Whittle’s Farm is truly a gem in Mystic, Connecticut. I’ve been pumpkin patchin’ here for over a decade. I love to come back during a quiet hour without people around to capture everything FALL. There is never a shortage of pumpkins!
FireFighter returns to Mystic
Photographed on October 28, 2024 when FireFighter returned to Mystic Seaport Museum from maintenance work in Rhode Island.
A stay at Farmhouse Mystic
One thing about me is that I love to see how people decorate their homes. In Mystic, there are several Airbnbs and it’s always so interesting to see how the owners tie in Mystic into the theme of the home decor. Farmhouse Mystic was no expectation. I’ve followed Michelle, the owner of Farmhouse Mystic, for a couple years (Farmhouse started in 2022) and I’ve admired the beauty of the house through Instagram. Needlessly, I was thrilled to finally have the chance to stay there. Michelle graciously gifted me a two nights stay in the Farmhouse.
Farmhouse in Mystic, Connecticut.
ABOUT FARMHOUSE
Farmhouse is located in Mystic, within walking distance of Mystic Seaport and Downtown. A historical farmhouse built in 1876 with 3 bedrooms (4 beds) and 2 full bathrooms. It can welcome up to 8 guests who book for a minimum of 3 nights. A beautiful coastal farmhouse style is decorated throughout the home. The house has a sunroom, front porch, back patio, spacious yard with a bonfire pit and a private driveway.
Checking in!
The upstairs living room.
Beautiful natural light.
One of the three bedrooms.
The living room downstairs is well stocked with books!
MY FIRST IMPRESSION
It was easy to find the house. I was greeted by Michelle, who always greet every guest that stays at Farmhouse. She showed me around the house and made sure that I knew where everything was. She also explains about the attractions of the Mystic area to out of town visitors. She left me coffee/milk/cream, alcohol (beer/wine), and a seasonal treat! I don’t know if Michelle realizes how addicted I am to maple syrup but she left me maple flavored popcorn.
I was blown away by the beautiful details she put into this house. I saw a lot of Mystic throughout: books, wall prints, products from local businesses, and many more. I also loved the coastal farmhouse theme. I was in love with many objects around the house that I took notes for my home!
The house is very clean and well organized as things are labeled throughout the different rooms. Michelle makes herself available if her guests run into any issues.
Having dinner in the kitchen on the first night!
Artistic painting of Farmhouse.
The wrapped sunroom.
MY STAY
My favorite parts of the stay was the huge bathtub, the upstairs living room and the kitchen. I spent a lot of time eating in the kitchen and enjoying the beautiful natural lighting (no matter what time of the day). I took advantage of the bathtub both nights I was there for — Michelle even left a bottle of bubble bath! The living room upstairs is so beautiful that I was in awe of the decor. I enjoyed a good book at the end of the day on the cozy couch.
It was also difficult to pick which bedroom to stay in because they all were beautiful and inviting! Michelle showed me where the sun rises and sets, I picked the bedroom where the morning light would come in. During my stay, the full moon made its appearance so I fell asleep under it shining in, then woke up to the peaceful morning light!
I had some down time to look through the Farmhouse History Book. It contained the history of the house including property deeds and past owner through the years. There was also some historical information about the area and its notable figures. I loved that!
Always checking out the books selections!
Morning time with news and coffee.
Prepping for a bonfire.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT FARMHOUSE
During my stay at Farmhouse, I took a peek through the guest book (I always love to see what others have to say about their experiences!) and there was a common theme of: charming and quaint house, amenities it has to offer, comfortable place to relax, the details in the house. Many families have stayed here for college graduations (UConn Avery Point, Coast Guard Academy and Conn College). There were also many girls weekends/bachelorette weekends. One family even celebrated Thanksgiving there!
Endless compliments about the host! Michelle leaves personalized gifts for the guests. I read in the guestbook that she did a dinosaur hunt for a family with kids, put up holiday decors for a family who stayed there during the holidays and even had Coast Guard Academy cupcakes for a graduate’s family!!
On the Airbnb listing, the Farmhouse is highly ranked in the top 1% of homes based on reviews, ratings, and reliability. On VRBO listing, there’s a rating of 10 for exceptional. It is a guest favorite and one of the most loved homes in the Mystic area!
Enjoying the maple popcorn the host left for me!
WHY YOU SHOULD STAY AT FARMHOUSE
The location of Farmhouse is in an unbeatable location in Mystic. While it is close enough to Downtown, you still have space away from the bustle. It is in a quiet neighborhood. You have the choice to drive or walk to Downtown, it is about 6-10 minute walk (depending on where specifically). It’s also close to Mystic Seaport Museum where you can easily spend an entire day there.
Mystic is known for the restaurants. There are many nearby Farmhouse. If you enjoy Chinese, you’re right around the corner from Wokery in Mystic. A short walk to Lis Bake Shop for breakfast/coffee, Engine Room or Anthony J’s Bistro for lunch/dinner.
