Scenes from Newport, RI

Newport, Rhode Island is a beautiful city by the sea. My first visit there was on 4th of July years ago (I know… crazy me!). I have done many day trips since then. This month I had the opportunity to spend overnight in Newport for two nights! I was thrilled to have more time to walk around and enjoy it from sunrise to sunset.

The first thing I did when I arrived in Newport was a leisurely drive on Ocean Drive. It’s a scenic route overlooking the water, with beautiful huge homes. Many people use this route for exercise — cycling, running, walking. I passed by this farm with horses and I loved the pink trees backdrop so I had to capture this!

After a delicious dinner at Brick Alley Pub, I headed over to a park on Goat Island to see the sunset. It did not disappoint! It was stunning especially with the Pell Bridge. I wasn’t the only one there to enjoy the sunset as it was crowded with many people fishing.

I got up at sunrise to go to the beach then a walk on the Cliff Walk. It’s always a must when you go to Newport. It is a long walking path right by the water — taking you right by the Newport Mansions as well other beautiful private properties. I’ve always captured many beautiful scenes here. I loved how it wasn’t crowded as it was still considered off-season and really early in the morning.

While I was in Newport, I also walked up and down Thames Street for all the shopping. I captured some scenes on an overcast day. There were some beautiful pink blooms near the center of Thames Street!

Later that same day, I walked around a side street lined with many historical homes. I love how Newport is full of historical homes and how well maintained they are. It’s hard to not take photos of them! I also came across a small park with more pink blooms!

Most of those homes were in the same general area with exception of the last two. The house on the rocky shore was from Ocean Drive — imagine waking up to that beautiful view of the ocean daily! The last one is a building of Salve Regina University which was located on the Cliff Walk.

Newport is always stunning but this was my first time during spring! I couldn’t believe I’ve never been there during this time of the year but it sure won’t be the last time. There were plenty more of Newport that I wish I could’ve captured but I ran out of time. Until next time!

Newport, RI Getaway: Why Wellington Resort Is Simply Unforgettable

Newport, Rhode Island has easily earned a spot in my top five favorite New England destinations. I've made countless day trips there, but had never stayed overnight — something I always knew I'd want to do eventually, to truly experience Newport from sunrise to sunset.

For full transparency, I reached out to them about a collaboration. As always, I choose the same way that I'd choose a place for myself. I was gifted a two-night stay in May 2026 in exchange for an honest account of my experience.

I had never visited Newport in the spring, so I was thrilled to discover the city in bloom. I couldn't have asked for better weather — sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s the entire trip. Wandering through Newport and the downtime at Wellington was very enjoyable.

Wellington Resort

The waterfront resort overlooks the harbor, tucked just off Thames Street — steps away from the majority of shops and dining — yet Wellington was removed from the bustle. Newport may not be known for being a quiet city, but Wellington manages to feel like a peaceful retreat. The resort is made up of a cluster of smaller buildings, each housing a handful of suites. There's a range of suite options to choose from, varying by size and kitchen setup, from partial kitchens to full ones. On-site amenities include a fitness room, both an indoor and outdoor pool, a patio with BBQs, and a dedicated parking lot for guests.

My Stay Experience

I stayed in a second-floor suite in a building that housed about five or six units total. Walking in, I was immediately amazed by just how spacious it was. The suite had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining area, a living room WITH a fireplace, in-unit laundry, and a balcony overlooking the harbor. The living room featured a beautiful window view of both the harbor and the Pell Bridge. The two bedrooms felt private, with its own entry and bathroom, and they weren't positioned right next to each other. The fully equipped kitchen and dining room rounded it all out and honestly took it to another level. I was thoroughly impressed!

My Honest Thoughts

The VIEWS!!! Simply unbeatable. Watching the Pell Bridge from sunrise to sunset was a highlight of my stay — the golden hour light hit it perfectly, and at night, all lit up, it was truly magical. Having a balcony to take it all in made it even better.

I spent a lot of time by the outdoor pool, which is very spacious with plenty of lounge chairs and an expansive patio. It wasn't quite warm enough to swim during my visit, but I was happy sitting on the patio soaking up the harbor views and even had lunch at one of the tables out there.

The suite itself was wonderful. Having a fully equipped kitchen was a huge bonus, especially since finding gluten-free options when dining out can be a challenge. I did enjoyed dining out in Newport but loved being able to store leftovers in the fridge. The dining room off the kitchen had a direct view of the harbor, and I found myself working at that table most of the time, even though there was a dedicated workspace in the living room — the view was just too good to resist! The weather was gorgeous throughout my entire stay, but honestly, even if it hadn't been, the suite would have been perfect. It has that "home away from home" feeling, with all the space and comfort you could ask for.

Why Should You Stay There?

