A Connecticut Fall Foliage Day Trip

According to the Fall Foliage Experts there is still time to enjoy Connecticut’s changing color. Last Sunday I drove to Keene, New Hampshire in place of my usual foliage trip where I had a wonderful afternoon and a visit with someone special. However, if you haven’t had an opportunity to view the spectacular color yet, try my favorite Connecticut day trip. These destinations are all located in Litchfield County, and have great picnicking facilities.

Hopkins Vineyard, New Preston ~ At the big red barn you can have a wine tasting, find some terrific gifts for yourself or others, and sit upstairs at the Hayloft Wine Bar for a glass of wine and a cheese and fruit platter white savoring the view from the window. Outside, look down the hill and across Lake Waramaug and marvel at one of the best foliage sights in the state. Picnic at a table outside the winery. www.hopkinsvineyard.com.

Kent Falls in Kent ~ the parking lot is conveniently located right off the main road. Walk through a covered bridge, then cross the meadow to the foot of falls that plunge approximately seventy feet in a dramatic cascade. Make the one-quarter mile climb to the top with vantage points along the way. Have a game of Frisbee in the adjacent meadow. Picnic at a table near the falls. www.ct.gov/dep/site. Click Outdoor Recreation; click State Parks & Forests; click Find a Park.

Cornwall Covered Bridge in West Cornwall ~ located just seven miles North from Kent Falls on Route 7. Drive through the 173-foot long bridge which has been in continuous operation since 1864, park the car on the other side and walk through the bridge and back again, peeking out the window openings on each side for postcard views of the Housatonic River. Who knows what you might see. Picnic at tables or on the ground while watching the river activity.

Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall ~ Drive up the 1,683-foot mountain, less than 4 miles. Enjoy great foliage during the drive, but expect to be wowed at the top with a panoramic view including Mount Greylock to the North, and the Catskill Mountains to the West. Picnic at tables at the top or at pullout areas on the way up or down. (See website under Kent Falls)

One Last Day trip and Picnic for 2010

I recently enjoyed what was probably my last day trip and picnic this year with my sister, Pat. The occasion was a friend’s book signing in New Hartford, CT. Patti Kierys wrote a book titled Christmas in the Country, an historical account of The Ullmann Farm in Pleasant Valley, CT. The Ullmann family arrived in Hartford in 1884, and the following year settled in a homestead now known as Squire’s Tavern.

The book is a charming and captivating account of the family’s personal stories and holiday traditions, brought to life by authentic recipes and numerous photos, including a tree decorated with Patti’s own re-created Victorian ornaments. Similar ornaments designed by Patti have often adorned trees at various esteemed residences in Connecticut, like the Governor’s Mansion, as well as travelling all the way to the White House in Washington, D.C.

We loved the fact that the venue for Patti’s book signing was the Gallery at Jerram Winery in New Hartford. This was my first visit, so of course we went early for a wine tasting and picnic which we had picked up at Passiflora Tea Room, Café and Herbal Shoppe, also in New Hartford. Not only do they have great-tasting local, organic food but have some fun special events on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Check it out at www.passiflorateas.com.

Jerram Winery was founded in 1998 by Jim Jerram, owner and winemaker. Our tasting consisted of 6 wines, both red and white (out of 11 on the list) several of which were award winners. The property and buildings are unique and welcoming, especially the Tasting Room, a former butter factory that is 107 years old. We look forward to visiting again, perhaps at a different time of year, and learning more about the history of the farm. www.jerramwinery.com.

I don’t foresee any picnics during December; this month will be devoted to holiday festivities, including shopping. Now that Black Friday is over, I look forward to a slower-paced shopping experience. If you also enjoy a more leisurely and fun type of holiday shopping, consider the following two venues:

Friday, December 3rd, from 4:30-9:00pm. Shop ‘til You Drop at Woodside School, 30 Woodside Road, Cromwell. With over 60 vendors (including authors Patricia Sheehy (http://patriciasheehy.wordpress.com) and Jan Mann (www.cruisingconnecticut.com) you should have plenty of gift choices. Enjoy free admission, raffles, door prizes and refreshments.

Wednesday, December 8th from 5:00-8:00pm. Heart of the Country, 169 Main Street, Old Wethersfield is hosting a Girls Night Out with authors Patricia Sheehy, Jan Mann and Maureen Chapdelaine (www.notmymotherswedding.com) Enjoy light refreshments, including a treat from Jan’s picnic basket while you browse at this unique and diverse gift shop.

