Foxwoods questions

1. Does anybody know anything about that ';Full Menu Available 24 Hours'; restaurant down from Foxwoods towards 95 on 2A ?

2. Anyone with feedback on BB King%26#39;s Club ( or any of the restaurants ) at Foxwoods ?

3. Do they have dancing at the live music lounge at Foxwoods .

4. Any other live music dance places around Foxwoods ?

Foxwoods questions

1. I think the ';Full menu'; place you%26#39;re speaking of is Rosie%26#39;s 24 hour Diner. When I went there it is kind of a greasy spoon. Inside Foxwoods you can find the Veranda Cafe. They offer a full menu 24 hours a day and the food quality is very good for the price.

2. I%26#39;ve never been to Club B.B. They have California Pizza Kitchen, Hard Rock Cafe (I didn%26#39;t like the food here), Cedars is a great steakhouse that tends to be a little pricey, Golden Dragon for Chinese and of course Veranda for American fare.

3. They have live music every night at the Atrium Lounge near the Rainmaker statue. Most shows start at 9. The music ranges from excellent to ear-splitting, but the dance floor is always open.

4. You%26#39;d have to ask someone else. I don%26#39;t know. Mohegan has a couple more lounges and bars that I like though.

Foxwoods questions

1. Rose%26#39;s is a kind of a truck stop dinner kind of place not real good not real bad.

2. BB Kings is now mostly running as a night club attracts a young hip -hop crowd they may still have the Sunday brunch, not sure. Amy Ruths has a NYC soul food menu if thats what your looking for. Pannia Bread has very good sandwichs and salads.

3. BB Kings has a large dance floor mostly DJs some live bands. Hard rock some times has live music but doesen%26#39;t really have a dance floor.

4. not really the casinos are pretty much alone nothing really close to them at all.

Roseis is now out of business as of 11/6/06

Foxwoods has several restaurants. Some are in-house like Cedars Steakhouse, Chinese Dragon (good food but there is always a line to get in) and Veranda (Breakfast Buffet including drinks is $11) Some breakfast items are available 24 hour.

Other restaurants are franchised in. Hard Rock Cafe, Fuddruckers, Panera Bread, Ben and Jerrys, Nathan%26#39;s Hot Dogs, California Pizza and The Pollo Loco. The last two opened in Nov 2006. The Pollo Loco serves chicken dishes.

If your familiar with the old restaurants The Pollo Loco replaced the cafeteria style eatery near the rainmaker (behind the buffet). Pannera replaced ';The Deli';.

Amy Ruths is closed now. I can%26#39;t remember what is in that location now. Fuddruckers is in the old (pre ';Tree house';) arcade next to the Golden Dragon.

Was just there a couple weeks ago, and there wasn%26#39;t any thing at Amy Ruths. I know over the summer they tried out a BBQ place but I guess that didn%26#39;t go over too well. They have a new menu at the buffet if that sort of thing interests you. If you are looking for a place to eat outside of foxwoods, I%26#39;d suggest Mystic Pizza. It%26#39;s the only half way decent place around, outside of the casinos. Sometimes Hardrock Cafe has live performances, but not often. If you%26#39;re looking to go to clubs, I%26#39;d suggest just going to Mohegan Sun. They also have better restaurants in my opinion.

Mystic Pizza was actually pretty good. I was surprised. I mean, the only reason we went there the first time was because I%26#39;d seen the movie LOL

But they really do have good food.

If you don%26#39;t mind small out of the way places, we also enjoy the Harp and Hound, an Irish pub in Mystic, their food is very reasonably priced. But they do have a small menu.

Inside Foxwoods, I think the only place we ever ate was at the Hard Rock Cafe. All we had was appetizers.

Try the two trees Inn the other hotel @ foxwoods, been to eat there many times, the food is great

bloom-

Name for a new kitten

Hartford with toddlers

Southwest has cheap airfare to Hartford and we are looking to take our just turned 2 year old twin with us. What is there to do for a long weekend? We%26#39;ll have a rental car, so we%26#39;ll be able to drive around the area.

Hartford with toddlers

Visit the Children%26#39;s Museum in West Hartford. Flaming Farm in West Simsbury for farm animals and pony rides. Cabela%26#39;s, the huge new sporting goods store in East Hartford has great displays of stuffed animals and aquariums. If you don%26#39;t mind driving an hour or so visit the Mashontucket Pequot Museum near Foxwoods Casino. It has a recreated Native American village and many great exibits. There%26#39;s also Mystic Aquarium. Just over the line into Massachusetts is Sturbridge Village for a look at 19th century life.

Hartford with toddlers

Where are you staying?

Summer Vacation on the East Coat

Hi there,

I am organizing a little family vacation for my Mom%26#39;s 60th birthday. We%26#39;ll be meeting up in CT and then spending 10 days together. We are thinking of maybe spending a few days in Philly and then spending the rest of the time at a resort somewhere on the East coast. Do you recommendations for moderatly priced places to stay? My sister%26#39;s family will be there and she has an 6 mo old boy. So..something family friendly would be great.

Thanks in advance!

vlada

Summer Vacation on the East Coat

Check out the Water%26#39;s Edge beach resort in Westbrook, CT. http://www.watersedge-resort.com

The beach is very nice, they have several places to eat, indoor pool, pub, and spa. The town of Westbrook is also very nice; as is the surrounding area. There are two sets of shopping outlets in Clinton and Westbrook. This area in general is very nice. Anywhere along US Rt 1.

Summer Vacation on the East Coat

thank you! do you know of any places with rooms up to $150 per night? or a place where we can rent a house?

thank you!

Vlada

I%26#39;m not sure about any other resorts in the area, but what about renting a cottage?

Try the following link or google Old Lyme, CT rentals.

http://www.ctbeach.com/

As for things to do. The Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos are maybe 25 minutes away. There are kayaking trips you can take. The Mystic, CT seaport and aquarium are not far. The submarine base with museum is not to far. There are a lot of small CT river towns like Chester and Essex that aren%26#39;t very far. Essex has a steam train trip you can take a ride on. There is the Gillette Castle with views over the CT River and hiking trails. For adults there are a few wineries in the area too.

this is a great idea. thank you!

you can also try vrbo.com for a condo or house rental. It stands for vacation rental by owner or I believe there is another one called homeaway.com. If they won%26#39;t come up try to google them.

Hi, In Essex, CT you have the Griswold Inn (google for the website). Their rooms start at 100.00 a nite and give that real old New England Feeling. Essex also offers a boat trip for a few bucks out on the River to see the sites and the CT River Museum (nice place for the entire family).

Most hotels/motels in Eastern CT are on the high end even the typical dumps on the highway.Several B%26amp;Bs offer good prices. Crescent Inn on Crescent Beach and the Morton House Inn in Niantic are both ';simple standard - good price';.

Mystic, Stonington Borough, Westerly, RI and New London are all worth a stop. Throw in Old Saybrook and one has several days of walking at their feet.

Evan thenewenglandcoast.com

Restaurant Round-Up

We%26#39;re headed to Mystic for a week this summer and I would like to be prepared with a list of good restaurants. Recent trips to seaside destinations have taught us to be very wary of restaurants on the water or really any restaurants located very close to the central attractions - food quality and service quality seem to really suffer when a restaurant has a captive audience. Also I understand that quite a few of the restaurants in Mystic are just part of a corporate restaurant group.

I%26#39;ve heard about Kitchen Little and understand that we should check it out for breakfast, but otherwise I%26#39;m unsure. We%26#39;ll be travelling with our five year old son and spending a lot of time on our boat we we%26#39;re interested in casual places as well as one place for an excellent dinner for the just the two of us. I%26#39;m hoping that Cove seafood might be a good choice - feedback would be great.

We will have a car and we%26#39;re certainly willing to drive anyplace within a half hour or so.

Oh! Also are there any drive-in movie theatres near Mystic?

thank you!!!

Kate

Restaurant Round-Up

Mystic Pizza. It is downtown, right on the water, mixed in with all the shops, but you can%26#39;t miss it.

Fantastic pizza and other food, great service, very kitschy with local memorbilia and souvenirs. The movie Mystic Pizza with Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts and Lily Taylor was filmed here.

Since you%26#39;ll have a car, Mohegan Sun casino is only about 15 minutes away and offers a wide variety of restaurants from gourmet to ultra casual, plus shopping and a great spa. Foxwoods casino is also close by.

Restaurant Round-Up

Try ';Bravo Bravo'; in the Whaler%26#39;s Inn as the spot for your dinner for two. It is located right downtown near the bridge on the Stonington side. Very highly rated and probably the best place in Mystic IMHO.

For (very) casual, Abbott%26#39;s in Groton is a fun place if you like seafood, but it is often crowded so be prepared to wait a bit. You%26#39;ll eat on picnic tables overlooking the water.

If that is too casual for you, you could also try Flander%26#39;s Fish in Niantic, about 15 minutes west of Mystic right off I-95.

Both Abbott%26#39;s and Flander%26#39;s Fish are kid friendly.

Sorry- Flanders is near Niantic, but actually in East Lyme.

I just checked their website...

http://www.flandersfish.com/

Mansfield Drive-In in Mansfield CT is about a fifty minute drive. I think they sometimes have a movie night at Eastern Point Beach in Noank. The Chamber of Commerce may know.

Anthony J%26#39;s has excellent food and is a favorite for the locals. Service is really good, too. S%26amp;P Oyster Co. has indoor and outdoor dining. The food is very good and it has great views of the River. Noah%26#39;s in Noank has very good breakfasts, and is great for lunch and dinner.

