A trip to the Connecticut seashore wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local seafood restaurant or fish market.  On our recent camping trip to Hammonasset we stopped in Clinton Harbor to pick up some fresh steamers and do some alfresco dining for lunch, treating ourselves to the best hot lobster rolls. Chips and drinks are also available.

Lobster Landing

My three-year old grandson wasn’t too sure what to make of the 3-pound lobster that the staff brought out from the cooler for him to look at!

On our second camping trip this summer, we stopped for a light lunch and treated ourselves to the most delicious fresh hot lobster roll sandwich around, dripping in melted drawn butter and served on a grilled hot dog roll.  On a beautiful sunny afternoon with a light breeze blowing in off of Long Island Sound, we sat outside at cafe tables under a canopy and enjoyed the  nautical view of Clinton Harbor marinas and lobster boats.

The view from our tables on the outside patio (made from crushed clam shells) offered us a magnificent view of the summer cottages and homes on Cedar Island.  Years ago there was only one home on the island that had electricity, as most used propane for fuel.

After our lunch we walked around the marinas looking at all the boats, from small outboard runabouts to luxurious yachts.  My grandkids were all excited and already my grandson Slugger is asking his dad to buy him  a “big boat.”

If You Go:
Lobster Landing
152 Commerce Street
Clinton, CT

Do you have a family and kid-friendly attraction, lodging, restaurant or event that you would like me to visit, write about and feature? To forward information and passes please Contact me.

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

The final leg of the Girlfriend Getaway journey found me driving the Chevy Malibu to the Northeast portion of the state known as The Quiet Corner, formally known as the Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor, Connecticut which borders Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I pointed the compass located on the mirror towards Pomfret with the intention of having lunch at the renowned Vanilla Bean Café, located in a restored 19th century barn. The cafe was bustling with activity for a Tuesday, most likely other leaf peepers. The Pomfret School, one of many private boarding schools tucked away in our tiny state, is located down the street.

I stopped at the Harvest Garden, offering fresh old-fashioned ice cream and pumpkins, along with assorted veggies fresh from the farm. The old cider press used to produce 20 gallons of cider per hour until it was retired when local laws prevented the sale of unpasteurized cider.

Along the designated Scenic Highway road, I let the big rigs pass me by and pulled over to photograph veggie stands with the honor box sitting on a table, and hay pastures bordered by amazing fences.

Moving on to the town of Putnam, known as the Antique Capitol of New England, I made my way towards the Antiques Marketplace, with over 400 vendors and 200 exhibits. Historic Putnam, an old mill town along the Quinebaug River, is an easy day trip from Rhode Island, Massachusetts or NYC. All that walking and driving had me refueling at Victoria Station for home-made-on-the premises Snickerdoodle Cheesecake (ssh, don’t tell) served on what else but – antique china!

The journey home found me stopping at the late actor, Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, along Route 44 in Ashford, CT.

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It is with much trepidation that I realized I will be turning the Chevy Malibu in shortly. This car has been my trustworthy tour guide, providing directions to my destinations through OnStar, letting me keep in touch with my family while I’m a Chevy Girl on the Go through one-touch hands free Bluetooth calling, and letting me sing out loud to the tunes on a variety of XM radio stations. Along with my trusty tripod, this photojournalist tucked the trinkets and souvenirs I accumulated on my Getaways into the back of the spacious Malibu trunk.

Follow my travels and see where I’ll take you on On Twitter: @Moomettes #ctchevygirls

© C. Matthews 2010

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

My latest Girlfriend Getaway found me in the northeast and northwest corners of the state.

Daytrip Travel New England

The Litchfield Hills are the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains and include portions of the Appalachian trail. It’s an easy one hour drive from Hartford, or 2 hour drive from New York City or Albany, New York.

I visited the two remaining Connecticut Covered Bridges in the state that are open to vehicle traffic.