Hope to see you at one of these events.

Q&A's From My Book Talks About Connecticut Attractions

For the past five years I have had the privilege of traveling around the State talking to folks at libraries, garden clubs, civic organizations, church groups, newcomers clubs, and book stores about the great destinations for day tripping and picnicking in this state. During some 180 appearances I been asked many questions, a few of which are posted here along with my answers.

Q. What is your favorite day trip?
A. It would be impossible to pick just one, plus the favorites sometimes vary from visit to visit. But I'll tell you about some of my personal favorites in each season: In the Fall,the wineries,and it’s also a great time of year to hike up to Heublein Tower at Talcott Mountain State Park. Plus every year, on a weekend day closest to October 15, I take my annual fall foliage day trip to Kent Falls in Kent, Cornwall Covered Bridge in West Cornwall, and Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston, the latter to marvel at the beautiful foliage on the banks of Lake Waramaug; in the winter, Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, and especially during the holidays when they are decorated, Gillette Castle and Mark Twain House; in the Spring, Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury and Connecticut College Arboretum in New London for spring wildflower hunts and almost any place in Mystic; and in the summer, Main Street, Essex, and any place in or near the water, one of my favorites being the Thimble Island Cruise in Branford.

Q. What is your favorite place to picnic?
A. My favorite picnic is always the one enjoyed at the same location as my day trip/activity, but if I take the activity out of the equation, in the summer it’s the pond at Gillette Castle State Park (on the left before you drive up the hill to the Castle parking area) filled with pink, white and fuchsia water lilies. I like picnicking at the Heublein Tower at Talcott Mountain State Park at any time of year for the diverse areas available at the top of the mountain, all with great views, and Gouveia Vineyard in Wallingford because of the option of picnicking outside in the nice weather or in a comfortable room inside when the weather is questionable.

Q. After scouring the state day tripping for so many years, you must know about everything that is available?
A. Even I find it hard to believe, but I’ve hardly scratched the surface. There are numerous state parks that I have never visited, all with their own unique points of interest, historic homes I will probably never get to, hiking and biking trails, museums, and new wineries seem to be springing up faster than I can count.

Q. Was it hard to decide which places to write about.
A. Yes, I struggled with this decision, but I wanted diversity, not only in activities, but in locations throughout the state. This meant I had to leave out some great places because they were too close to another destination. Others did not have a suitable place to picnic. And, still others went out of business or changed drastically between the time of my research and years later when I finally got around to publishing my book.

Q. How did you decide on the recipes?
A. First, I designed a suggested menu for each day trip that suited both the activity and the picnicking facilities. For example, my picnic basket looks very different when I am visiting a state park with picnic tables and grills than when I am taking a walking tour of Hartford and stop for a light lunch on a park bench. Then, I found or designed recipes that covered all the food categories, because I wanted them to be enjoyed at home as well as on picnics.

36 Days and 6,469 Miles Later...

As expected, Teddy Tripper and I had mixed emotions when we arrived home on Tuesday. We loved being on the road looking for adventures, making new friends, and touring National Parks. Whoever said that the National Parks are this Country’s greatest treasure sure got that right. While we were on the road we felt like we could go on forever, but when our frantic pace slowed down, an incredible weariness set in. So, we have been resting up for tomorrow’s start of my fall promotion schedule for Cruising Connecticut. (Check my website for upcoming functions at www.cruisingconnecticut.com.)

While I continue doing what I love, which is talking to groups about all the great treasures in the State of Connecticut, I will also begin writing my new book about the thrill of visiting 10 National Parks in five weeks, how to travel solo and not be lonely, and introduce readers to some interesting places and people I met along the way.

I loved blogging during the trip, receiving comments and responding back. It was such fun! I will continue blogging on a semi-regular basis, just as I have been doing for the past year, keeping folks up to date on new day trips I discover, as well as upcoming functions at destinations in Cruising Connecticut. Oh, and of course, sharing picnic recipes.

Also, from time to time, I will let you know how my new book is coming along. Suggestions and/or questions will be welcome at any time, but especially now, while I am planning the format and preparing my outline. What would YOU like to know about the National Parks, or x-country travel in general, solo or otherwise? Shoot me a comment at the end of this post, or email me at: jan@cruisingconnecticut.com.

Signs of Spring

With my time in Florida nearing an end, my mind is racing ahead to my return to Connecticut. Not only am I looking forward to connecting with family and friends, but also enjoying my favorite season.

