As summer proceeds towards its inevitable demise, it is time
to pause and take a breath to prepare for the next season. And no better time
to do this than the approaching long Labor Day weekend.
There is no place more conducive to this than the Quiet
Corner - a peaceful, bucolic area of North-eastern Connecticut, lying within a
designated National Heritage Corridor. Also known as “The Last Green Valley”,
this region lies along the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers.
Pomfret, Woodstock, Putnam,
Thompson, Eastford, Brooklyn & Killingly among others are the gems that
stud this crown. Set among rolling hills, forests, working farmlands and
pastures, these towns and villages offer much to residents and visitors alike.
18th century period architecture, ranging from Greek Revival to Federal and
Colonial; tracts of evergreen and deciduous forests, glacial deposits, rustic
stone-wall edged fields, and quaint town greens are characteristic of the area.
Chain and Big Box retail establishments give way to boutique
and specialty shops, and galleries housing unique treasures. Locally owned
restaurants range from quaint and casual to elegant fine dining; country inns
and B&Bs are lavish in their warm hospitality.
Outside, national parks and state forests, hiking trails,
nature preserves and quiet country roads beckon, to be explored by bike, car or
on foot.
SR 169 is a National Scenic Byway running right through the
Quiet Corner. This beautiful 32 mile route is pretty throughout the year, but
is absolutely spectacular during fall foliage season when the flamboyance of
autumn palettes attract leaf peepers from all over the world. It wends
northwards, connecting Lisbon to Woodstock, through Brooklyn and Pomfret, past
historic town greens, buildings and churches.
Stop enroute for refreshments and sample home-grown, locally
produced foods: beer and wines, cheeses, ice-cream, maple syrup and a variety
of heirloom crops.
Explore local antique shops, flea and farmers' markets,
museums and award-winning wineries and vineyards.
Or indulge in a hot air balloon flight, followed by a
relaxing spa treatment, topping off the day with al fresco dining and cultural
entertainment, particularly in Putnam which is fast achieving a reputation as
the dining, antiques, shopping and cultural center.
Stay the night for a more leisurely exploration. Small
hotels, intimate B&Bs, luxurious inns, even private cottages and homes
offer cozy ambiance, friendly service with special touches and great food. Pet
and family friendly accommodations are also available!
*for the history buff our nation's past comes alive through
the exploits and relics of revolutionary heroes like Nathan Hale and Israel
Putnam, and abolitionists like Prudence Crandall.
*for the craft-lover, of all ages, there is plenty of
experiential learning to immerse themselves in. Local artisans will lead you
through culinary training, needlecraft and knitting classes, pottery, mosaics,
painting, jewelry making, glass-blowing, wine-tasting and oenology sessions.
*for the nature-lover, The Connecticut Audubon Center and
adjacent Bafflin Bird Sanctuary (www.ctaudubon.org/visit/pomfret.htm) offers
year round nature programs, bird and botanical walks, nature photography, and
art exhibits.
Take a soothing walk, or hike in the Mashomoquet Brook State
Park in Pomfret; visit Wolf's Den which saw the end of the wolf species in
Connecticut, indulge in water-sports in Quaddick or West Thompson Lake, or
paddle in one of the many rivers and streams.
*for the gardener, a visit to the Roseland Cottage’s
historic parterre garden on Woodstock green and other lush, historic
greenhouses and florists are a treat for the senses.
One can truly escape from the
city to this destination location, within easy driving distance of Hartford,
Rhode Island, Boston and even new York. This tiny corner of our small state
does offer big city options, for rest, relaxation, shopping and entertainment, wrapped
in the magical cocoon of the traditional New England countryside.
Photo Tour of the Quiet Corner–
Courtesy - Jim Tourtellotte
GD Publishing, Putnam, CT
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