Hi Kate,

In Mystic I would suggest:

Capt.Daniel Packer Inne

Bravo Bravo

Azu

Mystic Gourmet Market (Take out)

Around Mystic

-Noahs - Stonington Borough

-Water street - Stonington Borough

New London

-Brie %26amp; Bleu- Great salads, bruchetta and views of the waterfront

Written a travel blog thenewenglandcoast.com about some of the places for my last visit there.http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i692-The_Whaling_City_for_a_day_or_two.html

Hi Kate

If you like pasta there is a wonderful pasta place in Groton called Pauls Pasta. Homemade pasta, great prices, huge portons and nice staff. Located on the Thames River it has outside seating during nice days.

There is a movie theatre in Mystic (little, 3 screens) but it is not a drive-in.

Mystic is a nice little town. Cute shops! Casinos near by. Would be worth the short drive even if you are not a gambler. Nice places to eat, shopping and many more things.

Have fun!! Kim

One place that is a great value is Costello%26#39;s restaurant on Noank. Type pearl street into google maps to get the location. It is a clam shack that has very good clam bellies, cocunut shrimp, fish and chips, OK lobster roll. The best part is that it has a deck from which you can look out over the entrance to the Mystic River and that it is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) and you can bring your drink and sit and watch the boats pass. Very, very informal. I think they have music (acustic guitar guy) on Wednesday and Suday evenings). It is in the marina called Noank Shipyard where we keep out boat. Very quaint and suprisingly uncrowded.

type into google maps: Pearl St, Groton, New London, Connecticut 06340, United States

In downtown Mystic, can%26#39;t go wrong with Bravo Bravo but may not want to take a kid, Anthony J%26#39;s by the flagpole by the drawbridge would be much better if you have children and the food is at least as good. If you want fancy and excellent, go to BOOM in Stonington.

Don%26#39;t want to repeat but confirm:

Paul%26#39;s Pasta - groton, low key and great homeade pasta and great portions ok for child

Anthony J%26#39;s - mystic great italian intimate not so good at night for a little one

Rice Spice and Noodle- mystic our favorite for thai food

Mystic Caterring market- there are two in town and our favorite gourmet takeout market only a few tables so sometimes hard to grab a table in the summer for lunch, but takeout and go to the beach

Cove- mystic takeout outside tables seafood not indoor ok not like it used to be.

Fish tale- in Maddison is great for seafood and indoor sit down good for kids

And always an array of choices at the two casinos

Or Stonington and then theres a trip to RI good stuff in Westerly or Watch Hill.

One more thing-

Kitchen Little is great but as the title implies very small and fills up fast and is tight quaters.

Hi Worcesterkate,

I%26#39;m probably a litttle too late to provide advice for your %26#39;summer%26#39; trip to Mystic. We just returned from a weekend visit and, on the advice of a friend decided to try out the Abbot%26#39;s Lobster on Pearl Street. Unfortunately, since it did not open until noon and we needed to be on our way, we opted for Costello%26#39;s Clam Shack next door. The setting is lovely, just what you are looking for...ramshackle style board building with a deck filled with tables overlooking the water and the boats. Put in your order at the window, get a number and wait until it is called out to pick up your lunch.

Here%26#39;s my review of the dishes we ordered:

Well....there is nothing remotely clammy about the clam fritters.....just lumps of dough deep fried!! How disappointing! Not even a briny smell or essence could be detected and all three of us had a try. Crab cakes weren%26#39;t too bad.....but a little flat and pancaky looking. OK...so I%26#39;m not an authority on Clam Fritters....or for that matter.....crab cakes. But having grown up in Britain, I am an authority on Fish and Chips. Batter Fried Cod I was told was their specialty. Well...they need to work on it. The squares of cod were golden and crisp and looked inviting......but as I cut through the batter to the fish I found that the batter was wet on the interior and that the fish was uncooked. No seasoning had been added to the batter which was bland and tasteless. French fries were crisp ....but not hot. No point in returning the dish.....this is what they do and if they cannot get it right the first time, it is unlikely that plunging the already fried package back into the hot grease is going to make it more palatable. A very disappointing experience.

Shame on these establishments for taking short cuts while catering to tourists who are probably one stop only diners. They know that they will probably not get a return visit....and so why should they care. Well now we have these public forums that can help to spread the word.

And so Ms Worcestkate, you are right in being suspect about these

tourist trap restaurants. This restaurant did display a Zagat sign, although I did not find a Zagat review.....I wonder why?!

New London- Coast Guard Academy

We are taking our son on a tour of the Coast Guard Academy in a couple of weeks. I am thinking of booking a room at the Holiday Inn. Is this a good choice or is there a better option? We appreciate clean, but don%26#39;t need anything fancy. Any other ideas on what he should see if he decides to go to the Academy???

We also want to take the train from RI to Harvard to visit our niece at some point during the weekend. Any tips would be great!

New London- Coast Guard Academy

The Holiday Inn would suit you fine! As for train information www.amtrak.com for schedules etc...

Poppa

New London- Coast Guard Academy

Mystic isn%26#39;t far from there. I would also recommend Newport, RI. as a future place to visit. As Poppa said, check Amtrak for train service. New London usually is a stop (though not always) on the Boston to New York line, you would go through Providence going up to Boston. From there you can take the T or a cab to Harvard.

Good calls... Downtown New London is worth a drive by /through as well. Newport is under 1hr from New London ...

Evan thenewenglandcoast.com

Want to stay in New London Ct for a week

My husband and I are taking my daughter and her familiy (two teenage girls)on a trip for a week....We would like it to be near a beach...casinos nearby or within a short driving distance and plenty of things to do. Is there any rentaable vacation homes on or very near the beach...also for those of you who really know this area...what is there to do???? thanks to all. Terry

Want to stay in New London Ct for a week

I suggest that you look into the Old Lyme and Old Saybrook areas. They are a little quiter than New London. I have friends that own houses in Old Lyme and there are always people who rent their houses out. As for things to do, there are shopping outlets less than 20 minutes from there. The Mohegan sun casino is maybe 25 minutes away. There are kayaking trips you can take. The Mystic, CT seaport is not far. The submarine base with museum is not to far. There are a lot of small CT river towns like Chester and Essex that aren%26#39;t very far. Essex has a steam train trip you can take. There is Gillette castle with hicking trails. Plenty to do.

Try the following link or google Old Lyme, CT rentals.

http://www.ctbeach.com/

Want to stay in New London Ct for a week

Check out RI - Watch Hill, Misquamaquet (sp?) or Newport.

Misquamicut gets pretty busy in the summer but is a decent beach to visit and there are definitely vacation homes that can be rented.

I love Watch Hill. Even though it also gets busy, I just like the feel of it a lot more, it reminds me more of a quaint seaside town.

The casinos are close to here, within an hour%26#39;s drive.

Besides the other suggestions in the other posts, the Mystic Aquarium is a must see in my opinion!

Try posting over on the RI forum, or do some Google searches for RI. There are tons of homes for rent in beach communities in South County (Washington County) RI all within like 45 - 60 minutes of both the CT casinos but also Newport, which I think you%26#39;d all enjoy. You can get a day trip to Block Island by ferry from either New London or from Narragansett, RI Watch Hill itself - which is right by the CT border - is beautiful but pricey, and when you get right down to it, it doesn%26#39;t have much to do unless you have a big yacht! Next beach east from there is Misquamicut which has more going on, but can be very busy and a bit honky-tonk in the summer. I%26#39;d look even further east from there.

Also a difference if it matters - the CT beaches front on Long Island Sound, which makes them pretty calm. The south-facing beaches on the RI coast front on what is called Block Island Sound but are closer to real ocean-front beaches with waves etc. Some with kids (including my family) definitely prefer the latter kind of beach.

Westerly Rhode island has alot of little beach houses.New London is still on the Long Island Sound not the Atlantic. Mystic is also close by with a quaint little historic area.

Ocean Beach in New London is a decent beach... Harkness State park in nearby Waterford (a few mins by car) is a wonderful park with historic guilded age mansion and gardens...). Rocky Neck in East Lyme/Niantic as well. Casinos and everything are near.

Evan thenewenglandcoast.com

posters for sale

New London/Mystic or Montauk

I already planned our trip from New York to and around the New England States (may 08), but I%26#39;m not sure either to go via Montauk and take the ferry or to have a overnight stop in new london/mystic... What would you prefer?

If you have recommondations for hotels or inn%26#39;s, i would be thankful. Hope my english is okay ;-)

Laureus

New London/Mystic or Montauk

I wouldn%26#39;t stay in New London, its not a great sightseeing town. Mystic is much more beautiful and worth visiting.

New London/Mystic or Montauk

Hello! I would definately stay in Mystic as opposed to New London. Mystic is much nicer. A hotel you can look at is http://www.innatmystic.com It is expensive but very nice. Also if you have a car you can always go a little further (15 min) and go to Mohegan Sun casino which is very nice! www.mohegansun.com

If you are going to be out in long island the best ferry is from orient point which is the north fork of long island,montauk is the end of long island on the south fork. This is an enjoyable ride if the weather is nice enough to sit on the upper deck,but can be a bit chilly in may.The ferry drops you off in new london and mystic is about5 miles away. If you are looking to save time the drive directly from nyc through mystic is only 130 miles or a bit over two hours during non-rush hour times. There is so much to see and do in New England,are you going to cape cod,do you want to see the Berkshire mountains,boston,and southern maine are all within reach by car in a 5-6 hour drive from nyc.

