Caramoor, Katonah, NY

I recently visited Caramoor in Katonah, NY and was a bit disappointed that I had not known of this gem, so close to Fairfield County.  Did not have time to explore the gardens or the house (reminiscent of the houses of Newport, RI) but I do plan to go back and often!

Caramoor is a venue for great music and it did not disappoint.  We went to see Edward Arron and Friends - a classical Chamber concert.  Arron is an amazing cellist and the performance of Brahms, Haydn and Shostakovich was fantastic.  Tickets came to $21 each (after fees) but students under 18 are free!  Now, this is classical music so most likely not something most kids will want to see; but if you have kids in middle school or high school orchestra, they may find it interesting.

Caramoor is more than just classical music.  The Summer Concert series is outdoors and great for families.  High Tea is also offered on various dates and advanced tickets are required.

For information on Caramoor go to: https://www.caramoor.org/music/

Check out the calendar for upcoming shows.

People's State Forest, Barkhamsted, CT

People's State Forest

A beautiful state park in Connecticut, People's State Forest, is only a 90 minute to 30 minute drive, depending on where you are in Fairfield County.  This park has hiking, camping and fishing to name a few of the activities.  We went for a hike on Saturday, in gorgeous weather, and we felt like we almost had the place to ourselves.  There were a few fly fishers in the river (Farmington River) but not many hikers to be seen.  

For information on People's State Forest, go to: http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325054&deepNav_GID=1650

 This is the Jessie Gerard Trail we took.  The blaze for this trail is blue/yellow.

 The trail goes through the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village.  The area is a archaeological preserve and a very interesting read.  This area can be reached right off the parking lot, so you don't need to do the hike in order to investigate the old village.

 The hike is only a 650 foot climb.  However, the beginning of the hike is more reminiscent of a hike in New Hampshire than in Connecticut. It is very rocky and somewhat difficult.  However, the climb is done all at once and the summit is reached very quickly.

 Great views from the summit.

 There is a parking lot not far from this area (a small hike) that means you do not have to do the climb.  So, careful when you climb down the viewing rocks on the summit.  Unfortunately there were broken beer bottles.

 Past the summit the trail continues and you do cross a road with a small parking lot.  The road is pretty much empty.  Next to this area was a small picnic area.  This hike is a little hard for lunch.  Reaching the summit is done rather quickly and then this picnic area, not far after the summit, is the only place to really sit down for lunch.  After the hike there are picnic tables down by the Farmington River.

 Continuing on our hike.

 

This large pond (once again, picture does not do it  justice) has solely been created by beavers.  

 After the summit the walk is mostly through some beautiful woods but it is a down and up walk but nothing major in terms of elevation gain.

Our dog lost her off leash privileges after chasing a Black Bear which was right off the trail.  So please be aware that there are bears in the area.  However, the bear did take off and was very scared.  So, I don't think they want to interact with people.


After we hiked, we stopped at the river (a very large parking lot) and the kids fished for a while with no luck.  Please see the park's website for information about fishing as it is catch and release only and only certain hooks are allowed.

I don't have pictures but after the hike we went to the town of Riverton, which is pretty much right after you exit the park, and had drinks and ice cream in the beer garden of the Riverton General Store.  This place had groceries, a deli, a grill and a little ice cream bar.  Very cute and worth a look.
http://rivertonct.com/Merchants/RivertonGeneralStore.aspx

There are so many great parks and hikes in the area.  One of my favorite books for hikes in Connecticut is: AMC's Best Day Hikes in Connecticut.  To buy off Amazon go to: https://www.amazon.com/AMCs-Best-Day-Hikes-Connecticut/dp/1934028770/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473004150&sr=8-2&keywords=best+day+hikes+in+ct

Sunny Valley, New Milford, CT - Easy Winter Hike

We make our dog carry her supplies, its only fair.

We decided to try a Winter hike, as the temperatures have been soaring for this time of year.  However, as there was still snow in most of Fairfield County, we thought it best to try an easy hike, who wants to do scrambles with snow and ice?

