Parking” there is free on street parking available on Asylum St
Universally Accessible: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Summary: Elizabeth Park Conservancy in West Hartford, CT, offers over 100 acres of beautiful greenery and flowers as well as lots of greenery for people to picnic, relax and take a few photos!
Boasting over one hundred acres of formal gardens, green space, recreational facilities, walking loops, and the Pond House Café, Elizabeth Park Conservancy has something for everyone to enjoy. But, the highlight of the conservancy are the flowers.
I visited this park earlier in May. But, I was told the roses were in full bloom in later June and July. So, I made a special visit the first weekend of July. Unfortunately, we were experiencing a dry and hot spell during that time So, the roses and some of the other flowers looked a little worse for wear. And, as you will see later, there were some other environmental factors that affected the roses and other flowers.
Elizabeth Park has a wide array of flowers and plants at the conservancy.
Elizabeth park also has a lot of structures and trails which makes it a popular place for people taking portraits and engagement photos.
One thing I noticed, and you may also notice, is I should have used a flash for some of the photos. I know what you might be thinking; a flash on a sunny day? Yes, the flash or artificial light can help “fill in” some of the shadows and dark areas which helps to bring out the colors and highlight the features of what you’re photographing. Unfortunately, these Japanese beetles, who were in great abundance at the park, were feeding and mating on some of the flowers. These invasive insects, which are native to Japan, are highly destructive. The damage they cause is particularly evident in the third photo.
Despite the heat, drought-like conditions and the havoc the Japanese beetles had on some of the flowers, Elizabeth Park was a delight that I am glad I was able to share with everyone!
Summary: The New England Carousel Museum features over a hundred carousel animals (not just horses), a working carousel and a few more surprises!
Some places are so incredible they’re worth a second visit. You may remember my earlier visit to the New England Carousel Museum in 2017. But, during this visit there was so much more to see and document. So, I may have missed a few things the first time. Plus, the museum often adds new exhibits and updates their permanent displays.
The museum boasts over 100 horses But, horses aren’t the only animals at the carousel museum. And not all of the non-horse carousels are animals!
This small pig was designed in Germany by Frederick Heyn circa 1900. The pig is still wearing “park paint” which was applied by amusement park personnel when the original paint gets worn. It often hides the detailed painting and carving on the carousel animal but also protects the wood. But flying pigs aren’t the only non-horse animals at the carousel museum.
This small cow was created by Matthieu, a little known carver, in France circa 1915. Cows and other farm animals are popular carousel animals in France and Germany. They were not created by American carvers and were not found in the United States where horses were the favorite.
This giraffe was created by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company circa 1905. The Philadelphia Toboggan Company made a few menagerie animals before 1907. But the stopped making them because, as mentioned above, horses were more popular with the public. Don’t worry about the screaming face in the background. We’ll get to that later.
This carp, carved by an unknown artist (but most likely Gustave Bayol), was painted as a goldfish. It most likely originated from the Gustave Bayol factory of Angiers, France.
The C.J. Spooner Factory created this Robert Bayden Powell Centaur. The British sometimes immortalized officers from the Boer Wars as centaurs or mythical creatures that are half human and half equine. The Boer Wars were disputes over territory in South Africa between the British and Dutch in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a time that coincided with the height of the British carousel industry. The carver of this work of art is unknown.
Certain generals from the wars were so well-liked that multiple centaurs were carved of each one. General Robert Brayden Powell served in the British Army for over thirty years and established the Boy Scouts in Great Britain.
This is another centaur at the museum. It was carved by C.J. Spooner around 1918-1920.
Those of you familiar with college sports may recognize this dog as the mascot of the University of Connecticut Huskies.
This dolphin was designed and sculpted by Massachusetts College of Arts graduate Jeff Briggs. It was painted by the New England Carousel Museum staff. The dolphin has been displayed at the Great Adventure Carousel in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1992 and the Valencia Town Center in Valencia, California in 1993. Jeff’s name will appear prominently later in this post.
This Heron was also designed and sculpted by Jeff Briggs and painted by William Rogers.
