Beyond Mystic

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.

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!).

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!

A Charming Valentine’s Weekend at Addison Choate Inn in Rockport, MA

Last summer I discovered another New England town — Rockport, Massachusetts located north of Boston. It was only a 2 and half hour drive from Mystic, CT where I am based. I immediately fell in love with the town. The coastal fishing village was every photographer’s dream. The issue I have with day tripping is that I don’t get to see the area at its fullest potential — sunrise, mid-day, sunset and even night time. So with that in mind, I knew I’d want to do an overnight stay in Rockport to photograph all the moments.

My Instagram friend, Haley from @TheConnecticutLife told me about Addison Choate, a boutique inn located in Rockport — literally within a walking distance of the harbor. For full transparency, I reached out to them to collaborate after researching to see if the inn genuinely aligned with my personal tastes and standards. When I do collaborations, I do pick places the same way I would for my own stay. I was gifted a two night stay at Addison Choate over Valentine’s Day weekend in exchange for an authentic account of my experience.

Addison Choate Inn

The boutique inn is in an adorable historical house (circa 1851) with 9 rooms. Each room has en suite bathrooms. It is three floors with some stairs (if you need accessibility, definitely book a room on the first floor). The website explains each room’s location in the inn which is helpful. The inn also had gone through a transformation and was modernized, but preserved the historical charm.

My Stay Experience

I stayed in Crow’s Nest on the 3rd floor. It is located on the top floor overlooking Rockport Harbor with a private entrance. The views from the large windows were the first thing I noticed as I entered the room. I loved how I could see the water! The bedroom had a king bed. The bathroom was beautiful with the white marble tiles. The living room came with a couch, a chair, a TV and a mini fridge. The room was very clean and organized. It was decorated so beautifully.

My Honest Thoughts

THAT BED IS SO COMFORTABLE. There is magic in that mattress. One morning after photographing the sunrise, I came back to the room to photograph the in-room moments. I captured myself writing in my journal in bed and then I ended up staying in bed resting. It was that comfy.

The blankets! They came from Denim Blanket Company, a local shop in the town. I used them as I was watching a movie on the couch. The ultra warm sherpa lined blankets were amazing. I never would’ve considered dropping that much on a blanket but trust me, those would be worth it. I have my eyes on a specific sold-out blanket and will be purchasing it as soon it’s back online.

Location, location, location. You really couldn’t beat the proximity to the harbor. I could see the water from the windows. For photographing the sunrises, I could roll out of bed and be at the harbor within 5 minutes via car. Keep in mind, I visited during winter when the sunrises were 20ish degrees outside. It was close enough that I could walk from the inn to the harbor if it was warmer!

Why Should You Stay There?

Free parking. I visited during the off-season when I didn’t have to worry about parking in town. During busier times where parking will be challenging, the inn provides free parking for the guests and it is an easy walk from the inn to the harbor.

The staff. I met one half of the owners — Marshall. He was very nice and friendly. Also made himself available to the guests via text. I found him to be very responsive. He was willing to answer any questions if I had any. The reviews from other guests reflect this. During my stay, the housekeeper came by to see if anything was needed.

The rooms. It was very clean and had everything you would need for the stay. It came with complimentary gifts — water bottles, tea, coffee pods and candies. Free WiFi and streaming services on TV. I enjoyed the comfortable Terry cloth robes!

How to Book A Stay at Addison Choate Inn

Please book a room at their website here.

A heartfelt thank you to Marshall of Addison Choate for the collaboration. The hospitality and attention to detail made this experience unforgettable. I truly loved my stay in Rockport!

December day at Chatham Fish Pier

I drove to Cape Cod for the day to see the holidays decor in Downtown Chatham and across the Cape. I had to stop by Chatham Fish Pier — a favorite photography spot. I was surprised to see a couple of seals despite no fishing vessels unloading fresh catch (when seals are most active!). I watched two boats come in with no catch.

The pier wasn’t as crowded as it normally is over the summer time — so there was only two other women with me. It was fun to watch their excitement to see the seals pop up. It never gets old to see those adorable faces in the water!

I had a wonderful day of seeing Cape Cod at Christmas time. I’ve officially been on Cape Cod for 3 out of 4 seasons now. Spring in Cape Cod next!

A New England Holiday in Rockport & Gloucester, MA

During Summer 2025, I visited Rockport and Gloucester, Massachusetts for the first time. Don’t ask me why it took this long — I'm wondering that myself. It’s a short 2 hours drive from Mystic, Connecticut so it was a perfect day trip destination. I fell in love with the town so much that I knew I'd be back soon. I decided it would be worth the trip to see the holiday festivities during December.

