Friday Flotsam

FaaaaaaaRAHDAYYYYYY.

Spring flowers

FaaaaaaaRAHDAYYYYYY.

FaaaaaaaRAHDAYYYYYY.

FaaaaaaaRAHDAYYYYYY.

FaaaaaaaRAHDAYYYYYY.

FaaaaaaaRAHDAYYYYYY.

Just kidding. It’s Groundhog Da – right.

YOU GUYS, I just watched a live stream of Punxstatssdksdhfy Phil and he saw his shadow. He saw his shadow. Which means, six more weeks of winter. But, of course he saw his shadow, there were camera lights right on him and above him. OF COURSE THERE’S A SHADOW. Thanks, cameraman. Thanks a frickin’ lot. You just gave us more winter. Had you NOT had that light shining right on him, we’d be looking at tulips and crocus and strappy sandals in the FACE.

It should be called Stupid Cameraman Light Day.

When I was younger, I thought that seeing his shadow meant spring was coming early, because the sun was getting a jump on things. If the sun’s out, spring’s coming, right? See THAT is logic.

You’re like, go back to your cave.

textured white ceiling

We booked our cottage in New England! (!!!!)

It’s HAPPENING. We’re going. We’re totally going. Guess where we ended up! But first, you should know, I read and researched every single place you suggested, and every single place was gorgeous and quaint and perfect. So thank you for the massive hand holding there.

We’re going to spend a month in Lords Point, Connecticut! Which is a tiny beach community in Stonington, CT, and bumped up right next to Mystic, CT. HELLO MYSTIC PIZZA 1988 JULIA ROBERTS. I’m dying. So excited.

We rented a small cottage right near the water. It’s super cute. Flowers outside, a picket fence, BUNK BEDS for the kids, a loft for us. Annnnnnd it’s basically an hour and a half from Stars Hollow, you guys. Well, where Stars Hollow would be. But in my head it’s totally there. I’m dying. So excited.

Twoish-hour train ride to NYC, a little over an hour to Boston, an hour from Yale University. It’s all just right there! I’m dying. So excited.

Our plan is to have our home base in Lords Point, but still make day trips around the whole New England area. I want to take the kids to Rockport, MA. And the beaches in Rhode Island. Maybe bike ride around Martha’s Vineyard. We’re doing it!! I’m dying. So excited.

If you live in the Stonington/Mystic area and have suggestions for me, totally let me know. We’ll be there ALL OF JUNE. All of it. The whole month.

I’m dying. So excited.

blurry gremlins

I want to get your take on something.

And I’m COMPLETELY switching gears on you. Brace up.

The other day I read this interesting article about how blogging is dead. Which, I know – people have been saying that for a while now. Even I felt the slight shift a year or so ago. More specifically, it talks about the MOMMY internet has changed so much. How it used to be this vulnerable space where moms would vent, air their dirty laundry, complain about their kids, their relationships, awful paint colors, on and on. And I remember that era! It happened with food blogs, too.

It went on to say how much advertising has taken over our Instagram feeds, and how everything is so polished and curated and lifeless. Which I get! I totally see that.

But my main takeaway from the article (which isn’t the one they probably intended) is that blogging is dead. Or, that mommy blogging is dead. Let me tell you, I don’t consider myself a mommy blogger. I actually kind of hate those words. Why not just call us uterus bloggers.

I’m getting off track.

My question is – do you still read blogs?! The irony isn’t lost on me in this question. You’re READING THIS BLOG. I know. And I love it and you! But like, do you spend mooooore time on Instagram where the commitment isn’t as deep? Scroll scroll scroll, like like like, off you go.

And listen, I get it! Platforms shift and I gotta roll with the changes. More time is spent in Instagram Stories, where our dialogue is real time, and gone in a flash.

But. . . I seriously hope blogging isn’t dead. Because I still have such a love for story telling and long-winded rants and brain vomit and recipe sharing and US. The whole reason I started this blog 8 years ago.

My hope is that my space isn’t one of those lifeless, polished commercial turds that saturate this “influencer” industry. I hope that when you come here, you see me. You see real. You see mistakes and imperfection, but that you also see something a little fun, fresh and exciting. Something you can take with you, but doesn’t leave you feeling like you were just gutted with superficial doo doo nonsense.