I love to watch the early signs of spring, when dormant gardens spring back to life, when the drab world of winter is taken over by vibrant colors and songbirds, and a feeling of joy and possibility is in the scented air. Best of all, the longer, warmer days mean we can spend more time enjoying outdoor activities, including of course, picnicking.

One of my favorite spring activities is the wildflower hunt. I became fascinated by wildflowers many years ago when I visited Garden in the Woods located at the New England Wildflower Society in Framingham, Massachusetts. I was so awed that I went on a 6-week spring wildflower hunt, visiting over twenty state parks, preserves and nature centers in Connecticut, all dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of these delicate and mysterious flowers.

Two of the 42 chapters in my day tripping and picnicking book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket are devoted to this activity, which are best viewed from the last week in April through the first week in June, with the peak, most years, around mid-May.

The first day trip, the Native Plant Collection located at the Connecticut College Arboretum in New London, contains a separate wildflower garden with markers for easy identification. And, while there, check out the amazing 25-acre collection of native trees and shrubs. (http://www.arboretum.conncoll.edu/)

A more challenging hunt is The Botany Trail at the Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust in Woodbury. This one-mile trail is great for wildflower enthusiasts, although I first visited as a novice. Luckily, I had invited a friend who brought along three wildflower identification books! (http://www.flandersnaturecenter.org/)

To view an amazing collection of photos from these and the other destinations in Cruising Connecticut, go to http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/ and click "Photos" on left.

Happy Spring!

A New Year's Day Celebration

What will you do to celebrate the first day of 2009? I don't know about anyone else, but as much as I've enjoyed all the cooking and eating and partying during this holiday season, I'm ready for an outdoor activity, something different and unique. So, where did I go for ideas?

My book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket of course! And, judging from the number of gift books I sold in the weeks before the holidays, a lot of folks already know that Cruising Connecticut is not just for summer picnics. In fact, it is not only for picnics. First and foremost, it is a day tripping book. I've long believed that when a picnic is added to a day trip, it is twice the fun, but I'm realistic to know that each outing requires its own meal plan.

So, picnicking or not, here are five suggestions for a January 1, 2009 celebration:

1. A hot dog roast at the top of Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury. This would be a fun destination for a family or a group since it will take a few backpacks to carry all the stuff, like charcoal (there are grills), utensils, hot dogs, rolls, condiments, chips, and drinks, oh, and maybe a salad or two if you can manage it. The parking area and entrance to the park is on Route 185, seven miles west of Hartford. The hike to the top, one and one-quarter miles, is invigorating, and isn't this just what we need after indulging for the past week? As you look out at the flora and fauna covering the beautiful countryside, you will agree that it is a great way to celebrate the New Year.

2. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. Although many people think of the beach only during warm weather, there is a segment of the population that knows beaching is a year-round activity. I still remember many years ago when I was in another state over the New Years holiday and saw a man x-country skiing right on the beach. Up until that point I had never seen a snow-covered beach, and was I ever disappointed that I didn't have my skis with me! Although it doesn't look like Connecticut will have another snowfall before January 1st, you can still enjoy a brisk walk on the sand or on the boardwalk or one of the walking trails while you observe the ocean in a different season.

3. All the wineries in my book, Gouveia Vineyard in Wallingford; Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield; Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston are open until at least 5:00 on New Year's Eve, but it looks from the website like Haight-Brown will also be open on New Year's Day. It's probably a good idea to call ahead to confirm (860-567-4045) but wouldn't this be a cool way to welcome in the New Year?

4. Connecticut College Arboretum in New London. In this chapter of Cruising Connecticut, I focus on my "Spring Wildflower Hunt", but I also talk about the versatility of the Arboretum's Native Plant Collection. I suggest visiting in different seasons, like "late summer for the meadow's native grasses and wildflowers, October for the fall foliage and hydrangeas, and winter for the hollies and conifers."

5. I've never been to Mystic Aquarium or Mystic Seaport on New Year's Day, but I think it would be a fun time to visit.

Whatever you do to celebrate the first day of the New Year, enjoy and be safe. Oh, and go to my website to check out the special holiday price for Cruising Connecticut, lasting only a few more days. http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/.

Happy New Year!

Check Out These Dates!

