#134: The Mark Twain House (Page 593; 2nd Ed pg 741)

August 12, 2012:  The front porch of Mark Twain's Home in Hartford, CT

Cost:  $16 for a one hour guided interior tour of the three-story home

Verdict:  I learned a lot about Mark Twain and have taken more of an interest in reading his works since seeing his home and learning about his life.  However, unless you are a die-hard Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens fan, you don't HAVE to do this before you die.

#133: Litchfield Hills and the Mayflower Inn (pg 595; 2nd Ed pg 742)

August 12, 2012

America's first law school

Verdict:  No.  This is not a "must do."  In fact, I have no idea how Litchfield Hills made it into this book!

#132: Essex (Page 592; 2nd Ed pg 741)

August 12, 2012

As soon as we got into town, we were greeted by this beautiful park with a gazebo and surrounded by water.

This lighthouse, water, boats and quaint one of a kind shops fill and surround this town.  Fittingly, while I read that there was one stop light in this town, I never saw one.  Likewise, I did not see any chain stores or restaurants.  Delightful!

The Griswold Inn, the oldest continuously operating inn in the state and, built in the 1700's, one of the oldest in the country.

Fortunately, we were visiting Essex on a Sunday because the Griswold Inn is well known for it's Sunday brunch that runs from 11am - 2pm.  The cost is $20.95.  It was delicious!  The buffet line had fruit salad, a delicious cold pasta salad, stuffed shrimp, Griswold's famous sausage, etc.  In addition, there was an omelette bar and a waffle bar with real maple syrup.  Yum!

Verdict:  Like Mystic, this was a beautiful, quaint, charming town with great shops and surrounded by water.  But also like Mystic, while I think this town is worth visiting if in the area, not something you HAVE to do before you die.

#131: Mystic Seaport (Page 594; 2nd Ed pg 743)

August 11, 2012:  Located on the water in Southeastern Connecticut, Mystic Seaport is a beautiful area, especially in the summer time.

Mystic is home to America's leading maritime museum.  Starting at the Visitor Center, you can purchase tickets and pick up a pamphlet full of that day's activities, which includes everything from climbing aboard the world's last wooden whaleship to taking horse and carriage rides or renting sailboats and rowboats.

And no trip to Mystic is complete without eating at Mystic Pizza!  Mystic Pizza, starring Julia Roberts was based on this restaurant and filmed in this town.  We certainly enjoyed our "little slice of heaven!"

Verdict:  I loved Mystic.  If I had to say yes or no, I would probably go with a No, you don't HAVE to see this place before you die.  But if you ever find yourself in Connecticut, I HIGHLY recommend it!