Mural

Nashua, NH

I found this interesting mural on a side street in downtown Nashua, NH.  It was really pretty colorful, and I like the depth and perspective shown in the painting.  I was impressed with the work to include the door as part of the mural.  I missed the door at first.  Sadly it appears some other "artist" left his work on the door as well.  

Enhanced Opportunity

Mystic, CT

I never knew that there was an enhanced opportunity if one fishes along the banks of the Mystic River.  I doubt it makes it any easier to actually catch fish here. 

Hot Rod Cafe-from the Rear

New London, CT

The historic district of downtown New London is home to a number of cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and bars.  This is the rear of one such restaurant/bar overlooking the railroad tracks and New London harbor.  The outdoor deck must be a very popular hangout in the summertime but not so much in the end of February when this photo was taken.  

Mohegan Sun

Uncasville, CT

Mohegan Sun is one of two large casinos in this part Connecticut.  It is owned and operated by the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and comprises a hotel of over 1300 rooms and gaming space totaling over 364,000 square feet.  In addition there is a 12,000 seat arena, convention and function space totaling 100,000 square feet and 130,000 square feet of retail space.  The hotel dominates the landscape next to the Thames River and as can be seen above, the exterior is highly reflective.  It appears to me to be a perfect contribution to Weekend Reflections.   Thanks for looking and have a great weekend.

Westerly Train Station II

Westerly, RI

Across the tracks from the main train station pictured yesterday is a smaller "station" to shelter those passengers waiting for the southbound trains.  Apparently there is a tunnel beneath the tracks providing access to the "mini" station, which maintains the same architectural style of the main station.  Another similar shelter is located just outside the main station and is pictured in the second image.  

I really wanted to get inside the main station but it was closed on this particular Sunday.  I know there are Amtrak trains that go between Washington DC and Boston during the weekends, but perhaps there is not enough business to justify the cost of opening the station on weekends.  Maybe the trains don't even stop in Westerly on weekends.  

Westerly Train Station

Westerly, RI

The train station in Westerly, RI is rather unique.  The architecture is reminiscent of what one might see in the southwest part of the country and not in New England.  At least that's how it appears to me.  According to the building's pediment, it was built in 1912 by the New York-New Haven & Hartford Railroad (NY-NH&H-RR) one of many railroads that serviced this part of the country in the early 20th Century.  Today it one of the stops on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.  

New London Harbor - Barque Eagle

New London

New London Harbor Bridges

New London, CT

Drinking Consultants

Mystic, CT

Where do I apply?

Ice Cream

Mystic, CT

Located right next to the historic drawbridge in Mystic, this is a very popular ice cream parlor in the summer time.  Not surprisingly, it was closed on this first Sunday in March.  This is just one of many local ice cream places  of which I'm fairly familiar.  Do they really make the best?  I think that's open for debate.  Their ice cream is pretty good however.

Two Ships

Mystic, CT

I never get tired of looking at sailing ships, as followers of this blog might have guessed.  I'm sharing this with Weekend Reflections.  Have a nice weekend, and thanks for visiting.

Factory Square Signs

Mystic, CT

Salty Dog

Mystic, CT

I really was attracted to this sign in front of the Salty Dog Barbershop.  It seems a very fitting name for a barbershop located in Mystic.

I'll be taking a little break from blogging, but I have posts scheduled through the weekend.  I appreciate everyone who visits and comments.  I might not have a chance to reply to any comments until the weekend. 

Main St - Looking North and South

Mystic, CT

Happy St Patrick's Day

Mystic, CT

I think there should be a law banning St Patrick's Day from falling on a Monday.  This place is all ready to celebrate.

For Lease

Mystic, CT

I wonder if the Coke machine still works? 

Granite Ruins Revisited

Old Mystic, CT

I first posted photos of this structure back in October of 2011.  You can find that post here.  I wrote back then that I knew nothing about this structure and there must be a story behind it.  I recently revisited the site and took some more photos.  It sits alone in a large field and seems to be in remarkably good shape.  I really like the various colors of granite block used in its construction.  Still being very intrigued about this building I searched as best I could and did find an article written about the property published by The Day back in July of 1978.  It's amazing what a properly worded Google query can find sometimes. 

