#18 CONNECTICUT

Spring at the O'Neill Theater

When one arrives in New England what’s appropriate to do first? Well if you’re me it involves food. It was Mothers’ Day and things were crowded but we were very impressed with our meal at Carmen Anthony Fishhouse in Wethersfield, CT. I, of course, had the NEW ENGLAND Clam Chowda’ which was delicious and rich and creamy and clam filled. When in Rome…

The "Constitution State" dates from the early colonial times and was one of the thirteen original colonies. The first two constitutions drafted in 1638 hail from Connecticut. The state is the 4th most populous in the Union and has the highest per capita and median household income. In addition to being known as the "The Constitution State," as seen on the automobile license plates, Connecticut is also known as "The Nutmeg State”. Contrary to logic, nutmeg is not grown here, but the reference may come from the importation of this valuable spice in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Connecticut has a beautiful coastline and naturally that’s where John & I headed.
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is located in Waterford, CT and has beautiful grounds which we enjoyed roaming. O’Neill, author of The Iceman Cometh, among other theatrical classics, summered in an unimposing cottage called Monte Cristo in nearby New London. These more cerebral sites were interesting but, as always, we had food on our mind. The Road Food book recommends Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough in Noank. After taking several wrong turns and “scenic” twists we came across a closed Abbott’s. Noank is a charming town and Abbott’s looks terrific. Maybe next time!

No Lobsters in the pot at Abbott's

A few miles down the road is Mystic. The wind was howling as we wandered around past Mystic Pizza, home of the same-named Julia Roberts film and into the Mystic Seaport. The Mystic Seaport is a large maritime museum with several ships and outside exhibits simulating an 19th century New england village. Because of the gale force winds (how nautical!) we contented ourselves with the inside displays before moving on.

Our favorite stop was the Stonington Lighthouse dates from 1823. This was our 48th lighthouse visited and it was charming. Breathtaking vistas of three states are visible from the, rather squat, 30 foot tower and it was an immersion experience to climb the ladder and stand as the winds howled and shook the building. The displays of local history included a cannonball lodged in a piece of wall dating from the Revolutionary War and a historic character, Zebulon Hancox, and I mean a character.

George W. Bush was born in Connecticut. He is has roots in the state extending three generations. Other notable figures from the state span American political and cultural history, including Ralph Nader, eli whitney, Benedict Arnold, Nathan Hale, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Katharine Hepburn. The state is often associated with Mark Twain, author of A Connecticut Yankee in Kind Arthur’s Court. His Hartford home is the site of his financial decline in late life and now is suffering financial difficulties as a tourist destination. The Mark Twain House is featured in a terrific Ken Burns documentary about Twain. I hope to visit someday, but not today.

Next: Rhode Island.