This elephant was designed, carved and sculpted by Jeff Briggs and it was painted by the New England Carousel Museum staff. It has appeared in the Navy Pier Waterfront Carousel in Chicago, IL, the Fun City Carousel in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, the Whimsy Amusement Park in Macau, Hong Kong, the Paradise City Mall in Phoenix, AZ and, of course, the New England Carousel Museum.
Speaking of Jeff, he designed and sculpted this zebra which has appeared at the Fun City Carousel in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, the Whimsy Amusement Park in Macau, Hong Kong, and the Paradise City Mall in Phoenix, AZ.
Some of the most appealing and interesting parts of the carousel are the chariots and other designs.
The Illions Supreme carousels were some of the most ornate carousels ever built, featuring horses with elaborate flaming manes, 23.5 karat gold leaf and hundreds of beveled mirrors. The carousels featured chariots with fantasy creature morphs from a ravenous fire-breathing cheetah to a a serpent then again from dragon to lion, evoking themes of jungle law, eat or be eaten and the thrill of the hunt.
The child’s chariot by an unknown carver circa 1900 posted below was intended for a juvenile ride. Although it appears too small for all but the youngest children, it has no floor or ceiling, allowing taller children to fit comfortably inside. Or, they might have chosen to sit as the driver or the footman. Based on the condition of the fabric, it is possible that the inside was rarely used, if at all.
This is another chariot at the museum. If you look closely you can see what looks like a fairy on the exterior of the backseat.
The vast majority of the carousel art is. of course, horses. There were a wide variety of different horses at the carousel museum. One thing you may notice with some of the horses is the use of real horse hair for their tails.
This is a Coney Island style carousel horse. These horses, which originated from the famed amusement parks in Coney Island, typically feature vibrant, hand painted designs and intricate carvings. They are often made of wood, showcases the craftmanship of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The horses are usually adorned with decorative elements like jewels, saddles, and manes.
This French Horse, also known as a “jumper horse”, was carved by Frenchman Gustav Bayol circa 1905. French carousels typically consisted of menagerie animals, sometimes focusing on one or two animals exclusively. In fact, French carousel horses were typically quite rare.
The carver of this horse, M.C. (Marcus Charles) Illions, was a master carver of wooden carousel horses and other figures at Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City in the early 20th century.
This child-sized Armored Horse was sculpted by Ismael Flores of Mexico circa 1930. Mexican animals, carved of savino wood, are often small measuring less than 36 inches. Carousel carving in Mexico is often done in the carver’s home with simple tools.
Sometimes the horses need a little tlc.
This horse is an example of a carousel horse that needs repair. They are all sent to this office where they are restored to the same likeness or very close to the same likeness as its original state.
“Black Bess” is believed to be the oldest carousel horse at the Carousel Museum dating back to 1870, “Black Bess” was made by the G&J Lines factory of London, England. G&J Lines factory began producing toy and rocking horses in the mid 1800s before expanding to “dobby horses” which were English carousel horses suspended from sweeps by a pole without a platform.
Bess originally had a real horse hair mane and leather saddle, although no evidence remains of either. What does remain is intricate park paint; the name ribbon and scrollwork are common British fairground motifs. Her legs were broken off and reattached with iron patches, a typical repair done by carnival workers eager to get her back to earning her keep as quickly as possible.
Sculptor Jeff Briggs has been instrumental in designing and carving some of the animals for the carousel on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston, MA. Briggs was the designer, sculptor and art director for this lobster. It was painted by William Rogers. This was one of several gifts from Amalie Kass, an author and American historian at Harvard Medical School, to the museum’s collection. Amalie’s substantial donation sparked the creation of the Greenway Carousel. The museum’s agreement with Amalie specified that several duplicates of Greenway animals would eventually become part of the museum’s collection.
This is the original plaster sculpture of the grasshopper on the Boston Greenway Carousel. It was also designed and sculpted by Jeff Briggs. He was also the art director for this sculpture. The grasshopper sculpture was sculpted of plaster over a wood and wire amature. A mold was made over this original and a polyester resin cast was made in the mold for the carousel.
This Peregrine Falcon is another duplicate of one of the animals on the Eose Kennedy Greenway Carousel. It was designed and sculpted by Jeff Briggs.