Michelle is the ultimate host (direct words from a guest’s comment). She truly has thought of all the amenities you would need for your stay. She goes beyond to include many little things you would’ve not thought of. I always have to travel with a lint roller (dog owners, if you know, you know!) and I do not recall ever seeing them in other stays that I’ve been to. With the bonfire pit in the backyard, there’s even s’mores kit (marshmallows, graham crackers, Hershey chocolates, Reeses cup and rice Krispies treats). The house didn’t have just the basics, but everything! That’s why it feels truly like home away from home.
Looking at the weather outside to decide what to wear for the day!
Morning in the kitchen.
One of products from local businesses in Mystic in the house.
I really enjoyed my stay at Farmhouse and it was hard to leave! I will look back at this stay as a great memory. I badly wanted to share about the stay WHILE I was there. I never do in real time due to safety reasons, but that’s how excited I was to share all about the Farmhouse! Thank you Michelle for being such a gracious host. All opinions are my own.
Got to see one of the most beautiful sunset from the front porch!
Cod-tober is my favorite season: Fall trip to Cape Cod
I’ve gone to Cape Cod for a few summers now and I knew I’d want to come back to see it during fall. I made the trip during a long weekend in October 2024. This is what my weekend looked liked:
Day 1
Chatham is my favorite town to walk around on the Cape. The downtown was festive with pumpkins decorated everywhere - the church had an adorable pumpkin patch too! I came across the Witch Paddle at the nearby beach which was a fun surprise!
When I stay on the Cape, I’m in Brewster and minutes away from the beach. I’ve always gone to the beach for every sunset. This particular sunset was amazing with the golden hour light AND my pup was welcomed to be on the beach (usually no dogs allowed during summers).
Day 2
Chatham Fish Pier is probably my most favorite spot in Chatham. I had to go there at sunrise. There’s always something to photograph. The fishing vessels, the low tide, beautiful colors of sand/water in the distance, and even the seals! It never fails to see something amazing there.
General stores on the Cape are adorable! I particularly love Brewster General Store and Pleasant Lake General Store in Harwich. Both towns are lovely to drive around. There are plenty of antique shops in Brewster.
It’s a tradition with every visit to the Cape, to do a beach bonfire. You are allowed to do a beach bonfire on Cape Cod National Seashore beaches with a special permit you can get from the Visitor Center (over phone or in person). The seals always make an appearance during the bonfire — it’s so cute!
Day 3
It rained all day so it was a low key day indoors until sunset. The clouds started to break at sunset so I ran over to Brewster Beach in hopes of a colorful sky. I didn’t get one but it was pretty to capture the stormy mood at the beach and I was surprised with plenty of piping plover birds everywhere!
Day 4
Before departing Cape Cod, I had to see a sunrise so I drove over to Bank Street Beach in Harwichport. I was not disappointed! Gorgeous colors in the sky. I’ve never ever seen this amount of horseshoe crabs in my life. There were several piping plovers again.
It was such a memorable weekend! The Cape is truly beautiful during any season. I got a lot more of time on the beach during the fall trip because my pup was allowed. I enjoyed seeing more of the sunrises/sunsets on the Cape. Until next time!
All photos are available for purchase. Please make request here.
Deaf + Mental Health Access
September is Deaf Awareness month. It also is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
I’m going to talk about an important topic that combines of those two themes… Deaf and Counseling. Many of Deaf/Hard of Hearing people are still struggling to this day to find appropriate help. The issue is… accessibility.
Let’s go back to my childhood. I grew up in a rural Upstate New York community. I struggled a lot being the only Deaf student in my mainstreamed school. From Kindergarten to Grade 4, I was in special education with other Deaf students that also had more disabilities. When I was going into Grade 5, I transferred to the local elementary school. I was the only Deaf student. I wanted to go to same school as my brother and my neighbors. To this day, I don’t regret that decision but it was a very isolated life for me as a Deaf student.
That was a big change in my life so my parents took me to see a counselor. There had been no Deaf counselors available in my area. The counselor I was taken to see was hearing with no background/experience in the deaf world. So a second person, an interpreter, was brought in. Which again, happens to be the same interpreter that was with me at school daily. I lived in a small town, it was impossible to find more interpreters. Imagine the awkwardness of having someone you see daily at your counseling appointments. My interpreter and I had a very close relationship, it was like having a family member sitting in the sessions with me. I recall only talking about the typical drama with my friends, never really opened up about deeper feelings related to my challenges/frustration with being deaf. It also wasn’t only because of my interpreter being there, but why would a hearing person understand my life as a Deaf person?
My parents tried to find a Deaf counselor. My dad even wrote a letter to someone. It didn’t work out because back then, without computers and video conferencing, it wasn’t feasible. I didn’t continue with the counselor for too long. I didn’t have a counselor during my middle school years. In my high school years, the isolation got even worse. I was still the only Deaf student. I no longer had the same friends. It was tough for me to make new friends. The closest Deaf kids that I knew of were at least an hour away. I struggled a LOT during high school. I definitely felt depressed. I didn’t feel like I had a normal high school experience like everyone else. I felt lonely. All I thought about was getting through high school to that light at the end of the tunnel.