Location. As mentioned, the resort is just steps from Thames Street shopping, which made it so easy to explore without the hassle of getting in the car and hunting for a parking spot. At the same time, it's set back just enough from the bustle to feel quiet and tucked away — the best of both worlds.

Security. The resort is very well secured. Guests receive a key card at check-in that's required to access any of the buildings, and the entire property is fenced in. I actually got a firsthand lesson in just how secure it is — there's a coastal access path open to the public that's visible from the resort, and as a photographer, I was eager to get out there to capture the harbor. I walked the perimeter looking for a direct way onto the path, but there wasn't one. I ended up having to leave the resort and cut through a baseball field next door to reach it. It sounds like more of an inconvenience than it was but it gave me even more appreciation for how well-protected Wellington is.

Parking. (Free!) My visit fell during the off-season, just before Memorial Day weekend, so parking wasn’t terrible yet — but this is a standout perk during the summer months, when finding a spot in Newport can be a real headache! The resort provides parking passes exclusively for guests.

How to Book A Stay at Wellington Resort

Please book a room at their website here.

A heartfelt thank you to Wellington Resort for the collaboration. The breathtaking harbor views, the spacious suite, and the warm hospitality made this an unforgettable stay. I truly loved my stay in Newport!

Read more from Newport, RI:

Scenes from Newport, RI

USS Texas Homecoming 5/1/2026

USS Texas returned to Groton, CT on Friday May 1, 2026 from a deployment. It was a beautiful spring day with blue sky and clouds to make a dramatic back drop.

There was a LOT of activity on Thames River while waiting for USS Texas. I saw a fishing vessels, many birds, Enviro-Lab (Project Oceanology’s “floating” classroom) and USCG Eagle. The Eagle departure was unexpected for me so it was a nice surprise!

The tug boat is always a sign of submarine coming — still excites me to see it!

The tug helped USCG Eagle to leave the dock near Fort Trumbull in New London, CT so I think USS Texas waited out in the water for the tug boat to be available to assist them. The Eagle departed for their summer tour down south and will make its way back up to New London in August.

There were no families of the sailors waiting for the submarine at Eastern Point Beach so it was quiet. They all waited at the Sub Base. It gave me plenty more angles that I normally wouldn’t been able to capture because of the people standing there. Some people who were enjoying the spring day at the beach were excited to spot the submarine.

USS Texas made it way past the New London Ledge Lighthouse down to the sub base. The last photo is at a different location further down the river — you can see that they put the wreath on. It is a homecoming tradition, the colors of the wreath varies. Also sometimes you would see a specific flag to the submarine’s name.

At the other location, there was a group of few women waiting for their loved ones. I loved the patriotic outfits that they were sporting. They held up a sign to welcome home their sailor.

It truly never gets old to watch the homecomings and I’m so appreciative of the sailors and their families to make the sacrifices for us. Thank you USS Texas!

Mayflower II departure from Mystic, CT

Mayflower II departed Mystic, CT back to their home port of Plymouth, MA on Friday May 1, 2026. She had been at the Mystic Seaport Shipyard since December for her regular winter maintenance. See the photos: Mayflower II returns to Mystic for the winter.

It was a grey overcast day — perfect typical New England backdrop for the colorful Mayflower II to make her way back home.

I loved the Seaport skyline in the background from this angle.

The tugboats might not get as much love as Mayflower II does — but they definitely work hard to help transport this historical vessel back home safely.

She made it through the drawbridge unscathed (if you know, you know!).

There were a lot of people who came out to watch her departure. A rower on the water sure had a unique viewpoint!

I loved how the grey skies made the colors of all boats really pop out!

At the time of this post, Mayflower II is already back home in Plymouth, MA and is opened to the public for tours. I need to make the drive up to Plymouth to tour the Mayflower. I’ve captured her many times now but never have stepped on her! That’ll have to change soon! She’ll be back to Mystic again in the future and I’ll look forward to watching her again!

Firefighter departure from Mystic

The historical retired fireboat, The Firefighter has been docked at Mystic Seaport Museum for few years now. They usually depart during the busy season to various summer destinations. At end of April, it departed from Mystic to their first stop in Greenport, NY. They will be traveling to Boston and New London before returning to Mystic in the fall. Keep updated with their schedule on their Facebook page, America’s Fireboat - FIRE FIGHTER.

I’m in awe that the historical vessel has the ability to be on the move. It doesn’t come easy as The Fire Fighter relies completely on donations. A full tank of gas for them in April 2026 would cost approximately $17 thousand! You can donate through their website or purchase their merchandise.

It was my first time being at the Seaport to watch The Fire Fighter leave. I’ve watched it from various points — Downtown Mystic and Noank. I thought I’d go to the Seaport for more angles to capture like with the Mystic Seaport Lighthouse.

