Connecticut + 24 hours in Boston

My second time to the east coast this year and I am already in love. We arrived in Boston, got an Uber and we were on our way. The history of the city is immediately noticeable. I got even more excited when I realized how prime our location was (even if we were going to be in Boston for less than 24 hours). Our small room was located up a beautiful spiral staircase in this enchanting brownstone. (Hotel: 462 Beacon)

Mason and I decided it was time for a beer about 5 minutes after our arrival. To our benefit, there is a pub on every corner in Boston. After a two minute walk we arrived at a pub located down a narrow brick staircase. I have yet to find any place to my "pub standard" in Houston, so this place was a real treat (The Corner Tavern). The service was good, the beer was great, and the lamb taco special was delicious.

We had to get started early the next morning. I had a lot planned before we had to make our 5:30 train to New Haven. Fortunately, a train ride and short walk got us to our destinations. Fenway Park, The Freedom Trail, Paul Revere House, Quincy Market, and the Boston Public Gardens

Fenway Park

Paul Revere House

One of the many historic cemeteries located around Boston.

Walking through Boston's North End was like stepping into a small European town. This is where you truly got a sense of the history of this area and our country. I really did try to focus on that, but there were moments I felt like I was in Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. The people we encountered were incredibly friendly, the weather was a crisp fall day and I only bugged Mason about 50 times asking why we didn't live here. 

After a whoops of getting on the correct Amtrak, then getting off the correct Amtrak, and running back onto the same train...we were on our way to New Haven. It was my first Amtrak experience and I would have to say I am sold (...until our return trip).

Our VRBO accommodation in New Haven was another home-run. It was a small cottage located right next door to the owner's home. We were close to the water and located next to a great area for hiking. Our hosts Linda and David were wonderfully accommodating. 

The next day was filled with short hikes throughout New Haven, including East Rock - which offered extraordinary views of the city and Sleeping Giant - which offered panoramic views of the fall foliage from a lookout tower. 

East Rock

Sleeping Giant

Mason's brother Colin, was kind enough to invite us to the Long Wharf Theater to see a rendition of Our Town. I was very impressed with the performance, but I must say the elderly couple in the audience directly across from us was what made the performance real. Their reactions and interactions with one another throughout the play is what I will remember the most. I witnessed true love, real emotion, and authentic recognition that life is short, but often taken for granted. This is why I love the theater; it's better than therapy!

The next day I had planned out a road trip that would take us through quaint little towns, on hiking excursions and adventurous detours. Naugatuck State Park/ Beacon Falls and Mattatuck State Forest offered great trails and scenery. I wish I could remember all the towns we drove through or stopped in, but every one had something to offer. Just remember to bring cash because many of the shops do not except credit cards.

Once again, the East Coast proved to be beautiful and full of adventure. Mason and I were thankful to Colin for dropping everything and driving us quickly back to Boston to catch our flight after our inbound train unfortunately struck an individual and shutdown the Amtrak.

Connecticut, we shall return soon.