looked back in its early days.

The Copper Beech Inn has 3 buildings - the main inn, the Carriage House and the Comstock House.  Whether you plan to visit or not, take a moment to check out their website (link below) and take a peek at the amazing rooms - each more beautiful than the last.  I had a hard time choosing......several happened to be open on the Sunday night we were planning to stay which made my selection process that much more difficult. After much deliberation,  we decided to stay in the Carriage House in Room 218.  It was aaamaazing!  But as I said, looking at the choices, every room is amazing.  I could describe it, but let me show you.........

It was a room fit for a queen - a very tall queen.  Fortunately, they did have a step stool for getting into that gigantic bed, (and being under 5" I needed one). I was a little concerned about navigating in and out during the night, but thankfully, I slept through the night and didn't have to test my agility in the dark, half asleep!  The bed, though frightfully high, was cozy and comfy and the room was immaculate and beautifully decorated.  We had a deck too, and had we been there longer we would have enjoyed sitting out there overlooking the gardens.  If this style doesn't appeal to you, you might find the more modernly decorated rooms in the Comstock House more to your liking. 

Our room was on the second floor with the lit windows on the right - and the windows at the peak.

 

 This is the Comstock House

Like all B & B's, breakfast is included with your stay.  The Inn is also open to the public for breakfast (which explains the prices on the menu below) and its renowned, award-winning restaurant serves dinner complemented by wine from the over 2,500-bottle award-winning wine cellar (Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence" for 2010).  (from their website).  Breakfast was served in a beautiful solarium and was every bit as special as our surroundings.

Notice the yummy turnovers awaiting us!

Eggs, Bacon, Potato Rosti (amazing!) & Toast

                            John's Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes!

Notice the namesake Copper Beech tree out front (through the window second from the left)

This is a really special place where everyone we encountered treated us like royalty.  Peter, the Innkeeper, was helpful and efficient.  Colleen, our Guest Services Specialist, was warm and welcoming, as was our breakfast waitress, Carla.  At the Copper Beech you get service with a smile and a genuine effort to make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible.  If you are looking for a clean and charming
 B & B full of character and loads of amenities, be sure to give The Copper Beech Inn a try.  You don't have to take my word for it though - Copper Beech has several awards that speak to the excellence you'll find when you visit.   And when you do, you'll be glad you did!
 

 http://www.copperbeechinn.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marleys-Cafe/131212780231294?ref=br_tf
 

 

To view the photos in a slide show format with larger pictures - click on any photo.  Once you are at the show, just click the pics along the bottom of the page to move from photo to photo.   

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