I still had time (just barely!) to run to Downtown Mystic to capture it go through the drawbridge. It’s fun to see other people’s reactions to watching The Fire Fighter move. It always stops everyone in their tracks. They gaze with wonder. People pull out their phones to take photos or videos. The collective excitement for any boat that travels through Mystic is always contagious — and that’s why I love living here.

The Fire Fighter will be missed this summer. If you are in any of towns they visit — it’s highly recommended that you tour the vessel. The guides are always knowledgeable about the history and stories.

More photo stories of The Fire Fighter:

Walking the Decks of the Fire Fighter

Fire Fighter returns to Mystic (October 2024)

Spring Term at Yale

When I visit the cherry blossoms at Wooster Square Park, I always make a day out of it — so I visited Yale campus to see all the spring blooms! I’m forever in love with the gothic architecture of Yale. I’ve been there numerous times now and I still see something new each time!

This blue bicycle screamed spring!

I went to heaven when I spotted this magnolia tree. Magnolias are one of my most favorite flowers and this was perfect scene. The flower also was perfect peak! Nothing more dreamier than that spot on the bench under the tree — if I was a student, that would be my spot!

I had no intentions of going in the libraries this time but I never can resist! I went in Beinecke — home to rare books and manuscripts. I’m glad that I did because I was the only one in the entire place (of course, besides the security).

As I mentioned, I'm forever obsessed with the detailing of the Gothic architecture. I’m fascinated. Even the water sprout pole was fancy.

It was the perfect spring day in New Haven — I wish I had the energy to explore more but I was hangry after walking around Wooster Square Park and Yale. I grabbed some delicious pizza from Modern Apizza — only some offer gluten free options but it is GOOD! I love my visits to New Haven and I always look forward to my next day trip there!

A Spring Day in New Haven

It’s that time of year for the cherry blossoms in Wooster Square Park in New Haven, Connecticut! I love how this is becoming a new spring tradition. I decided to go early morning during the weekday since it tends to be least busy.

I love how I captured this man staring at the trees in awe and then eventually take his photos. All kinds of people walk through that park — families, couples, photographers, influencers, dog walkers, kids and many more. We all share that collective excitement for the cherry blossoms. There’s something beautiful about that!

I saw a photographer doing a photo shoot with a couple. I bet those photos will come out beautifully. It reminded me to take a selfie as I rarely take photos of myself.

There were no shortage of dogs in the park. My favorite had to be a basset hound pup who kept watching me photographing. I tried to get one of the cutie but unfortunately I couldn’t get him in focus (I’m sharing the photo anyways so you can see for yourself!).

There are a lot of lamps around the park. There’s only so many angles that I could capture year after year. I’ll have to be honest, I struggled creatively to take different angles and captures from years prior so it wasn’t my best photo walk. I still enjoyed the beauty of the cherry blossoms regardless. The temperature was perfect too — it felt like a summer day!

I’ll always suggest to walk down the side streets surrounding Wooster Square Park — you’ll find many beautiful homes and even more trees.

The residents of New Haven are so fortunate to have this beautiful park to enjoy on a daily basis while the cherry blossoms are around. The cherry blossoms are gorgeous and I'm always in awe of them every time.

Daffodil Days in Wickford, RI

Wickford, Rhode Island is a perfect day trip from Mystic — just under an hour's drive away. I discovered Wickford a few years ago and have never stopped coming back. It is an adorable village lined with historic homes and shops.

The charm of small-town life is definitely felt every time I visit. I spend a lot of time photographing, and the people are very friendly. I've had them suggest coming back to photograph a specific event or during a different season. I've now seen Wickford through all four seasons and it's hard to pick a favorite!

I went for the Daffodil Days that happen annually during April. It's a great kick-off spring event where decorated shops are opened, a walking tour with the local historian, horse-drawn carriage rides, music, fun activities for kids (petting zoo & sidewalk chalk art), and the best part… THE DAFFY DOG PARADE!

It was a small but absolutely adorable parade! Some dogs were decked out in yellow daffodil costumes or other spring-themed outfits. It lasted all of five minutes, but it left a smile on my face!

I walked around the village to admire the beautiful homes. Many owners had decorated their doorsteps with wreaths and flowers. I loved how one home was flying an Earth flag — it was the day after Artemis II splashed down from its moon mission. I’m sure the flag was up for upcoming Earth Day but the timing lined up perfectly.

At the end of Main Street, you'll find yourself at the docks among the fishing vessels. Most of the fleet was out for the day, though a couple of boats were working at the docks. One crew was busy sorting bait — yuck, I didn't photograph that one! I always find it fascinating to capture the details of fishing equipment up close.

