Water Watch
As summer draws near, something in my blood—perhaps it’s from growing up near the water—gets me thinking that, as the poet said, “I must down to the seas again”—or at least the Connecticut version of them. In any case, even though I’m not a boater, I need my water fix, whether it’s Long Island Sound, a lake or river.
The first hot day, I head for Overton’s in Norwalk, right on the Norwalk River, which empties out into the Sound. It’s just a takeout stand for fried clams and such, but—and here’s the best part—you get to enjoy them on a deck by the river, or across the street next to a little pond/conservation/birding area. At either place you can linger as long as you like, the days are balmy, the breeze off the water delightful, and, oh, those sunsets.
Farther down the coast, I set out for Lobster Landing
Going inland, my favorite spot is Lake Waramaug. I could circle that lake again and again, it’s so pristine, so like a piece of Switzerland plopped down in Connecticut. Before or after I get my lake fix, I drive up to the Hopkins Inn for lunch (you can’t go wrong with any of the Austrian/Swiss specialties) on the terrace high above the lake—the view can’t be beat. Afterward, I sometimes mosey on over to Hopkins Vineyard across the way to sample some wine—and get yet another lake fix from their second-floor gift shop. As for sunsets over the lake, I’ve seen some magnificent ones dining on the terrace of the Boulders Inn, just across from the lake.
There are other places where I get my water fix, sometimes in passing. I’m thinking of the lazy Lieutenant River behind the Florence Griswold Museum and the Bee & Thistle Inn & Spa in Old Lyme, which was discovered by artists at the turn of the 20th century and still inspires today.
Then there’s the dramatic water view. For this, I gas up my chariot and head for glorious Chapman Falls in Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam. I love walking down to the base of the falls, then up again, taking it in from any and all angles.
So, these are just some of my favorites. What are yours?
Water Watch