Yes, this is my yearly mental blogging breakdown, JUST LET ME HAVE THIS.

(p.s. point is, I’m not going anywhere. I hope you don’t either.) (I can’t get a kissy face emoji here, so just pretend it is.)

(but if a kissy face makes you barfy, just pretend it’s the clinking champagne glasses one. I like that one.)

(or the gold heart one.)

(or the two girls dancing.)

(never mind.)

bowling balls

Oh crap I thought I was at the end of this post.

UMMM, okay.

Oh! Guess what. If you live in the LA area, I’ll be speaking (Lord help us) at Indulge Conference this April! I’ll be talking about how to relate to the reader beyond the recipe. I think I might even have a power point or something. AND SHOULDER PADS.

(You’re like, pass.)

It’s going to be a fantastic lineup of lady boss speakers, so if you’re in the area, I’d love to meet you! And attempt to not scare you away.

(You’re like, fat chance.)

stuffed animal in snow. AHAHAH.

Weekend plans?

I’m TRACKING TWO STORMS. You know I’m at my happiest when I’m tracking a good storm. Looks like snow on Sunday, and a bit more on Tuesday. Which will all disappear within the next hour because this is the Midwest and I can’t believe that camera man put a freaking LIGHT ON PHIL.

Of course he saw his shadow!

Of course he did.

I’m getting more coffee.

