Derby: Complete! Roseland Apizza Here is the CTMQ Guide to Derby with my list and stories about everything I’ve done there! After a decade of writing CTMQ, I decided to try to “complete” towns. In that decade of traveling and writing, I had already done a lot of stuff in many of our towns already. However, … [Read more...]
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Crystal Ridge Trails
Crystal Cleared Crystal Ridge Trails, Ellington September 2026 Ellington went on a little trail-clearing bender recently and created several new trails. And that's great! I love new trails and more importantly, more protected land. Even if a lot of times that protected land is a set-aside open space requirement … [Read more...]
Bank and Bridge Brewing (Closed)
The Bank and Bridge Loan Apparently Failed Bank and Bridge Brewing, Groton November 2022 The brewery closed in July 2025. Man, what a great idea opening a beautiful destination brewery in Mystic. The crowds of tourists! With money to spend! Man, what a terrible idea... opening a large brewery in Mystic. … [Read more...]
Osbornedale State Park Trails
Blizzard of Os Osbornedale State Park Trails, Derby January 2026 Hiking here for the sake of hiking here is certainly worth it, but the park is also home to The Osborne Homestead Museum which features a CT Historic Garden. There's also the Kellogg Environmental Center located right next door. Little Derby, … [Read more...]
Avon History Museum
A Giant Beaver, a Climax, and a Pope Avon History Museum, Avon (Location) December 2025 Connecticut museum visit #552. For many years, this page started thusly: This museum will remain "closed" for the foreseeable future. In the world of historical museums, progress can be quite slow. Glacial even. To … [Read more...]
South Britain Library
Cool Britannia South Britain Library, Southbury June 2025 My plans for every annual Connecticut Open House Day is to go to the places that I may not typically be able to get into. The South Britain Library is one such place. Not that it's not open to public, for it is. But I don't think I'll find myself in … [Read more...]
The Barn Yard Covered Bridge
Need a Fancy Barn? They've Got You Covered. The Barnyard Covered Bridge, Ellington December 2023 & September 2026 Look just above this sentence and you'll see I visited this bridge twice. Why? I have no idea. But here we are. Actually, I will sheepishly admit that I know exactly why: I forgot about my 2023 … [Read more...]
Humphrey Farm Reserve
Hurrumph Humphrey Farm Reserve, Morris Land Trust September 2026 The Morris Land Trust was founded in 2006. The Humphrey Farm Reserve was purchased by the Trust in 2024. Morris. Yes, Morris is a town. It's south of Litchfield. In fact, Litchfield sort of embraces morris in a warm, matronly hug. Li'l … [Read more...]
Kimball Trail
Kimball Rally Kimball Trail, Ellington April 2019 & September 2026 In 2025, a spur trail was appended on to the Kimball Loop. While I was "cleaning up" a few things in Ellington to be able to call the town "complete," I figured pop over and walk this short little addition. As you'll see, I'm quite glad I did. … [Read more...]
Nod Way Trails
Tinkering Around Nod Way Trails, Avon Land Trust September 2026 This is an Avon Land Trust property. I hiked this property in 2012, but I'd been tinkering with the idea of revisiting the trails for a few reasons. For one, they're very near my house, so why not? Two, the Avon Land Trust has improved their … [Read more...]