This is the original plaster sculpture for the squirrel on the Boston Greenway Carousel. It was designed and sculpted by, surprise, Jeff Briggs. This is the Squirrel ride original, sculpted of plaster over a wood and wire amature. A mold was made over this original and a polyester resin cast was made in the mold for the carousel. The drawing behind the squirrel is called a shop drawing. The drawing was enlarged to 500% to the dimensions of the full-size carousel character.
Th and wire amature. A mold was ese models of a carousel sculpture shows the pieces and process of the production of the sculpture production. Each letter on the mold of the fish corresponds with letters on the placard beneath it.
The museum also has pieces of carousels from all around the country. This rounding board, also designed and sculpted by Jeff Briggs, was on a carousel at Bryant Park in New York, NY.
One of the things I really liked, well besides the various carousel sculptures of course, were the miniature sized carousels on display at the museum.
But, the carousel museum doesn’t just have miniature museums. They also have a real life actual carousel that visitors are encouraged to ride. But, there is not just a working carousel there. There are also music players, a ticket booth to purchase a ride (carousel rides costs $3 a ride or $6 for unlimited rides) and a piano.
If all that wasn’t enough, there is a Fire History Museum and a Hellenic Museum.
There were busts, statues and other artifacts.
There is also a Museum of Fire History which has old fire alarm transmitters,
It was a poignant reminder of the hard work and sacrifice firefighters make everyday.
So, as you can see, the carousel museum has something for everyone to enjoy!
Summary: Dozens of decorated bicycles and a bike parade were the highlights of the Bicycles Along Main event.
We’ve all seen bicycles. But, you’ve never seen bicycles like these before!
Each May for the past 6 years, Old Wethersfield has been displaying creatively decorated bicycles for the public to view. The family friendly event, which last the entire month of May, showcases the creativity and artistic talent of dozens of artists. Although the artists are free to create their own bicycle decor, there is a different theme each year for the event. This year’s theme was the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence.
As you might expect, many of the bikes had a patriotic theme. Some of the bicycles had some famous people riding them.
This patriotic display had circles on the ground with years of significance written on them.
This bike, located in front of Trinity Church, is a tribute to the transporting of the brownstone which was used to build the church. The brownstone was transported up the Connecticut River to the Wethersfield Cove and then carted to the building site by members of the congregation.
This bicycle was a tribute to Emily Warren Roebling. Roebling was instrumental in helping to build the Brooklyn Bridge. After her husband, the designer of the Brooklyn Bridge John A. Roebling, was stricken by a fatal accident. While conducting a survey, a ferry boat crashed into a dock, crushing his foot which had to be amputated. Following the amputation, he developed tetanus and he died shortly thereafter. After John died, Emily became involved in the design of the bridge and was considered the surrogate designer of the bridge.
While this bicycle did have a patriotic theme it also had a scientific and “Project Hail Mary” theme.
This was another space themed bicycle display.
Some of the bicycles celebrated women and women’s rights.
This bicycle is a tribute to Jennie Florence, aka “Wendy the Welder.” She helped lay the groundwork for female welders in Connecticut by proving women could succeed in demanding industrial roles. Through her work at Electric Boat during World War II, she demonstrated skill, precision and reliability in a field traditionally closed to women.
Another bicycle dedicated to a Connecticut native was this bicycle dedicated to Benoni “Ben” Lattimore. Born in Wethersfield in 1761, Ben made a significant mark in the fight for America’s independence. Ben enlist in the Continental Army in 1776, around the age of 15. After being captured by the British and forced into servitude, Ben was regained by American forces in 1779 and promised freedom. He continued to fight for the American forces during the Revolutionary War. After the war, he became a cartman, helping to keep the city clean. He also helped establish Albany’s first school for people of color.
Some of the bicycles were more than just decorated bicycles. There were quite a few interactive bicycles. For instance, this bicycle encouraged people to “gently” make noises with their drums, cymbals and horns.
Although Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) was from Springfield, MA, his works are celebrated all through New England and around the world.
This bicycle was possibly dedicated to one of the participants in the bike parade (more on this later).
This bicycle was decorated as a tribute to Detective Robert (Bobby) C. Garten. His e.o.w. (end of watch) was September 6, 2023.
“I Need More Bike Bell” (a play on a famous SNL skit) bicycle was part of a promotion for the Bike Karma Bicycle and Cycling Stories podcast based out of Old Wethersfield, CT.