That light was Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). I had attended a summer camp in Rochester the summer before my senior year in high school. The camp was for Deaf kids my age so I left there with MANY new friends. During senior year in high school, I came home and spent a lot time online talking to those Deaf friends. All I thought about that year was my future life in Rochester. Once I was in Rochester, I felt like I belonged. I was finally home.
Despite “being home”, it didn’t take long for the depression to kick in again. It was challenging for me to figure out my Deaf identity, accepting who I am on top of academic goals. I had spend 18 years of my life in the hearing world so switching to the deaf world wasn’t as quick as flipping a switch. It got overwhelming. I had hit a low point in my life during second year. Luckily, RIT offered counselors, a few were Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH)! I scheduled my first appointment with a Deaf counselor. I was so nervous about seeing a counselor that also saw many other Deaf students including some of my friends. I didn’t want to run into them in the waiting room. I knew it was necessary for me to talk to someone. I ended up seeing that counselor for rest of my college years until graduation. It was the best decision I made. It was amazing to communicate to her in my native language. She understood the challenges we go through as a Deaf person. She also had grew up mainstreamed and mostly in the hearing world until she came to Rochester too. We could relate a LOT. I quickly opened up to her! She helped me so much. It was extremely hard to leave her when I graduated.
When I moved to Connecticut, I had fun exploring a new area. This also was the further I’ve ever been from my family (Rochester was only 2 hours from my hometown so I could visit on the weekends). It was whirlwind of emotions and changes which unfortunately stirred up depression again. Especially when I wasn’t finding a job after a year and a half of trying. I had missed the deaf community in Rochester terribly, it was all I talked about… going back there someday. With that distraction, it was hard to fully be in the present and enjoy my new life in Connecticut.
The hunt began for a Deaf/HOH counselor… again. I found a counselor who was a CODA (Child Of Deaf Adult[s]) in a town a hour away. We took turns with driving to each other. I only had 4 sessions with her. She found out that I worked at the deaf institute up in Hartford, CT as mentioned in this blog. We had an awful experience working at the school so she ranted about it during EVERY session. I stopped scheduling appointments with her.
It took another few years before I found another one. I even tried to reach out to the college counselor and see if it was possible that she could still have me as a client. I contacted the college, begging them to allow alumni to be able to access counseling services.
Four years later, I finally found a Deaf counselor 20 minutes away! I couldn’t believe my luck. When I met her, I found out that she had worked at the same deaf institute and also had an awful experience. My fears from the previous counselor stirred up again but luckily she didn’t rant about that in our sessions. Still, I found myself not being able to fully open up to her. Why? I have finally found a good Deaf counselor. At this point, I had gone so long with no interactions with a Deaf person. I was lonely. I missed having Deaf friends. I found that we had a lot in common with hobbies and our mainstreamed background. I enjoyed going to counseling only because of our interactions. I wanted to be friends with her outside of the office. I didn’t open up because I didn’t want her to be turned her off from being friends with me in the future. Eventually one day, I told her I was ready to move on.
I went a year until my grandpa passed away. It was first close family death that I had to deal with. I tried to go as long as possible to handle it on my own. I knew I had to reach out to her. I felt sad because I felt that the chance of being friends with her was getting low. I started seeing her again until the pandemic hit. The pandemic forced us to do the sessions virtually. I disliked that so much! The sessions would freeze a lot and prior to the pandemic, I’ve found it difficult to really open up over video-conferencing. I fell out of touch with her.
It’s interesting to compare the experiences with all of the counselors I’ve seen. My life as a Deaf person has a LOT to do with my identity, the experiences in my daily life, the way I think, the way I do things and the challenges. I was so frustrated that I should feel lucky to find a Deaf counselor but I realized it didn’t work because I didn’t grow. I didn’t vent. I didn’t get what I needed. I was so lonely that I ruined it with the last counselor, I should have not been limited to only her. I should have many options like hearing people do. There needs to be more Deaf counselors available for all Deaf people, not just me. My experience is just one example of what other Deaf people go through in finding the help that they need.
I live in Connecticut which is more congested and busier than the rural community I grew up in Upstate New York. I do have access to a lot more here. I STILL don’t have what I need. I can’t imagine how much hard this would be on me if I remained in Upstate New York. Mental Health shouldn’t be a low priority for the Deaf community. Mental Health isn’t something to mess with.
I am also surprised (and also not) by the lack of counselors available online after the pandemic. All counselors had been forced to go virtual. This should’ve allowed more accessibility for Deaf/HOH people! It always was difficult even before the pandemic for us to find that help but you would’ve thought with everyone being remote, it would give us even MORE options!
What’s next for me? I don’t know. I still have my bad days, but I have found ways to cope with the support of my immediate family. Sometimes that isn’t enough but I find the strength to fight through those bad days. But… that is ME. Not every Deaf person has that.
Due to the lack of resources for the Deaf community, many of them don’t seek help. Self-medicating and self-help is common. Ironically the counseling center at RIT shares the building with the Substance and Addiction Intervention Services for the Deaf center. I was always embarrassed about that, wondered if the hearing people thought the majority of us had addiction issues. I quickly learned about the issues of providing care for the Deaf community, then I understood how important it was to have that center.
I hope my experiences of the difficulty of finding help shows how important this topic is… Mental Health within the deaf community. We need more work on providing resources and accessibility. Deaf people deserves better care!