, , , ,

58 Responses to Friday Flotsam

  1. Holly k February 2, 2018 at 8:00 am #
    I still read a list of blogs that I've been following for years daily. It's kind of my morning routine. Coffee, blog reading, then work. I prefer it over Instagram because I like the written word (and because I can read them at work while people *think* I'm working...ha ha. Please don't stop the blogging (sing it with me now)! But I have noticed quite a few bloggers not nearly as into it anymore and it makes me sad.
    • Anne February 2, 2018 at 8:49 am #
      I love your blog...keep 'em coming! (champagne glasses toasting and kissy face here)
    • Nicole Gas February 2, 2018 at 9:27 am #
      Yes to all of this! Its my morning routine too and I totally think of the blog authors as my imaginary friends.
  2. Jules February 2, 2018 at 8:59 am #
    I LOVE reading blogs. I hope they aren't going away!! I'm constantly on the search for good " reading" blogs. Ya know, the one's like yours where they blog about real life stuff. Food, kids, spouse, health, its all great reading. I've had a few that I loved and then the actual writer became bigger in real life and let the blog become the back seat. So disappointing. So keep up the great work and blabber away. So jealous about your month at the beach house. It sounds like a dream!!!
  3. Rebekah February 2, 2018 at 9:12 am #
    I have never quit on blogs. Design Mom posted an article recently that predicts that blogs are about to make a big resurgence. Either way, I’m here for the long haul!
  4. Rachel February 2, 2018 at 9:19 am #
    I love reading your blog. I honestly don’t read nearly as many as I used to a few years ago but your space is a major favorite of mine and it’s been wonderful to follow along over the years. I started reading for your great recipes and fabulous sense of humor, then had my first son right around the same time as your darling twins. It was also your blog where I won my first (and only haha) giveaway a few years ago! (Sweet little baby moccasins!) Thank you! Your Friday posts are a favorite and I look forward to reading them and seeing how you write “Friday” each week, haha!
  5. Nicole February 2, 2018 at 10:09 am #
    Love a good blog. Its like having cool friends from all different kinds of places.
  6. Christine February 2, 2018 at 10:13 am #
    Don't stop get it get it!
  7. Kathy H February 2, 2018 at 10:18 am #
    I have to agree with everyone here...I love reading your blog, too. And others, too! I hope blogging is not passe or old or whatever. The only time I was ever on Instagram was when all my friends wanted to see pics of our 30th anniversary trip to Switzerland last fall and that was my husband's choice of getting it out there...now you know, I'm much older than you (56) but I do enjoy your stories, thoughts, recipes, pics, everything. Keep on writing, and we'll keep on reading. Thanks for asking the question!
  8. Sissy February 2, 2018 at 10:19 am #
    First time ever to leave a reply but have been following you for a long time I love keeping up with you and the twins I am 81 years young and I guess kind of live through you no pressure ha! Please don't stop you make my day and I would miss knowing what you are up to and the progress of the twins I think you and your husband are doing an amazing job with the twins keep up the good work I also love your recipes and the photography you are amazing
  9. Darcy February 2, 2018 at 10:22 am #
    I love reading blogs! And have a blog, not going anywhere either. :) IG & FB are so "quick" and while sometimes they're nice for mindless scrolling, the majority of my social media time is spent reading content....and I love that Blogger keeps a reading list so my time spent reading new blogs is minimized.
  10. TheOtherJennifer February 2, 2018 at 10:23 am #
    screw Rockport, come to Hampton Beach, NH!
  11. Denita February 2, 2018 at 10:27 am #
    I love blogs that aren't just a big ol' advertisement...ones that let you glimpse into another life...so, blogs that still seem a bit personal and not a job...yeah, I still enjoy reading those (even if they are full time bloggers and it is their job, if they manage to still keep it personal, I'm down)
  12. Anonymous February 2, 2018 at 10:29 am #
    I don’t read many blogs, but I pop onto yours more than others. You’re real, funky, weird, relatable, silly and smart. Gorgeous pics and great writing, but not what I’d label too polished and curated or lifeless. Not YOU!
    • Anonymous February 2, 2018 at 10:31 am #
      Sorry, I didn’t meant to be creepy and anonymous... it’s me, Katey... (winky face emoji)
  13. Mary Jane George February 2, 2018 at 10:32 am #
    I do still read my favorite blogs, keep up the good work. Hope you enjoy your Summer vacation in my area. Rhode Island has a new ad campaign aimed at the Tourist, thought you would like to take a look. https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/press/fun-sized-campaign/
  14. Mike February 2, 2018 at 10:43 am #
    I stumbled upon your writing via an eyeglasses review you did, linked from the maker's website. Your writing style and tone click with me. I'm not going to get that from a picture on Instagram... which I do not/would not sift through. Your recipes, photography, playlists... all an unexpected bonus after an eyeglasses review! You keep writing, and I'll keep coming back. :)