There is no shortage of weathervanes in Wickford so remember to look up sometimes! I spotted a couple nautical ones that I loved! The sailboat one was very beautiful and I wanted to get one myself.

Wickford is always worth that day trip! I could easily spend the entire day there photographing all kinds of scenes, and I always make sure to grab a sandwich and coffee at Shayna's Place — it's so good! Best of all, several nearby towns like Newport, Narragansett, Wakefield, Point Judith make it easy to extend the adventure if you're not ready to head home.

Walking the Decks of the Fire Fighter

One day in April, I decided to tour The Fire Fighter fire boat docked at Mystic Seaport Museum. It wasn’t my first time but it never gets old to tour this amazing historical vessel. I’ve visited and photographed The Fire Fighter for years — from when she moved from Greenport, NY to New London then Mystic Seaport Museum.

I captured The Fire Fighter on the move in Noank, CT in September 2025.

The fire boat is currently docked at Mystic Seaport Museum until May 1, 2026. They are opened on the weekends for timed tours. It’s worth the tour as every guide I've had was very knowledgeable about the boat. The stories and history is fascinating. If you plan to tour — it is best to keep updated with their Facebook page, America’s Fireboat - FIRE FIGHTER for their hours and location. After May 1, they will be traveling to few destinations during the summer and return back to Mystic in the fall.

The plaque found inside of the fire boat.

I can’t describe the feeling I have when I walk around on The Fire Fighter. Walking the very same decks where history happened.

The bell used to be mounted on the front of The Fire Fighter but has been moved inside.

The bottom level of The Fire Fighter — the engine room. Everything that makes her run!

The cross on the pilot house door is a piece from World Trade Center. The Fire Fighter helped with recovery efforts during September 11th. It has the ability to pump 20,000+ gallons a minute, which made her the most powerful fireboat in the world. The Fire Fighter was the longest serving fireboat for New York, decommissioned in 2010. Only if the walls could talk, right?!

I loved the view of Charles W. Morgan ship from the bunker room. The journal log is a history artifact — very neat to see. At the end of the tour, you’ll see the Ship’s Store where you can purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, and objects. All proceeds go back to the fund to maintain The Fire Fighter and keep her going.

I’ve admired The Fire Fighter from first day that I saw her. I have a personal connection with firefighting so my appreciation probably runs high because of that. Still, it’s amazing to see a piece of history in my daily life of living in Mystic.

See more photos of The Fire Fighter:

Fire Fighter returns to Mystic

Hello Again, Mystic Seaport

After fifteen years of calling Mystic home, getting a membership at Mystic Seaport was a no-brainer. It's one of those places I never tire of — whether I'm wandering the historic grounds, watching the ships, or just soaking in the views along the water. Over the past few years I've photographed countless scenes here, and somehow every visit still manages to surprise me with something new to capture. The 2026 season opener (it is opened year-round but full grounds opened on the first day of spring) was no exception. It was the dramatic sky that made me grab my camera and go. A windy welcome back but so worth the visit!

Plan your visit with my local guide to Mystic Seaport Museum.

This sailboat weathervane welcomes me every time I walk into the Seaport.

One of my favorite things about the Seaport is that you can actually see Downtown Mystic from the grounds. It’s great to admire the views without the summer traffic that clogs the drawbridge and beyond. With the dramatic sky, the buildings of downtown practically jumped out against the clouds. It made for some of the most striking views.

And there was the Mayflower II. She's been docked at the Seaport this past winter for some touch-up work before heading back to Massachusetts later this spring — and it’s always a treat to see her. She's such a colorful, striking vessel, and against that dramatic sky she looked absolutely incredible.

I also made a point to pop into the shipyard to see if any work was going on. There's something truly admirable about the people here — the dedication it takes to preserve and restore the historical vessels that pass through the Seaport is remarkable. Unfortunately it seemed like I'd caught the lunch hour, because the yard was quiet.

The moment I opened the door, that smell — fresh cut wood — hit me instantly and transported me somewhere I hadn't been in a long time. Growing up, my grandfather had a wood shop. I'd wander in to visit him, and that warm, familiar scent was always there. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it until that very moment. That alone made the visit worth it.

I couldn't choose just one photo of Sabino so here’s two! She won't be cruising until around Memorial Day, and right now she's stripped down, benches gone, everything pulled away for her off-season work. It was a little strange to see her so bare, but also a reminder of just how much effort goes into keeping these vessels looking their best year after year. As a photographer, I greatly appreciate that! It’s easy to photograph when those vessels look amazing as they do.

I spotted the row boats belonging to Stonington Crew, and it was bittersweet. For the past few years they've been rowing out of the Seaport while their boathouse has been under construction — and now that construction is nearly complete. It's wonderful news for them, but there's something quietly sentimental about knowing this chapter at the Seaport is drawing to a close. Wishing Stonington Crew all the best as they move into the new boathouse.