This bike display was right in my wheelhouse. As the sign says, the 80s are calling and they want their childhood back. The display encouraged people to write what they love to do that doesn’t include technology and attach it to the bike. Toy racing cars, a landline telephone and toy binoculars were just some of the items that don’t involve technology, or at least too much technology, people like to use. Some of the tags people filled out and attached to the bike had things like hiking, exploring and Legos written on them (who doesn’t love Legos until you step on one of them).
This bike was interactive. It encouraged people to ride as Richard Simmons watched.
This bike was another interactive display. It encouraged people to follow a QR code and leave a story on the kudoboard you are directed to much like the passage from The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare.
This bike asked people to consider what Old Wethersfield will be like in another 250 years. People could fill out tags and tie them to the bike.
There were many other bikes with a variety of different types of decorations from a bike on fire, a tribute to the World Cup and even a time machine bike! But, floral and food designs were particularly popular.
One of the homes along Main, technically off Main St, always has a great display in front of their home during these Main St events. They kept with the bike theme in some of the decorations.
Oh yeah, did I mention there was a bike parade? People of all ages and in a variety of modes of transportation participated in the parade.
This band played music while the cyclists went along the parade route.
Location: Olde Mystick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT (1 hour southeast of Hartford, CT)
Cost: Free
Summary: The main attraction of the “Hearts On Fire” event were, of course, the ice sculptures. But, there were a few other surprises that made the event very special!
What goes better with Valentine’s Day than ice, dogs and a marriage bliss? I’ll get to the dogs and marriage later. But, first things first.
This year’s Frozen Art In The Village event consisted of 19 ice sculptures. At least I found 19 ice sculptures. The theme of this year’s festival was “Hearts On Fire.” The ice sculptures included everything from patriotic symbols (a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary) to cinema legends (Olaf from Frozen).
There was also a sculpture of a submarine, no doubt a tribute to the Mystic Waterfront and the role the maritime history of the Mystic waterfront.
Many of the ice sculptures were based on animals or were related to the businesses they were located at. For instance, this sculpture of a chocolate bar was located outside of Munson’s Chocolates.
And this shamrock was located near the Irish shop, Irish Eyes.
These are a few more ice sculptures based on the businesses they were located at.
The remaining ice sculptures were mostly animal related.
Dogs enjoyed the ice sculptures also. Keela, a 6 year old Great Dane, let me take her photo in front one of the sculptures.
One of the biggest attractions was the ice sculpting demonstration in the gazebo.
As I was looking for ice sculptures to photograph, I noticed this nattily dressed couple being congratulated by other visitors at the event. After inquiring as to why they were dressed so elegantly, the couple told me they had just been married in the meeting house around the corner.
And sure enough, several couples were waiting to get married or renew their vows.
Dogs were also allowed to participate in the ceremony! Bruno was a great best man!
Over the years, thousands of people have been married at this location. This couple couple was married 34 years ago at this very meeting place.
Marie Wiley has been officiating weddings and renewing wedding vows at the Meeting House in Mystic Village for the past 25 years. The ceremonies are done on a first come, first serve basis. They last about 5 to 10 minutes and there is no fee for the service. This was the last year she is officiating these ceremonies. But, Marie already has a replacement picked. So the tradition will continue.
As if all that wasn’t enough. There was a train with monkeys on it driven by a dog. Yes, you read that right.
That’s right. This cute little pooch drove the train with gorillas in tow. All the while, The Monkees theme song played in the background.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all! New Englanders never seem to amaze me. I can only imagine what will be there next year!
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Location: Corner of Clapp Rd North, Windsor, CT Route 159 (10 minutes north of Hartford, CT or 1.5 hours southwest of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Parking: There is no parking lot or places to park at Drastic Park. But, you can park on the shoulder of the road on the corner of Clapp Road North.
Summary: Three sculpted monsters in the shape of dinosaurs are located on the corner of Clapp Rd North.
You don’t have to go to Universal Studios or the museum to see dinosaurs. They’re “alive and well” in Windsor, CT!
But, these dinosaurs don’t have bones, tusks or horns. The dinosaurs at Clapp Rd North are made of railroad ties, excavator buckets, air tanks, and other bits of scrap metal welded together.