  15. Mary February 2, 2018 at 10:45 am #
    I love IG...I watch my "stories" when I can sit down at the end of the night...and see what everyone did that day. But blogs....they are my lunch time routine! Every day on my lunch break (I'm a teacher), I read Dinner: A Love Story, your blog (duh), itsy bitsy indulgences, and how sweet eats. A lot centered on food, but all of them on real life! I love it! Also, a month vacation! I can't wait to see it all unfold on my stories!! ;-)
  16. Hannah February 2, 2018 at 11:16 am #
    I love reading blogs! But only the ones that are like. Real. You know? There are way too many "mommy blogs" that are just like "hi i started this blog just to earn money" which I'm not about in any way. I have a small handful of blogs that I follow and struggle to find new ones I like. Do you have any recs? Also YASSSS to New England. Just plz go to Maine someday, k? It's magical and perfect and everything.
  17. Becky E February 2, 2018 at 11:22 am #
    I am so excited you're staying in Lord's Point-I live 15 minutes from there in a small beach town called Niantic! This area is MAGIC. Recommend-Mystic Aquarium of course. If you're into beer, Fox Farm Brewery in Salem, CT is amazing. I love Red36 in Mystic and Daniel Packer Inne, and also Engine Room for a super hipster vibe. I gotta self-promote a little bit too...I own a natural parenting store in Niantic called Nurture Nest. We have the best little boutiques and shops here!
    • Bev Weidner February 2, 2018 at 12:22 pm #
      Ohhhhh that's amazing that you're so close by! And fabulous suggestions, thank you! We can't WAIT. I'll definitely come by your shop and stalk you! :)
  18. Dana February 2, 2018 at 11:30 am #
    I love your blog and read a few others faithfully. Never stop,
  19. LL February 2, 2018 at 11:44 am #
    I read blogs and follow a few on Instagram but I find a disturbing trend of bloggers becoming life gurus. They're becoming BRANDS rather than the funny, goofy and genuine, regular people they were originally. If one has a food blog I'm not going there for clothes and makeup advice, likewise, if one is a home design blogger, I don't want to be inundated with their jewelry and food choices. It's like Dunken Doughnuts - they try to diversify and then the doughnuts and coffee suffer. Do 1 or 2 things really well and you're golden! Perhaps everyone now is so lost and directionless they feel compelled to just follow or copy someone else's style etc. instead of finding their own and being an original and bloggers feel pressure to conform to that as a result? I don't know.
    • Bev Weidner February 2, 2018 at 12:21 pm #
      I can totally see what you mean! I try to keep my lifestyle stuff (like makeup, skin, clothing) in this type of post, rather than in the middle of a recipe post. Food stays food, the rest have their own category. And some might feel directionless, totally. I know I just have a lot to say ABOUT ALL OF IT. :) Thank you for the comment! xx.
  20. Turner February 2, 2018 at 11:53 am #
    *Raises hand* Still loving blogs! Well, some blogs. Including yours, of course!
  21. Heather B February 2, 2018 at 12:21 pm #
    My honest position on blogs: I used to read 5 on a regular basis, but now you’re the only one. Mostly has to do with how my available time has changed since having kids. I like blogs still because it’s quiet (no audio, so I can be on while people are sleeping). Ads are a fact but thank you for not having the annoying ones that have sound, or pop up and require clicking the microscopic “x”, or the ones that have so much content that theu mess up a page loading. Anyway, I love what you’re doing and I try to support it by keeping up with your blog and side projects. Much love, happy weekend! Oh and I’m so excited to vicariously experience New England!
  22. Elizabeth P February 2, 2018 at 1:12 pm #
    I still read blogs but I find it is more sporadic than before. Being totally honest, yours is probably the only one that I still read religiously. Besides the fact that I love the content, it remains polished but hasn't become overproduced or generic like I feel others I follow have.
  23. Becky February 2, 2018 at 1:26 pm #
    Ohmygod I am so jealous of your CT trip. I grew up there and have to say I LOVE the CT shoreline! I need to recommend Abbotts for lobster everything, manyyy of the delicious restaurants in Mystic, and Lenny & Joe's for fried seafood!! I still use Feedly and have about 10 blogs I read consistently. I agree with many of the other readers -- don't stop writing! I don't have kids and still love reading many of the food-blogs-turned-lifestyle.
  24. Michelle February 2, 2018 at 1:31 pm #
    I’ve been blogging for 7 years and I still love everything about it. I love following and reading blogs much more than I enjoy Instagram. I’m so tired of the instant gratification and the “influencer” culture. I love long-winded stories. Posts like this are how we really get to know the person behind the blog! I stay far away from the mom bloggers and the people with multiple sponsored posts. Bloggers without those things are hard to find, but they exist and I will support the crap out of them.