Dinghy galore. I rounded a corner and there they were, everywhere I looked. Many of them were mid-repaint, fresh color being laid on in preparation for the season ahead. Navigating through them was its own little adventure, carefully stepping and dodging to avoid brushing up against wet paint. Dinghies are one of my absolute favorite subjects to photograph — the shapes, the colors, the way they sit so simply and yet say so much.

The Dyer Dhows sat quietly near the sailing school, patiently waiting for the season to begin. Before long, those bright and colorful sails will be back out on the Mystic River, dotting the water with life and movement. I'm already looking forward to capturing it.

Mystic Seaport never runs out of stories to tell. Every corner holds something worth pausing for — that's the magic of this place. The seaport has been part of my life for fifteen years and somehow it still finds new ways to inspire me. I can't wait to see what the rest of the 2026 season brings!

Mystic in the Fog

Just before spring arrived, Mystic gave us a preview — a day swallowed almost entirely by fog. It settled in thick and stayed. Driving along the river and around every bend, there were a few scenes worth stopping for.

At Mystic River Park, I caught the bridge disappearing into the fog — very dreamlike! What made the shot even better was a lone figure on the bridge photographing the same fog I was. Besides the two of us, the park was completely empty. The temperature cooperated perfectly too.

By evening, the fog had finally burned off and blue skies peeked through the clouds. Foggy days are a great reminder for me to slow down and sit with the stillness, especially living in a town that rarely stops moving!

Colby & Dartmouth: A Photo Journal

There is something uniquely captivating about college campuses — the architecture, the history, the sense that something important has happened here and continues to happen. It's why I always make a point to seek them out on my travels. During a recent stay in Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, I had to drive up to Dartmouth College in Hanover and stumbled across the charming Colby-Sawyer College in nearby New London. I'm endlessly drawn to the diversity of architectural styles at college campuses.

There's another reason I keep finding myself on college campuses: my love for the libraries. They are almost always stunning — grand, quietly dramatic spaces that seem to take their purpose seriously in the best possible way. I'll admit I tend to stick out, wandering through the stacks with a camera in hand and occasionally earning a puzzled look or two from students buried in their books. But it's always worth it. The captures I walk away with never disappoint.

My visit to Dartmouth College began with a striking first impression: the Baker-Berry Library, framed perfectly from The Green. Standing there taking it all in, I found myself imagining how breathtaking the view will be once the trees burst into bloom this spring.

Inside, the library's charm! The rich dark woodwork and walls lined with aging books gave the space a timeless, scholarly vibes. A moment of serendipity came when a book with the Dartmouth logo happened to be jutting out from the shelf right in front of me — as if placed there just for the photo.

What surprised me most was the quiet. For a Friday, the library was empty. As I am Connecticut-based who frequents Yale, I'm used to its libraries buzzing with activity at all hours. It was only later that I learned just how much smaller Dartmouth's student population is compared to Yale's.

Dartmouth had been on my list for a long time — along with every other Ivy League campus — but I hadn't done much research before arriving, still half-unsure whether I'd actually make it there at all.

One of the highlights was stumbling upon the Rauner Library, Dartmouth's special collections home to rare and historic books — think Beinecke at Yale, but with its own distinct character. What struck me most were the ceiling details and the wonderful brightness of the space.

Of all the buildings I encountered on campus, this one captivated me the most. I found myself puzzling over its purpose the entire time — was it a dormitory, or an academic building? It wasn't until I got home and did a little digging that I had my answer: it houses Dartmouth's foreign languages departments.

These were just a few of the beautiful buildings I managed to capture during my time on campus. One detail that particularly caught my eye was the recurring use of dark green shutters against the brick facades — a simple but distinctive touch that gives Dartmouth its cohesive, classic New England character.

I have no doubt I missed plenty more, between not knowing my way around and being pressed for time. It only leaves me with more reason to return. A visit during the height of spring blooms or peak fall foliage is already on my mind — this will certainly not be my last time at Dartmouth.

Just a short walk from campus, there was a charming little Main Street, lined with restaurants, shops, and local businesses. Along the way, I popped into a bookstore and a couple of gift shops before making my way to the Dartmouth College store — where a mug seemed like the perfect memento to bring home.

Another college campus I visited was Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH. My stay was only twenty minutes away and I took an impulsive drive through the town. I had no idea what to expect but the college caught my eyes. The brick buildings, crisp navy blue shutters, and a classic steeple made for exactly the kind of picturesque New England scene I can never resist. It is a small liberal arts and sciences college, enrolling somewhere between 900 and 1,200 students, which gave the campus a quiet, intimate feel.

But the best part? The trees dotting the campus were hung with sap buckets — countless ones at that. It just so happened to be New Hampshire Maple Weekend, and the timing could not have been more perfect. It was one of those small, serendipitous details.