Take the ferry to New London and wander around on Bank Street and State Street. There are some neat places to eat and see there. Historic spots include Customs House, Shaw Mansion and Nathan Hale Schoolhouse while dining there is Lucca on Bank Street, Devs on Bank, Capt.Scotts Lobster dock in Hamilton Street, Mangetout on State STreet and Courtyard Cafe. Great coffee shops etc... and ofc. one of the best wine cellars at Thames River Wine %26amp; Spirits on Bank Street.

Overnighting...is best in Mystic.

Evan thenewenglandcoast.com

bloom-

Extended Parking at Stamford Station

Hi all,

We want to leave a car at Stamford station for 4 days. Would that work, or is there a maximum time limit? Any discounts off the (I belive) $8 daily price for parking for extended stays? Thanks for any help!

Extended Parking at Stamford Station

When I was a monthly pass holder I was told my car could remain for maximum 3 nights, that was in 2006 though, so I don%26#39;t know if the rules have changed. You can try calling the company that runs the garage: The Parking Operator is Pro-Park - 203-327-7998.

Hope this helps.

Italian Fine Dining??

Hi everyone I hope I can get some help.

I need to make reservation for a high end ';fine dining'; Italian restaurant in the New London area. I have some Italian political visitors with me and need to make an impression....

Can anyone suggest a nice place for a good meal?

Thank In advance

Italian Fine Dining??

Bravo Bravo in Mystic or Todd English%26#39;s Tuscany at the Casino is the best at this pt.

Evan thenewenglandcoast.com

Italian Fine Dining??

Pompeii and Ceasar at Mohegan is also very good. It is more Southern Italian. Tood English%26#39;s Tusacany, is, as its name implies, more Northern Italian.

Thank you both for your reply...lol a little late but better late then never. I actually went to a fantastic restaurant in New London called Tony D%26#39;s. From the outside it leaves much to be desired. We had driven by earlier in the day and I was upset I had heard great things about this place and quite frankly from the outside you would never believe the greatness within. The decor is very nice and welcoming, you can see into the kitchen as its enclosed in glass. very cool but the very best part was the food.....WONDERFUL. For starters I had the pure%26#39; of brocalini with seared scallops and then for main course veal saltinbocca alla romana. Trust me this place will not dissapoint. Also a very nice wine list.

Leaf Peeping in Late October

Hi there,

My wife and I are planning a trip to New England, flying into Boston - arriving 24th October leaving 31st October. We intend to have 3/4 nights in Boston then do some %26#39;leaf peeping%26#39;. We understand that,given the time of our trip, we are likely to get the best %26#39;leaf%26#39; views in Connecticut.

We would be grateful for any advice on the likely best areas for late October. We wondered if the Litchfield Hills area might be a good bet, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Leaf Peeping in Late October

Leaf peeping is very popular in the Litchfield hills. There are some lovely inns in that area such as New Preston, CT, but they are quite pricey. The Boulders Inn is one such. The Mayflower Inn in Washington, CT is also lovely. The town green in Litchfield is also a nice scene. It is a typical New England landscape with white clapboard churches, victorian houses and quaint storefronts. It has withstood the passage of time and commericialization. Sometimes we hike to the top of Mt. Tom, friendsctstateparks.org/parks/mount_tom.htm for a view of the leafscape from the top. It is a pretty gentle hike in the woods with a viewing tower at the top.

Leaf Peeping in Late October

I think you should do the leaf peeping first and then do the Boston sightseeing.

Here in Fairfield County, which is about an hour south of Litchfield hills, the peak usually occurs a little before the dates you%26#39;re talking about, although it still should be quite beautiful by the 24th (this year, the foliage changed really late, and we still had leaves up by Halloween -- the 31st -- but this was unusual.)

Many thanks for the helpful replies.

Hi,

Maybe sandwich your trip so that a day in Boston at the start then a day at the end. Great city by the way!

Head down the Mass Turnpike towards Worcester then 395 South to Connecticut. At Putnam /Killingly take off. Follow Route 44 to Brooklyn (route 169) then southward toward Norwich. Along the old road one passes under tree covered roads, historic homesteads and prep schools and a few decent places to eat. Enter Norwich at Historic Norwich Town Green and then follow south to New London. In this area you will find the US Coast Guard Academy, Mystic Seaport and Stonington Borough. If you have some time... head on Route 1 South toward the CT River and then on interstate 95 toward New York. Then off 1st exit over the CT River Bridge and drive to Exit 3 where Essex, CT is... a wonderful little place with great colors in the autumn and places to eat, walk and enjoy.

Check early at the Weather.com website or visitconnecticut.com/current_category.28/cur鈥?/a> or my travel blog www.thenewenglandcoast.com

Best of luck!

Evan

Evan,

Thanks for the helpful suggestions and %26#39;links%26#39;. I%26#39;m sure to be posting more questions before we go, so thanks for now !

You are most welcome. Boston is easy... follow the freedom trail and it takes you to the main areas and most fun of Boston. Then for shopping head to Newbury St.

Honeymoon Suggestions

Hi,

My fiancee and I are planning to come over to the east coast US from Scotland for our honeymoon in July. We%26#39;re planning to spend 4 nights in each of Washington DC, Boston and New York (we%26#39;ll fly in and out of NY), but have a spare 4 or 5 days that we%26#39;re unsure of where to stay.

We%26#39;re keen to use these spare days at the start of our honeymoon to relax after our wedding, before going onto the more hectic cities. Ideally we%26#39;d like to find a villa/hotel/beach house by the sea where we can take it easy, soak up some sun and unwind. We%26#39;ve no planned order to our holiday (I think we%26#39;ll do New York last), so happy to go anywhere along the coast from a little south of Washington to a little north of Boston (and anywhere inbetween!) and then order the cities dependant on where we are.

So, does anyone have any suggestions?

I%26#39;m going to post this on a few of the other state noticeboards that have coastlines between Boston and DC (so apologies if you read this twice).

MANY thanks!

Ian

Honeymoon Suggestions

Martha%26#39;s Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts would be my suggestion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha%26#39;s_Vineyard

MV will be busy in July so make reservations as early as possible.

Honeymoon Suggestions

There are a few nice islands off the northeast coast that I%26#39;m sure everyone will be telling you about such as Cape Cod, Block Island, and as stated above Martha%26#39;s Vinyard. There is also the possibility of doing a cruise from Boston to Nova Scotia in Canada. I%26#39;ve never been there, but I hear it is very nice. There is no shortage of good places to check out along the coast.

I vote for Cape May New Jersey. The beach is as nice as any you%26#39;ll find in the northeast and the water is a warmer and more swimable than the New England Islands. The are lovely small hotels and B%26amp;Bs nearby the beach and good restaurants.

I would suggest Chatham in Cape Cod-very relaxing and perfect honeymoon area for gorgeous coastline. The suggestion for Cape May is also a good choice. I would stay away from CT shoreline-Long Island Sound is dirty to swim in. Go for an area with the real deal meaning the Atlantic Ocean.

I recommend Newport, Rhode Island. It%26#39;s a very quaint, New Englandy town. It%26#39;s not on Long Island sound, so the beaches are nice (although probably not quite as nice as Cape May) - go to 2nd or 3rd beach for a more relaxing/nicer experience than 1st beach.

There are tons of great bed and breakfasts/inns to choose from (try the top floor suite at the Spring Seasons Inn), lots of good restaurants (White Horse Tavern is fantastic), and cute shops. It%26#39;s right on the water, and it%26#39;s just beautiful. You can take a sailing trip around the harbor, visit historic mansions (the Breakers, the Rockefeller%26#39;s summer home is worth a visit), and there%26#39;s a gorgeous walk along the water called the Cliff Walk with amazing views of the water as well as the back of the mansions.

You can also catch a ferry from Newport for a day trip to Block Island, which is very pretty, with great beaches, good biking, etc.

Newport is only 75 - 90 minutes from Boston, and more or less on the way from New York to Boston.

It%26#39;s very relaxing, pretty, convenient, and a real New England experience.

Good luck - I hope you have a great honeymoon!!

I%26#39;d have to second Newport, Rhode Island.

These are all excellent suggestions. Either Newport or Block Island would be fantastic! Will you be flying in and out of DC? Washington DC is about a 6 hour drive from NYC with no traffic (and there WILL be traffic!). Im not sure if this will be a bother for you.

You may want to do NYC second to last and fly or take the train from Penn Station to Washington DC and fly home from there.

Id say if you want to do DC, in the interest of timw you should include Maryland and NJ as beach destinations as opposed to NY/Boston/RI.

More suggestions... Nantucket Island is farther away than Martha%26#39;s Vineyard but me thinks much nicer and even less ';mass t shirt '; touristy. Otherwise I would suggest in Connecticut:

Saybrook Pointe in Old Saybrook- Spa %26amp; Inn with a nice restaurant (www.saybrook.com) me thinks... and Water%26#39;s Edge in Westbrook, CT (spa, dining, eating...)

Evan thenewenglandcoast.com

A third vote for Newport, RI. We spent our honeymoon (and have visited a few other times since) there and are thinking of going back this year for our 14th Anniversary.

Lots of B%26amp;Bs (we stay at the Sara Kendall House), hotels, inns, etc. to choose from. You can do as much or as little as you want. Great drives, great walks, great boat trips. One day we ended up buying a couple of kites and spending a whole day just flying kites, rather unexpected and lots of fun!

I only want to echo the suggestion that you do not pick the Connecticut coastline. These beaches are on the Sound, not the ocean, and are not nearly as nice as all the other options you were given in Mass. and NJ. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!

tagged someone

Independence Day in New London

The cruise ship I%26#39;m on will be in New London on the 4th of July. Will anything special be happening? A parade, maybe? The ship will probably be gone, unfortunately, by the time any fireworks start....

