Month: May 2011

The first chapter of Backroads & Byways of New England covers a beautiful section of southern New England with a long seafaring history. In this chapter you’ll read about pretty seaside towns like the Borough of Stonington and better-known places like Mystic, home to the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. Or perhaps you’d prefer a hike through the Pequotsepos Nature Center with its eight  miles of walking trails. You’ll also learn about scrimshaw and the story behind Mystic Pizza, plus lots of other things to see and do in this pretty corner of New England.

Backroads & Byways of New England is now on sale through Amazon and your local bookstore and makes a great gift for the New England traveler (active or armchair!) in your life. As several readers have pointed out, Father’s Day is coming soon, and if your Dad loves to drive, loves history, or just enjoys good food in beautiful settings, this book makes the perfect gift.

Next we’ll talk about another interesting section of beautiful Connecticut.

I’m happy to report that I have the first copies of Backroads & Byways of New England in hand and it looks great. You can order it from Amazon now and your local bookstore will have it shortly or can order it. Unlike many guides, this one takes you into the less-traveled corners of New England, so be prepared to poke around in unexpected places and see things that many travelers miss. I’ll soon start blogging chapter by chapter about some of the book’s  highlights. Meanwhile, thanks to all who have ordered early copies. Enjoy, and have a wonderful tour of beautiful New England!

After a long winter and dreary early spring, beautiful sunny days have come to this small island off the Maine coast. One of the highlights of an early morning walk or run is hearing the birds–cardinals, robins, jays, chickadees, and especially the pileated woodpeckers whose noisy breakfast foragings resound through the woods. They’ve been silent so long, it’s good to have them back. Human visitors to the island are returning as well. The rumbling of cars over the old swing bridge increases every day and as always, it’s fun to see the island come alive again after a quiet winter.