My Top 5 Counties to Get Away To in Summer (when distance matters)

1. Ulster County, NY - trees and sweet air and fresh produce and creeks and art and stars and side-of-the-road finds all centrally located to dip into the other lovely neighboring upstate counties; 120 minutes 

2./3. Bucks County, PA/Hunterdon County, NJ - inns and galleries and flea/antique markets and lots of open land straddling the Delaware River with Jersey on one side and Pennsylvania on the other; an amazing 90 minutes flat

4. New London County, CT - sea air and old nooks and crannies and winding back roads and lobster all beautifully drawn out on those colorful tourist maps you can find in every shop on the Main Streets; 180 minutes on a good day

5. Monmouth County, NJ - beaches and farm stands and ice cream and light houses and miniature golf where the summer woozy nights are short and sweet; 60 minutes of reckless driving

TOWN PROFILE: Mystic, Noank and Stonington in Connecticut, New London County

I normally think about day and weekend trips to New London county in the summer, but it is gorgeous in the Fall as well.  The best part of this area is discovering the old seafaring towns and seafood restaurants.

My favorite shop in Mystic is Whyevernot and favorite place to have a glass a wine along the water is in S&P Oyster Co. Olde Mystic Village is fun to walk around, though a bit commercial.  Check out their chamber of commerce schedule to pick a weekend that also has a festival or fair up.

I’ve stayed at both Inn at Mystic, which was comfortable and convenient, and at the Marriott in Groton, which is a great Marriott with all the normal greatness you get out of a Marriott and perfectly located.  From there you can check out all the different New London, CT towns or head out a half hour to check out RI.  There are plenty of farmer’s markets and farm stands to discover for fresh treats.  Definitely check out the one in Stonington on Saturday mornings all year round.

And, plan some stops along the way to New London County.  Check out Copper Beech Inn in Ivorytown in Middlesex County for lodging or dining on your way up.  You may also consider pulling off the road to explore Essex, CT on your way home.

check out this map

Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough in Noank, CT

Summer might be over but we can pretend its not.  Abbott’s is serving lobster for another 31 days.  If you’re planning a trip to northern CT - Mystic / Groton area - or to one of the small and old seafaring towns of Noank or Stonington, save an evening for a lobster dinner.  The only sad thing about blogging this find is now you won’t be able to stumble upon on it on your own.

click the pic