Independence Day in New London

There are always events going on at that time - Here is one that is annual: http://wedeclare.org/

The festival is informal and centered around a performance of the Declaration of Independence by members and friends of the downtown New London, Connecticut community...but it is much more. It is an expression of independence, both collective and personal and it lives in the expressions of common men, women and children speaking, signing and doing the things that gives flavor and value to the ';ideas'; and ';ideals'; of the Declaration of Independence.

New London Declarations is part history, theatre and circus and each year, while there is a script for the festival that changes every year, we are never quite sure just what is going to happen. Last year Sally Hemings had an interesting and powerfully presented chat with Thomas Jefferson. This year, King George will be joined by is wife, Queen Charlotte and Thomas Paine will also have a few things to say about common and uncommon sense.

Independence is first and foremost, unconfined and that is what New London Declarations is all about: an unconfined expression of independence.

Also check here closer to your cruise -

ci.new-london.ct.us/content/35/default.aspx

Independence Day in New London

Suz:

Thank you! All your information is appreciated!

Hi.

Actually yes...they are planning on 1st and foremost a reading of the declaration of ind. in historic garb at the Hygienic Arts Park at around 11am. Fife %26amp; drum music will be played and I believe horse %26amp; carriage rides to attractions downtown.

Nathan Hale Schoolhouse and Shaw Mansion will be open and walk over to Green and Golden Street where Eugene Oneills favorite watering hole (Dutch%26#39;s Tavern), Muse at 102 Golden Street and some nicely restored 1800 homes are found.

Evan thenewenglandcoast.com

brynulf:

Thanks for the reply.

Walnut Beach Milford CT

My husband and I moved from Fairfield County to the Walnut Beach area of Milford CT. I am originally from California and an artist I was taken with Walnut Beach because neighborhood and beach reminded me of California. As an artist I was intriqued as I heard several artists migrated to the Walnut Beach area when Fairfield County got too expensive. We feel we are watching a renaissance of sorts happening in Milford especially in our neighborrhood and it is exciting. Where else can you find affordable properties near a beautiful beach that overlooks an island that one can walk to when the tide is low! (Charles Island). Recently a a beautiful pavillion went up near the Walnut Beach pier, how exciting. And across from our own home, a new area is developing that will include storefronts and artists lofts. Just outside our front room, we can see the ocean on one side and the Firehouse Gallery-the old firehouse converted into a gallery by the MIlford Arts Council. Unremarkable? 17.5 miles of beach in one town just isn%26#39;t unremarkable to me. On the other side of I-95 in Milford one can find more wooded area where one can go shopping for flowers at local farms or horse riding. I hope you will come to visit Walnut Beach and see what we saw in this sweet beach community. As far as restaurants, it is fun to hang out in the historical downtown district at the Alantique Cafe which is a cyber cafe and enjoy the current art exhibit. There are several restaurants there that we enjoy frequenting when we can, Citrus, Southport Brewery, The Corner Restaurant which plays old sinatra standards on a Sunday morn and serves up the best mexican omelets with homemade salsa!

Suzanne

Walnut Beach Milford CT

Hi Suzanne,

Was impressed by your posting. I live in lower Ct. and am getting priced out. %26#39;Would love to hear more. What are the prices like? What is the crime rate like? School situations?I know Milford has had there fair share of diversity issues too...KKK meetings or something like that recently? Scary to me and I am not even African American, but grew up in the south and left b/c of all the prejudiced behavior. Was surprised you mentioned Southport Brewery, as isn%26#39;t that a ways from you? Can you fill me in on prices on waterfront for nice homes? Thanks a bunch!

Walnut Beach Milford CT

The Southport Brewing rest is downtown next to menoral bridge Amber Jacks was there till recently.

I was impressed by milford recently too!

We had friends who we drove from our house in bridgeport to an inn in milford and on the way there I was worried that they had gotten themselves into something really depressing (never having been to milford before) but when we pulled into the cute downtown, I was really impressed.

It is so much nicer than so many other parts of lower fairfield cty.

I%26#39;ve wondered whether I should let others in on my new found secret or not.

I moved to the US from London, England, earlier this year and can%26#39;t wait until my lease expires on my box-like apartment in New York City so I can escape to the suburbs!

Milford is top of my list to move to right now. This might sound like a dumb question, but when you%26#39;re renting a property outside of NYC do you typically have to pay a broker fee?

Broker fees were a new concept to me (in the UK the landlord pays the commission to the broker, not the tennant) but after some extensive googling I can%26#39;t figure out whether they%26#39;re just a NYC/big-city thing or not?

Any help appreciated!

RIchard - most CT rentals you do not have to pay a broker%26#39;s fee - that is the duty of the landlord. If you find an agent that is charging you one, just keep searching, there are plenty that don%26#39;t - In NYC, it is not so easy. Also, try searching through the local classifieds - lots of nice rentals available through the owners.

Thanks Suz... any suggestions of which classifieds? (Internet sites would be ideal as I don%26#39;t get too many local Milford papers delivered in NYC ;-) )

Dear Richard,

If you are looking to rent in Milford try the Spinnaker property group. They lease a building located in downtown Milford across the street from the Harbor and within a 5 minute walk to several restaurants and bars in the center of town.

Happy Hunting! Milford is a great town.

I%26#39;ve lived in Milford for the last 9 years, starting right out of college. It%26#39;s a wonderful suburb with a train to NYC, tons of shopping on route 1, not to mention the picturesque New England green and beaches. It%26#39;s also close to New Haven, which in itself has great nightlife and culture. If you want to look for local apartment or house rentals, I would recommend the Milford Mirror (www.milfordmirror.com). It%26#39;s the local weekly newspaper. It%26#39;s where I found my apartment. Also, the New Haven Reigster (www.nhregister.com) has many listings in Milford as well.

We just bought a house in the Devon section (east side of town). In the past it wasn%26#39;t the nicest, but there has been lots of investment recently and it%26#39;s a great place to live! We are about a mile from Walnut Beach, and right down the street from a big park. It%26#39;s wonderful.

I feel terrible that I haven%26#39;t checked this site to respond to my initial post on our community in Milford CT.

The Devon area plus Walnut Beach have received funds from the State to upgrade the area and to help turn the Walnut Beach community into an artist%26#39;s community. To date we have the Firehouse Gallery, and the town purchased the old Stowe Barn and is making plans for the new home for the MFAC Milford Fine Arts Council as well as studios were artists can teach and work.

Down the street is one of the cleanest beaches in CT-it was voted one of the cleanest this year-Walnut Beach which now has a spanking new pavillion for bands and the Walnut Beach Memorial resurrected to honor all past residents of Walnut Beach.

If you want to learn more about the history of Walnut Beach in Milford CT you can purchase ';Sand In Our Shoes'; a wonderful book illustrating through vintage postcards the beauty of our beach community.

Suzanne

Also as far as crime or schools I would call CT magazine and ask for a back issue of the issue that rates towns in CT.

I have a teacher friend who lives in Milford and teaches in Westport, and she is pleased with Milford%26#39;s school system.

I%26#39;ve heard some good reports on the schools do they compare to Westport CT? not entirely, but you can check the school%26#39;s websites and CT magazines to see how PSAT scores are etc.

As far as crime, we live in an area that%26#39;s on the upgrade so we%26#39;re still dealing with some nonsense that is troubling but we%26#39;ve seen some improvements due to new people moving in and a beautiful development that offers artists lofts ontop of store fronts.

I believe the prices for the above mentioned is 350k considering you%26#39;re not far from a beautiful beach and new restaurants are opening up as well as a gourmet icecream place-The Walnut Beach Creamery and a pottery studio has opened up.

I hope you all reading this will consider moving here and joining us!

Suzanne

bloom-

Need recommendations - nice inn Madison to Old Saybrook area

I am looking for a lovely inn in the pretty coastal area east of New Haven, but not more than an hour or so from New Haven. I checked into Old Saybrook hotels, and see the Saybrook Point Inn %26amp; Spa, which appears to be on the water. That sounds good, but I%26#39;d love to get more ideas. Need not be really romantic, but I%26#39;m not looking for corporate or for seedy or for anything located next to a gas station or shopping center. Something special in a pretty area. Thanks for any ideas.

Need recommendations - nice inn Madison to Old Saybrook area

MaxieLu:

Guilford is a beautiful picturesque town just a little north of New Haven. There is Griswold Cottage B%26amp;B - we never stayed there but always wanted to.

If you don%26#39;t care that you stay on the water, there is a lovely B%26amp;B near the casinos and not far from the RI border - it%26#39;s called Captain Grant%26#39;s 1754, i stayed there maybe three years ago and had a fabulous time.

Need recommendations - nice inn Madison to Old Saybrook area

The Saybrook Point Inn and Spa is very nice. I stayed there a few years ago and I think there are fireplaces in each room. It is pretty elegant, with nice views. I heard Frank Sinatra, in the day, used to hang out at the restuarant there, the Terra Nar,

Saybrook Point Inn and Spa is very nice. The rooms are spacious, the staff friendly, and there is a lot of different things to do. There is a full service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a hot tub.

Water%26#39;s Edge in Westbrook is nice... But not as nice as Saybrook Point.

There is the Griswold Inn in Essex. It%26#39;s a historic hotel, has been open since 1776. Good food, nice rooms, easy to get to from I95.

Enjoy your stay!

