Colby & Dartmouth: A Photo Journal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lake Sunapee, NH during the Off-Season

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

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

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

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

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

Slow Down and Stay at Hideaway Inn Mt. Sunapee

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

Hideaway Inns

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

My Stay Experience

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

My Honest Thoughts

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

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

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

Why Should You Stay There?

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

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

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

How to Book A Stay at Hideaway Inns

Please book a room at their website here.

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

New Hampshire Maple Weekend

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

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

Here are some sugarhouses I visited:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mystic Irish Parade 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More moments with our parade participants:

We even had some witches!

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

Past Mystic Irish Parade Galleries:

Mystic Irish Parade 2025

Mystic Irish Parade 2024

USS South Dakota Homecoming 2/20/2026

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

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

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

Rockport, MA in the Quiet Months

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gloucester, MA Harbor Sunset

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fishin' for Love in Rockport, MA

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

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

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

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

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!

Winter Storm Fern in Mystic, CT

Winter storm Fern came through Mystic, Connecticut last weekend. Dumped between 1-2 foot of snow on the shoreline! We hadn’t seen this amount in a while so I’m excited to have a snowy winter so far!

I caught the beginning of the snow fall — flurries coming down fast. I love how there’s so many beautiful scenes to capture on the river especially the ice covered rocks.

A day after the snow storm, I headed to Downtown Mystic to capture the snow. There were a lot of people out shoveling and cleaning up. Schools were closed for two days to give the town more time to clean up the roads.

I also drove down Gravel Street along Mystic River to see if there were worthy captures. There are always beautiful scenes! I spotted a funny looking bird (I’m not into wildlife so I have no idea names and all). The river never completely froze but it was icy along the shoreline.

After Downtown Mystic — I headed over to Esker Point Beach in Groton. I was thrilled to see that the beach had been untouched but after trekking through a foot of ICY snow, it was much more of a workout than expected! I enjoyed capturing the icy covered rocks.

Hope you enjoyed the snowy scenes from Southeastern Connecticut!

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!

Winter in Mystic, Connecticut: Cozy Activities

The best part about Mystic, Connecticut that you can visit year-round. I’ve visited some towns across New England where many businesses shut down for the winter. There’s no shortage of things to do in Mystic during the winter. After the holidays, it is the quietest you will ever see Mystic.

Here are some things you can do in Mystic during the winter:

Go shopping — Olde Mistick Village is opened year round! There are plenty of shops and restaurants that you can enjoy. In February, they host annual clam chowder festival and the Ice in the Village event. Downtown Mystic has plenty of shops that you can visit. You can find warm sweaters at Tidal River Clothing, fun socks at Hang the Moon, mugs for those hot drinks during winters at Manufaktura and pick up lotion from Main Street Soap Emporium.

Visit the museums. — Mystic Aquarium located next door to Olde Mistick Village (you can make a day out of it at both locations!), the aquarium has indoor exhibits that you can enjoy. The outdoor exhibits where you can see the sea lions, beluga whales and penguins will be opened if you dare to brave the cold! Mystic Seaport Museum is opened during the winters but only half of the grounds. I would suggest waiting to visit to see all it has to offer. However, if you only can visit during the winter, don’t let that stop you from visiting the Seaport. You can see Charles W. Morgan whaling ship, which is one of the best exhibit at the museum. Mystic Museum of Art is a small museum with beautiful curated art works. Opened year around with free admission (unless there is a special exhibition) but donations are appreciated.

Watch movies or get books — Watch a movie at the Mystic Luxury Cinemas (located at Olde Mistick Village) in the comfy plush chairs with some movie snacks. It is a nice theater. If you’re not a movie-goer, maybe you’re into books? There’s two bookstores in Mystic that you can visit! Bank Square Books has an impressive collection of the latest released books. No Other Books Like This, a used books bookstore located across the street from the train station. Worth a visit to check out the impressive collection of rare/antique books!

Eat your way through Mystic — we tend to load up on the carbs during winters, right? There’s plenty of recommendations in Mystic! Get the most delicious pastries at Sift Bake Shop, eat pizza like Julia Roberts at Mystic Pizza, missing the lobster roll? Off the Hook has a delicious lobster roll flight. The best waffles you can find at Popover Eatery. Get your seafood fix at S&P Oyster and enjoy the best waterfront views. In the mood for cozy tavern atmposhere? Look no further than Daniel Packer Inne. You can’t go wrong with any restaurants in Mystic!

I love Mystic during the winter, it’s so calm and peaceful. The quietness is perfect for that coziness vibes when I dine or visit a small business. It’s also fun not having to worry about parking so much! Enjoy your winter getaway to Mystic. If it inspires you to return for a spring visit, make your plans with my spring recommendations here!

