Our New Life in Connecticut Forever: PART FIVE

And by part five I mean week FOUR and we’re already home so never mind.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

But don’t x out! I’ve got the veeeery last seven days to show you, and then we’ll wrap for good, shed our tears, bring it in and then it’s back to recipes from here on out.

Let’s Connecticut!

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

On Monday, we ate through four strawberries.

Wait, that’s not it.

On Monday, we rested! ‘Member how insane Sunday got? We needed nothing but loooow key, movies and leftovers all day.

That is, until BINGO NIGHT AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY CENTER. I’m only screaming at you because it was so Dirty Dancing meets Parent Trap meets Wet Hot American Summer meets church camp in the late ’80s. I did actually go to yoga that morning in that very same room! First yoga class since Watergate. Felt guuuud.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Also, we didn’t win. And if you watched my Stories, you saw just how NOT OKAY Nat was with not winning. Homegirl is suuuuper competitive, and was basically destroyed for life. She bawled so hard. I laughed and recorded it for Instagram obviously.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

The next day we went on a pizza comparison crawl! And by crawl I mean two places because blorb.

I had soooo many people tell me to skip Mystic Pizza (to which I was like, BITE YOUR TONGUE.) and head to Pizzetta, just around the corner. Also, this pizza was under a giant red umbrella. I edited and re-edited this photo, so this is as good as it’s gon’ get.

Now, the pizza was fabulous! Thin crust, perfectly acidic tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, 100% Neapolitan. It flopped over a little more than I prefer, but that’s just a me thing. If that style of pizza is your jam, you must visit. (I still loved Mystic Pizza with all my heart. Really! This is not a joke. The pizza’s wonderful and don’t try to convince me otherwise because you are wrong.)

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Next up, we headed back to Stonington (which was like, six minutes away. EVERYTHING WAS SO CLOSE THERE.) for a more traditional style at Stonington Pizza Palace, hiiiighly boasted by the locals. So obviously I had to have it.

AND THIS IS WHAT’S CRAZY. The older I get, I think I prefer a more nostalgic slice. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t like overly puffy crusts topped with meatlovers’ supreme blast extravaganza palooza blorb town. But! Give me a little more guts to my ‘za (<—omg sorry), with a sliiiiightly thicker (with a hint of sweet!) crust, some good BURNT shredded mozzarella and I’m a happy gal.

We got the Hawaiian, and it was glorious. I cried for a month. I’m still crying.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Right after that we were headed to a swim day play date (YES WE MADE FRIENDS why do you look so surprised?), until we spotted the cutest lemonade stand right down the street from our cottage. These kids were pouring lemonade into tiny cups for a quarter, and DRAWING pictures for another quarter. It was so darling, you guys. That is until Natalie asked for a fairy princess drawing, and the little girl took 75 years to draw it. Because not only did she draw the princess, but she added like, this whole majestic empire SCENE behind her. SPECIFIC WEATHER, all these crazy animals, intricate details on her dress. Aaron and I stood with our backs burning into the sun, as we both mumbled under our breath, because we get each other, “Skip to the END.” If you can name that movie you win at life.

(of course we kept the drawings.)

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

So we had this AMAZING play date with this sweet gal Sonia we met (on Father’s Day at the winery) from Colombia. Like, she literally sounds like the girl from Modern Family, I could not obsess over it more. I’m sure she loved that. We spent all afternoon at her adorable very-northern in-law’s home with a pool (I’ll get in that water!) in Pawcatuck (which was less than 10 minutes away from Lord’s Point. EVERYTHING WAS SO CLOSE THERE) sipping rosé, nibbling on strawberries and Oreos, talking about Columbian food and family traditions vs. American food and family traditions vs. New England food and family traditions. I do realize New England is a part of America. Just love me.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Wednesday was Newport! Eeeeeeveryone made it verrrrry clear that Newport needed to be our new life and if we didn’t go we’d regret it for the next 87 years. So we went!

And it really was gorgeous.

But this makes me sad.

Guys.

I didn’t realize that JFK and Jackie got married at the church right there in town, so when we passed it I said, “Ohhh, pretty church.” But I didn’t take a photo for you.

WILL WE EVER RECOVER FROM THIS?????

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

This is right in Whaler’s Wharf.

Wait, that’s not it.

Hold on.

Whaler’s Wart? Boonie’s Wharf?

Wait.

BOWEN’S WHARF! A quaint, historic shopping and restaurant district right on the water. I think it’s been there for like, 67 trillion years or something. I loved it.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Look at that cuteness.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

We did it! Totally went to the Black Pearl and ate……..

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

THE CHOWDAH! World famous. Insanely delicious. Herbier than other chowders we had on the trip, but still. The chunks of clam were ENORMOUS and succulent. The potatoes were perfect bite sizes, and the cream wasn’t too runny, or too gloppy. It was ridic. You have to go.

iPhone shadow sold separately.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

I have nothing specific to share about this photo except I want to make my life solely about that bicycle.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

After lunch (and a quick stint in the arcade right there across the street while mommy shopped for New England-y CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS, yes I’m a grandma.), we made our way to Easton’s Beach, like 5 minutes away because EVERYTHING WAS SO CLOSE THERE.

