Christmas in Connecticut (Part Two)

Hi, again, everyone!

To jump right back into the narration of our trip, Jacob and I

had just decided to leave Mystic Seaport; it was snowing like mad outside

(that kind of snow where you can barely see your hand right in front of you!) so

we wanted to make it back to the inn before it was too difficult to drive!

Now, mind you, we're from New York, so we've been in many a'snow storms before-

it wasn't the severity of the weather we were unprepared for... it was the absolute BEAUTY

that lay before us. Friends, when I tell you that snow was made to adorn a landscape such

as New England, I am not lying. I can say first hand now- snow was meant to frost each
rickety old sleepy home, was meant to spill over the hills and paint each three hundred
year old tree... Snow was simply made for New England, and New England, it.

Just see for yourself:

The house when we arrived... say hello to the innkeeper and her dog!

Most people, when they think of being stunned by nature, they think of something

spectacular- like standing over the cliff at Niagara Falls, or seeing the pyramids with

their very own eyes... those are all wonderful sights- granted. But I don't think anything

is quite as breathtaking than witnessing a silent New England snowfall ornamenting a two-

hundred and fifty year old house that has seen hundreds- no, thousands- of these snowfalls... 

and yet is never the less so complimented, never the less stunning to all so fortunate to see it.

So, after soaking in this scene before us, we retreated to our room for awhile,

but not alone! Rather accompanied by a humble little hostess...

Hobo, the cat!

... Who was quite thirsty, as a matter of fact, so we were happy oblige her

(and she was quite content in being obliged, I might add!)

Ready for dinner, and wearing the pearls Jake had given me for Christmas!

Before, we knew it, it was 7:30, and time to head out again into the gusting storm,

to have dinner at another lovely 18th-century structure: The Captain Daniel Packer Inne...

But I couldn't resist first taking this video for YOU, my friends and followers,

to give you a better sense at how enchanting and picture-perfect this evening was.

After a long ride of driving cautiously through the snow, we finally made it.

By the sight of the restaurant alone, we already knew it was worth it!

Inside the cozy restaurant

Our entree: Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp (it was incredible)

And Xango for dessert (aka fried banana cheesecake drizzled with caramel sauce... YUM.)

This meal was one of the most delicious culinary experiences I've ever had. If you are

ever in the Mystic area, I highly recommend (no- insist!) you eat here. You'll thank me!

Driving home, I had to make Jake stop by the Old Congregational Church on

Pequot Trail... I mean, can it get anymore charming, or what?

Going back in the inn, we snagged a few late night snacks.

We then popped open the champagne, and made a toast to the first of many 

happy years (and many more wonderful trips!) we will share together ♥

Hobo was even there to celebrate! She preferred to toast herself by the fire.

We actually celebrated so much that THIS happened. :-)

The next morning, we sat down for the inn's exceptional breakfast...

Naturally, I had to admire my surroundings.

Something to munch on? How about some cinnamon sprinkled doughnut muffins?

Since I don't drink tea (I know! Sinful) or coffee- it was hot chocolate for me that morning!

We had an assortment of fruit for our first course, but of course, I

gobbled it all up before I remembered to take a picture!

Main Course: Eggnog French Toast (made with Portuguese 

Sweet Bread), Drunken Applesauce, and bacon... Mmm...

Everything but bacon for me!

We also had peach sorbet for our final course, but- you guessed it-

I gobbled all that up before it had a chance too!

After that incredible breakfast, Jacob and I decided to go for a short walk around

the grounds and the neighborhood to soak in the "winter wonderland" outside.

I couldn't decide if it was prettier in the day or night!

The "backyard" (an active hen house is somewhere in the distance!)

The road before us...

This photo looked like a painting to me!

Our inn peeking up ahead...

Hello, Beauty!

Look who's been watching us through the door!

We think she was reminding us we had to pack- she actually followed us
both upstairs and napped on our bed while we did all the work!

Before we left, we had the innkeeper take a picture of us in front of the beautiful old

house that provided us so generously with many spectacular memories that weekend :-)

The dog even came out to say goodbye! (I think the cat was still napping.)

Before we headed home for good, I NEEDED to show Jake Mystic...

Mystic Seaport in the distance

Look! It's the famous Mystic Pizza!

Of course, we needed to become tourists and eat there... for the sake of saying so!

After lunch, we walked around the town a bit more, took a short trip to

Olde Mystick Village (an array of little local shops), and headed for New London

to catch the 5:00 ferry back to Orient Point, Long Island...

Jake and I soaking in the view...

Waving goodbye to the New London Lighthouse, and Connecticut... for now.

We'll miss you!

See you again real soon!

♥

- - - - - - - - - -

Want to see photographs from my first trip to Mystic
and very first stay at the Second Penny Inn in 2008?
Check them out here in these two links!:
http://iheartnewengland.blogspot.com/2010/02/stonington-ct.html
http://iheartnewengland.blogspot.com/2010/03/mystic-ct.html