Faux Barn

Mystic, CT  2017

I'm not sure if this barn is real, or a replica made to look like it's from the 1700's.  My guess is it's a reproduction.

Once a Wagon

Mystic, CT  2017

The Chowder Crowd

Mystic, CT  2017

I don't believe I've ever seen Olde Mistick Village this crowded, especially at this time of the year.  The temperatures  were in the 60's on this day which brought a lot of people out.  As I post this today, two weeks later, the temperatures are in the teens, and we're expecting a blizzard this week on Tuesday.  That's winter in New England. 

Antique Wagon

Mystic, CT  2017

Olde Mistick Village is a unique shopping area right off of I-95 and serves as an "unofficial" gateway to Mystic and the other historic attractions in the area.  The Village consists of 60 shops and restaurants and was designed to resemble a New England town from the 1720's.  Scattered throughout the village are antiques such as this wagon which add to the charm of shopping here. 

Boardwalk

Mystic, CT  2017

Munson Exclusive

Mystic, CT  2017

For those people who don't like chowder, or had more than their fill......

Charity Chowder

Mystic, CT  2017

It has been a strange winter for weather here in Connecticut.  Temperatures have been fairly mild, and we only had one real significant snowfall.  This particular Saturday the temperatures reached the mid 60's which brought out a lot of people for the Annual Charity Chowder Cook Off at Olde Mistick Village.  For a small fee, one could sample any number of the fine chowders offered up by local restaurants with all proceeds going to a local food bank.

People could vote for their favorite chowder and I'll admit there were some pretty interesting variations available.   After sampling about 6 varieties of the 15 or so available,  I was full.  It was hard to pick a favorite, but I definitely did not care for a Pumpkin Corn Chowder offered by a local Asian cuisine restaurant. 

Seaside Sanatarium

Waterford, CT  2017

Located just down the beach from Harkness Memorial State Park is the site of the old Seaside Sanatarium, one of the first facilities of its kind to treat children with tuberculosis.  The site is listed on the National Registry of Historic places and if our governor has his way, will soon become a new state park 

Untitled

Harkness Memorial State Park,

Waterford, CT  2017

Beach Goers

Harkness Memorial State Park,

Waterford, CT  2017

The recent stretch of unseasonably warm weather brought out a number of hearty beach combers.  Some braved the cold temperatures of Long Island sound by wading in the tidal pools, while others played the flute.  

Beach Scene

Harkness Memorial State Park,

Waterford, CT  2017

Sound View

Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, CT  2017

Garden View

Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, CT  2017

Back Porch

Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, CT  2017

The term "back porch" is hardly a fitting term for this part the the mansion.  I'm sure there must a be a much more elegant architectural term for such a room.  Even "sunroom" doesn't do this room justice. 

Portico

Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, CT  2017

This portico overlooks one of the two gardens on the property next to the mansion, Eolia, pictured a few days ago.  It's much prettier in the summer time.