As a Brand Ambassador for the CT Chevy Girl on the Go program, for the past month I’ve criss-crossed the State of Connecticut for Girlfriend Getaways and have driven almost 1000 miles in a new 2011 Chevy Malibu.

As a life-long resident of Connecticut, even though it’s a small state (but larger than Rhode Island) there are many burgs, boroughs, villages and towns I haven’t been to in my lifetime.

A brand spanking new car, fully equipped with OnStar navigation so I wouldn’t have to rely on the Hubster for directions; Bluetooth hands-free calling; heated seats (hey, it gets nippy here in the a.m. come fall); sunroof for when it warms up in the afternoon and; gas in the tank on somebody else’s dime – gave me reason to get out and dine where the locals dine, and re-visit towns I hadn’t been to in oh, let’s just say a very-long-time.

Scenic Connecticut Photography

As a photojournalist, I enjoy taking scenic photography.

A favorite book that I like to keep in the car is from the Off the Beaten Path series, Off the Beaten Path Connecticut – it has some fantastic suggestions for Connecticut Getaways.

Have you visited Connecticut on a Getaway to see any of our hidden treasures? Many of the spots I’ve chosen would make excellent field trips if you home-school!

What’s your favorite place to visit?>p>
© 2010 Moomettes Magnificents

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

Off The Beaten Path – Connecticut Hidden Treasure Getaways Scenic Photography is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Victorian Architecture in Hartford Connecticut – Brownstone Door Photography
2. Covered Bridges of Connecticut
3. Ice Sculpture Ice Carving Lyman Orchards Winterfest – Connecticut

Frugal Family Fun Activities

The 4th of July long weekend will soon be here and those lazy, crazy hazy days of summer are now upon us.  Every now and then we all need to take a break from our daily routine  For ways to spend quality time and have some family fun while still keeping within the family budget, here’s some tips if you’re planning a family Staycation:

The Hubster’s family introduced us to camping at a family Connecticut campground when the kids were younger.  It wasn’t long after that we ventured to sites on our own, out-of-state.  Rather than taking a week’s vacation, sometimes taking long family weekend trips are more economical, while still enjoying a few laughs and getting out of Dodge.

We don’t take the kind of camping trips that require learning survival skills.  Family members experienced in camping can help to guide you.  Siblings, cousins and family friends can bond by making and roasting s’mores around the campfire, singing songs, and telling ghost stories.

My charming son-in-law is from Vermont, and everyone up there knows how to stoke a campfire, albeit, a necessary survival skill!

Other ways to enjoy frugal family outings are:

State Parks -  These are great for daytripping.  Many have playground equipment, hiking trails and picnic facilities.  Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!

Miniature Golf – Admissions is normally reasonably priced and provides an opportunity for relaxation and family competition.  Although my husband did end up in the ER with 4 stitches to his eye after my daughter swung the club as if she was using a driver – she was fresh out of sports camp!

Petting Zoos – Smaller zoos may not have exotic animals, like Disney World, the San Diego Zoo, the Bronx Zoo or Roger Williams Park Zoo may have, but the kids will enjoy feeding and petting the animals.  We used to take the kids to the Catskill Game Farm, and they always enjoyed that!

Museums – Many offer cheap or free admission, while other admission prices may cost more.  Check out season passes.  Some  of our favorite places that the grandchildren enjoy is Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium.  If you live close to a museum, you can benefit by visiting all year long for one family admission price.

© C. Matthews 2010

Off The Beaten Path – Connecticut Hidden Treasure Getaways Scenic Photography is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Victorian Architecture in Hartford Connecticut – Brownstone Door Photography
2. Covered Bridges of Connecticut
3. Ice Sculpture Ice Carving Lyman Orchards Winterfest – Connecticut

Block Island is one of my favorite places to visit. Although closer to the tip of Long Island in New York, it is actually part of Rhode Island. Shaped like a pork chop, it has fabulous beaches for both swimming or exploring the rocky coast, and is known as a boater’s paradise. You can hop over on either the Block Island Express or the New London to Block Island Ferry in a little over one hour, making it easily accessible as a day drip.

Things To Do On Block Island

You can also take your car over on the Block Island ferry from Point Judith, Rhode Island or from the most eastern point of Long Island – Montauk, New York. Once there, your family can shop for trinkets, treasures, high fashion or antiques or explore the island and all its beauty and sights easily by walking, or via Block Island rentals for a scooter, bicycle, taxi or car rental.

The ambiance is quaint and old fashion! Visit the Narragansett Inn, Ballards or check out the Chamber of Commerce for information on the many Bed and Breakfasts that line the streets.

After visiting the Block Island beaches, don’t forget to stop for some clam cakes and Del’s Lemonade, Rhode Island staples!

If you Go:
More Information On Block Island Ferries: Go Block Island

Off The Beaten Path – Connecticut Hidden Treasure Getaways Scenic Photography is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Victorian Architecture in Hartford Connecticut – Brownstone Door Photography
2. Covered Bridges of Connecticut
3. Ice Sculpture Ice Carving Lyman Orchards Winterfest – Connecticut

As you can see, I’ve been Musing quite a bit about vacationing lately. Around this time last year, our family spent some delightful day-tripping time in Newport, Rhode Island, which is home to The National Lawn Tennis Hall of Fame and Tennis Museum. There’s a terrific little restaurant on the grounds, and it’s fun to walk around and check out the history of tennis ~ you might even catch some players out on the lawn and watch their game while you eat some great fresh seafood!

When I was 17, I spent several weeks in England. I didn’t get to see Wimbledon, which is the most prestigious championship tennis court in the world. I love how the Brits call it “Lawn Tennis,” as it’s played on grass courts. Did you know that women have been allowed to play since 1884? Can you imagine what they wore at that time, which was right during the Victorian Era? We’ve come a long way baby with those cute little outfits the gals wear now!

There’s still time to grab some Wimbledon tickets!

If I can’t make Wimbledon, maybe you can. Each year New Haven, Connecticut hosts one of the major tennis tournments in the United States. It’s usually a big-draw for tourism, and our state can really use all the tourists we can get! Unfortunately, it also almost always rains that week.

Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!

Off The Beaten Path – Connecticut Hidden Treasure Getaways Scenic Photography is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Victorian Architecture in Hartford Connecticut – Brownstone Door Photography
2. Covered Bridges of Connecticut
3. Ice Sculpture Ice Carving Lyman Orchards Winterfest – Connecticut

Museum Pass

Looking for something interesting to do with the kids, grandchildren or visiting guests over the weekend or during school, holiday or summer vacations? Check out how to be frugal, save money and get museum passes for your family for FREE!

With the cost of gas continually rising every day in today’s economy, many families are watching their finances and looking to cut corners and save money. By doing some Day Tripping with the kiddos or grandchildren, there are still many ways to have quality family-time together, while soaking up a little culture or entertainment in the process!

Check out this easy money saving tip on How to Get Free Museum Passes for a Family Daytrip and vacation close to home!

Happy Trails to You!

© 2008 C. Matthews

Off The Beaten Path – Connecticut Hidden Treasure Getaways Scenic Photography is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Victorian Architecture in Hartford Connecticut – Brownstone Door Photography
2. Covered Bridges of Connecticut
3. Ice Sculpture Ice Carving Lyman Orchards Winterfest – Connecticut