Home Sick

Lately, I've been feeling home-sick. Oh, how I've been longing to wake up to the sound of sea gulls, step outside and smell the Atlantic Ocean Air and go on about my day in a place where so much seems possible in just a day's time. Growing up in Southeastern Connecticut really set a high standard for me as far as places to live. I love the people, the atmosphere, and the "small town" feel while NYC and Boston are a mere 2 hours away. I miss fresh, right-off-the-boat seafood dishes eaten outside in the brisk Connecticut air. 

Where I grew up, in Groton, Connecticut, there were so many local gems full of history, education and fun. Within 15 minutes time, you can do so many things! You can be on a boat the Sound, as seen in the picture above, helping to count seals for our local Project Oceanology while viewing picturesque New England from the water. You can take a short ride over to historic Mystic, Connecticut by water or road and remain busy for days. Visit Mystic Pizza, the inspiration to that classic Julia Roberts movie. Have a cup of the creamiest ice cream at Mystic Drawbridge. Learn all about whaling and a life on the sea at Mystic Seaport. Sample and take home THE BEST fudge on the planet at Franklin's General Store in Mystic Village. Get up close and personal with a friendly beluga whale at the Mystic Aquarium!

I honestly could go on forever. Head to Niantic to the Children's Museum. Take a ride to New London and enjoy Ocean Beach for the day but make sure you hit Fred Shanty's on your way home for some awesome eats! Take a trip back in time to meet with some dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Place in Oakdale. Feeling Lucky? Head to Mohegan Sun Casino in Montville or Foxwoods out past Ledyard for gaming, food, and amazing shows. One of MY favorite headliners is Jim Spinnato and not just because he's my cousin! He's a hilarious Comedic Hypnotist that you'll want to see time and time again!

Don't want to leave Groton? That's just fine! Here are my favorite spots: Eastern Point Beach, The USS Nautilus Museum, Fort Griswold, Avery Point, Paul's Pasta, Bluff Point, Washington Park, Project Oceanology, and Sutton Park. 

As you can see, there are so many reasons why I love Connecticut and miss it so much. I currently reside in Opelika, Alabama ... another town with tremendous history ... and although I love it here, it doesn't feel like "home". I recommend to all of my friends here in Alabama to one day take a trip to the North East, specifically beautiful Connecticut.

If you'd love to take a trip up there but would appreciate some help with travel costs... head over to "bebehblog" to enter her contest to win $1000 toward your vacation!! Go to http://bebehblog.com/connecticut-as-much-fun-as-you-can-fit-in-one-weekend/ and be sure to enter today! I'll be heading back up to Connecticut in November of 2012 and I hope to see you there!

--Yours -- Jessica --