  25. Bryn February 2, 2018 at 1:37 pm #
    The Dinosaur Place and Discovery Depot. Both are at the Natures Art Village. They also have mini golf. We spent two weeks on the water in Connecticut last summer and this was one of my kids favorite days.
  26. Ali Vizzo February 2, 2018 at 1:58 pm #
    I have 5 blogs I check regularly. All of them I found through IG, where I liked the people and subject enough to keep up with them. Out of those 5, you seem the most real/authentic. Also, I love your recipes and probably make at least 75% of the dishes you post!
  27. Nicole February 2, 2018 at 3:04 pm #
    I agree your blog is awesome and there are still some out there definitely worth reading. To me Instagram while great in so many ways has become overly polished with a million tags of stuff to buy and constant give aways. Blogs definitely have a more human element.
  28. Sharon February 2, 2018 at 3:05 pm #
    I still love blogs. IG leaves me wanting more information which isn't forthcoming. Love your blog. It is totally original, and your twins are beautiful. I lived in KC when my children were little so I am familiar with many of the places you talk about. Does the conservatory of music still have the Sat. morning classes for little kids?. My son loved it, but that was a long time ago. Keep up the good work.
  29. Andrea February 2, 2018 at 3:07 pm #
    I also still read blogs, agree it’s kind of my morning ritual. Granted most, but not all, are more hate reads. I know I’m a terrible person. ?. But yours is one of my top faves, I PINKY SWEAR!!! ?? I especially love your content because you are so real and genuine. Even when you do an #ad you aren’t annoying about it and I know it’s your true opinion. That really matters imo and is so rare these days. You are not at all like almost every other ‘influencer’ out there who seem to shill ANYTHING for a buck. It gets old real fast and they definitely lose my respect/revenue. I’m also a Midwest girl like you so a huge ?? for keeping it real! Keep up the good work! ?
  30. Amara February 2, 2018 at 3:33 pm #
    your blog makes me happy ❤️
  31. Amara February 2, 2018 at 3:33 pm #
    your blog makes me super happy ❤️
    • Amara February 2, 2018 at 3:34 pm #
      oops double post. sorry!
  32. Adrienne February 2, 2018 at 4:36 pm #
    I do spend more time on Instagram now, but I love a good blog. Still pop in here regularly even though I'm bad at commenting. Sorry Bev! Your blog is great! P.S. I find it helpful when you mention posts from time to time in your stories. I often link from there. ;)
  33. Stefanie February 2, 2018 at 5:10 pm #
    Gotta be honest.. yours is one of ONLY THREE blogs I repeatedly come back to and actively 'participate' in .. as in read, comment and such. From day 1 when I found your blog I have come back for every flotsam post! I *gasp* actually look forward to it whenever I realize its a Friday (three kids four and under, hello). No but seriously- do take that as a huge compliment to how effectively you communicate! As long as you post, I will most likely read. AND I think you are the perfect person to speak about "relating to the reader beyond the recipe" because you actually do that amazingly well. I can say that bc I am a reader! A few things tho: I don't have a smartphone. I like it this way, a LOT. but what that means is that I don't have the ability to be connected to the internets at all times and/or apps etc. So I have to be intentional with my computer time, which I limit because the aforementioned kids and their CONSTANT NEEDS... so here comes another compliment: when I do choose to be on the computer I choose to read your blog. consistently! The CT vacation sounds like an absolute dream. I'm dying, so excited FOR YOU.
  34. Lauren February 2, 2018 at 5:47 pm #
    I LOVE your blogging Bev! Please don't ever stop! I also love your Instagram and usually just read every post and watch every story... But this post has made me want to subscribe to your emails as well. Blogging is not dead!! Let's keep it alive!! ( with lots of ? and ?) ?
  35. Christi February 2, 2018 at 8:00 pm #
    Here's my take on the blog stuff. I follow several blogs that hold my interest (and of course Bev Cooks is up there as a favorite). I actually joined Instagram after you mentioned it after you had the twins so I could see more pics. Insta allows me to have casual interest in something/someone that I just want to peruse. But I also follow most of the people who have the blogs I love to reinforce that interest. Blogs are NOT dead to me. At all.
  36. K&E February 2, 2018 at 8:57 pm #
    We love your blog, Bev! So excited that you will be at Indulge. Xoxo, K&E
  37. Sarah Savage February 2, 2018 at 9:01 pm #
    I find that seeing you on insta stories has helped me visualize your voice in the blog. You're such a vivacious talker with lots of emotion and quirks (which I absolutely love!) and I can see it in your words! It's brought a new light to your writing. I'm not really a blog reader and tend to like video more, but I do read yours more when they are linked (I'm the personality of "ooh, squirrel" and am easily distracted and when you put the link in front of me I will swipe!)
  38. Tina February 3, 2018 at 3:02 am #