From time to time, I check Chase's Calendar of Events for special food days. If I find one for a specific food used in one of my recipes in Cruising Connecticut, I often print that recipe on the back of my bookmarks and pass them out during a book signing. Recently, I shared Loaded Oatmeal Cookies during National Pecan Month (April) and Cold Marinated Asparagus during National Asparagus Month (May).

Although the following dates have absolutely nothing to do with day tripping or picnicking or even food, they gave me a smile and I hope they give you one as well.

We missed this one, but Happiness Happens Day on August 8th, is sponsored by the Secret Society of Happy People. This is about encouraging "the expression of happiness and discouraging parade-raining." I like it!

I don't remember what I was doing on August 8th. I assume I was happy, since most days I am, but I thought, why leave it to chance, and added the date to my 2009 calendar. (I know it seems early to have next year's calendar, but I already have two Cruising Connecticut book talks scheduled.)

Coming up on September 2nd ~ are you ready for this one? Be late for Something Day. "To create a release from the stresses and strains resulting from a consistent need to be on time." I knew this was an authentic group when I went to the sponsor's website (The Procrastinators Club of America) and it said, "Click! To see our predictions for 2004."

Well now, there appears to be a little rivalry between the procrastinators' group and the non-procrastinators' group, because the very next day ~ September 3rd, is "Do it! Day (aka Fight Procrastination Day.) The sponsor of this day, a Productivity Coach says, "Feeling overwhelmed? Too many things left undone? Hard to focus? Today is your day to turn your Do Its into Did Its!"

My personal favorite? On September 9th, we can celebrate, Wonderful Weirdos Day. "All of us are blessed with one or two wonderful weirdos in our lives. These are the folks who remind us to think outside the box, to be a little more true to ourselves. Today's the day to thank them. So give them a hug, and say 'I love you, you weirdo!' "

Hmmm, I wonder if I will get a hug!

Yale University Art Gallery Exhibit

I recently read that Vincent Van Gogh's 1889 painting, "The Starry Night" will be on display at the Yale University Art Gallery, as will his "Cypresses", both on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The dates are June 15 through September 7.

"The Starry Night" is said to be Van Gogh's "most celebrated" and because of the anticipated popularity of this exhibit, crowds will be limited to insure that viewing will be the best experience it can be. Advanced timed ticketing is available online at http://www.artgallery.yale.edu/.

Folks who have my book, "Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket" already know that this art gallery is the oldest university art gallery in the United States, founded in 1832 with Colonel John Trumbull's gift of his paintings of the American Revolution.

AND, that all exhibits are FREE, all the time, not only at this gallery, but across the street at the Yale Center for British Art, which has the most comprehensive collection of British Art outside the United Kingdom.

What a wonderful time to visit these renowned museums. And, do take a picnic to enjoy at the lovely town Green, just one block away, either before or after your museum visit. For more information about New Haven, visit http://www.visitnewhaven.com/.

Two New Day Trips

It was a difficult decision. Which two, out of about 92 possibilities, should I add to the 2nd Edition of Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket? (Release date: April 10, 2008)

I knew I wanted another winery to add to the two I already have, because the number of Connecticut wineries has grown so fast during the last few years ~ there are fifteen listed on the Wine Trail ~ I thought this category was deserving of a third day trip. Also, during my book talks around the state and sharing information about Haight-Brown Vineyard and Hopkins Vineyard, folks would ask me if I knew about this or that winery, and I was anxious to check them out. By chance, Gouveia in Wallingford happened to be first on my list. I was immediately impressed, not only because of the visual appeal, both inside and out, but by talking with Joe Gouveia. He had an interesting story to tell, and because I am a storyteller, this excited me. But, the clincher was the incredible picnic facilities; I was blown away and you will be too. Read more on Page 214 on my book.

The second new day trip is The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, a premier tourist attraction in Connecticut. I love the research part of writing a travel book, and one of my favorite categories is Historic Homes & Gardens because of the interesting characters I get to know: The Boothe Brothers, Florence Griswold, William Gillette, the Harkness Family, Henry Bowen, and now Mark Twain. Read more about this fascinating man and his home on Page 102.

And, as Twain said, "It is of no use to keep private information which you can't show off" so I will also give you a sneak preview of the fantastic recipes included with each day trip: Prudence Sloan, Radio & TV Food Show Host gives us a Spanish Tapas picnic, and a Cold Lobster Salad Roll is the creation of Adam Alderin, Chef at Max Fish, the Max Group's newest restaurant in Glastonbury. Yum!