Connecticut’s Covered Bridges

On a beautiful Labor Day weekend, we drove the Malibu across the scenic Cornwall Covered Bridge which spans the Housatonic River. The Housatonic River’s source is in western Massachusetts near Pittsfield and winds it’s way down the state ending up at the mouth of Long Island Sound between Stratford and Milford.

Using OnStar navigation and traveling seven miles farther south to Kent, as we meandered down Route 7 we passed quaint New England churches and stopped along the way to visit the Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum.

Once arriving in Kent, we crossed the Housatonic River via the Bulls Bridge , which is the shorter span of these two covered bridges.

On our journey back towards Hartford after stopping for lunch in New Milford, I turned the climate control air conditioning off and opened up the sunroof to enjoy the heat of the late afternoon sun.

If You Go: Go New England

Follow me on my next Getaway as I take you to the northeast corner of Connecticut to visit The Quiet Corner.

Follow my travels and see where I’ll take you on Girlfriend Getaway, and Visit your CT Chevy Dealer, test drive a Chevy Malibu and receive a $40 Gift Certificate to SpaFinder.


On Twitter: @Moomettes #ctchevygirls

© 2010 Moomettes Magnificents

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

Come join the blog hop where you’ll meet some wonderful bloggers from New England.  You’ll find groups of Work-at-Home Moms, Baby Boomers, SAHM, Grams, Review, Giveaway, Crafting and Jewelry designers, Coupon & Frugal writers who are as diverse as the states comprised of the 6 original Colonies known as “New England.”

Welcome to New England and Connecticut, Land of Steady Habits

You Know You’re From New England When:

• You’ve worn shorts and a parka at the same time

• You’ve been to Cape Cod

• You consider 65 degree ocean water “warm”

• You have switched from “heat” to “A/C” in the same day and back again

• There are 25 Dunkin’ Donuts within 20 minutes of your house

• You have ever missed school due to “Mud”

• You get mad when people assume New York is part of New England

• Sox-Yankees games are a life and death matter

It’s all true …

I’d like to thank Thoughts from an Evil Overload for hosting this blog hop. When I first came across Elizabeth’s blog I was over-joyed to realize that there were so many diverse bloggers in New England!

I have a special GIVEAWAY here just for Visiting My Blog today, so be sure to read to the end!

Today I’ll be introducing you to other New England bloggers – we’re such friendly folk! Make sure to visit the Linky!

On my journey visiting the extensive list, my eye was immediately drawn to The Cape Cod Rambling Rose.

Over the years our family has spent a tremendous amount of time on the Cape, and it’s probably one of my most favorite places to visit.  We even considered for awhile buying a second home in the Eastham – Wellfleet area.

Louise, the author of Cape Cod Rambling Rose,  considers herself a “washashore,” but her husband’s family has been on the Cape since 1623! When she isn’t busy tending to her 4 young school-age children, Louise shares her daily routine on the Cape through beautiful photographic images. She also enjoys volunteering, beach walks and offering magnificent beach~inspired jewelry, vintage embellished journals and albums, as well as romantic homegoods for her Etsy shop, Cape Cod Cupboard. When you visit her, please be sure to let her know that Cindi sent you from the New England Bloggers Blog Hop!

Visit at: Cape Cod Rambling Rose

I’m Cindi, a Baby-Boomer wife, mom of 2 grown daughters, 2 grandchildren & hail from New England.

Now do you want to know more about me? Read my 101 Random Things About Me post where I spill all the sordid details on the Baby Boomer Grandmom behind this blog!

You’ll see from my Featured Content Gallery on my home page that I’m a big cheerleader for our neck of the woods on the East Coast – in my Meme section I like to feature scenic photography shots from some of my family road trips.

I’ve posted so many, but these are among my favorites:

• Salt Marsh at the mouth of the Connecticut River

• Fall Splender on Main Street

• Connecticut Scarecrows at Halloween

• Shade Tobacco Farm Barns

• Family Fun at Local County Fairs

Be sure to visit and don’t miss my posts on  leaf-peeping season in Ogunquit, Maine and Vermont Mountains in winter, if only for the photography!