Book Review: The Deaf Girl
As a long time Bachelor/Bachelorette fan, I was thrilled when there would be a D/deaf contestant for Matt James’ season. I do have to admit that I was disappointed when Abigail Heringer stepped out of the limo. She spoke and didn’t use sign language. I wasn’t disappointed with her as a person. The spectrum of D/deaf identities is so wide. A D/deaf person who can talk well and doesn’t use sign language often ALWAYS gets picked to represent the ENTIRE D/deaf community. It gives people the wrong assumptions about us.
That didn’t stop me to continue to watch the season. D/deaf people with cochlear implants still ARE a part of the D/deaf community. I rooted for Abigail! I really liked her authenticity, personality and the person she was.
When she announced that she was writing a book, I knew I’d be one of the first people to read it. It always intrigues me to read about the various life experiences of other D/deaf people no matter where on the spectrum they are.
Synopsis:
An inspiring story of hearing loss and hope from The Bachelor's first deaf contestant
Abigail Heringer made her television debut as an instant fan-favorite on season 25 of The Bachelor. Stepping out of the limousine, she approached her bachelor with a playful declaration: she would be staring at his lips all night for two compelling reasons—her profound deafness since birth and because he had some nice lips!
But Abigail's journey wasn't always marked by such confidence. Growing up deaf and introverted, she dreaded being the center of attention, fearing her disability would burden those around her. Among her hearing peers, she felt like an outsider, simply labeled as "the deaf girl." And after receiving a cochlear implant at the age of two, she subsequently struggled to find her place in the Deaf community too. Caught in between two worlds and grappling to define her identity as a deaf woman, Abigail felt like she belonged in neither.
Supported by her family, particularly her deaf older sister Rachel, Abigail has come to understand that while being deaf is part of her identity, it doesn't define her. Throughout her journey, marked by challenges and adversity, Abigail has grown into her own strongest advocate, discovering a new voice that is confident, fearless, and empowered—a voice that enables her to proudly reclaim the title of "the deaf girl" she once resisted and rewrite it as a testament to her resilience and strength.
Hopeful, vulnerable, and uplifting, The Deaf Girl shares Abigail's journey of navigating life with a profound hearing loss and her transformation from merely accepting her disability to embracing it wholeheartedly. This memoir serves as an inspiring reminder for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to embrace their differences, showcasing that every voice is worthy of being heard.
Review:
Abigail being the first D/deaf contestant on the Bachelor was amazing, she’s educating people about her specific life journey with cochlear implants. That led people to be more interested about deafness/hearing loss. In this book, she talks a lot about her upbringing from her birth, school years, college, post-college and The Bachelor experience.
It was very interesting as we didn’t get to learn about the depth of Abigail’s life while she was on The Bachelor. I didn’t realize that she had an older sister who also was born with hearing loss and also got cochlear implants. It was tough reading about her mom’s reaction to the hearing loss as it was similar to my parents’ reaction. The fear of how to help your child without understanding deaf culture or knowing what the future will look like for them.
The perspectives of Abigail and her sister, Rachel were so different related to their hearing loss/cochlear implants. While Rachel adapted to cochlear implants easily, Abigail struggled with hers. They both processed them very differently. I loved how Abigail shared about this and was honest about cochlear implants as they are not one size fits all. She really educated well about what it is like to have cochlear implants, how it takes time to adjust to sounds, putting in effort to process sounds and more.
While cochlear implants are a controversial subject of the deaf community, there are also deaf people who are not accepting of them. I was sad to read about Abigail’s experience with her ASL teacher who was anti-CI. She was singled out in the class for having them. Abigail explained about the deaf activists who were against the implants but shared she was in agreement about the inaccuracy of cochlear implants being perceived as a ‘cure’ for hearing loss. I love Abigail’s maturity on this sensitive subject and that she understands that it’s not for everyone. Abigail is very grateful for her mom to make the decision that she did and she is appreciative of her implants.
I’m always learning about cochlear implants, and was amazed that I learned even more from Abigail’s book. I also was amazed that even through we had such a different journey (I never had cochlear implants), we experienced so much alike related to our hearing losses. It spoke to my soul when she talked about:
How much she tried to hide her hearing loss while in school. Me too, girl! I always tried to hide my deafness in school or in public.
Attending parties with her boyfriend and his friends who didn’t know her since they went to different schools. I always loved meeting people from other schools who didn’t know me as ‘that deaf girl’!
Being more open about her hearing loss in college helped her develop confidence in herself. I might’ve went to a college with a large deaf community but that’s exactly what helped me to develop confidence in myself - accepting my deafness.
I’m happy that Abigail wrote this book. There aren’t any memoirs to my knowledge of a D/deaf person with cochlear implants. On social media, I like to recommend a variety of deaf identities (as I mentioned, there’s such a wide spectrum) so I’m glad to add this book to that list. I throughly enjoyed reading about Abigail’s life story as well her The Bachelor experience!
D/deaf: The ‘uppercase D’ is used to describe those who identify as culturally Deaf and are active with the Deaf community. The ‘lowercase d’ refers to the physical condition of having hearing loss and don’t always have a strong connection to the Deaf community.
