Bishopgate Inn East Haddam, Conn.

Bishopsgate Inn is located in the small historic town of East Haddam, Conn. The house itself was built the early nineteenth century by a local merchant Horace Hayden. East Haddam is large in area but small in population. It includes the Devils Hopyard State Park which offers scenic vistas and great hikes. Goodspeed Opera House has been introducing great shows to the area for as long as anyone can remember and the Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale taught school here in East Haddam and you can walk right up the hill from the Inn to visit the site.

Bishopsgate Inn is within walking distance of the Opera House; as a matter of fact, it is only a few hundred feet. There are two restaurants and a very cute ice cream shop in the village. In many ways, you will feel as if you have taken a step back into a slower, gentler time.

The entrance to the Inn is around the back of the house, drive slowly or you may miss the entrance. A sign points it out on the steep hill but depending on which way you traveling it can be hard to see. The driveway is very steep and there is a nice parking area at the bottom. A pretty garden area was filled with irises when we visited.

The bed and breakfast has six rooms of which four have fireplaces and one is a suite with a sauna. We chose the Sunny Room but at the end of the day, we stayed in the very lovely Director's Suite. It is a nice size room with an additional small room with a single bed; this would make a perfect family room. As you lay in the very comfortable king size white iron bed you will notice the vaulted ceiling and the dark wood beams.

One of the walls in the room has some exposed brick that has been painted to match the rest of the room, a soft sage green. The room is decorated in an eclectic style, with antiques but the watercolors on the wall are contemporary.

The room has lots of warm touches, in the bathroom, there is a rack with a pretty collection of embroidered finger towels. The room has lamps to read, a flat screen TV and Wi-Fi, what more could you ask for? Well, the steam room would be a nice touch, and there is one.

The room also has a balcony with a table where you can sit and enjoy the evening or the morning. If you forgot to bring along something to read, there were plenty of choices in the room and there is a comfortable wing chair if you want to sit and read.

If you want to go out of the room to stretch out there is a guest sitting room on the second floor where our room was. Really, you can't make a bad choice when it comes to rooms, there are all beautiful each with their own unique flavor.

I was warmly greeted by our hostess and shown to our room when I arrived. We came back in our own entrance when we returned after dinner.

The bathroom is large, with a stand-up shower, a vanity with double sink and a separate toilet room. We were very comfortable indeed and I am sure I am going to regret that we have only one night to enjoy this wonderful place.

Breakfast is served when you want it between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Our breakfast began with coffee and juice and ended with two vegetarian eggs Benedict with fresh fruit and a scoop of salsa. It was just the right size. We had as much coffee as we could want and sat for quite a while chatting.

If you are looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or just spend the night while you are in the East Haddam area, The Bishopgate Inn will certainly provide everything that you could possibly want.

Biscotti and Beyond September schedule

Simonee will still be doing farmers markets in September. 



Fri         1       Cromwell                     4-7 
Sat        2       Old Saybrook               9-12:30
Sun       3      Chester                       10-1
Fri         8      Cromwell                      4-7 
Fri       15       Cromwell                      4-7 
Sat      16       Old Saybrook               9-12:30
Sun     17       Chester                         10-1
Fri      22       Cromwell                       4-7
Sat     23       Old Saybrook                 9-12:30
Sun    24       Chester                         10-1
Fri      29       Cromwell                       4-7
Sat     30       Old Saybrook                 9-12:30

Oct       1       Chester                         10-1

Open Air Market at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown

It's that time again to gather at the Wadsworth Mansion to enjoy the fun and festivities of the Open Air Market. Sunday, August 27, 2017. Vendors will be offering Connecticut grown or made products. You can stroll from tent to tent purchasing fresh produce, fruit, cheese, breads and prepared foods. Local artisans will also be offering their wares including potters, painters, and jewelers. Plan to stay for lunch and listen to live music or take a tour of the historic mansion.  

Parking will be at Wilbert Snow School, Mercy High School, and Vinal High School. The most convenient parking is at Mercy High School.  Mansion parking is reserved for handicap and families with strollers only.