New England is big on carousels, guys. They’re old, historical, Presidents had babies on them, I dunno. It became sort of a goal to seek out and ride ALL THE CAROUSELS. This was right there on the beach. You gotta go.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Right after that, I obviously begged the Del’s dude to let the kids raid the truck and make back all the money I’ve spend on the trip so far.

…they didn’t sell jack.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

We beached!

It’s hard to see, but that’s red seaweed (RED SEAWEED) back there. I don’t know why it’s red, but I was completely sure it was blood from a shark attack. And I was probably very loud about it.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Right after some sun time, we took the .2 second drive across the street and visited the faaaamous Flo’s Clam Shack! Nat was very into wanting to pose. We have a little work to do, girlfriend.

Also, never change.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

The fried clams were some of the very best we’ve ever had, and we had a LOT. *blorb

The next day was drizzly, and we were definitely feeling a much-needed slow down. So I ran a couple of grocery errands while the kids movie marathoned all afternoon, I picked up dinner, and we were all in bed before the sun went down. It was heaven.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Friday morning we headed over to Noank for the last time (waaaah) for breakfast at highly-recommended breakfast spot, Carson’s! It was so cute, and SO GOOD. Simple diner food, but with a twist of elegance. And surprisingly amazing prices.

Also, Will spilled an entire container of creamer all over Nat’s lap, table and deck. It was super n’awesome.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

So this is what I had. Multi-grain ciabatta with wilted spinach, grilled sausage, an egg and melted boursin cheese. UM, LIFE.

Also, spilled creamer.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

After that we hit up the PACKEY (locals call it packey so I called it packey, deal.) one last time for some beers (beehs) and a final stroll around the tiny, manicured, floral, seaside neighborhood.

That sentence had a lot of commas.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

They loved waiting on dad.

Loooooved it.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Headed back to Mystic for our final afternoon of souvie shopping, ice cream on the drawbridge and a snack. Obviously.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Kiddie ice cream cones – check.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Final view of the Mystic river – check.

Oh! See that ship in the waaaay background? That’s the seaport that I freaked out over! WE WENT ON THAT SHIP.

(You’re so over this trip.)

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Oh! See that large black metal thing jutting into the sky in the background? That’s the drawbridge!

(I swear this is almost over.)

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

One last chowder at Red 36, which so many of you recommended, and we almost didn’t make it there, but I’m soooooo glad we did because IT. WAS. FABULOUS.

The view. The oysters. The sauv blanc. The breeze. I wept.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

By the way, I’m now super into oysters. But I feel like I can’t eat them in KC. Is that gross? Who here in KC has good oysters? I’m scared.

Goodbye forever.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Look at those boats! I feel like we’ll never see a boat again.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Look at that view! I want 80 of those chairs in my front lawn. Plus the water and the boats. All in my front lawn. I don’t feel like that’s too much to ask.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

On our way home we randomly stumbled upon the cutest little honor-system farm stand you’ve ever seen. Bustling with locals in and out, picking out snow peas and fresh zucchini. You drop a $5 in a box, get your goods and you’re on your way. HOW IS THIS LIFE.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Once we were back at the cottage, the sun had reaaaally started to show its mood, so down to the dock we went.

And guess what, I GOT IN. I sat on a light blue blow-up raft and paddled out to that floating raft, sat on it and took in the view for about 20 minutes, then paddled back.

Guys, I don’t let my feet touch the bottom. Nononoono. Squishy seaweed, sand, spider crabs, dead bodies? No.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

No.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

But the view I can handle.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Saturday morning, our final final day, Aaron’s Aunt Marcia and Uncle Glenn (and cousin’s hubs Ganesh!) drove the one hour south (he came over from NYC) to give us a farewell squeeze, see our digs and drop off a pair of Nat’s sandals that we left at their house. Of course.

So we showed them a few beaches at Lord’s Point, dipped our toes in the water and breathed in the salty air for a few minutes.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Yes that is a giant boulder and my tiny babies are at the tip top of it. I’m fine.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

One last rinse off in our outdoor shower! (I have to show you these details. IT’S WHO I AM.)

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

That evening we went back to Dog Watch in Mystic, where it allllll began one month prior. I had the tuna tartare tacos (divine). Aaron had….

Well….

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

A lobster roll. And it was SO, SO GREAT. Cold, this time. With a light coating of mayo and maybe a little bit of chopped celery. The perfect way to end the whole trip.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Well, that and dessert.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

After dinner we took ONE. FINAL. STROLL. (you’re like, you keep saying that I want to paper cut you.) down at the dock.

But like, look at that!

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

UGH.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Bye bye, Lord’s Point.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Really, kids. We have to go. I need you both to physically stand up and propel your body in a walking motion.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

No no. Not in there. We must go. It’s time. Our plants need us.

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Totally safe! ^^^ (don’t tell my mom our car looked like this.)

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

Aaaaand Sunday morning we pulled away, right before 7am to begin our 20-hour car ride with two over-it toddlers and one over-it pup home. WAAAAAAAAH.