I offer Product Reviews from the perspective of a “Baby Boomer Grandmom Who’s Been Around the Block.” Don’t forget to check the tabs up above, and my sidebar where I have my favorite Best of 2009 articles, along with Blogging Tips, Social Media posts and Work-At-Home posts – all in one easy-to-find spot!

I’m also the author of Frugal New England Kitchen, for old-fashioned comfort food recipes, coupons, kitchen tips, reviews and giveaways.

At Great Finds and Giveaways, which I just launched last week, you can enter for a chance to win a Keurig B60 Special Edition System Brewing System!  Who can’t use a good cuppa Joe on a cold New England winter’s night?

You’ll also be able to add and promote your Giveaway Linky to my Master List!

Subscribe to my newsletter or in a reader if you like what you see!

You can connect with me at:

Twitter: @Moomettes
Facebook: Moomette’s Magnificents

Visit my New England lenses:

Where to Shop for New England Comfort Food

Old-Fashion New England Yankee Recipes and Cooking

I’m so happy you stopped by ~ Whether you’re a regular reader or visiting for the first time, introduce yourself and be sure to leave me a comment so I’ll return the visit & get to know you! Leave your Twitter name in the fill-in box and I’ll be sure to give you a shout-out for visiting!

One last Goodie before you go!

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting my own Giveaway Contest for more party fun! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Simple Pleasures Coconut & Sugar Cane travel set.

You’ll be getting:

1) Hand Lotion-2 fl.oz.
2) Shower Gel-2 fl.oz.
3) Body Mist-2 fl.oz.
4) Body Lotion-2 fl.oz.

All 4 of these products come in it’s own mesh zippered bag. Fits perfectly into any small space in your suitcase and they’re all just the right size for travel or a weekend getaway!

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information is necessary in order to send your prize.

Main Rule: (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on my blog! (please leave the title of the post in a separate comment)

*Open to USA and Canada Only

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

This contest will run until July 1, 2010  at 11:00 pm. EDT

Thanks for visiting and please stop by again and Visit my New England friends on this Blog Hop!!

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

Everywhere I go in Vermont, no matter what season – there’s always a photo opportunity waiting for me!

The state recently received over 30 inches of snow from the monstrous blizzard last week that affected the East Coast.

My BFF from kindergarten lives in Enfield, New Hampshire. She owns Bearly Used Books, a really cute used book store, complete with pellet stoves, and recently sent me a book on how to shoot scenic photography.

This scenic picture was taken on the way to Northfield, Vermont – home to Norwich University.

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

Before I met my son-in-law, I think I’d only been up to Vermont once to go skiing when I was in high school.  My husband and I would travel up Interstate 91 to go to New Hampshire for vacations, but we never really left the highway to see this beautiful state.

My oldest daughter’s husband is a Vermonter.  I’m so excited that I can now experience the beauty of the Green Mountain state’s four seasons through the eyes of locals, and not as a tourist!  My daughter’s in-laws know all the back roads with a magnificent vista!

Winter Wonderland

This photo was taken on our way to a birthday party outside Montpelier, Vermont’s capitol.  My charming son-in-law’s cousins live atop this spectacular mountain!  The view will take your breath away!

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

Earlier this month there was a tragic accident at a clean energy power plant being built in Connecticut along the Connecticut River. My husband and I were out for a ride in Portland, just across the narrowest part of the river from Middletown, where the plant was located. We were able to see the remains of the plant from the road.

Along the way with nothing in site except a small baby eagle, soaring overhead looking for dinner, we passed this quaint farm barn.

I didn’t have my digital camera with me, so this was the best I could do with my cell phone.

Next month I’m giving away a ticket to BlogHer10 in New York City. If you win, you might want to stop by and visit New England and see my neck of the woods! Check out my post for more info!

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

After the blizzard the Mid-Atlantic states and Washington D.C. experienced this week, we in Connecticut were lucky we missed it.