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Christmas in Mystic + surrounding towns

December is always a festive time in Mystic, Connecticut. I enjoy capturing all the trees and lights. The month started out strong with a few beautiful sunsets like these:

I adore the dock trees! It’s such a fun tradition that I look forward to photographing every year. There’s plenty of them along Mystic River.

Mystic River Park tree seemed to be the largest tree we’ve had in a few years! It was a gorgeous tree and I’ve enjoyed seeing it at night time many times through out the month.

Stonington always deck the hulls so beautifully — can’t miss the annual lobster trap tree. I love looking at all the artwork on the buoys!

December is the only time that I actually go photographing in the dark. Each year I make sure that I go to Downtown when it’s all lighted up and capture the beauty!

Dock trees are cute but so are the… boat trees!

Noank is a great spot too — Haring’s Christmas tree is in an excellent location for photographing! It’s right by the water and I always try to capture at least one with Morgan Point Lighthouse in the background. I also hop over to Groton Long Point to see this annual dock tree and was jolly to see this inflatable Santa too!

I closed out the holidays season with seeing this beautiful tree at Fort Rachel Marina on Christmas Day. It was my first year being in Connecticut on Christmas Day — and I enjoyed a FISHmas meal from a local seafood market!

There’s nothing like the holidays on the shoreline!

The photos were captured in Mystic, Stonington, Noank and Groton Long Point in December 2025. Most photos are available for purchase (Stonington Lobster Trap Tree images are not available as it is copyrighted). Please make request here.

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.

Christmas at Mystic Seaport Museum

As a Mystic local, I have a membership at Mystic Seaport Museum. I love to go there weekly to stroll around the grounds. The holidays season is one of my favorite time of the year to photograph the Seaport all decorated with wreaths and greenery.

I was thrilled to get some snowfall in December (in last couple years we didn’t get snow until January!). The Seaport was the first spot I went to capture the magic of the snow with the holidays decor! It’s magical how snow and holiday greenery can transform the Seaport!

I also finally attended the annual Lantern Light Village event this month! It is a self-guided immersive experience through the village. There were theatrical performances inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. My favorite part about it was seeing the Seaport at night time and the horse carriage ride. There were bonfires around the grounds and Santa was there too. This event usually happens on the weekends during December.

The photos were captured at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut during December 2025. All photos are available for purchase. Please make request here.

Mayflower II returns to Mystic for the winter

Living in Mystic, Connecticut means I get to see all the cool ships come by! Mayflower II is no stranger to Mystic Seaport Museum shipyard. She has come before for routine maintenance during the winter. These photos were captured on December 6, 2025.

How to have a Hallmark Christmas in Mystic, Connecticut

Before the 2023 holidays season began, Hallmark graced us with a movie based in Mystic, Connecticut. The movie, Mystic Christmas starred Jessy Schram, Chandler Massey and Patti Murin. We follow Juniper (Jessy Schram) who comes to Mystic to work at the rehabilitation center at Mystic Aquarium. She previously had a fling with Sawyer (Chandler Massey) who owns a pizza shop. They reconnected again and Juniper has to decide if she wants to stay in Mystic permanently. Fun fact: Tim from Mystic Pizza movie made an appearance in this movie too!

This movie is a love letter to Mystic! It was so fun to recognize all the familiar places in the movie. I thought I’d share here how you can re-create your own version of Mystic Christmas by visiting the filming locations:

MYSTIC AQUARIUM

It’s a real life aquarium with a rehabilitation center! Mystic Aquarium has a rehabilitation center helping rescued seals from beaches across CT and beyond. During the day hours, you can attend a seal show. That’s always my favorite part! To add a Christmas touch to your visit at the aquarium, I’d recommend you to check out the Home for Holidays — Lights Extravaganza event. It happens on selected nights where you can have a holiday stroll through the aquarium at night, enjoy the aquarium decorated in holiday lights.

MANGO’S PIZZA

The pizza shop is based at Mango’s Pizza in Olde Mistick Village. The pizza are really good, even earned a visit from Barstool Pizza Review with Dave Portnoy. The environment is very cozy and perfect for a lunch during your Christmas visit to Mystic.

SIFT BAKE SHOP

There is a lot of love for Sift in Mystic! It made quite a few appearances in the movie. I highly recommend you to go visit early in the morning before the lines gets long (trust me, they do!). You can’t go wrong with any pastries they offer from croissants, macarons, cookies and more. During the month of December, they have specials such as peppermint croissant and peppermint macarons.

FRIAR TUCK’S TAVERN

One scene in the movie showed the crew going to Friar Tuck’s Tavern for trivia night. I love eating at Friar Tuck’s and have been since they opened in their old location! They do host trivia nights so be sure to check their social media for specific nights. The bar is also decorated with the cutest Santa sleeves on the chairs.

