Rice Spice Noodle

Had a chance to stop by Rice Spice Noodle in Mystic last week. Absolutely delicious.

We had the place to ourselves at 3 pm. A couple arrived just as we were finishing, and found out that the chefs were running out for more supplies. They sat down to wait a half hour for the chefs to come back. "We come here all the time," they said. "We can't get enough of it."

Find out more in the Insiders' Guide to Connecticut!

James Merrill House in Stonington

James Merrill, one of the 20th centuries great poets, lived in Stonington, Connecticut for forty years. His wonderful two-story apartment was gifted to the town, and now is open on select occasions for the public. Go here to find out more about it.

They also sponsor a writer-in-residence program in which you get to live in the amazing place for a season. Amy thought about applying, but then realized she would have to live away from me (and the cats) for several months. That is not happening. But for those young, unattached writers out there, I can't think of a more inspiring place to work.

Connecticut in Autumn

Bolton Notch on the Hop River Trail

Amy and I biked from Vernon to Andover over Bolton Notch - quite a ride, 21 miles with a total of more than 600 feet of elevation gain. The Hop River Trail is a wonderful, if difficult, bicycling experience.

At McLaughlin Vineyard

Gave a presentation at the McLaughlin Vineyard in Newtown this week. We had a lot of fun talking to the local horticultural club, and getting great questions. Luckily, DeeDee from the vineyard was also on hand to answer some of the more difficult agricultural questions!

We also took part in the wine tasting...and the new Vista Reposa at McLaughlin was nothing short of miraculous. 100% Cabernet Franc, with a distinct nose (cherry), middle (cloves), and finish (caramel!).

Paragon

Ate dinner at Paragon, on the upper floors of Foxwoods Resort Casino. Delicious.

I splurged and got the Wagyu eye of the rib eye. It was worth every penny.

Bluff Point

Took a walk at Bluff Point State Park recently - a great place to ride a bike, too.

You can walk all the way out to the wonderful beach, but be careful swimming, because there are no lifeguards.

You can see the awesome New London lighthouse from the point, one of the few 'high points' along the Connecticut coast.

Abbot's Lobster in the Rough

Best, most consistent place on the Connecticut shoreline to get a lobster dinner: fresh, perfectly steamed lobsters ready for the cracking and slurping.

Mystic Cemetery

One of the loveliest cemeteries in Connecticut...the world? On the shores of Mystic River.

And check out the old sailor who put this plaque on his grave. Uncle Walt! "Now finale to the shore" indeed.

Camping at Rocky Neck State Park

Belissimo Grande

Amy and I stayed a night at the Bellisimo Grande near Foxwoods recently. A great alternative to staying at the casino itself, especially on nights when events make the prices too high. We were upgraded to the suite you see above, and I enjoyed the jacuzzi while Amy went down to the spa and got a "killer" massage. A shuttle takes you back and forth to Foxwoods - very convenient, especially for some of the (very drunk) people we shared it with. They even have quiet hours to make sure people don't come back and whoop it up while the rest of us are trying to sleep. I highly recommend a stay here (see the Insiders' Guide to Connecticut, of course).