I stopped at Woodman’s of Essex first for lunch. The entire menu was gluten free (with exception of like two items). It was worth the stop — the fried shrimp was delicious. The staff were friendly! I will be back here whenever I’m in the area.

Rockport is one of the most beautiful towns I’ve seen during Christmas time. There were trees in boats everywhere! I loved it. The town had a tree in downtown, the Motif 1 had a wreath and there were even trees out on the floating dock.

When I wasn’t photographing, I strolled around the town and popped in some of the shops. I was worried that with it being winter, that many shops would be closed. I was pleasantly surprised that it was more of 50-50. All of my specific favorites that I shopped in from last summer were still opened. There were plenty to do so I didn’t find myself disappointed with the visit to Rockport.

Rockport at Christmas time honestly was stunning and I would recommend a visit. I’m even thinking to come back next season — maybe a new tradition?!

Gloucester is nearby Rockport so I had to stop by to see the lobster trap tree that inspired the one in Stonington, CT. It was so similar with a few differences — Gloucester had three entrances/exits while Stonington only had one. The buoys on Gloucester’s tree all were created by children. Stonington’s buoys are mostly from local artists in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Regardless, the tree was beautiful and I enjoyed seeing it in person. I went just before sunset and went back after sunset to see it both ways.

Another reason for my visit to Gloucester was to see the lobster trap menorah. I’ve known about it for years and have been wanting to see it! So worth the visit — it was amazing sight! The menorah is located next block to the Main Street with shops in Gloucester. I popped in some of the shops, the antiques shops were particularly fun to check out.

It was a fun day in Rockport & Gloucester, MA. I can’t wait for many more visits back to the North Shore of Boston.

Quiet November in Wickford & Galilee, Rhode Island

November was a very challenging month in my personal life. I’m fortunate that I have many options for somewhere to get away to within a hour from Mystic, Connecticut. I ended up going to Wickford and Galilee a few times this month.

I caught a beautiful sunset in Wickford one evening. I was thrilled to have dramatic clouds to capture! I was surprised that there were still sailboats in the water so lucky me! Usually all sailboats and boats are pulled out of the water by this time of the year in my area.

There’s no shortage of beautiful historical homes to appreciate in Wickford. I love that the owners take the time to maintain their houses and also decorate it seasonally. While I was photographing one of the homes, a resident passed by and suggested that I return during the holidays. I already have been and I concur with her recommendations.

Galilee, Rhode Island is another favorite spot to sit and watch fishing vessels come back in. It is a busy port — I've been there a few times and captured at least 3-4 boats each time. Maybe I was lucky with the timing! I almost always spot a seal too. November gave me a lot of peacefulness to capture and I hope you can feel it in the photos.

When Providence, Rhode Island Turns Amber

One weekend during early November, I took a day trip up to Providence, Rhode Island. I had a busy October chasing foliage all over New England and beyond. The foliage seems to arrive to cities last — namely Providence.

I stopped in Plant City first for lunch. I’ve always enjoyed every meal there. Located right next to the River Walk which is where I started the photography walk.

From River Walk, I headed into College Hill neighborhood up to Brown University. I was very fortunate that it seemed to be the perfect peak for the foliage in Providence. It was a stunning day!

After walking around Brown University — a beautiful college campus with buildings to admire, I had to go in Providence Athenæum. It is easily one of my top 5 favorite libraries. It is opened to the public with a pay-what-you-can donation (usually $5 is suggested). I can’t believe this library even exists, it is so gorgeous.

Ended the day with a drink from Dave’s Coffee. I’m a regular at the Charlestown location so it was fun to see a new-to-me location. The drink was perfect fuel for the drive back home to Mystic, Connecticut after a fun day in Providence.

Exploring the Legacy of the U.S. Navy Seabees in Rhode Island

With upcoming Veterans Day, I had to do a day trip to Seabees Museum and Memorial Park located in North Kingston, Rhode Island. My Poppop proudly served in the United States Navy Seabees from 1951-1954. He passed away at the age of 89 in 2019. I was inspired by his Navy background to learn more about the Seabees.

Seabees Museum and Memorial Park is a museum dedicated to those who served in the United States Navy Seabees. The museum contains many artifacts and tells history about Seabees’ roles. Seabees have been around for a few wars including WW II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War and in the Middle East.

The museum was very well organized, each section focusing on a specific time era. Outside of the museum, there are 6 acres of land with a few Quonset huts, a church and bunkers. There are souvenirs available for purchase inside. I picked up a Seabees coin and carry it around with me. Whenever I look at it, I will think of my Poppop.

It took approximately 1-2 hours to look around the entire museum and the property. If you want to make a day out of it… you could visit Naval War College Museum (pre-visit planning needed) and Artillery Co of Newport in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is a half hour drive from North Kingston.