What made this trip so special was the unknown. I am usually a planner, but sometimes stepping away from the itinerary and embracing the unexpected gives you a new kind of appreciation. I left New Hampshire with a full camera roll, a new Dartmouth mug, and a deep appreciation for a corner of New England I had long overlooked.

Lake Sunapee, NH during the Off-Season

There's something magical about having a place to yourself in the off-season. Staying at Hideaway Inn at Mt. Sunapee, I spent my days exploring the lakes nearby. On my first evening in town, I set out to find somewhere along the water to shoot the sunset. I was drawn to a dock that opened up to a view of a small lighthouse — one I hadn't expected to find there. I hit the brakes the moment I spotted it. A handful of beautiful lake houses lined the shore, and the whole scene had that calmness.

On my way to Mt. Sunapee, I passed Newbury Beach in Newbury Harbor. There was a small beach but covered in snow and ice. I enjoyed the scenery from here despite the cold and overcast skies. The highlight? Spotting a river otter running across the ice then diving into the water!

My favorite spot was probably Lake Sunapee Beach. I came back a couple of times before finally capturing a good sunrise. The view of the lake houses was lovely, and the lake was still frozen solid — enough that a man ventured out to ice fish. It was something to watch. I even braved the ice myself (only about 50 feet from shore, if I'm being honest) and found myself suddenly wishing I'd brought skates.

Driving around Lake Sunapee gave me some beautiful homes to admire. I loved the stone barn-style residence crowned with a chicken weathervane, a classic red barn with a cow weathervane, and one property with a charming collection of retro gas pumps. A few roadside waterfalls broke up the drive, especially cool with the rocks around them glazed in ice.

March may be the off-season, but my Lake Sunapee adventure was very peaceful. It was beautiful and left me curious about what this corner of New Hampshire looks like when the whole area comes back to life in summer.

Slow Down and Stay at Hideaway Inn Mt. Sunapee

I didn’t choose Hideaway Inn Mt. Sunapee — it chose me! I tend to gravitate towards the shoreline, but a retreat to New Hampshire sounded appealing. Sometimes the fun experiences are the ones you never thought to plan. Tucked away near Mt. Sunapee, it was a gentle reminder that New England isn’t limited to the coast. I ended up having a slow-paced staycation that turned out to be exactly what I needed.

Hideaway Inns

Nestled at the base of Mt. Sunapee, the hotel sits steps from both the ski resort and Lake Sunapee. The decor celebrates the best of both worlds — a playful blend of ski lodge and lakeside camp, brought to life through retro touches and a bold palette of orange and green. Choose from a range of accommodations: 1-king rooms, double queen rooms, a king-plus-two-twins layout perfect for families, and spacious two-bedroom suites. Beyond the room, unwind in the cozy living room by the toasty fireplace, splash around in the indoor heated pool, have fun in the game room, or let the little ones loose in the dedicated kids' playroom.

My Stay Experience

I stayed in a king room on the third floor, and the cleanliness of the room impressed me. My window looked out over a large space behind the hotel. During one afternoon, I saw a woman playing with her dog on the lawn, which was a lovely scene. One of the hotel's standout features is its direct-to-door check-in. Before arrival, I received a room code by text — no front desk, no waiting, no fuss. I pulled up, went straight to my room, and was settled within minutes. As someone who is Deaf, this was particularly meaningful. Not having to navigate an interaction with someone unfamiliar with Deaf communication made the arrival experience seamless and welcoming.

My Honest Thoughts

Hideaway Inn was the first hotel where I didn't feel the need to stay in my room. It was fun to wander around. I kept finding myself in the living room by the fireplace or in the game room playing the Pac-Man machine. The arcade games carried a wonderful sense of nostalgia.

I loved how the hotel had vending machines stocked with drinks and snacks, plus a machine dispensing coffee and hot cocoa. With the living room just steps away, it was easy to grab a cup of hot cocoa and sink into the couch by the fire.

Since sunrises and sunsets are my thing. I found myself at Lake Sunapee Beach which practically was in the backyard of Hideaway Inns. Despite the off-season, there were still views to admire. One morning I spotted a man ice-fishing out on the frozen lake. It was neat to watch!

Why Should You Stay There?

I’ll be upfront — I’ve never skied a day in my life. I didn’t feel out of place being at Hideaway Inns. I loved the ability to move around the hotel. There are plenty of spaces, including those for work-from-home. I even spotted a man quietly working one day while his family went skiing. It didn’t feel claustrophobic and the other guests were friendly.