**A shuttle will run between adjacent Snow School and the Mansion**

**A second shuttle will run between Vinal High School and Mercy High School**

A complete list of participating vendors can be found on their website.

MUSIC:

(Sponsored by Middletown Commission on the Arts)

10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Middletown Symphonic Band

12:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: CJ West and the Downtown Train

2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.: Juice Box

ACTIVITIES:

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Carriage Rides by Allegra Farms

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Face Painters

Docent-led Historical Tours by the Friends of Long Hill Estate throughout the day

Places to visit in and near Mystic, Conn.

Mystic is the most popular visitor destination in Connecticut. With all the activities it has to offer it is really no wonder. You can come for a day or stay for a week, you will never be bored. Mystic offers a myriad of options. 

As you are heading down I-95 you will come to a scenic overlook between exits 90 and 89. This overview known as the Hoxie Scenic overview give one of the best views of the historic seaport and the ships that are docked there. The view is free; entrance to the seaport is not.

Mystic began its life as a whaling village and a seaport and many of the things that made it so unique are still there to see today. Historic houses with widow's walks and the wealth that the ambergris brought to this area. During the Civil War, Mystic was second only to Boston in supplying the Union troops.

Mystic Seaport

This is a re-created fishing village with craftspeople and interpreters making it a living-history museum. You can walk through the village, take a horse-drawn carriage or take a boat ride for a unique perspective. All the buildings in the village are real; they have been moved here from other locations, but they are correct to the period of the village. You can watch a barrel being made and talk to the craftsman.

Ships from several different eras and sizes are docked at the pier and you are welcome to climb on board and get the feel of sailing. The Charles W. Morgan is the only surviving wooden whaling ship and it is here for you to enjoy. With the smell of the sea, the wind in your face, Mystic is the perfect location for a day in the outdoors. Your one-day ticket is good for two days, so it isn't quite as expensive as it appears at first glance.

The seaport is home to many festivals from lobsters to music, it is all about timing.

Mystic Aquarium

This is the most popular destination for visitors to Mystic. It is not an inexpensive destination however it is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.  If you are going to visit more than once, an annual membership is a great idea.

No matter what aquatic animals you want to see, Penguins, dolphins, sharks and even a Beluga whale, you are bound to find it here.

You can come for an hour or stay all day, whatever you chose you will have memories for a lifetime.

Mystic Pizza

No visit to Mystic is complete without a stop at the restaurant that Julia Roberts made famous. It isn't just the same little small town pizza joint that it was before the movie came out. Now it is a destination.

Beyond just the small town of Mystic are some interesting nearby destinations.

Stonington

Time has stood still in Stonington since the mid-19th-century when the whaling business declined. This is a very good thing; it is a snapshot of the best that money could buy in that time period. The lovely homes have been turned into businesses and you can absorb all the atmosphere as you walk down Water Street. You will pass art galleries and head right for the Old Lighthouse Museum. When you're back on Main Street, the quintessential town green will remind you that after all, you are in New England.

Fort Griswold State Park

There was only one important battle in Connecticut during the American Revolution. Though it doesn't get a lot of press, it was a bigger massacre than the Boston Massacre, and it has left its mark forever on this part of Connecticut. There is a small museum but more important a monument, where if you have the endurance to climb the 166 steps you will have stellar views of Long Island Sound and the submarine base at Groton.

Bluff Point State Park

If you want to visit Long Island Sound and spend the day at the beach but don't want the hordes that will be visiting the more popular beaches, this is the perfect place to spend the day. You have to be willing to hike in over a mile, but you will be rewarded with a pristine beach and only the company of other hearty souls.

If you still haven’t seen enough to make you want to come, you can visit the Coast Guard Museum, the USS Nautilus at the Submarine Base in Groton or the two Casinos that are less than 20 miles away. Mystic is a great destination for a day, a weekend getaway or even longer especially if you enjoy shopping and eating seafood.