More information about Seabees Museum:

Address: 21 lafrate Way, North Kingston, RI 02852

Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30am-2pm.

NOTE: The museum is non-profit ran by Seabees, their families and volunteers. Be sure to call ahead first if you’re visiting from out of the area.

Living the Stars Hollow Life: A Gilmore Girls Day in Connecticut

Over two decades ago, the TV show Gilmore Girls was introduced to the world. Following the life of a single mom, Lorelai and her teenager daughter, Rory living in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.

I never watched Gilmore Girls until they made the revival for Netflix in 2016. I had just moved to Connecticut a few years prior and the excitement for the revival intrigued me to watch. I binge watched and was instantly hooked! I watch Gilmore Girls on repeat all the time, especially every fall!

Not only do I binge watch the show during fall, but I also roadtripped to the real towns that inspired Stars Hollow! The writer of the show spent two weeks in Litchfield County when she got the inspiration for Stars Hollow. There’s not a definite ONE town, but a few that makes up Stars Hollow. I went on this Gilmore Girls trip twice, both times were mid-October. I recommend this time of year because you also get the enjoy the beautiful foliage in Northwestern Connecticut.

Washington Depot, CT.

Here’s a guide of how to have a Gilmore Girls day/weekend:

WASHINGTON DEPOT, CT

  • Mayflower Inn & Spa [Independence Inn]— The town of Washington gets the most recognition behind the inspiration of Stars Hollow because the writer stayed here. The grounds are stunning! I walked around the outdoor gardens. The screened porch off their restaurant is very dreamy! Don’t forget to look for the library nook.

  • Hickory Stick bookshop [Stars Hollow Books]— A small cozy bookstore that gave the vibes of bookstore that Rory frequented. They even had a small section for Gilmore Girls fans!

  • Washington Supply Co. [Luke’s Diner]— If you recall, Luke’s Diner originally was a hardware store when his dad owned it prior to his passing.

  • Washington Food Market [Doose’s Market]— The small town grocery store looks very similar to Doose’s Market.

  • Titus Park and Garage [Gipsy’s garage] — I stumbled upon this garage when I popped in a store nearby. It reminded me of Gipsy’s garage!

Mayflower Inn & Spa.

Hickory Stick Bookshop.

Washington Food Market.

Titus Park and Garage.

Washington Supply Co.

I found Washington, CT to have the small town charm that Stars Hollow portrayed on the show. The people were very friendly. On the day I visited there happened to be a farmer’s market! Don’t forget to stop in the Five Janes store for some Gilmore Girls merch.

Washington Farmers Market. Held on Saturdays 10am-1pm from June to November.

NEW MILFORD, CT

  • Gazebo — The gazebo on the town green in New Milford is very picturesque. I loved how it was dressed up with fall decor!

  • Canterbury School [Chilton] — The prep school resemblances Chilton, the school that Rory attended. The street takes you directly into the middle of the campus, you can see the gorgeous buildings from the car.

  • Theo’s Downtown Diner [Luke’s Diner]— There’s a long counter with stools to sit on just like Luke’s Diner. It had the small town vibes, there were many locals enjoying their breakfast or lunch with COFFEE!

  • First Congregational Church — Stars Hollow had a white church with tall steeple. While all towns I visited had at least one church, I thought this one was the most similar!

New Milford gazebo.

One of the buildings at Canterbury School.

I loved New Milford, but it is bigger than what Stars Hollow would be. I got a taste of the locals life in New Milford when I saw another farmer’s market and kids collecting donations for their football team. The layout of this downtown reminded me the most of Stars Hollow. There were plenty of restaurants, shops and businesses to visit.

KENT, CT

Book sale at Kent Memorial Library. The sale runs every weekend from Memorial Day until October.

I loved visiting this small town. There was a small town green where a political rally was taking place the day I visited - maybe they’re working on Jackson’s run for Mayor of Kent?! It was also a surprise to find a huge book sale at the library. My inner Rory could’ve spent hours looking through the books! I got a few books, of course. I popped into the local bookstore down the street from the library called House of Books. It is a beautiful curated bookstore. Kent had a small main street, but there were a few shops and restaurants. There was a church on the corner too.

WOODBURY, CT

One of many antiques shops in Woodbury.

Mentioned several times on Gilmore Girls, I had to stop in this town. It’s not far from Washington. Woodbury has an antiques trail where there are 10+ antiques shops. Most of them are located on Route 6, but you won’t come across anyone like Mrs. Kim!

LITCHFIELD, CT

Loving fall in Litchfield, CT.