    Bev your blog is the only blog I read , especially the Friday Flotsam...you are the real deal and so so funny, I do like your instastires as well..so funny and I like the way you relate to everyone and are open to help and suggestions. Keep bringing the joy and blog blog blog Bev!
  39. IG February 3, 2018 at 10:15 am #
    I haven't picked up many new blogs, but stay faithful to my favorites. I've also dropped the ones where there were more sponsored posts than anything - they felt so lacking in authenticity.
  40. Vicky February 3, 2018 at 2:44 pm #
    I love your blog and several others. Honestly, the only reason I feel blogging is dead is because a lot of my favorites have quit. I’m still mourning the loss Peas & Thank You. I love Instagram for quick stories and day in the life type stuff but you don’t get full, well thought out recipes from a story. Keep on.
  41. Natalie February 3, 2018 at 6:09 pm #
    Clinking champagne BOTTLES you meant Right? Right! Your blog is everything and you've got a reader/bottle clinking buddy until the end of days.
  42. Adrienne February 3, 2018 at 9:21 pm #
    For myself personally, I read blogs more now than ever. I choose them based on how relatable they are to me. And instagram helps. I find I can relate to you in your stories and day to day life. But I love the blog posts too. I love to learn and often learn something from reading them. And honest to goodness, you make me laugh out loud when I read your blog posts. Like I can't read them in public because I get weird looks. So thank you!
  43. Catherine February 4, 2018 at 10:43 am #
    I read blogs more than social media. Instagram and Facebook have controlled who I see so I stopped looking at them. Also, the Instagram stories are ruining it for me. I am a working mom so I can't spend all day watching a 20 minute story on Instagram so I miss the previous stories so I never understand what the person is talking about. It is like being a third wheel in a conversation where everyone knows the back story but you. I'm not Youtube or video person anyway because it is easy to read an article faster than watching the video.
  44. jess February 4, 2018 at 12:25 pm #
    I'm putting a prediction out there - blogging isn't dead, it's got a LOT of competition with Facebook and Instagram but that is just another storm it's riding out and it'll come out the other side and still be there when Will and Natalie are all like 'insta-what?' and 'Facebook is where pensioners go'. Also, most of the best Instagrammers I know have a blog or newsletter too. I was right about Gin (my friends laughed but now who's going to craft distilleries on a weekend!!) and musicals (i told my colleagues in an ad agency that they wanna get on that train but did they listen?) so trust me here. yup.
  45. Simone February 5, 2018 at 7:39 am #
    I used to only read food blogs - and whatever that food blogger brought to the table conversation wise (unintentional pun, but I'm going with it!). I followed, not joking, at least over 50-60 blogs but obviously didn't read all of their posts. However, within the past two years I really honed in on the blogs I enjoy reading, making recipes from, and fashion bloggers who I would actually wear their outfits. (Guess what, you made the cut!) I don't think it's dying, but I do think there is a shift a lot of people go through where they determine they want to cut back their Instagram feed, their email filters, etc. I do think a lot of people are following more on things like Instagram stories, but it feels REAL and unscripted (maybe like some blogs felt in the first place?). All of this to say, I still come here and read your blog, get your emails, follow you on Instagram and stories and love it.
  46. Julie February 5, 2018 at 1:26 pm #
    Blogs over Instagram. Yours has been my favorite so keep them coming!!!
  47. Susan February 6, 2018 at 9:30 pm #
    I do only read a handful of blogs now (yours of course). I love your yummy recipes. I do see it changing with Instagram. Especially for the style bloggers. They can post a 20 outfits a day on a Insta-story. I also see a shift of the bloggers who use to blog every day or every other day to only once a week. I miss a good blog. Keep yours up!
  48. Beth February 8, 2018 at 6:08 am #
    Long time reader, first time poster here. My two cents: not into insta; I'm here for the werrrds, man!
  49. Paula February 13, 2018 at 12:42 pm #
    ZOMG you're going to my home state!! CT is experiencing such a sad fate right now, but it was a smashing place to grow up (small towns! amazing public schools! nature!) and I get so excited for people to experience it. My mom now lives down in Niantic, and I highly recommend you take a short drive to East Lyme to visit Grandpa's Donuts. Buy a dozen cider donuts. Eat them all yourself and then buy another dozen to share with your family. I hope your trip winds up being everything you dreamed and more!
  50. pamela May 27, 2018 at 5:35 pm #