How to learn American Sign Language
If you’re one of the people who have said “I’ve always wanted to learn American Sign Language but I never know how to start!”, you’re in the right place!
As a deaf person, I love to help people find the right resources to learn about deaf culture and/or community. Learning American Sign Language may feel overwhelming to you but if you find some time, you can do it!
It’s HIGHLY recommended to learn from Deaf teachers. You can’t get more authenticity from someone directly from the community. It’s no different for any other languages - you would want to learn Spanish from a Spanish speaking person, right?
There are many ways to learn ASL. You can find them on YouTube, Instagram, websites or in person. I’ll share some recommendations:
ONLINE CLASSES
Instagram
Sara Miller @languagepriority / @adventuresindeafed
Loni Friedmann @loni.friedmann
Stephanie Zornoza @theaslshop
ASL Spring (CODA owned, but deaf teachers)
Oklahoma School for the Deaf (FREE)
BOOK
“Learn to Sign with Your Baby: 50 Essential ASL Signs To Help Your Child Communicate Their Needs, Wants, and Feelings” by Cecilia S. Grugan
INTERNET
APP
The ASL App
Lingvano app
I will be continuing to keep this list updated as possible. Don’t hesitant to reach out if you need more help in finding resources to learn American Sign Language!
5 Free Things to do this Fall in Mystic, CT
Looking for something to do in Mystic, Connecticut but you’re on a low budget? No fear, I’ve got the scoop for you! As a local, I know all the best recommendations of what to do and see in the area!
Mystic Museum of Art
The museum is located in downtown Mystic. It is right on Mystic River so it has a great water view from the back patio/walking path! The museum itself is on the smaller side with usually 1-2 exhibitions, it is worth a look around! I’ve enjoyed several exhibitions that came in town. Do keep in mind that sometimes a special exhibition may require a fee so keep updated with their website here. While it is free admission, donations are greatly appreciated.
Ender’s Island
A remote compound located on Mason’s Island opened to the public from dawn-dusk. It is a Catholic retreat with a church, several residential buildings, offices, dining hall and more. There are beautiful gardens by the sea that you can enjoy. I’ve seen people picnic on the lawn, sit in the gazebo enjoying the waterfront views, artists painting the scenery, etc. This goes without saying, but please respect the property - keep it beautiful!
Esker Point Beach
It may not be warm enough for a swim but enjoy the locals summer at the beach! Go for a walk by the water, enjoy a cookout at the picnic area, read a good book on a blanket in the sand, or take photos of Morgan Point Lighthouse. Esker Point Beach is free to the public year-round.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
There are several hiking trails at the Nature Center. You can find the map on their website here and at the center. Over 10+ miles of trails will take you through the beautiful wetlands! If you enjoy bird-watching, this would be a great spot for you to visit. Opened dawn to dusk.
Explore the Coastal Accesses
I love the coastal accesses on the shoreline. There are so many of them! I’ve included them in several guides by towns: Mystic, Groton/Noank, and Stonington. The best part? It’s free to appreciate the beauty of the shoreline!
Follow @knotsoloud on Instagram for more recommendations in Mystic, CT!
Southeastern CT Lighthouses
Today marks National Lighthouse Day! I have been fortunate to visit many lighthouses ever since I lived in coastal New England. Coming from a rural farmland in Upstate NY, I never saw lighthouses unless I went on vacation down south with my family. Now I get to see lighthouses daily! I thought I’d share some of my favorite lighthouses [in order]:
Morgan Point Lighthouse [Noank, CT]
My most favorite lighthouse. It is so gorgeous and located in Noank, CT. I’m lucky to see it every time I go out on my sailboat. Unfortunately, it is a private residence (lucky owners!). While you can’t see it on foot/on land (the road leading to the lighthouse turns into their driveway), you can see it from the water in Long Island Sound. I recommend a cruise on Argia out of Mystic, CT to see this gorgeous lighthouse. If you own kayaks, you can use the public launch at Esker Beach to paddle out there.
Stonington Lighthouse [Stonington, CT]
Located on the point of Stonington Borough, this historical lighthouse is open to the public to tour. You can walk up to the tower which gives you a panoramic view of the water. Check the website here for their hours as they are opened seasonally and admission tickets. I love the stone-covered lighthouse. I enjoy sitting on one of the few benches in the back overlooking the water, where you even can see Watch Hill, RI.
Ledge Light [Groton/New London, CT]
Located in the mouth of Thames River on the line of Groton and New London, you can see this lighthouse from various points. Some of them are: UConn Avery Point campus, Eastern Point Beach, Ocean Beach Park in New London, Harkness Park in Waterford, CT. If you want to get up and close, I suggest the Lighthouse Cruise with Cross Sound Ferry. More info here. *Note: Both beaches require a fee during in-season, but free to enter off-season. Harkness Park requires a fee for out-of-state visitors.
Avery Point Lighthouse [Groton, CT]
Located on UConn Avery Point campus, the public is welcomed to walk around on the waterside walking path. No admission fees, but you need to pay for parking. The lighthouse is located behind Branford House. While you can’t tour the inside, you can peek through the windows. It is the last lighthouse to be build in the state. Also from here, on a clear day you can see New London Light, Ledge Light and Race Rock Light.