The sculptures all have names loosely based on the names of actual dinosaurs.
The first dinosaur-like creature is called Erysocialismop.
The second sculpture is called Alloliberalsaurus.
And the third sculpture in the group is called Tuoujangocommunisaurus.
The sculptures were made by a heavy equipment contractor named Lon Pelton. Over the years, they have gone through some transformations. But, luckily, they have just been re-painted recently before my visit.
While these dinosaurs may seem friendly, don’t pet them or try to feed them! They seem to do just fine finding food on their own!
Location: Olde Mystick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard, Stonington, CT
Summary: Ice sculptures, ice scultpors and costumed visitors converged on the grounds of Olde Mystick Village
Don’t let the rising temperatures fool you. Winter is still very much in swing in New England. To celebrate the waning days of the winter season, Olde Mystick Village held its Ice In The Village festival. The event included over a dozen ice sculptures, two ice sculpting demonstrations and a there were even few characters straight out of Disney.
Mystic Village is known for its plethora of specialty shops and eateries. But the highlight last weekend were the ice sculptures that were installed around the village.
The sculptures ranged from artistic renderings of the animal kingdom
To carvings of food
But many of the sculptures were related to the businesses they were located in front of.
Some of the sculptures seemed to have a certain theme that fit in with the area and its history. Known for its seaport (the Mystic Seaport Museum is just a short distance from the village) Mystic has a rich nautical history. This anchor was a perfect symbol for the area.
This sculpture was popular with people who wanted to take their photos in the opening of the ice carving.
Perhaps the most popular part of the festival were the two ice sculpting demonstrations at the Ice In The Village event.
People were encouraged to wear their costumes and, fitting with the theme of ice and other cold things, Anna and Elsa made a surprise appearance.
Olde Mystick Village is a dog friendly venue and there were lots of dogs at the village during my visit. One of the dogs I saw there, Cocoa, a 9 year old Chocolate Lab, brought her own toy to the festival.
It is unclear whether they will hold this festival again in the upcoming years. But if they do I’ll see you there!
Highlights: dog friendly events, dog agility course, vendors, “pitty march”, costume contest
Everyone had a howling good time at the third annual Bow Wow Bark In The Park festival September 1 at Rockwell Park.
The festival included vendors selling all sorts of wares such as this vendor who makes home made wreaths.
There was also a kissing booth and a stand-in for your pooch to stick his or her head out of. Our dog Holly wasn’t impressed by it.
There was an agility course at the park for dogs to test their balance and jumping skills. Most dogs just looked at the bars and obstacles and walked around them. But some dogs were able to successfully manage the course. The best part may be watching the parents smile, encourage their pets and take photos as they crossed the obstacles.
One of the biggest events at the festival is the “pitty march”. But, all dogs are invited to march. Not just pit bulls.
Of course, there were many cute dogs to photograph at the event. I was able to photograph quite a few of them and some other visitors at the festival.
Echo is a 13 year old Italian Greyhound. Love his bandanna!
Sophia, a 3 and a half year old “Shorkie” (Shitzu Yorkie). But, she is no normal Shorkie. She is also a seizure service dog.
You may not notice it, but Phoenix, a 4 year old Border and Australian Cattle dog, has 3 legs. But, he’s all smiles and beautiful anyways!
Boeheim, named after Jim Boeheim (the coach of the Syracuse college basketball team), is a 5 month old Cavalier King Charles and Poodle mixed breed (Cavapoo). He is standing next to the sign for his mom’s store, Pink Pineapple Boutique.
Winnie is a 10 week old Golden Retriever.
Dahlia, a 3 year old Staffordshire Terrier, was dressed up for the costume contest.
Maggie is a 4 and a half year old Landseer Newfoundland dog.
But, there weren’t just dogs at this event. These very brave cats also made it out to Rockwell Park.
Lagertha (named after a character from the show Vikings) is a 2 and a half year old Chestnut Oriental Short Hair.
I think I got too close to Daisy, a 3 or 4 year old cat.
Storm is a 2 week old kitten.
Below is a video of a dog successfully completing the seesaw agility obstacle, with a little help from some friends.