HARBOR VIEW LANDING

The two homes (Candice’s house and the one Junpier stayed in) are located at Harbor View Landing. It is a luxury waterfront stay that you can rent. Make a weekend out of it and stay in the very house where they filmed (either Bluff House Floor 1 or Nantucket Cottage)!

DOWNTOWN MYSTIC & RIVER PARK

Several scenes shows Junpier and Sawyer walking across the drawbridge and the festival in Mystic River Park. While there won’t be a festival, you can enjoy the Christmas tree in the park! The downtown area is also decorated for the holidays where you can support the small businesses!

BANK SQUARE BOOKS

In one of the scenes, they went to Bank Square Books to pick out books for each other. While the filming location was at the former location in Downtown, they have since then moved to Stonington town line (80 Stonington Rd). The charm and books selection are the same at the new location. Worth a stop to pick up your holiday reads!

MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM

There were many scenes filmed at Mystic Seaport Museum. South Entrance building was featured as the train station and where they had the town meetings in the movie.

Anchor Cafe and Sweets was where Junpier meets Sawyer again. It is a cafe located in the Mystic Seaport Museum gift shop offering food and drinks.

In the opening scene when Juniper was at a holiday party for work, it was inside the North Entrance building.

Lantern Lights Village was featured in the movie too. It is an annual event happening at Mystic Seaport Museum during December on selected nights. Be sure to check their website for more details and information.

Several more scenes were filmed at the Seaport. It is a beautiful grounds with seafaring history. December is one of my favorite months to visit because the grounds is decorated with beautiful seasonal garlands and wreaths.

HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE

The annual lighted boat parade was featured in the movie. The event has passed for 2024, but if you’re considering to come to Mystic for a future Christmas themed trip — definitely look into coming for the parade! It’s unique and always fun.

ABBOTT’S LOBSTER

The filming location took place at Abbott’s Outpost in Downtown Mystic which is no longer opened anymore. I do suggest a visit to Abbott’s in Noank during spring/summer!

ESKER POINT BEACH

The seal release in the movie happened at Esker Point Beach in Groton, Connecticut. While you won’t see an actual seal release (unfortunately!), the scenery at Esker is beautiful. From the shore, you can see Morgan Point Lighthouse and Mouse Island (an island with three homes). It is a small beach so it would be a quick stop to appreciate the beautiful shoreline.

Mystic is a beautiful coastal town with charm! Especially during the holidays. I’m so glad that Hallmark could see that and decided to capture it in the movie. I’m not the biggest fan of cheesy movies but this was a very well done movie portraying Mystic at Christmas time. There is plenty more to do in Mystic during Christmas which you can read more here: Celebrate Christmas in Mystic, Connecticut.

Happy Holidays!

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.

A Very Connecticut Christmas: Stonington’s Lobster Trap Tree

When the holidays roll in, Stonington’s Lobster Trap Tree is a must-see! Built from lobster traps and decked out with buoys and lights by the fishing docks, it’s a festive, fun coastal showstopper.

It takes hours for the volunteers to set up the tree and to hang the buoys! This is my favorite part — the buoys are a community involvement project. Each buoy had been hand painted by Connecticut and Rhode Island artists. These buoys are sold off in an auction on the website. Other buoys are painted by children and sponsored by local businesses.

The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree was first erected in 2021. It became so successful that it returned every season since then. The amount of buoys grew over the years, the tree even got taller! Many proposals also have happened here — I personally witnessed one during 2025 season!

Every season I have enjoyed walking around the tree looking at each buoy (remember, there’s hundreds of them!!). The variety of artist skills always is amazing. There were many buoys dedicated to the fishing village with paintings of specific fishing boats that you normally see at the docks. Most often you’ll recognize the popular landmarks from surrounding area such as the Stonington Lighthouse, Downtown Mystic drawbridge and the Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI.

Did you know you can go inside the tree? The view is amazing on the inside at sunset hour or at night with the lights on. I do have to warn that there are long lines every weekends. The people wait to take their photos inside the tree by one of the many volunteers.

The lobster trap tree is magical to see. I always visit it several times during the season — it never gets old. I also almost always see something new each time. I strongly recommend you to visit around 4pm, when you can see the buoys in day light then watch the lights come on around 4:30pm. It stays on until 9:30pm daily. If you don’t feel comfortable being around many people, it’s almost always empty during the daylight hours during the weekdays. 

The tree is located at the park right next to the fishing docks. You can’t miss it. FYI families, there is a playground right by the tree. There is a public parking lot near the tree — it can be limited when it’s crowded. If there aren’t any spaces right by the tree, there are plenty of side street parking surrounding the park or on the Main Street in the borough.

I love how the community rallied together to make this tree happen. A lot of help, monetary donations, time, volunteering went into this! Thank you to all who were involved to make this wonderful and magical tree! It’s a favorite holiday tradition that I can’t miss!

More information can be found at their website here: Stonington Lobster Trap Tree.