Thanks, everyone! We%26#39;re booking at the Saybrook Point.

spending 2 nights in Foxwood early May

Hi we will be on our way to a wedding at west point and so we are flying into Prov. RI and spending a Weds and Thursday night at Foxwood in the Pequot Tower. What can anyone tell us about this place. We have had many trips to LV and Atlantic city so with will be a first for us.

What are your favorite places to eat at foxwood,

we will have a car, so is it worth it to go the 20 miles to the other place up the road, Mohician?

Is 2 nights long enough to enjoy this place. we are slots players, do they have the new interactive type of slots or only the old fashioned ones we find at the tampa bay reservation in Fla. which is were we are from.

thanks for any info.

spending 2 nights in Foxwood early May

Foxwoods (and Mohegan Sun) have newer slots than both Atlantic City and Las Vegas. We%26#39;ve found that the 2 casinos in CT will have new slots weeks before they%26#39;ll have them in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Foxwoods is the largest casino in the world and has a huge selection of slots, video poker and table games. Mohegan is smaller, but has just as large of a selection of games. Both properties have interactive video slots, older reel slots, and video keno.

Mohegan is 20 minutes, not 20 miles, from Foxwoods and it is well worth the trip. We prefer Mohegan to Foxwoods actually. Better comps, better dining, better shopping, not as smoky. Dining at Foxwoods is good. We like the Hard Rock Cafe, the Stadium sports bar and the Cedar Steakhouse. Mystic II is right down the street on Route 2 and is some of the very best pizza you will ever eat.

Rooms at the Grand Pequot are very nice. Large and well furnished. Bathroom is kind of small, but has great toiletries. Rooms are Mohegan are nicer. 2 nights is definitely enough to enjoy Foxwoods and Mohegan. They are huge properties, but easily covered in a day or two.

spending 2 nights in Foxwood early May

Diva 21 thanks so much. we are really looking forward to this trip and it seems like so long to wait. we appreciate all the tips and will try the restaurants you mentioned. Thanks again

I know you%26#39;ll have a great time and be awed when you see the size of the place. The spa at Foxwoods is excellent as well.

Good luck!

They are both good- I think one days in each is more than enough. I found that the service is better at the Mohegan Buffets compared to Foxwoods Buffett- that one can get to be a zoo outside. The casinos are comparable, they both have all kinds of slots. Foxwoods has a better Keno bar. Mohegan actually has a little mini mall which is fun to poke around- Foxwoods has a nice native american shop with crafts etc. One of them actually has a museum that you do have to pay admission to- have never been.

I prefer Foxwoods to Mohegan, though both are good. The Pequot Tower rooms are nice. I do have to disagree with the post that stated the bathrooms are small. The room we stayed in had a large bathroom, which was very nice. The room was also good size. We found that room service was right on time and it was good. We like the buffet at Foxwoods but the line can be very long. If you want a casual meal, you can take the escalator downstairs to a restaurant down there (I forgot the name). The esclator is right by where you get off the elevator from the Pequot Tower rooms.

Since you will have a car, you might want to go down to Mystic one day. It is really nice there with lots of things to do.

Go down to Mohegan during the day, the desk at Foxwoods will give you directions. There are a lot more shops and sights there. But for gambling stick to Foxwoods(make sure you get a Wampum card). If you like poker the room at Foxwoods is great. Even Bingo at Foxwoods can be some cheap fun. Great time to go during the week as you won%26#39;t be forced to only $25-$50 tables like on the weekend. My one suggestion is to self-park as both have easily accesible garages because the valet seems to take forever whenever I use it.

Thanks Posters, for the info. good to know about the self parking and other eatery%26#39;s around. It is really fun going to a brand new place, that is only 2 hrs. non stop, from Orlando. We are really hoping to like it as much as we do Vegas, as that trip and all the time changes are long and tough on us.

thanks again

Peace

Mohegan Sun Slots & Casinos

Going back up to Mohegan Sun soon, does anyone have any favorite slots there? Which casino do you prefer: Earth or Sky?

Mohegan Sun Slots %26amp; Casinos

I prefer the Casino of the Sky, but they%26#39;ve done a lot of remodeling in the Casino of the Earth and it looks great.

My favorite machines there (currently) are the new Monopoly (cash grab or something like that?) with a very cool digital overlay screen. I also love the new $1 Wheel of Fortune with 2 different bonus rounds, the Hot Hot Super Jackpots ($.02) and the new version of Hollywood Squares. You can find them all in the glass-walled room in Casino of the Earth, just before the entrance to Casino of the Sky.

Good luck and have fun!

Mohegan Sun Slots %26amp; Casinos

In Casino of the Earth, there%26#39;s a little room off to the side close to the opening to the shops/arena walkway. (Facing the walkway entrance the room is to the right) There%26#39;s usually a car on top of a bank of slot machines there. Anyway in that room are some new machines: The Sopranos, The Wizard of Oz and then a few steps up in teh back there%26#39;s another small room that has some good Monopoly machines, the newest Wheel of Fortune and my favorite Lucky Lemmings.

I also saw in the main Casino of the Earth across from that area, a Press Your Luck Big Event bank.

ittwit

Traveling from Milford to NYC

Hi guys I will be in Milford CT on Monday through Wednesday afternoon for work and I really wanted to try and fit in a Broadway show Tuesday night. If I get off work at 5:30 pm would it be at all possible to drive into Manhattan and make an 8pm show? What about if I leave Milford at 4:30?

If its impossible to catch a show on Broadway, are there any good shows going on close to Milford, in New Haven perhaps??

Traveling from Milford to NYC

I wouldn%26#39;t try driving to Manhattan; you%26#39;re likely to hit rush hour traffic and could miss your show. A better bet is to take Metro North from Milford directly to Grand Central station. The train ride is approx 90 minutes - 1 hr 45 minutes, depending on which train you take.

Allow yourself 45 minutes to try to catch a cab or take the subway shuttle from Grand Central to Times Square (probably a better bet).

According to the Metro North site, there is a 5 pm train from Milford; arrives GC 6:45, or a 5:43 that arrives 7:16. Personally, to be on the safe side, I%26#39;d take the earlier one, but with some rushing/running and assuming no train delays, you%26#39;d probably be ok with the later one.

Metro North schedules can be found here: as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm

To see what%26#39;s playing in New Haven, google Schubert theater. They get some great plays there too.

Traveling from Milford to NYC

Thank you CaboGirl.. I%26#39;m just going to watch a show at Yale, make it simpler on myself.

the french fries

are the french fries at bull%26#39;s hea diner coated with flour?

the french fries

no idea

July 2008 bar exam - hotels near Expo Center

What are the best hotel choices for this July%26#39;s bar exam?

The exam itself will be at the Expo Center, and I would like to find a hotel that%26#39;s near by.

July 2008 bar exam - hotels near Expo Center

the downtown hotels are the better bet than the motels near the expo center. near expo you get a lot of party people from the meadows .

July 2008 bar exam - hotels near Expo Center

Super 8 and Red Roof Inn both in the meadows, a 5 min. walk from the Expo center are not high end hotels but should be fine unless there happens to be a concert at the Meadows Music Center across the street. Crowne Plaza is mid range a 10-12 min walk and the Hilton and Goodwin are high end downtown maybe a 15 min. walk to Expo center. If you%26#39;re staying the night after the exam you%26#39;ll want to stay at Crowne Plaza or downtown so you can walk to bars- you will need a drink.

bloom-

SUV rental for Massachusetts - Connecticut trip

In June we are visiting the US again. Last time we stayed in NYC and really enjoyed it but this time we thought we would be a little bit more adventurous so we are going to rent an SUV at Newark Airport and go and see a bit of New England before going to NYC.

Our plan is that we will pick up the car and then stay a couple of nights not far from Woodbury Common, then drive up to Massachusetts and spend 4 nights there, then drive to Connecticut and spend 4 nights there, then drop the car off at Newark airport and get the train into Manhattan where we will spend 5 nights.

I have been looking at the car rental sites and Hertz seems to be the cheapest which surprised me. It says that the rates listed include: Airport concession fee recovery, Loss Damage Waiver, Tax, Liability Insurance Supplement, Vehicle Licensing Cost Recovery, airport transportation and domestic security fee. Are there any other options which need to be considered or that they haven%26#39;t mentioned?

Although I have TomTom on my PDA we would also like to have a road atlas of the areas we are going to, where can we get one from when we first arrive?

Are there any must see/do things in Massachusetts or Connecticut?

SUV rental for Massachusetts - Connecticut trip

You can go to www.ctvisit.com for a free guide to Connecticut and maps. You can also order a road map of CT from Hammond or Rand McNally (www.randmcnally.com) or Hagstrom (www.hagstrommap.com) CT has a beautiful shoreline so you can go to Old Saybrook, Westbrook, etc...Mystic Seaport is a big attraction. It is a reconstructed whaling town. There is also the world class Mystic Aquarium. Many people visit the casinos (Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun). I would suggest visiting New Haven to see the campus of Yale University. They have world class art galleries and museums, plus the buildings themselves are architecturally interesting. Plus, New Haven prides itself on the best pizza in the state...nay, the country! Litchfield County in CT is nice for typical small town New England things like antiquing and leaf peeping, white clapboard churches and old Victorian hosues. In Hartford there is the Mark Twain house and the Harriet Beecher Stowe house. I think in Coventry is the Nathan Hale house (a hero of the American Revolution).

For Mass., don%26#39;t miss Boston! You can do the freedom trail, visit Quincy Market, the Old North Church, the Italian North End, the USS Constitution, the Kennedy Library, Fenway Park (go Red Sox!), take the ';duck tour'; which are amphibious landing vehicles.