Location: Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT (about 1 hour southeast of Hartford, CT and 1 and a half hours southwest of Boston, MA)
Hours: Presently open daily, 9:00 – 5:00 (hours may vary depending on the season)
2018 Hours of Operation
January 4 – March 23: Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.***
February 19: (Presidents Day) Open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
March 24 – October 26:Open Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
October 27 – November 25: Open Daily, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
November 22: Closed (Thanksgiving Day)
November 26 – December 23:Open Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
December 24-25: Closed.
December 26-December 31: Open Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost:
Adult – $28.95
Senior (ages 65+) – $26.95
Youth (ages 4-14) – $18.95
Children (3 and younger) – Free
Parking: there is a free parking lot across the street from the Seaport Museum. There is also additional parking across the street from the parking lot for overflow
Handicapped Accessible: Yes, but not all of the buildings are accessible to the handicapped. Approximately one-third of our buildings have wheelchair-accessible entrances; interior access varies. The village’s unpaved roads are generally firm and stable suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. All roads are basically level with a few slight inclines located near the Children’s Museum, Treworgy Planetarium and Membership Building. (see link below for more info)
Highlights: living museum with character actors, boats, replicas of historic homes, figureheads, lighthouse replica, play area for children
Tips:
For an after museum viewing treat, Mystik Village, an open area shopping mall is a mere.9 miles away on Coogan Blvd
the museum’s main parking lot can fill up quickly if you don’t get there early. Additional parking can be found in the lots off Rossie St on the other side of the main parking lot
The main attraction of the Mystic Irish Parade which was held on Sunday, March 25, the Busch-Anheuser Clydesdales were on display for visitors to view and photograph before they lead the parade, after paying the paltry entrance fee to the Seaport Museum.
The only downside to the viewing of the horses was they were kept behind bars in their stables for both the safety of the horses as well as the safety of the visitors. However, if you were lucky and patient, you could get a glimpse of the handlers washing their horses.
Each Clydesdale had their own stall and were kept in a tented area. The unit of measurement used to determine a horses’ height is called HH or “hands.” One hand equals about 10 centimeters or 4 inches.
Some of the Clydesdales were either camera shy or more interested in their food. Merlin was one of these horses.
Merlin is going to be 7 in May. He weighs 1,950 pounds and his height is 19 HH or 6 feet, 4 inches.
Rico just turned 9 years old. Happy birthday, Rico! He is 18.2 HH (6 feet, 2 inches tall) and he clocked in at 1,972 lbs.
Phoenix is 8 years old and weighs 1,975 pounds. Phoenix is 18.1 HH (6 feet, 1 inch tall)
Lucky is going to be 9 in May. Lucky weighs in at 1,930 pounds and is listed as being 18.2 HH (6 ft 2 inches).
Larussa is a 1,940 7 year old Clydesdale. Larussa is 18.1 HH (just over 6 feet)
Royal is a very hungry 1,800 pound, 7 year old horse. Royal is 18 HH (6 feet tall).
Yet another May baby, Jack will be 11 next month. He is 18.1 HH (just over 6 feet tall).
Master, a 1,825 pound and 18HH (6 feet tall) horse, turned 7 on New Year’s Day.
Ivan, a 1,775 pound and 17.2 HH (5.8 feet tall) horse, turned 9 on New Year’s Day.
The Budweiser truck that transported the beautiful Clydesdales was parked right outside the tent.
There was also a Budweiser dog named Barley. While I was unable to photograph Barley, I did photograph a puppy in Barley’s stall.
Speaking of dogs, since Mystic Seaport is a dog friendly attraction and the weather was, uncharacteristically for New England this time of the year, mild there were numerous dogs attending the event.
Shantie (“peace” in Sanskrit) is a 7 month old Golden Retriever. Eventually, Shantie is going to be trained to be a therapy dog.
Sara, a foster dog, is a 3 year old Border Collie. What a beautiful coat and ears!
Matthew is a 6 year old Havanese. I love the cute smile on Matthew.
The appropriately named for this venue, Sailor is a 1 year old Lab mix. I was particularly drawn to Sailor because she bears a striking similarity to my mom’s new adopted dog, Holly, who you may see in future photo shoots.
Now that I have posted most of my posts from Salem up (I may have a few more to post later), I am catching up posts about places I visited this past summer and this fall.