Mystic Seaport Light
The lighthouse is located inside Mystic Seaport Museum so you will need an admission ticket to enter the grounds. It is a replica of the Brandt Point Light from Nantucket. You also can see it from across Mystic River in the area of Pearl Street x Seahorse Ln. A very photogenic lighthouse!
North Dumpling Light [Long Island Sound]
Located on its own island between Groton Long Point, Connecticut and Fishers Island, New York. Built in 1849, it is an octagonal tower on a house. Since it is out on the water, you can see it up close in your personal vessel (boat) or the Lighthouse Cruise I mentioned for Ledge Light. You can see it from Groton Long Point in the distance. I suggest you reading up on the tidbits of this lighthouse as there were some interesting drama behind it!
Watch Hill Light [Watch Hill, RI]
This may not be in Southeastern CT, but it is just a hop over the border. Located in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, you can walk around the lighthouse but there is no tours of the inside. It is a gorgeous waterside walk taking you through a maze of mansions to the lighthouse. There is time limited (2 hours, I think) free parking on Bay St and you can walk up Larkin Rd to Lighthouse Rd. Cars are not allowed on Lighthouse Rd unless you are handicapped.
That’s it for my favorites! Enjoy seeing those beautiful lighthouses!
Wooden Boat Show 2024
The photos were taken at Wooden Boat Show in June 2024 at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. If you see yourself, your boat, your pet, etc — please reach out to me for a free digital copy of the photo without the watermark. Use the CONTACT ME form on the home page here. Prints are also available for purchase.
Hydrangeas in Mystic/Noank, CT
June is the best month for hydrangeas! I had to walk around Mystic and Noank, Connecticut to capture them. Here are some photos to enjoy:
Hydrangeas in Groton Long Point, CT
When June rolls around, I get so excited for hydrangeas season! They are my most favorite flower. One morning at sunrise, I took a walk around Groton Long Point where there were no shortage of them. Enjoy the beautiful photos!
The photos were captured in Groton Long Point during June 2024. All photos are available for purchase. Please make request here.
Hydrangeas in Watch Hill, Rhode Island
June brings the hydrangeas season! I always make multiple trips in a week span to Watch Hill, Rhode Island to photograph those beauty! I appreciate that the Ocean House maintain them so well that they always are stunning year after year. The Ocean House also makes a stunning backdrop with the pop of yellow. I also love the Watch Hill harbor where I can capture the hydrangeas with beautiful classic boats. It never gets old!
The photos were captured in Watch Hill, Rhode Island during June 2024. All photos are available for purchase. Please make request here.
Hydrangeas in Stonington, Connecticut
Stonington, Connecticut always delivers with beautiful hydrangeas to photograph during June. Also the borough is one of the best spots to photograph during sunsets. I suggest you to visit there during that time frame! The golden hour light and hydrangeas are magical.
The photos were captured in Stonington, Connecticut during June 2024. All photos are available for purchase. Please make request here.
Spring in Southeastern Connecticut
Photographed in following CT towns: Mystic, Groton, Stonington, Noank and Ledyard. Also photographed in Westerly, RI.
The photos were captured during Spring 2024. All photos are available for purchase. Please make request here.
stay at Inn at Ocean Avenue in New London, ct
Whenever I drove to Ocean Beach Park in New London, Connecticut, I’d notice this beautiful historical home. The house was built in 1914, a brick-covered stately home with white columns and trimmings. Surrounded by a rock wall. It underwent renovations when the current owner bought it in 2015, the local newspaper covered the updates since it was going to be a bed and breakfast named Inn at Ocean Avenue.
I’ve been staying in local accommodations so I can recommend to visitors who come to Southeastern CT. I knew Inn at Ocean Avenue would be one that I would want to recommend for visitors who planned to come to New London. I contacted the owner, Allan Goldfarb who graciously gifted me a one night stay at Inn at Ocean Avenue.
Walking in the Inn takes you into the spacious foyer which was beautiful. I immediately noticed the staircase and chandelier. Allan’s very friendly dog greeted me! The inn has 6 rooms available to stay in. Since it was off-season, I was fortunate to get to see all the rooms. Each room comes with a private full bathroom (with heated floors!) and were very spacious. I was impressed with how spacious it was - each room had at least a desk or lounge chair. There were closets in each room too. Allan did a wonderful job of preserving the original fireplaces, moldings and fixtures. The windows in all of the rooms are also able to be opened or you can enjoy the full central air in the room.
I stayed in the Isabel Chapman suite (often used as a bridal suite) with a king sized bed, two lounge chairs, ottoman, TV and double door closet. The bathroom was huge! I loved the subway tiled shower in all the rooms. The bed was very cozy. All the rooms at Inn at Ocean Avenue were really clean and maintained.
Inn at Ocean Avenue also had two large living rooms, an indoor sunroom, outdoor back patio, a reading cubby and a dining room. The inn also had 4 acres of land. Allan shared that he hosted weddings and parties. The back outdoor patio was large, and I definitely could see its potential for parties/weddings. The inn grounds also come with parking spots if you drive there.