Did I mention it’s dog friendly? That alone earns high marks in my book. I brought along my 13 years old Dalmatian and this trip was perfectly suited to her pace. She’s slowing down on adventures these days, so a relaxed staycation surrounded by the beauty of New Hampshire’s landscape was just right. Traveling with my doghter meant all of my meals were take outs. The hotel’s many common spaces made for lovely impromptu dining spots.

For skiers, the location is unbeatable with it being right by Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort. I discovered a perk by accident when I was sitting by the front entrance, a bus pulled up and the driver came in to ask if I was waiting for a lift to the mountain. I had no idea that shuttle service was an option but it’s thoughtful for the skiers. Lake Sunapee Beach is equally close — cut through the lawn, follow the road and you’re there at the beach. For meals, the Irish pub sharing the hotel’s parking lot meant good food is always within reach.

How to Book A Stay at Hideaway Inns

Please book a room at their website here.

For full transparency, this was a collaboration. When I agree to do collaborations, I base my decisions on places the same way I would for my own stay. I was gifted a stay at Hideaway Inns in exchange for an authentic account of my experience. Thank you to Hideaways Inn for this opportunity.

New Hampshire Maple Weekend

I have one non-negotiable: maple syrup on everything. We're talking lemonade, meatballs, fish sauce, pancakes and many more. Mid-March usually brings Maple Weekend across the New England region. It’s when the maple farms open to the public for tours, activities, and free samples. I've always taken part in this tradition in Connecticut, but this year I found myself in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Maple Weekend was no different. I visited a few sugarhouses around the Lake Sunapee area where I was staying. The only noticeable difference from Connecticut? The free maple samples were all served WARM!

Here are some sugarhouses I visited:

My first stop was Harding Hill Farm in Sunapee, NH — a beautiful property with a charming farm store and a glimpse into the room where the maple magic happens. They were serving up a Maple Weekend pancake breakfast, and the place was absolutely buzzing with visitors. A small but lovely touch: the bottles featured an illustration of Lake Sunapee right on the label.

My next stop was Will A Way Maples in Newbury, NH. I'd had my eye on their vanilla-infused maple syrup, but when I arrived — the selection was even more impressive than expected. Easily the widest variety I've come across. I ended up choosing the campfire and cinn-vanilla flavors. And as a bonus, I got to meet their adorable pup.

More adorable dogs greeted me at Windy Top Sugarhouse in North Sutton, NH. This sugarhouse had a more intimate feel, which made for a much more personal experience with the makers themselves. They were very welcoming. Before I left, I had new recommendations for nearby sugarhouses to add to my list.

I usually stick to a planned list, but sometimes a roadside sign is all it takes to make a detour worthwhile. That was the case with Meetinghouse Maple in South Sutton, NH, which turned out to be my longest stop of the day. I lost track of time chatting with the makers and learning about the maple season in New Hampshire — they mentioned that the sap had only just begun to run. It's a fascinating contrast to Connecticut, where the season had already wrapped up entirely.

Maple Weekend isn't just about farm tours — local businesses get in on the fun too, with maple-themed food all around. Here's a look at some of the treats I tried and where you can find them.

Overall, it was a wonderful Maple Weekend in New Hampshire, and I came away having learned more than ever about the craft behind the syrup. I have such admiration for the dedicated people who make it all possible. If you're looking for a great getaway, I can't recommend New Hampshire enough — the maple farms are plentiful (and yes, far more than Connecticut!).

Mystic Irish Parade 2026

Every year I look forward to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Mystic, Connecticut. I always enjoy photographing the moments. It started to drizzle halfway through the parade but it didn’t deter people from having fun. This was captured during the 2026 Mystic Irish Parade. Please make request here for a free copy of photo(s) of yourself, your loved one or your pets and I will email you one without the watermark!

Much appreciation to the law enforcement that keeps Mystic safe! I was impressed that even police departments from out of the area came to support our local departments.

You can’t have a parade without the firetrucks! I love the classic trucks from Yantic, Groton Long Point and Westerly. Of course, it was good to see the Westerly Santa again!

Plenty of cute dogs were in the parade and some as spectators!

I snapped some fun shots of parade participants and the crowd:

Organizations from Mystic area participated in the parade. Many thanks to the Mystic Irish Parade Board who worked hard to make this fun event happen every year for all of us. Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Noank Library, Mystic Garden Club. Mystic Seaport float promoted their upcoming Lego exhibit.

St. Patrick’s Day can only mean one thing — time for the bagpipes! Many groups come from all over to Mystic to play some tunes. Mystic Highland Pipe Band, Mystic Pipes & Drums, Middletown PBA Pipes and Drums, Mattatuck Drum Band, New London Firefighters Pipes & Drums, Newport AOH Pipes & Drums, Police Pipes and Drums of Waterbury, CT, Rhode Island Highlanders, Rhode Island Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drums and Stony Creek Drum Corps.

