Ashuelot, New Hampshire

If you really like covered bridges then New Hampshire is the place to find them. They're all numbered and in the area we were exploring I saw signs for 6 different covered bridges. A few years ago we were exploring an area of the state well north of the White Mountains and came upon a covered bridge along a desolate back road that ran through some open farm country, so it seems that New Hampshire is definitely the state to see covered bridges!

Ashuelot, New Hampshire

Guilford, Vermont

The Vermont Welcome Center, approximately 5 miles over the border from Massachusetts, is almost a destination in itself. We stop there every time we visit Vermont, and I always come away with a bagful of maps, brochures,Vermont magazines and a cup of Green Mountain coffee. For someone like me, who stays pretty much with outdoor attractions, this is one opportunity to see local Vermont art on display. Large painted wall murals depicting rural scenes is the backdrop for the displays of Vermont crafts, furniture, pottery and clothing. There is an outside display of small vintage farm equipment, and of course, a place to walk Fido. On this most recent trip there was quite a northern chill in the air and even a few flurries swirling down from the sky. A hot cup of coffee and another bag of free maps is just what I needed.

Guilford, Vermont

Quick Stop # 1

East Hampton, Connecticut

Happy Thanksgiving! The Old Comstock Bridge, right off route 16 in East Hampton, Connecticut, is one of New England's old covered bridges. Built in 1791, it spans the narrow, but beautiful, Salmon River, which is actually a great place for trout fishing (go figure). There's a fairly easy walking trail that runs along this section of the river, or you can go just up the road to a large nearby picnic area that also sits right along the banks of the river. It was a bit frosty this Thanksgiving morning, but there was still one lone fisherman out trying his luck, along with a few walkers, and a cyclist who was riding his way through the Salmon River State Forest. This state forest is a great place to enjoy some wilderness without getting too far away from civilization.

East Hampton, Connecticut

Tolland, Connecticut

Tolland, Connecticut

Tolland, Connecticut

The Benton Homestead from the backyard looking out onto Metcalf Road. At the time I took this shot an entire busload of school children on a field trip were exploring the inside of the old house. The grounds were quiet, however, and the woods surrounding the property had gone completely gray since all the leaves had recently been swept from the trees, due to rain storms, and were now covering the lawn. The property is reputed to be haunted by a young, heartbroken woman who died from smallpox, and while I've heard a few locals claim to have seen some "strange stuff", I haven't had any paranormal experiences while visiting the homestead.

Lighthouse Park, New Haven, CT.

Although any location in New Haven isn't really "off-off the beaten path" this park is still a very nice stop along the road. Like all New England beaches in the fall this one has been somewhat abandoned until the next hot summer season, and it will now be visited by a few cold loving dog walkers and solitude seekers. There was a bit of a November chill in the air, and the usual wind coming off the water, but otherwise very pleasant and sunny. I was excited to be able to walk right up to the lighthouse rather than just see it from a distance. The water was fairly calm and I watched the surf gently sweep in and out on the small beach below the base of the lighthouse. I stood for awhile and just listened to the whisper of the waves. Christmas lights are strung from the top of the lighthouse down to the ground so that seems like a good excuse for a return trip some night very soon.

Lighthouse Park, New Haven, CT.

The keeper's house is a small, charming little brick home surrounded by a thick hedge. The yard within was covered with autumn leaves. There was a gate in the hedge and it was standing open like an invitation to enter the yard, but it appeared as if someone actually lives in the house so I decided to give them their privacy. The view from the house is a beautiful, sweeping look at Long Island Sound, and I imagined the stunning sunsets the occupant of this house has enjoyed throughout the year.

Lighthouse Park, New Haven, CT.

Windsor Locks, CT.