SUV rental for Massachusetts - Connecticut trip

Thanks for your reply, exactly what we are looking for. We love the coutryside and wildlilfe but also llike to soak up a bit of culture by going to art galleries and museums.

Really looking forward to our trip. Thanks once again.

My pleasure. Here is a nice little art and decorate arts museum in the Hartford area (a hidden gem): http://www.hillstead.org/

The Wadsworth is the leading art museum in Hartford: http://www.wadsworthatheneum.org/

Yale%26#39;s Peabody Museum (impressive dinosaur collection) http://www.peabody.yale.edu/

Web page for Connecticut landmarks: http://www.ctlandmarks.org/index.php

If you are interested in the American civil war and fight against slavery, you may want to look into the CT freedom trail: www.ctfreedomtrail.com/site/urailroad.html

Thanks again!!! Some great links there.

Do you really need an SUV? Gas prices are rising very fast. You probably won%26#39;t do any off road driving. Also, if you have car insurance, check to see if it will cover you in a rented car in the States. In the US, our car insurance covers rental cars and we never spend the extra for Liability insurance at car rentals.

Definitely plan time in Boston. The Museum of Fine Arts is excellent. If you are at all interested in science, the Boston Science Museum is probably one of the best in the country.

I-95 through Connecticut can be very congested during rush hour, so either plan to travel the coast midday, or take other routes. The Merritt Parkway, which parallels it is very pretty.

If you%26#39;re looking for one more small but very good museum in CT, come to New Britain to the New Britain Museum of American Art. http://www.nbmaa.org/

It%26#39;s off Route 84 which is the inland route from NYC to Boston. And eat lunch at Angelos Deli on West Main just before turning in for the museum.

Have a great time!

Thanks for the reply. We don%26#39;t need an SUV but we do drive one over here as we live in the Highlands of Scotland and can get quite a bit of snow in the winter, so we feel more confident in that type of vehicle as that%26#39;s what we are used to. As for the price of gas, we pay over $8 a US gallon over here so your prices will seem very cheap to us!

I%26#39;m pretty sure our insurance companies don%26#39;t cover rentals but I will check to make sure.

Thanks for the tip on taking the Merritt Parkway we would prefer to take scenic routes where possible, and also for the info on the museums, just the kind of thing we like.

Really looking forward to our trip!

$8 a gallon! Oh my!

Make sure you go on the Merrit Pkwy. Its one of the oldest Pkwy%26#39;s in the US. you can take it down to NY, its a fun ride. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merritt_Parkway

Just make sure that you don%26#39;t get on northbound after 3pm or southbound at 7am.(unless you like traffic jams)

Since you are coming in June, you definitely won%26#39;t have to worry about driving in snow and a large SUV is not always the best thing to drive in the city. Something to think about, you might have time to visit southwest New Hampshire as it is just over the Mass. border and offers some more options for your trip. All the states have a Dept of Tourism that will be very happy to send you maps, etc so you can have them with you when you start. In Springfield Mass we love the Dr Suess figures at the museum downtown and the Botanical Gardens at Smith Colleg in North Hampton.

Other important museums/collections beyond those in New Haven and Boston include the Clark in Williamstown, the Addison in Andover, and the Peabody-Essex in Salem--all in Massachusetts; also the Wadsworth in Hartford, Conn. In Cambridge, MA, the Harvard and MIT museums have important collections. The principal tourist areas in Mass are Cape Cod, Boston, Cape Ann, and the Berkshires. All are worth a visit although the high season for cultural events in the Berkshires is July-Aug. Connecticut has been well covered in earlier posts. While you%26#39;re at it, might as well visit Rhode Island, where Newport offers exceptional sights.

I Need to Rent a place near Narragansett Beach.

Hi,

I would like to rent a house, appartment, beach house (any place to stay) for my family at the end of july for a week. I want the place to be next to Narragansett beach.

Anyone now where I can rent and that doesnt cost a lot?

Thank you

sincerly yours -Janna-

I Need to Rent a place near Narragansett Beach.

Janna, you might have more luck posting this in the Rhode Island forum, which is where Narragansett Beach is -

You might want to google search for Charlestown RI or Misquamicut beach - those are both close by and you might find a rental.

store properties

Help - Hotel near Simsbury

I recall there being a relatively new ';residence'; type hotel with kitchens near Simsbury on Hopmeadow (near the International Skating Center of Connecticut). It was just a little way down the Simsbury Inn, but I can%26#39;t recall its name and have been unable to locate it in online searches. Does anyone know what the name of the hotel is?

It may actually be in a town next to Simsbury which is why I%26#39;ve been unable to find it online, but it%26#39;s on the road that turns into Hopmeadow, just a few miles down the road.

Help - Hotel near Simsbury

You may be thinking of the Iron Horse Inn, which is located approximatly 2 miles west from the skate center. Then there is the new Residence Inn by Marriott, which is located just over the Simsbury line in Avon, about a 10 min. ride.

Help - Hotel near Simsbury

You are thinking of the Residence inn in Avon CT, on RTE 10/202 south of Simsbury

Do NOT go to the Iron Horse, trouble there.

The Marriot Residence Inn in Avon is new, and a few minutes from Simsbury.

There is always the Simsbury Inn, which is pretty nice and closer to Simsbury Center

There is a Residence Inn just over the Simsbury/Avon border. It is near the intersection of routes 10 and 44. I%26#39;s actually in the town of Avon but very close to Simsbury. When my friends and family come in from out of town this is where they usually stay. The name is Residence Inn Hartford Avon. I beleive is is on Simsbury Rd in Avon.

tripadvisor.com/PostReply-g33918-i5997-k3354…

avonoldfarmshotel.com

A top notch inn lodging on the corner of 44/10 - Bottom of Avon Mountain...

One of the preferred places for many big shot business travelers I deal with every week @ my job...

Relocating from Chicago to Hartford

I would like to get any insights on moving from a bigger city like Chicago to the Hartford area - the best schools/district in the area, how cosmopolitan the area is, etc. I am also Indian and would like to know as much as possible about the Indian community in and around Hartford, whether there are particular suburbs that are more cosmopolitan than others, what cultural opportunities my kids would have (Indian events, temples, Indian movies, etc.) and what I should expect coming from a cosmopolitan town like Chicago.

I would also like to get information regarding real estate and which neighborhoods/suburbs have good schools and contemporary homes.

Relocating from Chicago to Hartford

I think you%26#39;ll be fine in any of the upscale suburbs around Hartford. I%26#39;m a big believer in living close to your job or at least nearby so that you don%26#39;t have to commute through Hartford. West Hartford is probably the most diverse suburb with great schools and a significant Asian population but its an older town with some but not a lot of contemporary homes. You might also consider Avon, Farmington, Newington, Rocky Hill, Glastonbury. There is a Hindu Temple in Middletown. There are indian movies shown in Manchester and New Haven and of course DVDs everywhere. We%26#39;re only 2 hours from Boston or New York.

Relocating from Chicago to Hartford

I think you%26#39;ll be fine in any of the upscale suburbs around Hartford. I%26#39;m a big believer in living close to your job or at least nearby so that you don%26#39;t have to commute through Hartford. West Hartford is probably the most diverse suburb with great schools and a significant Asian population but its an older town with some but not a lot of contemporary homes. You might also consider Avon, Farmington, Newington, Rocky Hill, Glastonbury. There is a Hindu Temple in Middletown. There are indian movies shown in Manchester and New Haven and of course DVDs everywhere. We%26#39;re only 2 hours from Boston or New York.

Chicago to Hartford will be a big adjustment - CT is just not nearly as cosmopolitan as other parts of New England. Its very, very suburban, although cultural activities are out there if you are willing to search for them. The other benefit is that both Boston and New York are easy day trips from the Hartford area.

I absolutely advise not moving to Hartford itself - school system is suffering and as a city it just doesnt have much to offer.

I agree fully with the suburbs the previous poster mentioned - Glastonbury, West Hartford, Avon, and Simsbury are more affluent towns and all have fantastic school systems. Glastonbury and West Hartford would probably offer more diversity.

Less afluent, but still very nice towns are Newington, Rocky Hill, South Windsor and Wethersfield. Again, all good school systems, but you will find a lower cost of homes here.

Best of luck with your move!

Depending upon the ages of your children, do not discount the magnet schools in Hartford. The state has poured money into them, they have new buildings, state-of-the-art equipment and the best teachers. My daughter went from a suburb to Hartford, and it was the best choice we could have made. There are many magnet schools with every sort of specialty you can imagine.

Generally, admission into the area magnet schools is by lottery. Admittedly, they are demonstrating various levels of academic success, although not all have met State of CT CMT standards.

Glastonbury (close to Middletown), South Windsor, West Hartford are nice towns to consider...all have good schools. S. Windsor is a thriving community, lots of contemporary homes that are more moderately priced than some of the other towns listed here.

Mohegan Sun, Unacasville, Help needed

I don%26#39;t know what I am doing wrong. When I put in for the different travel sites, Travelocity, etc. I get the same price on them all. We called the hotel directly and they gave us a price of $429.00 a night, week night and that was the same as the ';discount sites'; I see price of $69.00 and up on the forum and we are planning on going up to see family Wednesday, 4/2/08 and staying until Friday. Would like to stay at Mohegan Sun, but not at the prices I see or have been quoted. Any suggestions or help would be appreicated. Thank you.

Mohegan Sun, Unacasville, Help needed

Sometimes you can get discounts if you belong to the players club card but this close to you stay you may be out of luck.. you could try the two trees in at foxwoods are another place..