More moments with our parade participants:

We even had some witches!

Fitting that the final photo brings us back to the boat from the very beginning. The fun crew were willing to pose for a photo!

Past Mystic Irish Parade Galleries:

Mystic Irish Parade 2025

Mystic Irish Parade 2024

USS South Dakota Homecoming 2/20/2026

It was a rainy homecoming for USS South Dakota who returned to the sub base in Groton, Connecticut after a deployment. That didn’t stop some people from gathering at Eastern Point Beach to welcome them home.

After Eastern Point Beach, I drove to a different spot to see the submarine up close. As usual, the sub vets were there with the cannon and flags to salute the sailors. I was able to capture a veteran pulling the cannon which made a cool action photo.

Thank you to the sailors of USS South Dakota and the families. If anyone would like the photos — please message me for a photo without watermark for no cost.

Rockport, MA in the Quiet Months

Visiting Rockport, Massachusetts in the off season is a hidden gem experience. Without the tourists, you can wander the narrow streets of Bearskin Neck at your own pace and enjoy uninterrupted ocean views along the rocky shoreline. You get a more authentic sense of the community that makes Rockport so special.

I loved the solitude of wandering around seeing the snow covered shoreline. The quietness of shuttered shops. I felt like I had Rockport all to myself. Don’t ever let the off-season stop you from traveling to a destination. I hope the photos of Rockport shows you why!

Lucky for me, there were still boats in the water to photograph. I had wondered before I came to Rockport if I’d be limited in photographing the boats. As you know, winter does not stop the fishermen — I was able to watch a couple of them at work loading & unloading the gear.

I got up early every morning at sunrise. The beautiful pink sky over the Rockport Harbor was very serene. I watched a fishing boat go out. I went all over Rockport Harbor and Bearskin Neck to photograph the village with the blue twilight that came after sunrise. I drove around Rockport shoreline and came across the Cape Ann twin lighthouses (I had no idea!). This is why it’s worth sometimes to drive around aimlessly with no destination!

The shuttered shops during the off-season felt like they all were in hibernation. The streets are empty. The snow covered entrances. The town feels peaceful but it won’t be long before spring stirs the town back to life.

In the off season, Rockport is much slower. It’s every photographer’s dream. It allows more space to notice the small details like textures of weathered wood. Visiting during the quiet season isn’t missing out — it is an experience that you won’t forget. I’ve never felt more connected to the coast.

Gloucester, MA Harbor Sunset

Over Valentine’s Day weekend, I stayed in Rockport, Massachusetts. I popped over to the neighboring town of Gloucester — known as the oldest seaport. There is no shortage of fishing vessels everywhere. There was a downtown with restaurants, shops and businesses. I had a stroll around to check out the bookstore, antiques shops and some clothing stores. Where I parked the car was near the City Hall that had this beautiful boat weathervane.

I came across this spot last time I visited Gloucester during the holidays to see the lobster trap Christmas tree AND the menorah. It overlooks the water with some fishing vessels. It’s a small spot but plentiful photogenic scenes to capture.

Gloucester has a beautiful fishermen memorial dedicated to those lost to the sea. Unfortunately at the timing of my visit, it was recent that Gloucester lost F/V Lily Jean with 8 souls on board. People left flowers and notes to remember those lost.

Right by the memorial, there is a beautiful walkway overlooking the harbor. You can see the lighthouse. I’ve always seen boats in the water no matter the timing of the year. There is parking right along the walkway so it’s always somewhat busy. I definitely see a lot of dog walkers.

It was a great spot to be there for the sunset. The sky was beautiful and the water glowed with the twilight of the last light. The statue made a great focus with the sunset behind it.

Gloucester is still somewhat new to me and I know I have a lot more to explore. From what I have seen, it’s worth the visit. I look forward to discovering more of this city.

Fishin' for Love in Rockport, MA

I spent Valentine’s Day weekend in Rockport, Massachusetts. There was no shortage of red around the town! The iconic Motif 1 fishing shack is always a perfect photographic scene in Rockport Harbor.

It was fun to focus on red objects around Rockport! The Motif 1 birdhouse is a popular object that I kept spotting around town (there’s even replica of Motif 1 mailboxes too!). The buoys were plentiful everywhere. I love the pop of colors on them.

Valentine’s Day weekend in Rockport was very quiet as it was the off season. Many stores were closed but it was peaceful to stroll around the town. A lot of pups were walking around with their owners, I spotted a man and his dog both wearing red coats so I had to capture them. The adorable coastal fishing village is full of so many scenes to capture.

I caught The Motif 1 with a beautiful pastel sunset — making it really stand out, especially the colorful buoys. It was no surprise that I spotted a few other photographers out. It’s amazing how many scenes I’ve captured with Motif 1 now. It never gets old!