We were shocked to find no snow in New Milford, so this Winter hike was no problem.  It is a nice little hike, three miles, and it is only a 700 feet vertical rise.  Though it is a great little hike and easy enough for small kids.  Its also nice enough for older kids and adults.



As the name states, this trail is South facing therefore nice and sunny.  To find Sunny Valley Preserve (its more than just a hiking trail) go to the junction of CT 67 and 133 in Bridgewater.  Follow 133 South .7 mile, turn right onto Hat Shop Hill Road (love the name).  After a little more than 1/2 a mile, turn left on Christian Street, then right onto Hemlock Road.  There will be a very small parking lot about a mile and a half on your left, enough room for three cars.  We've hiked here twice and we've never had a problem parking.

For information on Sunny Valley, go to: http://berkshirehiking.com/hikes/sunny_valley.html

There isn't a bald summit, so the views will be limited.

Our Dutch Shepherd on the Summit

The trails, as you can see, were wide and easy to hike

Stop and take a break by the lake

Okay, after our little hike we stopped at Hoo Doo Brown BBQ in Ridgefield (it was on our way back).  I had hoped to take some pictures of the food.  It never happened because we were hungry and the food was so good!  This will be our new place to stop after hikes in this area.  This place does fill up quickly and they don't take reservations.  The Texas Poutine was amazing and their wings have won awards.  Check out their website:http://hoodoobrownbbq.com

WallKill Valley Rail Trail , Rosendale/New Paltz, NY

 The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a great day trip, a two to two and a half hour drive from Fairfield County.  A beautiful bike path that goes over tall trestle bridges, past farms, through woods and leads you right into the center of New Paltz.

Once in New Paltz, there are plenty of bike racks to lock up your bike and grab something to eat at many restaurants right off of the bike path.  My kids love The Gilded Otter and it is right off of the bike path: new paltz otter creek brew  My husband loves that they brew their own beer.

New Paltz has great art galleries, candy stores (two), antique stores and other great shops.

This bike path is for hybrid or mountain bikes.  It is not a road bike trail.  It may be a bit tough for really young kids as well.  We started off in Rosendale, NY at a designated parking lot and there is typically plenty of parking.  For directions and information, check out the webiste: http://www.traillink.com/trail/wallkill-valley-rail-trail.aspx

The Parking Lot in Rosendale, NY

The path is packed gravel

Throughout the trail will be maps for you to take

The view is amazing!

Should you want to stop for a drink or small bite while on the trail (before New Paltz), this little place was adborable!

Another bridge and chance for a rest

When you enter New Paltz, you are right in the middle of town.  Hot dog vendor right there for hungry riders.

Cute little shops right by the bike trail, but walk further into town, there are great shops there as well.

Great places to just sit in New Paltz and have a rest.

Did we get the Maple Bacon Doughnut?  Yes, of course!  It was excellent. 

After a long bike ride, a nice game of chess.

On the ride back to Rosendale, we always have to check out the cave.  Its great way to cool down on a hot day

Mount Tom State Reservation, MA

The Mount Tom View!

Mount Tom State Reservation is a day trip hike and about 90 minutes to two hour drive, depending on your location in Fairfield County.  It is located in Holyoke, MA - not far from the Connecticut border.

This mountain is a fairly easy hike.  It is a hike though, so smaller kids may have a hard time.  Also, there are various locations throughout the park where you can start this hike, so it can be made easier or harder.  We took the Metacomet Monadnock Trail and I highly recommend it.  

There is a road to the top of the mountain and parking right by some rather ugly radio towers but you can walk to other areas at the top.

The top isn't really the goal though, as you hike each new vista seems more amazing than the next.  It is a ridge walk, so you are really at the edge and I wouldn't want kids running around out of control.  However, for how relatively easy this hike is and for the views you get, it is a must hike for the area!

For information and The Mount Tom State Reservation website, go to: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-west/mount-tom-state-reservation.html