According to the article, the house was built by Elias Brown, a Mystic lawyer, in 1825.  The designer of the house is lost in history, but it is thought that the granite used in construction came from some local quarries.  Tragically in Nov of 1924, the house burned.  Descendants of the owners have maintained the property at least until 1978 and more than likely still do some 36 years later.  The article quotes a Mrs Einna Peck, who is the daughter of the owner at the time of the fire, and was 80 years old back in 1978.  The article goes on to state that the descendants still own the house and property, and that there might be  some interest at that time in restoring the house.  After close to 36 years, the house looks pretty much the same.  Remarkably the property has not been vandalized, however nature has taken its toll on the remaining granite walls.  

As the late Paul Harvey would say, "Now you know the rest of the story..."

Mystic River Reflection

Mystic, CT

There were just enough ripples in the water to keep this image from being a perfect reflection.  I do like the painterly effect of the reflection though.  This is the view looking north along the Mystic River.  The ship's masts, nicely reflected on the right side of the image, are the newly installed masts of the Charles W Morgan,  the last remaining wooden whale ship.  The Morgan is nearing the completion of a 5 year restoration project which will culminate this summer when she embarks on her 38th, and final voyage. You can find out more about this voyage here. For many other great reflections, please visit Weekend Reflections.  Thanks for looking and have a great weekend. 

Groton

Groton, CT

Travelers along I-95 in Connecticut  are greeted with this sign shortly after crossing the Gold Star Bridge over the Thames River from New London welcoming them to Groton.  Not only is the city of Groton home to an important US Naval submarine base, but the city also is the home to the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, builders of nuclear submarines for our navy.  The Nautilus is only one of many nuclear subs that have been built here.   It currently is moored near the sub base and is open as a museum to the public.  It is not uncommon to see submarines from the base leaving for their tours of duty and returning after spending many months at sea.  

For Rent or Lease

Manchester, CT

There are a number of these old industrial buildings in Manchester.  It's good to see they are being put  to good use, or at least they're for rent.

Brickwork

Manchester, CT

I really admire the brick work that went into these old factory buildings in Manchester.  You don't see this type of detail these days.

Just Love

Colchester, CT

Winter Brook

Hebron, CT

This must be a pretty fast flowing stream.  Despite our cold winter, this stream had not frozen over. 

Seen Better Days

Hebron, CT

This building certainly has seen better days.  I'm not sure how much longer it will be left standing.

Niantic Bay Mirrored

Niantic, CT

Here's my contribution to this weeks Weekend Reflections.  Have a nice weekend, and thanks for looking. 

Federated Church

Colchester, CT

The white steeple of Colchester's Federated Church looked striking against the deep blue sky on this particular Saturday.  Such skies have been rare in Connecticut this winter.

Stately Homes

Colchester, CT

I've always liked houses with wrap around porches like these.  Colchester has a number of houses like this.

Joe's Main Street Barbershop

Colchester, CT

It's great seeing a barbershop with a nice looking barber pole.  I would've stopped in for a haircut, but I didn't need one on this particular morning.  

Bacon Academy

Colchester, CT

Bacon Academy was founded in 1803 when a local farmer, Pierpoint Bacon donated a sum of $35,000 to establish an institution of higher education.  The school was originally housed in this building and eventually became the public high school serving the community of Colchester.  In 1993 their new school building was opened, not far from here.  This original Bacon Academy building is still being used, now for Bacon Academy's Alternative Education programs. 

Cragin Memorial Library

Colchester, CT

Serving as the public library for the residents of Colchester, the Cragin Memorial Library is a magnificent building.  The library was founded in 1905 and a recent expansion was completed in 2002.  The library now occupies over 20,000 sq ft of space and contains a collection of 63,000 items. 

The population of a little over 16,000 is well served by this library.

Air Line Trail Spur

Colchester, CT

Now a linear state park and trail, a railroad once carried passengers and freight to Colchester along this path.  This is looking away from Colchester.  Passengers would see the scene below when arriving in Colchester.

One can now walk this trail for a little over 3 miles to where it meets the main Air Line Trail.  On this day however, the trail looked a little treacherous with the ice, so I'll have return sometime when the weather is nicer.