Mrs Bridges Pantry Woodstock

Finding an authentic British tearoom in Connecticut has become somewhat frustrating, there are just not many choices anymore. Woodstock is about an hour ride, given the fact that it is located right next door to the Scranton Shops where we can poke around for antiques it seemed like a good option. 

It was a Thursday and a rainy day at that. I called ahead to see if we would need reservations, they said no but when I got there, they had saved us seats which was very nice of them. I had my heart set on a Cornish Pasty. We got there shortly after 12 and they were already sold out which was very disappointing. I guess I should have reserved one of them as well!!

We had a pretty long wait to put in our order but since we were chatting and enjoying ourselves it really wasn't an issue. What was an issue is that the rest room is across the way adjacent to another shop. Not very convenient and they were not especially nice or clean. 

Mrs. Bridges Pantry is very cute inside, not all that girly which is often the case with tearooms and also not very British in spite of the menu which is half English specialties. 

#mrsbridge'spantry

Since I couldn't have a Cornish pasty I went for a curry chicken one, our friend ordered the Farmhouse tea which is a sandwich followed by a scone, I added a scone and tea to my pasty. Al had a steak and mushroom pie. 

First I have to address the crust of my pastie, these are supposed to be flaky and you should be able to hold it in your hand to eat, they are really a hand pie. My crust was nothing less than limp, no way I could ever have picked that up. Might have been the rewarming that did that. The filling, however, was very tasty indeed. 

Al's little pie was very nice and it came with a small gravy boat with nice bistro gravy. The sandwich which was ham and cheese was crustless and delicious. 

The scones were served warm, I got orange and cranberry and Joe had raisin, they are served with whipped cream and either strawberry jam or lemon curd, we both opted for the jam. 

#mrsbridgespantry

Tea was also good. Though a refill of our pot was never offered. Usually, more water at least is offered. 

Al got the apple crisp and while he loved the custard, he found the apples to be al dente and overall the dessert was too sweet. 

Luckily, it seemed to have been rather a quiet day and we were allowed to take our time and just sit and enjoy. Our waitress was very friendly and answered all our questions with enthusiasm. 

I would rate our visit as a success and will return, I may not order the same things, however, there are plenty of other choices. 

They do have a little store which I'm sorry to say we did not browse. 

Portland Catfish Tournament

Portland Riverside Marina’s 14th

Annual Connecticut River Catfish Tournament

Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21

Portland Riverside Marina

37 Riverview Street, Portland, CT  06480

(860) 342-1911

portlandriversidemarina@comcast.net

www.portlandriversidemarina.com

PRIZES

(heaviest fish)

1st Prize................$300.00

2nd Prize...............$200.00

3rd Prize...............$150.00

WEIGH-IN TIMES

Friday 

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m to 6 p.m.

Sunday
8 a.m. to noon

Sunday’s picnic (noon to 8 p.m.) will feature great

Food, music and all the stories about the ones that got away!

REGISTRATION FEES

Single - $25.00         Family - $50.00 

Spectator only (includes picnic) - $20.00 per person

Picnic Noon to 7 p.m.

Plan B West Hartford

Part of the B group of Restaurant this Plan B is right on Park Road in West Hartford. There is a small parking lot at the end of the building that the restaurant is in but it is one of three restaurants in the building so I would not plan on finding a spot there. We were able to park on Park Road for free. 

If you are used to the Plan B in Glastonbury, I must say that this one is much smaller however, it has outdoor dining, a small dining room, and the bar area. We opted for the bar area. The menu is the same as at the Glastonbury location. 

I ordered the mini cheeseburgers and traded my fries for a small salad with the lemon thyme dressing, so good. 

Al got a  pretzel burger which has cheddar cheese. They have pink or no pink and rare. He opted for rare and it was just perfect. We had very good service. We were going to the Playhouse on Park and it was less than a half mile down the road so it makes a good combination with a show. 

We are big fans of Plan B which Al insists on calling second choice, lol but it was definitely our first choice today, and a good choice it was. I really love the fresh pickles that they give as a free amuse bouche. 

Firebox Hartford

If you haven't tried Firebox in Hartford I have to ask why? It has just jumped into the number one position on my list of favorite places to eat. Kasey and John took us the to celebrate Al's 70th birthday and we were blown away. The food and service were outstanding. 