This town is often mentioned as part of Gilmore Girls trip around Connecticut. I didn’t really see anything that jumped out at me with Stars Hollow vibes. It is a beautiful town to visit, so I wouldn’t discourage you to skip it. Check out the Tapping Reeve House & Law School!

NEW HAVEN, CT

Yale University.

The home of the bulldogs - go Yale! It’s highly recommended that you stop in New Haven, although you could easily take an entire day to explore it. So if you have more than a day to roadtrip around Northwestern CT and if you’re up for another hour drive down to New Haven, go check it out. The campus is stunning and beautiful, I always love to photograph the details, especially during fall!

I throughly enjoyed doing this Gilmore Girls roadtrip around Connecticut. While in Washington and New Milford, I ran across many others who were doing the same thing! The back roads that takes you from town to town are gorgeous and a great place to see the foliage. I loved how almost every town had the small town aesthetic with a church, gazebo, town green, libraries and a main street with shops/restaurants. It’s very quintessential New England!

"It’s just my favorite time of year. The whole world changes color.” - Lorelai Gilmore

Found a Lane St. in Kent, CT!

My Favorite Fall Towns to Visit in Connecticut

Happy Fall!

One of my most favorite seasons, especially with the foliage! I find myself visiting many towns over and over again in Connecticut. Here are some of my favorites:

Mystic, CT

As a local of Mystic, I may be biased. You can’t beat the beautiful foliage views on Mystic River! The peak is usually mid to late October.

Old Wethersfield, CT

During the month of October, they host the annual Scarecrows on Main event. I love seeing all the creativity! It is such a beautiful walkable neighborhood. The residents are always friendly.

Essex, CT

A picturesque town where the residents takes pride in maintaining the beautiful historical homes that lines the Main Street. There are also several shops that you can pop in and peek around. I highly recommend to walk down to the waterside by Connecticut River Museum to see the ducks and enjoy the foliage views.

Washington, CT

Known as the town that inspired Gilmore Girls, it is a beautiful small town with that Star Hollows charm! I enjoy every time I’ve visited Washington and never been disappointed. Read more suggestions about Washington + surrounding towns in Litchfield County here.

Stonington, CT

It’s a beautiful town to visit year-round, but there’s something special about fall in the borough. The historical homes are decorated with pumpkins, the crispy leaves falling on the ground and foliage on the water.

New Haven, CT

It’s always a must to walk around Yale Old Campus during fall. I look forward to this tradition every first weekend of November. It is just stunning with the backdrop of the gothic architecture.

There are many more beautiful towns in Connecticut that didn’t get mentioned, I’m sure. Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments below!

Southern Maine in a Day

While I vacationed in Seacoast New Hampshire, I woke up one morning for sunrise at Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine. This lighthouse had been a popular one to be photographed and shared on social media. It perches on its own island and is very photogenic. The morning I went, unfortunately the sunrise wasn’t as colorful but it was still beautiful!

From Nubble lighthouse, I wasn’t ready to go back to the campground so I drove up to Kennebunkport. It is a favorite that I’ve been to before a few times. However, it was first time during summer and in the early hours when the town was quiet. I loved walking around photographing the quietness. Kennebunkport reminds me of where I live — Mystic, Connecticut. Both towns are very different in their own ways but they both are a small town with that charm.

After walking around Kennebunkport, I worked up an appetite so I went to a favorite — Maine Diner located in Wells, Maine. I didn’t want to eat lunch in the parking lot (I had my pup with me!) so I googled coastal access and found Wells Harbor Community Park. There was a pavilion with plenty of tables. After I finished my lunch, I took a stroll on the beach and visited the Wells Harbor pier. I throughly enjoyed the low key day in Maine.

The photos were captured in York, Kennebunkport and Wells, Maine in September 2025. All photos are available for purchase. Please make request here.

Rye Until I Die: A Weekend Along the New Hampshire Coast

I visited the Seacoast New Hampshire for a long weekend. The campground I stayed at was just under 10 minutes from Rye Beach. I was fortunate that I could drive down there every evening for a sunset walk. I was amazed at the beautiful long and rocky coastline.

Each evening I spent at the beach felt like a love letter to the coast. Surfers trying to catch that perfect wave, the skies painted in beautiful pastel colors and the peacefulness. It gave me a sense of calm that I didn’t know I had been craving.

I parked at Jenness State Beach the first night then I realized that you could easily find free parking on Route 1A near any beach access. There also is a long scenic walking trail right by the coastline on Ocean Blvd. If you want to walk the trail, I suggest the parking lot across The Beach Plum on Ocean Blvd.

Rye Beach will be a special spot in my memories as it provided me what I needed at the right time and the beauty constantly took my breath away!

The photos were taken at the beaches in Rye, New Hampshire in September 2025.

Photos are available for purchase. Please make request here.