But our turn in New England is coming on Wednesday!

How do you handle snow?  Does your inner-child come out?  Maybe you always dreamed of participating in the Winter Olympics! Do you rush off to go skiing, snowboarding, skating or sledding? Do you hunker down inside, or maybe go on a cruise or fly south like the snowbirds from up North do?

I just took this little test – and if you read through my posts and 101 Random Things About Me – you’ll see it’s right on the mark! Look for me inside the Ski Lodge!

You Are a Snow Kitten

You like snow in small doses. You find snow to be comforting, and you love to snuggle up under a blanket of snow. You’re not a big fan of the hassles of snow. You’re happy to see it come, but you’re also happy to see it go. Go ahead and venture out in the snow from time to time! Throw a snowball or make a snow angel. You have an inner snow bunny inside you, and it’s time to let that bunny play.

Are You a Snow Bunny?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

Plan a Magical Vacation That is Perfect For Your Family

I’ve had the opportunity to review a new book that takes all the guesswork out of planning for a trip to Walt Disney World with preschoolers in tow.

My oldest daughter fondly remembers our family vacation to Disney World when she was younger.  I saved for almost a year, and paid for the entire vacation in cash.

The girls were 7 and 11 at the time, in 1994.  We went towards the end of August when the rates were somewhat less expensive, and stayed directly on the grounds in Florida at the Polynesian Resort.  I don’t mind the heat since I live in New England.  Actually I thrive in it!

Now that my daughter has two toddlers of her own, she’s been making “noises” about wanting to revisit Disney with their kids, who are 1 and 3.   Both my daughter and charming son-in-law are extremely close to both sets of parents.  They’d really like that the grandparents can all join in together for a memorable family trip.

As a parent, you already know that you don’t want to have to carry your preschooler around in your arms all  day. You couldn’t possibly make it through the day!  You also can’t expect your child to walk all day long.

Beyond the Attractions:  A guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers by Lisa M. Battista (BookSurge) is a definite must-read book.

Lisa Battista answers common and not-so-common questions in Beyond the Attractions such as advance reservations; the best time to visit; sleeping away from home and more that will assure that your family vacation is enjoyable and stress free:

Strollers – Strollers are not only welcome at Disney World, they’re highly recommended. In fact, Disney World rents strollers for a reasonable fee.  My suggestion would be to tie something on the stroller, such as a brightly colored ribbon to help identify it from all of the other strollers in the park.

FastPass – You don’t want to spend your entire Disney World vacation standing in long lines. This can be avoided by using Disney World FastPass. FastPass can be obtained from kiosks located near the rides that accept FastPass. This doesn’t mean that you get to immediately move to the front of the line. It’s more like scheduling an appointment for the ride later in the day – at which time you actually will move to the front of the line. In the meantime, you’re free to go enjoy other sites and rides around the park.

Many other tips to help you maximize your hard-earned vacation dollars are included in this reference guide for parents, by a parent.

Whether you’re driving with preschoolers in the car or flying, start planning your next vacation!

On Twitter: @DisneyExplorer
Pages: 169
ISBN: 978-1-4392-5757-9

For More Information Visit: Beyond The Attractions

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of the book, Beyond the Attractions:  A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Tell me why you’d like to win this book.

This contest will run until February 28, 2010 at  11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout

This photo was taken in Windsor, Connecticut – the oldest town in the state. It reminds me of the poem by Robert Frost - “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.”

Connecticut winters are so beautiful when the snow first falls. Where do you think the path leads?

Best Hot Lobster Rolls and Water View Dining at Clinton Harbor is a post from: Moomettes Magnificents

Related posts:

1. Getaway Staycation In Connecticut: Stonington Fishing Fleet – Lobster in Noank – Submarines in New London
2. Old London Crab Meat Seafood Appetizer Lobster Canape Recipe
3. Early Science Explorers Big View Bug Jars – Great American Backyard Campout