    Okay, of course you were letting everyone know you're all really going to make the trip to New England. I'm so excited for your family to go have a peek. I agree surely go grab some lunch at Abbotts; low key and if you drive back there wondering is this it, it is! LOL Our girls loved to go eat on the dock but watch those seagulls, they'll snatch up their hot dog quick. Another donut place in East Lyme, CT is 'Flanders Donuts'... I think they have a yellow sign- kids seemed to turn the steering wheel into that parking lot after their eye dr appt. If you head down to walk Yale's campus.. a few places right there to eat that are popular. I love Claire's Corner Copia (open since I was born, 1975). She has a few books out and he rLithuanian Coffee Cake(recipe on the internet) is wow! So good!! Ikea is right there off that exit, Bar, and Frank Pepe Pizzeria is very popular. I used to go to their Yale's Repertory Theatre... Heading back north- closer to Mystic is a little down called New London (hospital both our kid'os were born) within that tiny main strip is a great breakfast (or lunch) place called Muddy Water's Cafe, super nice in there. So accommodating for kids and you can sit out back if in early enough. And, if you drink coffee... they have it! My hair salon for years and years is right there, Waterhouse Salon and Jennie (the sweetest hair stylist ever) has her own space in the back room. She's a total doll and if you need Aveda products, they have them. Around the corner opposite the train station (on State Street) you must go peek in on Thames River Greenery. They also own the spirits store https://www.thamesriver.com/wine-and-spirits.html her floral shop is on the opposite side, but it's a must to pop in there. They too have a bit to eat, counter style and I'm unsure where you sit. Their spirits part and wherever the rest of the wine is stored in the lower part is amazing. Charolette is the owner and I'm unsure if it's her brother or husband that handles the spirits section. I used to observe gorgeous bouquets of flowers coming in while working at Pfizer (located right near General Dynamics). Train station is from bank street to the right, down by the water as are the ferry's to Fisher's Island. I never went there. Did travel to Block Island, but was maybe before kids. I think the fast speed ferry might go from there to Martha's Vineyard. If you go that route to MV, go find 'Backdoor Donuts'. Back to Stonington Borough... heading close to there be sure to peek in a little shop called Nest, it's across from a grocery store, Big Y. Over in Stonington Borough be sure to peek for the trail down by the water; you'll see little playground too in an open parking lot. Stonington Village Playground on Northwest Street. Anyhow, the little walk is along Stonington Harbor. You can pick up the path at the waterfront gazebo in front of Stonington Commons on Water Street. "Dodge Paddock, the site of a former pottery factory at the end of Wall Street is another popular destination. There are spectacular views of the coast as you meander along the short nature walk". Milagro Cafe is right there, yum! Also, Dog Watch is popular and we enjoyed Noah's... Don't miss the Velvet Mill which is where Zest Bakery is right over there. You'll totally soak in the beautiful homes! A m a z i n g! Do go past the light house to the end to see the water, sometimes you'll catch artists painting right out there. If you look across the water from Muddy Water's Cafe (which by the way their homemade garden burger is totally yum, or their salads) ... there you can see General Dynamics, Electric Boat (where they're making the submarines). To the left of that there's a very popular place to eat called "Paul's Pasta" it gets packed. Also, can eat outside if you choose. If you head into Groton, CT - down route 12 and make a left off that road at Crystal Lake Road and head toward the back (or water) keep going straight, not into the base... the Nautilus is there if they kids want to see the submarine's. Over that way (heading back up to the highway) pretty decent Indian restaurant is called Mirch Masala Cuisine of India (we'd often order to go as it takes 40 mins) and pick up to take to hotel or home. If you need to hike... groton also has Bluff Point State Park or with little ones Haley Farm Loop (Haley Farm State Loop) is less rocky and can go just in a big circle. I'm sure you've seen this calendar for Mystic area; http://thisismystic.com/events/list/ The summer sounds are pretty lively to go listen or be strolling around that area. The better coffee place in my husband's opinion is the one tucked in between buildings; Vault. As far as kids and the car; did you ever see Kelle' Hampton's lists? Here's an older one, http://kellehampton.com/2016/05/hit-the-road-summer-road-trip-favorites.html She also have a semi new list of summer travel goodies for the kids. The little paint book & watercolor set could be pretty cool if you'd stroll over by the Mystic Arts Museum - walk through their parking lot, as if heading towards the brick building (pricey apartments) and head to the far right side of that art building - you can walk on the green a bit. Our girls used to love to swing out the museum's doors and go sit on the grass and eat their lunch or toss stones into the water. http://kellehampton.com/2018/05/everything-you-need-to-start-a-travel-journal.html If you look behind you from that parking lot (up) you'll see The Oyster House's Treehouse restaurant. For sure go one lunch or evening up there; very low low key. And a bit less $ than downstairs: http://www.oysterclubct.com/treehouse-at-oc-1/ Both places are good, but speak up if you prefer to sit elsewhere then where they sit you... It's your trip! The best pizza is not Mystic Pizza, in our opinion. We prefer Mango's Pizza in Olde Mistick Village... and Pizzetta is sorta fun to sit out in their back and listen to music when they have someone there playing. Sift Bake Shop (owner's been on TV, some sort of baking challenge) is pretty new. Go drive past the mansion which was recently re-done up across from the Mystic library.. it's called Spicer Mansion on Elm Street. Friends of ours on Burrows Street hosted their parents 60th or so wedding anniversary last year there. We never had opportunity to go in, but looks cool. Owners are from RI, not local to that area. http://spicermansion.com/dining The top portion (willow's walk) overlooks the entire downtown, so cool. Hmm, if you head up to Boston, the kids science museum is very fun. The Boston Public library where we have a friend working looks lovely! Providence RI is also cool... go drive past Brown University, really cool buildings up in that campus. Schedule it during one of their WaterFire Events, https://waterfire.org/schedule/2018-waterfire-providence-event-schedule/ The big mall is right there; Providence Place if you need to run into Madewell or Free People or whatever is in there. Here's some possible coupons: http://thisismystic.com/coupons-specials/ Another thing my Mom loved was when the kids and I took her to Mashantucket Pequot Museum http://www.pequotmuseum.org/AboutTheMuseum.aspx The villages they have setup inside are amazing for the kids to see how the Indian's lived. Well worth going. There's also a crazy high tower over that way you can see all around. We used to live over above an orchard, in Gales Ferry, CT which is called Holmberg's Orchards, their little veggie/fruit/food stand for cookies or muffins was a favorite of our kids. Right around the corner from there is Mohegan Sun... also cook to walk through, only the casino's have spoke, but you can walk right into the restaurant & shop portion.The water features inside the kids like: https://mohegansun.com If you didn't want to drive all the way 45 mins down to New Haven for Pepe's pizza it's also in there. Hmm, if you have a last second question email me and I'll send you my # if you wish I'll text you a reply if able to help. You'll very much enjoy the trip; great time to go. That whole area holds a special place in our family (our girls and my heart). Hubby was typically out in the water. Have a wonderful trip!!!!!
  51. Pamela May 31, 2018 at 11:41 am #
    Ok, sorry about that long long post, but I did forget two things- maybe 3. If you are seeking farm ice cream other than the ice cream you find downtown (Drawbridge) head go check out here (it is a bit of a drive) https://www.buttonwoodfarmicecream.com Click on their sunflower tab at the top of their site, however that fundraiser is not until July. If the sunflowers were in bloom I'd say for sure go make the trip. Downtown Mystic there are two juice bars & they are re-building from a downtown fire back 2011. My husband is there now. Another farm's ice cream place (if the kids like that sorta thing) & if you consider heading up to Newport is here http://www.sweetberryfarmri.com The kids can run all over up there, eat lunch or grab farm produce/flowers or pick berries (well, maybe they are not yet in season?). If you do head this way and are looking for them to do something other than downtown Newport where all the busy and mansions (Cliff walk) is ... go to the bird sanctuary. They have trails that loop around it - kids can toss some rocks into the water or climb on the big rock, hear the water or dip their toes. Ours spent quite a long time on the rocks and enjoyed the loop hike around & peeking within the bird sanctuary. I'm pretty sure it's free. Bathrooms inside the building. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sachuest_point/ It's a narrow road and watch out for horses along the road and the people crossing the street from the small campground (we camped there with friends who have gone each year for well, over 40 years now) heading to it. If on the Newport side... go drive on this path, http://oceandrivenewport.com There is a spot you can pull off if the kids have to do anything. Mine always would have to pee on that peaceful drive. Finally, if heading up to Savoy in Westerly RI (close to where you'll be staying) drive through the little town and go on the other side to Watch Hill, RI (remember Taylor Swift used to own a house right there at the top of the hill). It's right up from the famous old carousel. Watch parking in this down it's a bit interesting, typically is 2 hrs. http://www.watchhillbeachandcarousel.com/about-watch-hill-beach-carousel.aspx This shop is in both towns & cute to pop in http://www.christinaltd.com/stores.html There's a cool downtown park near the Christina's in Westerly - good space to run and a perennial garden over by the back of the library. Wilcox Park. Have a wonderful time & hope you love New England!
  52. abby February 6, 2019 at 3:54 pm #
    I hope you blog forever! Blogging is not dead. Deep diving into old wintertime Flotsams this afternoon and it's making me so happy!

Leave a Reply