The concept is outstanding as well. giving jobs and opportunities to the Frog Hollow neighborhood and using locally sourced food, it is a win win proposition. 

You really need to have reservations.A parking lot and valet parking are adjacent to the building but parking is also available on the street, not that I would want to park on the street, there was a rather large group of kids and young teens hanging about and that made me just a little uncomfortable. 

We had early reservations, 6:15 and that was good, it got much busier by the time we left. 

The menu is not huge and on this particular night, there were no specials since there were new adjustments to the menu. The soup of the day was tomato basil and they had a soda of the day and a mixed drink of the day. 

I had checked the menu ahead of time and knew I want to order two appetizers instead of an entree. I ordered the Brussels sprouts and the cheese plate. Al ordered the ribeye steak, John the chicken and Kasey the soup and a salad. 

Our waiter was attentive and was able to guide us through the menu and the drink menu. We had some of their delicious bread to tide us over. 

I have to say, their Brussels sprouts are the best I have ever had anywhere, even my own. The presentation was cute too in a little cast iron pan. I threatened to take it home with me which our waiter found very amusing. 

The cheese plate included four selections, crostini, strawberries, grapes, Marcona almonds, and honey. It was delicious. 

Al's steak was cooked perfectly and those fingerling potatoes cooked in duck fat were to die for!! 

You would think that we would be too full for dessert but you would be wrong. I had heard from Kasey how good their desserts were and I had no intention of missing out on the pleasure. Kasey and John shared a berry short cake, we shared the lime curd. Oh my, the perfect dessert, light and not too sweet with whipped cream and fresh blueberries. With my cappuccino, it was the perfect ending. 

Perfection does not come cheap, Kasey had two of the drinks of the day and they were $13 each. The meal for the four of us ran over $200 without tip. Was it worth it, absolutely, I can't wait to go back there again.  Check out the Firebox menu here. 

Oklahoma at Goodspeed

The second show of the 2017 season is Oklahoma. If it has been a while since you saw the show or if you have never seen it, you are in for a treat. The music is wonderfully familiar and the dancing and energy are high throughout. 

Samantha Bruce plays a very believable Laurey and Terry Burrel brings Aunt Eller to life. Rhett Gutter has a very nice voice and his Curly charms but for me, Matt Faucher stole the show as a very scary Jud Fry. 

The highlight of the show is the duet between Curly and Laurey of  " People Will Say We're in Love". 

On Sunday, September 24th at 2:00 p.m. they are offering a sensory friendly performance for those who may be on the autism spectrum or if other sensory issues. The environment will be accepting and inclusive. 

If you are looking for a very entertaining night out, I highly recommend heading down to Goodspeed in East Hadden and enjoying "Oklahoma". It will be on until September 27. 

Lyman Orchard Sunflower Maze Aug 3-27, 2017

The Sunflower Maze is an incredible experience, with more than 350,000 red and yellow sunflowers surrounding you in a 360-degree environment. Get lost in this 2.5-acre maze as yellow finches and beautiful butterflies fly around.  

Lyman Orchard 
Middlefield CT

Playhouse on Park

If you are like us and enjoy a good show, I want to introduce you to our newest find, Playhouse on Park in West Hartford. This is a small, non-profit theater that offers live productions. We went there on Sunday, July 30, 2017, for their performance of The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged. If was just as funny and entertaining as I expected, maybe even more so. 

This is a small theater with four rows of seats on three sides of the theater. There is plenty of pitch to the seats so I was able to see easily over the heads of the people in front of me, we were in the back row. 

The quality of the performance was very professional and I was impressed. They do offer a season ticket and there are some excellent shows coming up. One that I particularly want to see is Anne Frank which will be here in October. In January they are offering Steel Magnolias and I have to say I am tempted to delay going to Florida in order to see it. 

They offer water and soft drinks and candy for sale. The rest rooms are very nice and parking on the street was free and easy. I highly recommend that you give Playhouse on Park a try.