Mohegan Sun, Unacasville, Help needed

Unless you have a player%26#39;s club card and give them considerable play, that%26#39;s the going rate to stay there. Foxwoods is generally cheaper than Mohegan to stay at. Try the Two Trees Inn at Foxwoods. It is detached from the casino, but still on Foxwoods property and has 24 hour shuttle service.

If you want to be nearer to Mohegan, there is a Best Western, a Marriott, a Microtel and a Red Roof Inn all very close to Mohegan Sun.

Thank you for your answers. At least I don%26#39;t feel that I am doing something totally wrong.I feel better about it, not the price, but knowing that is what it seems to go for

We have been there in the past, and I really think it is great place, but can%26#39;t conceive paying over $400.00 a night.

that%26#39;s the normal rate this close to the date.

the whole place is generally overpriced but the prices are less exorbitant if you book early

There%26#39;s a Holiday Inn very close by with shuttle service. I reviewed it if you are interested.

It%26#39;s way too expensive to stay at Mohegan Sun.

if you drive, i would stay at super8 in groton. i have personally stayed there and did a review on it and personally recommend it

1. because it%26#39;s the best bang for your buck. It%26#39;s cheap and you get all that you need.

2. you should spend the least amount of time in the hotel room anyway.

3. supermarket nearby and fridge in the room.

on that note, i usually get a comped room at mohegan sun and 90% stay on site, but the times when it%26#39;s very busy (concerts in the weekend like the chris rock night), i personally choose to stay at super8.

I want to thank all of you for your help. We are not big gamblers, even though we don%26#39;t live too far from Atlantic City, or I guess that is a good thing not to be to a big gambler, could really get hurt. We had been up to Mohegan Sun a couple of other times when we lived closer, and really do think it is a real nice place with lovely rooms. Except for the fact that my husband was so anxious to stay I would not even think of paying that much to stay at a casino, especially as the trip was to see family up in that area. We did stay, they had a package on the internet that ran $500.00 for the 2 nights, with $60 back for food and $40 for gambling, before taxes. Their other special (which was looked a little better) ended at the end of March and we

didn%26#39;t go until April 2nd. I am pleased to hear about the other places available and since we are looking to go up again to visit family, we would definetly look to stay at a more moderate hotel. We like Mohegan, it really is beautiful, and had a very nice experience, but a even with the package more than I would look to spend normally.

Again thanks so much.

As a person who lives 5 miles from the Mohegan Sun, I would not recommend staying there if your visiting the area. I recall hearing prices like 350 and up for a room at the sun. Its not like Vegas or Atlantic city where they try to attract people for the night. You could stay in Groton (10-15 miles away) at one of 12 places for under 100 a night. or.... in Mystic, which is a lot nicer and a bit touristy (as well as more pricy). Better places are the Mystic Marriot or the Whalers Inn in downtown Mystic.

Glad you found a deal. For future ref, there%26#39;s a Courtyard by Marriot nearby (Norwich I think) that runs a free shuttle (and they give you coupons for free buffet, etc). Great deal, nice hotel. I%26#39;m not a big gambler either, so a nice place to lay my head is important (I%26#39;ve stayed in that Groton super 8 before...would NOT recommend, just a cheap room).

Hampton Inn or Courtyard Marriott?

My husband and I are planning to visit in Stamford for 12 days on business so accessibility to the train and internet connection/comfortable desk %26amp; chair along with hotel value/comfort/nightlife will be a factor in determing where we end up. The short list is Courtyard Marriott or Hampton Inn. The traveler%26#39;s posts I have read seem to be outdated. Any helpful tips and suggestions? Thanks.

Hampton Inn or Courtyard Marriott?

Hampton Inn isn%26#39;t in the best of neighborhoods, and not that convenient to nightlife, etc... Courtyard Marriot is right downtown, near to lots of nightlife, shopping, the mall, restaurants, and easy access to the train.

Between the two, I would definitely choose the Marriott.

Hampton Inn or Courtyard Marriott?

Some restaurant / nightlife info:

http://www.stamford-downtown.com/

Definitely the Courtyard. Its in a great location and you cant beat their comfy beds! Its a brand new hotel. Thry the restaurant Napa %26amp; Co. YUM

You can walk all over downtown and to the train or take a short cab ride to the train as well.

Courtyard without a doubt. You can walk to everything.

I second the Napa %26amp; Co recommendation.

Probably too late, but yes Courtyard all the way. Close to train (they prob have a shuttle - check, but it%26#39;s kind of walk-able), walk to about 15 good restaurants, mall, shopping, offices, etc.

Courtyard is pretty new - we always have guests stay there. good beds, napa downstairs, good biz travel hotel.

Thank you all for taking the time to offer your helpful suggestions. I%26#39;d say the Marriott takes it all!

bloom-

Travel by train from LGA to Greenwich

How do you get from LGA to Greenwich? Does the train run close to LGA?

Travel by train from LGA to Greenwich

No train goes to LGA; you%26#39;d have to get to Grand Central (or 125th street) and then take Metro North; would take too long.

Your best bets are renting a car, car service, or CT Limo - www.CTlimo.com; they are a shuttle service, not an actual limo.

CT Limo will take longer than driving or a car service, but are a cheaper option. They%26#39;ll drop you at the Hyatt in Greenwich for around $60. A car service would be less hassle but would cost more - in the $100 - $120 range.

Travel by train from LGA to Greenwich

http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/airport.htm

See this web site for information about the city bus to the regional train (at 125th street station in NYC) . The regional train schedules can be found on the metro north page, new haven line schedules.

The poster above is right that ct limo is probably more convenient but at 57 for a one way trip, I think the price is so outrageous. The city bus to the train would take approximately 30-60 minutes longer but cost only around 12 dollars depending on when you traveled (as peak time tickets are more expensive).

This page also lists other options (including a charter bus that goes from the airport to grand central where you can pick up a regional train, again see the new haven line scheudles).

http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/lgtsmain.HTM

Another factor to consider deciding bus/train versus CTLimo is luggage. If you cannot carry your luggage yourself - potentially up a flight of stairs or more - forget public transportation.

I know the CTLimo charge may sound high, but when you consider the extra time (at least double, IF you make good connections) and trouble (lugging suitcases around), it is the best option. HOWEVER, if more than one person is travelling, get a private car service.

Its always been a sore subject for us up in Fairfield county, but the answer is no. The only thing you can do is take the airport express Bus to Grand Central, and then hop on a metro north, or take a Taxi to Fordham metro north stop and then hop on a train. But both those options would take a long time to get up here. Its really not worth it. Look into prime-time shuttle or something like that. Its cost about 50-60 bucks but is much easier then any other form of public transit.

Prime time is good -there is also red dot shuttle - both options will cost you less than CT limo - if you want a private car, search on Rudy%26#39;s Limo, they are great

I live in Stamford and I like to use the Primetime Shuttle. (I believe it%26#39;s 1-800-red-vans) It%26#39;s about $60-65 but it picks me up from my home and drops me off at whichever terminal I need to be at. (door-to-door service)

Of course, it%26#39;s a van service and you have to be prepared to stop and pick up other passengers from other terminals on your way to Greenwich. For me, it%26#39;s the most economical way. Taking the train to Grand Central and then taking Metro North from there is too much of a hassle if you have heavy luggage! If you%26#39;re prepared to pay around $150 then take a taxi service.

Hope this helps!

hair loss products

how about mystic in early may????

need your help....my sister and i are planning a reunion midway between her home in mass. and mine in nj,

we are thinking of mystic ct. can anyone reccommend an interesting and not too expensive hotel, and whats to do there?????

we were also considering newport ri.

i am an avid dancer....any hotels with good dj%26#39;s on sat night??????????

thx,

scarlett

how about mystic in early may????

I have stayed at the Inn at Mystic. It was in early April. Very nice, good restautant. Mystic has Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium. Also shopping. Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods are both very close to Mystic.

By The Sea

Doing a home exchange to Sharon in May and would like a few days by the sea on our last few days - where would you suggest and where to stay please?

By The Sea

You will be way towards the NY border - Best bet would probably be to take Route 44 to Route 2 and head towards Mystic, CT, Misquamicut, RI or that area - not sure how long of a drive it would be, but there are some great spots over there, just google Mystic or the others -

By The Sea

I used to live in Westbrook. It%26#39;s a nice little town on the shore. I used to walk by this place twice a day walking my dogs. Awlays thought it would be neat to stay there. It literally is a stone%26#39;s throw from the water. The%26#39;re the house, a large front lawn, Seaside Avenue, then the ocean.

http://www.talcotthouse.com/beach.shtml

We live in the next town over from Sharon. And I agree with the first poster. Find a nice little village on the Rhode Island, Mass or Maine border and hunker down for a few days. Bring warm clothing!

Inn near Yale or the shore with weekly rate?

I%26#39;m traveling from Dallas to New Haven this summer and staying for three weeks so my daughter can participate in a Yale summer program.

I%26#39;m not familiar with CT at all and wonder how best to locate a nice place for us to stay, with weekly rates, that%26#39;s close enough for me to get her to campus every morning.

Ideas? Recommendations?

thanks,

Janet

Inn near Yale or the shore with weekly rate?

Hi,

There are 4 B%26amp;B%26#39;s in New Haven and some of them do offer weekly rates. To view them, you can go to the Greater New Haven Convention %26amp; Visitors Bureau website at www.visitNewHaven.com. If you would like to receive a printed Visitor Guide, you can request one online.

Thanks,

Barbara tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i16438-Top_10_T…

GNHCVB

Inn near Yale or the shore with weekly rate?

