Being spoiled by the magic of the fall season in Vermont, I've never given Connecticut a chance. When I think about the fall, every picture that comes to mind is Vermont. Vermont = Foliage = Apple Cider = Stowe = Maple Syrup = Autumn. Maybe it's time now to embrace the beauty of the state where I've lived for 34 years - many years longer than Vermont.
Last week, I left at 8:00 AM, with an open mind, to discover the beauty of autumn in Connecticut. Named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the most scenic driving destinations in the country (or so I read), the Litchfield hills in the northwest corner of the state was my destination.
I got off the highway in Southbury and headed on CT-67 through Roxbury to New Milford. I wanted to see New Milford because I had read that the gazebo on the town green was the inspiration for the gazebo in Stars Hollow (the CT town in the tv show, Gilmore Girls).
I found the gazebo easily, but the town was devoid of people and lacking the small town feeling that made Stars Hollow a warm and welcoming place on TV.
But the architecture was wonderful and everything was picturesque.
I loved the sculpture in front of the library, but these were the only children I saw!
I headed out of town and stopped by a bubbling brook reflecting the colors of the season.
Then, as I was meandering down a country road, some bright blue buildings up ahead caught my eye. As I was passing, I saw a name on the sign that made my heart skip a beat. My maiden name was Orzech, and it's not a name I'm used to seeing in passing. I turned around and went back to take a picture. I wondered if Edward is any relation to my dad. I googled him and discovered that Edward Orzech owned this feed store and passed away in 2008.
Continuing on my journey, I found a barn that looks like it could be in Vermont. Most of the farms I passed looked very well maintained, but this one has that "Vermont" charm.
I had two covered bridges on the agenda, and I found the first one just outside the town of Kent.
When I got to Kent, I stopped for lunch. I had packed a sandwich, but decided to add a chocolate milkshake and a donut. If I were in Vermont, it would be a cider donut, but I got it anyway.
Kent is a pretty ritzy town with lots of shops and restaurants.
The surrounding area is home to many celebrities I am told.
Everything in Kent looks perfect.
After buying a few Christmas gifts at a few of the shops, I got back in the car and drove once again.
I think every church I passed was white and most of them had red doors!
The second covered bridge was in West Cornwall.
Many tourists were stopping to see it and it was nice.
This was my last stop of the day.
During the hour that it took me to get back home, I thought about the day. I saw a lot of scenic towns, pristine barns, horses, streams, foliage. I tried my hardest to really like the towns I visited and the scenery I passed.
I did like them.
I didn't love them.
There's something about Vermont that can't be duplicated (at least in my mind). I missed walking down Maple Street in Burlington, my feet rustling through a blanket of leaves. I missed the blue of Lake Champlain contrasting with the fall colors of the Adirondacks across the lake. I missed the local artisans displaying their creations. I missed watching the apples being pressed into fresh apple cider. I missed hot cider donuts that melt in your mouth. I missed being able to buy maple candy in every store. I missed real farms run by real people. I missed old houses and barns that look old and far from perfect. I missed the warm, down-to-earth Vermont people. I missed passing Camel's Hump on the highway.
I missed mountains.
Fall in Vermont is not just pretty trees.
It's an event that lasts for many weeks.
It's an experience.
It's a feeling.
It's a celebration.
I missed the party for two years in a row.
If I have my way, I will not miss it again.
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