By the way, here’s the cottage info! A tonnnn of you have emailed about it, so if you want to book, her name is Susan and she’s fabulous. Tell her I sent ya. 😉

Summertime in Connecticut / Bev Cooks

And that’s a wrap! I mean a roll. A lobster roll. Not a lobster wrap. Wait, is there such a thing? A lobster wrap?

Never mind.

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23 Responses to Our New Life in Connecticut Forever: PART FIVE

  1. Jen July 6, 2018 at 12:03 pm #
    Loved all of these recaps so so much! You convinced me, we’re going!!
  2. Jessica July 6, 2018 at 12:38 pm #
    Do you mean Colombia the country in South America?
    • Bev Weidner July 6, 2018 at 12:51 pm #
      Ha! YEP. My mistake. Didn't need the u!
  3. Caitlin July 6, 2018 at 1:09 pm #
    So, the ever-important question: who had the BEST clam chowder of your entire trip? I may have zero trips to New England in the works, but I still must know. #chowdahfan
    • Bev Weidner July 6, 2018 at 3:41 pm #
      OKAY, so the best chowder. GREAT question. So I think the top three for me were Ford's (in Noank, who had the lobster rolls), Micheletti's (in Attleboro, MA), and the Black Pearl! BUT, I'd need them side by side to narrow down from there. But all of those were absolutely killer. Black Pearl was saltier than the other two, but I like salt. :)
      • Caitlin July 6, 2018 at 4:46 pm #
        NOM! I am always so hungry for some chowder and a lobster roll, ha!
  4. Stefanie Bush July 6, 2018 at 1:20 pm #
    I see your quote, and I'll raise ya another, "Man and wife, say MAN AND WIFE."
  5. Julie July 6, 2018 at 2:11 pm #
    What an amazing month! It's been a hot minute since I've been up to the Northeast for a summer trip but now I'm dying to go. Imma need allllll the clams and lobstah rolls.
  6. Jen July 6, 2018 at 3:52 pm #
    I’ve grown up here and it was fun seeing it through your eyes. Always knew it was an amazing spot thanks for sharing
  7. elise July 6, 2018 at 7:00 pm #
    i love your trip. and your stories. thank you for sharing with us! it's like going on vacation myself :) as a new englander (is that right? i don't know) it's so fun to watch you experience and explore the areas that we take for granted. i especially love finding out what is uniquely new england from other parts of the country. Chowdah! Boats! Lobstah! Tiny fishing village and cobblestone streets to trip on! Honor system garden stands! Did you get creemees?! Anyways, your trip looks like it was a fantastic, amazing time and i thoroughly enjoyed all of your posts. Please, please come visit us in Vermont the next time you guys are up for a vacation in new england. We have cheese and craft beer and ben and jerry's and alllll things vermonty <3 (no ocean though because we are the only new england state without a coast because nature hates us. plenty of lakes though if you're into that.)
  8. Kelley July 6, 2018 at 8:21 pm #
    Oh Bevy!! Your posts make me laugh and laugh??.
  9. Sonia Damico July 6, 2018 at 8:44 pm #
    I was so nice to meet you and your beautiful family, llile I said before all of you will be welcomed anytime! Hope to see you guys again and I will be checking your great blog and beautiful pictures of your two little treasures. Sofi says Hi! Thanks for the Clam tip!
  10. Christi July 7, 2018 at 1:53 am #
    Loved you sharing this trip with us, So fun.
  11. Rachele July 8, 2018 at 7:32 am #
    But what about the ROUS’s?
  12. Sarah July 8, 2018 at 1:50 pm #
    But who had the best lobster rolls?!
  13. Bianca July 9, 2018 at 9:15 am #
    Loved this whole series, and New England just made it on my bucket list!!
  14. Toni Durr July 9, 2018 at 12:53 pm #
    I live in Las Vegas and have really never had the desire to visit New England...BUT...I have SO ENJOYED each and EVERY post about your trip! Thank you!
  15. Judy July 11, 2018 at 1:04 pm #
    THANKS SO MUCH!!! Loved re-visiting the New England shore with you, your beautiful family and your uproarious POV!
  16. Hallie July 20, 2018 at 11:48 pm #
    Looks like a trip of a lifetime...what memories! I'm convinced great food makes a trip special and you guys nailed it!
  17. Elisabeth December 14, 2020 at 6:07 am #
    From that moment, my personal practice of yoga as a way of life began. In addition to practicing asanas, pranayam and meditation, I try to follow the principles of a happy life-Yama and Niyama. This is the first two steps with which you need to start a yoga practice https://mediaonemarketing.com.sg/top-yoga-studios-singapore/. These principles help us understand how to live in harmony with the outside world and how to find harmony within ourselves. When you begin to apply the knowledge of yoga in practice with true faith, magic begins to happen in your life. Everything you need comes and everything you don't need goes.
  18. Laura November 3, 2022 at 2:59 pm #
    I would love the name of the rental you used for this trip. We were just talking about where we should go this summer, and I thought of your trip. Please send the details if you can. lstosto72@gmail.com

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