The stay at Inn at Ocean Avenue includes breakfast. The dining room had a large table that seated 8. I sat down in the dining room, mesmerized by the beautiful floral wallpaper and dark wood paneling. Allan was very accommodating to my gluten-free sensitivity. He offered to cook an omelet or pancakes but I had only asked for scrambled eggs not wanting to inconvenience Allan! He provided me a breakfast of an omelet, roasted tomato, fruit, gluten free toast and gluten free chocolate chip muffins. There was a choice of drinks - coffee, tea, orange juice, etc. I left for the day with my belly full and satisfied.
Inn at Ocean Avenue is located near the water in New London, only a short 5 minute drive from Ocean Beach Park. New London has plenty of restaurants near by, rich history and a strong art community. There are many artists from performers, musicians, painters, muralists to many more that come to New London. Garde Arts Center and Eugene O’Neill Theater Center are some of the well known venues for creative minds. Allan shared that he hosted a team of writers and musicians from O’Neill Theater Center for a month at the inn. It was interesting to hear how they were up at 2 AM with ideas that had to be written down. A Broadway show was even created as a result! To think about the creativity that took place there, if only those walls could talk.
There are many more recommendations of what to do near by in New London that I couldn’t list them all here. I previously shared it here: New London Guide. Also near by: Waterford Guide. Mystic, Stonington, Groton, Old Lyme and Niantic are within a half hour driving distance of the inn. This inn is an ideal stay for couples/adults/girls trip/mother-and-daughter getaway. I enjoyed my stay at Inn at Ocean Avenue in New London. Book a stay here at their website: Inn at Ocean Avenue.
Thank you Allan for the stay at Inn at Ocean Avenue. All opinions are my own.
The Ultimate Guide to New London, Connecticut
New London, CT is one of the oldest seaport city on Thames River. A city filled with rich history, art and music, eateries, diversity and many more.
Here are some suggestions of what to do in New London:
Custom House Maritime Museum
New London has a rich history, being one of the busiest whaling port during the 19th century. The museum has a lot of exhibits to explain the history. Located in the heart of New London’s Bank Street and housed in the former historic Custom House built in 1833, it is worthwhile to visit. The gift shop is also a fun spot for nautical goods.
Art Community
The city is known for its art. You can see the murals in several spots. If you walk around a bit, you can enjoy them. My particular favorite is the whales (of course!) at the intersection of State Street and Eugene O’Neill Drive. In downtown, there are several art galleries to visit, one of these is housed in a former firehouse! I love seeing artworks with the Ledge Light (one of my favorite lighthouses). There is definitely a lot of pride in reserving the art culture in New London.
Garde Arts Center
One of the most fascinating venue to visit. A former movie theater during the 1920’s is used as a multi space for performing shows, musicals, education, movies, events and many more. I’ve attended a few shows and a book signing here. I admire the interior details!
Oldest Courthouse in CT
Across the street from Garde Arts Center is the oldest courthouse in Connecticut. It was built in 1784. The wood framed structure with wooden clapboards, gambrel roof and cupola is just a beautiful sight!
The Starr Street Historical District
A block of homes that were built during the 1800’s. Each home has a unique detail, it’s a fun small street to walk up and down and just admire the homes. You can easily type in Starr Street Historical District on Google, it’ll show you several websites with facts about some of the houses and the map of the walking route.
The Waterfront
There is a pier with a boardwalk where many go to enjoy the views of Thames River.
Fort Trumbull
Located on the waterfront, an old battlefield was built in 1839 to protect New London Harbor from British attacks. It is currently a state park for people can enjoy. There is a pier in front of Fort Trumbull where many people fish. The fort itself is opened to the public Wednesdays-Sundays (Memorial Day-Labor Day) from 9am-5pm for a fee. The top platform of the fort gives you a panoramic view of Thames River.
Cross Sound Ferry
Over the summers they also offer lighthouse cruises. The lighthouse cruise is a 2 hours long ride taking you around to see all of the lighthouses and sights. I’ve took the cruise twice and enjoyed it so much! They also offer daily ferry rides to Block Island, RI; Fishers Island and Orient Point, NY.
Ocean Beach Park
It’s one of the nicest beach in Connecticut, with a half mile long boardwalk. There is a daily fee to get in the beach during the summers. Nearby is a mini golf course, a swimming pool, gym, arcade and snack bar. Ocean Beach Park hosts a lot of events such as movies on the beach and classic cars shows. A few years ago, I wanted to watch a movie on the beach to check off my bucket list - they were very accommodating and put captions on. I was very grateful for the experience!
Michael’s Dairy
Not too far from Ocean Beach Park, this well established institution is the best spot for ice cream in New London. It is located on Mitchell College next to the red barn.
Muddy Waters Cafe
A great breakfast/lunch spot! It’s a fun spot with many movie posters, nautical photos plastered all over the walls making it a fun Instagrammable spot. If you come to New London by train, it isn’t far from the station.
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock
If you’re in the mood for seafood, this is a good spot! It is a hidden gem located in a marina with outdoor dining area. The lines can be crazy long but the food is so worth the wait.