There are commuter buses and trains that run from the towns east of New Haven to New Haven each day. The towns immediately east are East Haven, Branford,and Guilford. Also North Branford, but it%26#39;s not on the shore. After Guilford is Madison, then Clinton, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook. Guilford has a couple of small suite hotels. There%26#39;s a Holiday Inn Express in Branford, it%26#39;s newly built within the last couple years. It%26#39;s about the only motel in Branford I%26#39;d recommend, and I%26#39;ve lived in Branford or near it for decades. Maybe the Motel 6, and the Best Value too. But that%26#39;s it! Avoid the Branford Motel and the Roadway Inn at all costs. They have the reputation of being No Tell Motels. And it%26#39;s not undeserved! All of these towns would have B%26amp;B%26#39;s. You could look into a summer rental home too, those rent by the week but will be pricy.

You could try this inn in Branford. http://www.bytheseainnspa.com/the_inn.html

They do have weekly rates. Reasonable ones for the area. The motels around here rent for 100-150 a night and a house rental, if you could find one, would be at least 1200-1500 a week. I have never stayed at the Inn, but the spa is excellent. Years ago it was a nursing home. I gre up in and attended school in Branford, and we used to perform there for the folks when I was in school and scouts. It%26#39;s also located in the town center. There%26#39;s a small grocery store a block away. Many restaurants, all good, within walking distance. Lots of small shops. The buses to New Haven stop at the town Green, about a 4 block walk away. You could even walk to the train station if you had to. That link to Visit New Haven posted above is also quite helpful. I%26#39;d say one of the smaller inns or a B%26amp;B might be your best bet in this area. I don;t know if you plan to rent a car, but it might be a good idea, it would give you greater access to shopping and leisure activities.

The main library and several churches are also a few blocks walk away. There%26#39;s a Baptist, an Episcopal, and a Congregational (United Church of Christ) on the Green. A Roman Catholic church a block or two from those. You%26#39;d need a car for the Methodist and Lutheran churches, though I suspect you%26#39;d be able to contact the churches and hitch a ride with local members. Synagogues or mosques you%26#39;d certainly need a car for, these are in other towns.

To Stamford via JFK or HPN?

I%26#39;m flying from the west coast into Stamford for a meeting downtown. Is it best to fly into JFK and arrange for ground transportation to Stamford? Or is it better to fly into Westchester airport (HPN) and go from there?

If I fly into JFK I can get a direct flight, so that would be worth something to me. If I go to HPN, I need to connect somewhere.

On the other hand, my understanding is that JFK is about 40 miles from Stamford, while Westchester is about 14, though one person told me that the driving time from Stamford to either airport is about the same due to traffic.

I%26#39;d prefer not to drive, and don%26#39;t want to take a train/public transportation unless it%26#39;s relatively simple. Since it%26#39;s a business trip, I can expense a cab/car service ride if that%26#39;s the best option.

Any help would be appreciated!!!

To Stamford via JFK or HPN?

When I lived in Stamford I made frequent trips to LGA to pick/drop people off and w/o traffic I could make the trip in 30 minutes, JFK is not that much further away. HPN w/o traffic can be done in much less time, but I agree that its more convenient to have a direct flight. The time it would take for you to make a connection would probably end up equaling or surpassing the extra travel time to/from JFK. And if it can be expensed I%26#39;d probably go w/JFK.

Hope that helps!

To Stamford via JFK or HPN?

Either one will work; I%26#39;d go with whatever flight times are more convenient for your departure and return.

Whoever told you the driving time would be the same from either airport is mistaken, however.

With absolutely no traffic, you can get to JFK from Stamford in about 45 minutes. But, depending on time of day, it can take much longer, and there%26#39;s always potential for an accident. I usually allow myself 75-90 minutes to get to JFK at a non rush hour time, and -90 min - 2 hours at a rush hour time, to be safe, b/c you never know.

HPN on the other hand, is only about 15-20 minutes. Even at rush hour, unless there%26#39;s an accident or a major problem, it should be more than 30.

All that said, I%26#39;m a huge fan of direct flights; when I fly to the West coast, I go from JFK and I live in Stamford. So depends what your preference is.

I agree - HPN is a great convenience, but I would rather fly from JFK and go direct.

There are several transportation services you can use - http://www.totheairport.com

http://www.rudyslimousine.com

http://www.myprimetimelimo.com/

I HATE JFK and I%26#39;d make 10 stops to avoid going there! I love to fly out of HPN, everyone is friendly, you%26#39;re in and out very quickly and there are hardly if ever any delays from there! JFK is huge, people are rude and we ALWAYS end up delayed, same at Laguardia!

JFK is pretty easy getting in w/o really much hangups getting into JFK.. now delays in the terminal can be a different story.. and HPN is easier to fly in and out of yes.. laguardia just stinks because its so small of an airport

Branford in August

My husband has a class to attend in Branford in August. We are interested in some kind of boat cruise, some siteseeing on the water. Is there something like that nearby that we could do? Thanks.

Branford in August

There is the Thimble Island Cruise which is a 45 min. cruise around the 20 or so inhabited islands. The cruises leave from the dock in Stony Creek which is a part of Branford.

Branford in August

I have lived in or near Branford for most of the last 32 years. Can highly recommend the Thimble Island boat cruise. Especially with Captain Mike, he%26#39;s lived here even longer than I have! http://www.thimbleislandcruise.com/

my family is considering going to branford for a family vacation. stay for a week or so. what%26#39;s there to do around branford? our other thoughts are newport and cape may. thanks!

Branford is a smallish town. 29000 people. It%26#39;s not a tourist destination in the way that Cape May and Newport are. There%26#39;s not the same amount of activities and such for visitors concentrated within the town as there are in Newport and Cape May. Those two places have far many more visitors each year, so they cater to that far more.

Branford has the Thimble Cruis. Shoreline Trolley museum in the next town over. There%26#39;s a 12 screen Regal Cinema in town. There are also many activites and place of interest within driving distance. Museums in New Haven (10miles). 90 miles from NYC, you could even fit in a visit there. You can go by train. Take the commuter line to New Haven, then take Metro North to New York. The casinos in CT are 45-60 minutes away. Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium are about 45 minutes away. There%26#39;s Lake Compounce, an amusement park in Bristol, maybe a 40 minute drive. 6 Flags New England is just over the border in Massachusetts.

That doesn%26#39;t mean that people don%26#39;t vacation here though. Many many many people have summer and weekend homes here. There are also cottages and homes that rent by the week. People come here to relax and have a quiet weekend or summer away. It all depends I think on what you are looking for. I would recommend Branford or any of the other shore towns in CT as nice places to come and relax with your family. But none of them would be like going to Cape May or Newport.

The closest to a Cape May or Newport experience would be staying at the Water%26#39;s Edge resort in Westbrook. 20 miles east of Branford. On the beach, with ocean and pool swimming. A variety of scheduled activities for the guests. Of course you would be about the same distance from the other activities in CT I mentioned. It%26#39;s also very close to some of the really great seafood places in the state. Could still go to NYC from there. From Branford or Westbrook, you could do a day or overnight trip to Newport, it%26#39;s about an hour and half to 2 hour drive. Connecticut is a tiny state, and Rhode Island is even smaller.

thank you so much for the detailed response. i really appreciate it. i%26#39;ll pass the info to the rest of the family. thanks!

vlada

bloom-

meet people in

Where to go and stay in Connecticut ?

I want to take my husband for a weekend trip to CT.

We%26#39;ve never been so I am wondering what%26#39;s a nice play to stay so that we can walk to places around the hotel or at least nearby drives. ( interested in dining, spas, exploring city,etc)

thanks!

Where to go and stay in Connecticut ?

Litchfield County area

Mystic

Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun

CT shoreline

Where to go and stay in Connecticut ?

So Litchfield County is a popular vacation destination? Can you recommend places to stay?

My husband and I are interested in coming for the Litchfield Jazz Festival in August.

I don%26#39;t know of any specific places to stay. Being local I tend to take day trips to the Litchfield area. But there are several small inns in that area. Also B%26amp;B%26#39;s. I%26#39;d suspect they are lovely to stay at. CT is so small, that even if some of what you are interested in isn%26#39;t in Litchfield, chances are excellent that it%26#39;s within a 15-60 minute drive. This is the state tourism website http://www.ctvisit.com/ This is the page for the Litchfield area. www.ctvisit.com/tourismregion.aspx?id=3

Why don%26#39;t you stay centrally so you don%26#39;t have a long drive to anything? (don%26#39;t stay in hartford though). Htfd has the mark Twain /Stowe houses.

For museums- wadsworth atheneum, peabody museum.

Mystic Aquarium. The casinos

New Haven- best dining and culture.

Best foliage in the fall and prettiest area- Litchfield County- Be aware that there are not many highways in this area and roads are more hilly and curvy, though it is somewhat like this throughout the state.

Shopping- malls all over.. outlets in westbrook- tiny little boutique shops in some of the small towns.

I also recommend the Litchfield area. A first-rate place, though not inexpensive, is the Mayflower Inn in Washington, CT, which is a small historic hotel with an excellent restaurant and a spa as well. Here%26#39;s their web site: http://www.mayflowerinn.com/

But the whole area around Litchfield is worth a couple of days%26#39; explorations.

There%26#39;s B %26amp; B%26#39;s all over the place up here. If you%26#39;re looking for a clean motel type place, The Hitching Post Inn in Cornwall bridge is an option. We%26#39;ve stayed there when our power went out a few times! 10 minute drive to the Jazz fest.

There%26#39;s also The Inn at Kent Falls. The Cornwall Inn, The Boulders.... many more.