One of the more enchanting places I visited this summer was a place I found by happenstance. During a trip to a park in Connecticut, my passenger and I noticed an old pickup truck parked by the side of what appeared to be a farm.
Tucked away off Route 66 in Marlborough, CT, Carter Tree Hill Farm has a farm, general store, barn used for entertainment and events.
The animals in the farm area are very playful and friendly. They really seem to like to play on their car. My favorite part of the farm, the farm area has several goats, chickens, ducks and even a peacock.
It was late July during my visit and the flowers were in bloom. Vibrant flowers were scattered around the farm and gardens.
The peak time to visit Tree Hill Farm is probably during the warmer seasons and fall. It must look very pretty there during the autumn with all of the leaves on the trees changing color. I also think it must feel good to be able to spend one of the first mild spring days there drinking a beverage outside after one of our long cold winters.
During the summer, Carter Tree Hill Farm shows movie on their projection screen.
The Carter Tree Hill Farm consists of a general store, outdoor eatery, bed and breakfast, ice-cream and outdoor pavillion for weddings, carriage barn for private parties or events and Hogs Breath Tavern as well as an animal farm.
The friendly staff made us a coffee and pored me an orange juice at no charge and allowed us free rein to explore the property.
The affable staff at Tree Hill Farm work hard to keep the garden and flowers clean and pretty. You can tell they take a lot of pride in their work by the way the property is kept after. We also spent a while talking to a worker about how much he loves to work on his plants and vegetables at the farm.
There is also a an old time filling station (not in use) and a barn where you can buy home made jellies (try the marmalade), other snacks and other merchandise at Carter Tree Hill Farm. Look at that gas price!
With its ample space, colorful plants and flowers and barns and animals to watch, Carter Tree Hill Farm is a great place to bring the entire family.
Highlights: biggest tree in Connecticut, boat launch, bench to sit
Tips:
It may be better to see the size of the tree in the fall, winter and spring when the trees skeleton is visible to fully appreciate the size of the tree
The park is the right just before the Bataan Corregidor Memorial Bridge on Rt 185 or just after the bridge, depending upon which way you’re traveling
Despite what your GPS says the best road to take to get to the tree is probably Cobtail Way
Everyday, hundreds, if not thousands, of people pass by a historic landmark without even realizing it. It is interesting that so many people miss out on viewing the biggest tree in Connecticut and never know it.
When it was most recently measured in 2016 by the Connecticut Botanical Society, the trunk of the Pinchot Sycamore Tree was listed at 28 feet (8.5 meters) around and 100 feet (30 meters) tall. It is estimated to be at least 200 years old and could be as old as 300 years. The tree’s branches sprout in various directions. With its thick, far reaching limbs, it could easily be used in a horror movie.
The tree was named in honor of influential conservationist and Connecticut resident Gifford Pinchot in 1965. There was a re-dedication in 1975.
There are two markers located by the tree. The first marker (on the left below) is a thank you to all of the groups who have worked to make the park possible. The second marker (on the right below) is the marker from the original dedication in 1965. You’ll note the tree’s circumference was recorded as being 23 feet and 7 inches (as opposed to the 28 feet it was measured at in 2016).
To get a better sense of the size of the tree, take a look at the trunk of the this tree in proportion to this model.
There is also a bench located near the back of the tree that is dedicated to Pauline Schwartz. The note on the bench states, “Come Have A Seat By Pauline Schwartz’s Favorite Tree” with some designs and, although it is slightly worn, an image that appears to be a person’s face. Pauline, a native of Bridgeport, CT, passed away in 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. A bench was dedicated in her honor because of her love of the park.
Behind the tree, almost hidden from the park is a boat launch that offers views of the Farmington River.
The entrance to the park is a little hard to find, unless you know where. ON Rt 185 just before or after the bridge, there are two green poles that mark the entrance to the park. The road to the parking lot is short but a little narrow.
As I mentioned in the tips section, it’s probably better to fully appreciate the size of the during the fall, winter or spring when the leaves are off the tree, so you can see the full size of the tree without the leaves hiding the skeleton of the tree. Below is a photo of what the tree looks like without its leaves (from foursquare.com).
New England Nomad 