Fiddlehead’s Food Co-op
A cooperatively owned grocery store. You do not need to be a member to shop there. They offer many local goods and delicious produce. Always a friendly service every time I drop in to find gluten free goods!
New London Public Library
Every time I visit a town, I always stop in the library. This particular library is housed in a historical 1889 Richardsonian Romanesque style building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, so it’s worthwhile to visit this beautiful site!
Mike’s Famous Harley Davidson
Housed in 1938 Coca-Cola factory, it is one of the largest motorcycle selection in New England. The storefront is decorated with old Coca-Cola memorabilia keeping the building’s history alive. New London/Groton has a strong military presence, home to the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London Sub Base and Electric Boat. Mike’s is a huge supporter of the military, hosting their well known fundraising event Toys for Tots.
Sail with Tall Tales
Go sailing on Thames River on Tall Tales — a 35 ft sailboat with Captain Stu! The boat is located at the marina right next to Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock. Captain Stu is an interesting person with many stories from his life experiences!
Where to Stay in New London
I had a wonderful stay at Inn at Ocean Avenue — a historical bed and breakfast inn built in 1914. It is located near Ocean Beach Park. Read more about it here.
New London has so MANY to offer, that I didn’t even cover everything in this guide. Be sure to follow Visit New London here to find more tailored to your interests. It’s a city that definitely has something for everyone!
Mystic Irish Parade 2024
A fun tradition in Mystic, Connecticut! I look forward to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. This was captured during the 2024 Mystic Irish Parade. Please make request here for a free copy of photo(s) of yourself, your loved one or your pets.
baby hears for the first time!
At some point, you probably have seen a viral video of a baby hearing for the first time. Those viral videos have been floating around the internet for the last decade now. I’d love for those videos to vanish forever.
Most often the videos would show a baby [or adult] hearing for the first time when their cochlear implants have been activated or hearing aids turned on. I cringe every time I see those videos. Why? The ‘inspiration porn’ is not reality. It implies that the hearing loss is a problem to be fixed. The videos always come with comments such as “Awwww!”, “I’m crying! I’m so happy!”, “This is so amazing!”, etc. How do you think a deaf person who is reading those comments would feel? It makes me feel like I’m uninspiring just because I chose to not wear hearing aids or cochlear implants.
It’s disappointing that those videos always get millions of views, likes, shares. It’s not about the numbers but that amount of people that are not learning that it’s not a cure to deafness. Hearing aids and cochlear implants both are a tool for hearing loss and will never cure it 100%.
Those videos also don’t show what happens after — the years of challenges and training to re-learn sounds with the devices. It requires a LOT of time and adjustment for the brain to connect with sounds and recognize what the sounds are. Sometimes it even takes years! The sounds also never will sound natural like the way hearing people hear.
I don’t think people also think of this… when the hearing aids/cochlear implants are off — they’re still deaf! They don’t go in the shower/water with the devices. The batteries dies. They don’t sleep with the devices on.
I understand that hearing people feel like they can relate because they know what it is to hear. They can’t imagine a life without hearing. I just want you to consider what this does to the deaf community and think before you hit that like button or share it. I wish there were more of videos of other life’s firsts such as laugh, sign, food, vacation, etc. We, the deaf people still experience the joy of life with other firsts!
Happy Deaf Awareness Month!
September is Deaf Awareness Month. The reason why we have that is to bring awareness of deaf community, including communication needs, accessibility, etc. There’s so many topics within the deaf culture! Many do not realize that deaf people are highly diverse with a wide spectrum. There is a range of communication preferences, background experiences and identities.
Did you know that there are 70 million deaf people worldwide? Yet, there is no two deaf people who are alike. Some may prefer to talk, some prefer to sign. Each of us have different level of hearing loss.
That’s why it can be nerve-wrecking for hearing people to be approached by or interact with deaf people. How do you know what to do with them?
Patience.
That’s the most important. Be patient. The communication may be different from what you’re used to and may require some effort.
Eye contact.
Deaf people rely on eye contact. A lot. Make sure that you always face them. Some are able to lip-read, so they’ll need to see your mouth.
Don’t assume.
Not all deaf people can lip-read through, so do not assume that they can. Don’t put the burden of communication on them. Ask what their preferred method of communication is. It may be paper and pencil, using some kind of phone app, or whatever.
Don’t give up.
Do not give up if it’s challenging or struggling. The important thing is that the deaf people have the information. It doesn’t matter how it’s relayed, we just want to be understood. We’re humans too.
Don’t treat us differently.
We aren’t different from anyone else you interact with, just our hearing loss. We don’t want to be treated like a child or be made to feel incapable.
As a deaf person, I know I have to be patient too. I’m very willing to work with anyone to have effective communication. I won’t judge people for any mistakes because I understand that you don’t interact with deaf people regularly. I don’t want anyone to ever feel nervous. I would think many deaf people would have same understanding as we DO interact with hearing people on a daily basis.
Read more awareness blogs under DEAF tab on www.knotsoloud.com. I appreciate you being here to take the time to learn and be an ally for the deaf community!