After my marvelous
breakfast (http://bit.ly/2a3OuNa) I was off
to the races. Well not technically, technically I was off to the docks. As I
drove towards New London, Connecticut I was taking in the sites. There were
many delightful little shops, beautiful art showcased on buildings, and I could
see we were coming upon the water. New London gave off this old town vibe while
seemingly acting perfectly modern.
“The city of New London,
Connecticut, has been an important port since the Revolutionary War, when it
served as a base for American privateers raiding British Ships. In the 19th
century, the revenues brought into the city by whalers helped build what now
forms the city's charming center, filled with historic homes, taverns and
shops.”
Or so says Trip
Advisor.
It was a simply
wonderful environment to find myself in. I hadn’t planned on being there for
long and as I would find out later that was a mistake.
I was in New London for
one reason, a lighthouse cruise. I was meeting up with some very dear friends
and we were planning on taking this cruise as a way to spend a gorgeous day on
the water.
Cross Sound Ferry runs
a Lighthouse Cruise out of New London every Saturday afternoon. These two hour
tour surveys a total of eight lighthouses as well as some local sites: New
London Harbor Light, Avery Point Lighthouse, New London Ledge Lighthouse, North
Dumpling Light, Race Rock Light, Bug Light, Orient Point Lighthouse, Plum
Island Lighthouse, Little Gull Light, as well as Fort Griswold, General
Dynamic’s Electric Boat Division, Fort Trumbull, and finally New London’s
historic waterfront.
When we got on the boat we took
seats on the upper deck. I was anxious to feel the salt water against my skin.
On land it was incredibly humid but when you are out to sea it’s easy to forget
that feeling. Boat rides also allow me to forget where I was coming from and
where I was going, focusing instead on only the present. There is something so
serene and peaceful about being on the water seeing the beauty of where you
are.
The lighthouses were
all different but all amazing. Truth be told I would have been fine just
sailing around without any sites. I enjoyed it that much. The only
disappointment I am afraid lies within myself. I underestimated the heat and
open water effect and got a sunburn of which still has my skin peeling all
these weeks later.
After this boat ride
the only thing I could think of was getting something cold to drink. The heat
and sunburn made the struggle real.
Unfamiliar with the
area I just drove around for a few moments trying to get my bearings. This
peaceful little town was on fire. The tiny streets could barely keep up with
the traffic. On one chaotic street I pulled over just to pick a shop randomly
that would hopefully have something cold. It turns out that shop was Berry’s
Ice Cream Candy Bar, lucky me.
I found out after one
sip of their strawberry milkshake that the ice cream Gods were upon me. I also
tried the blackberry protein shake but there was something a miss. The chunks
of fresh blackberries were a hit for me but there was some kind of aftertaste
of which I couldn’t quite put my finger on. After a few minutes I was over it.
Surprisingly the milkshake was probably the best I’ve ever had. Shakes are not
a typical beverage order for me because I do not like anything too heavy. This
drink was all the right amounts of sweet, creaminess, and weight. It was a
treat that was also refreshing. Since I have been home I had a strawberry shake
and it was nowhere as delicious as the one at Berry’s. It was a damn shame.
With the shakes in my
hand I prepared to leave New London. It was then that I noticed all of the
brilliant artwork around me. There was a building with Disney characters all
over it and off in the distance a statute that looked like it belonged in
Greece. Everywhere I looked there were such different but beautiful
surroundings. I have a feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg. It was
literally just one street. I will have to further investigate street art on my
next visit.
Naturally already thinking about
my next trip to New London.
These are the things currently at
the top of my list, in order of their importance to
me.
1. The
Recovery Room Restaurant simply because I like the name.
2. Pequot
Church because I like seeing them wherever I go.
3. Monte
Cristo Cottage as it is the site of where “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” was
written.
4. Whaling
Wall looks cool especially if it has finally been completed.
5. Lastly,
Nathan Hale School House which has survived since before the Revolutionary War
as this town was a base for the British.
My quick trip popping
in and out of New London has left me craving more. More ice cream shakes, more
food from the restaurants I drove past, and more of well, just about
everything!
For More Information:
Comments
Post a Comment