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Connecticut Unboxed
Connecticut Unboxed
Explore Old Saybrook!
Mayra Dube
Apr 9, 2026
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Introducing our new section. The Book Nook. Here we feature small Connecticut book stores. I love a good book. One of my favorite things to do is pull up a chair to my front sun facing window and take some time to read. Here in this section will be your book tour of Connecticut! |
The Golden Owl - New London |
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🌿🛍️ Welcome to our Eclectic Bookstore The Golden Owl, where the magic of literature meets the serene beauty of nature! Located at the heart of the city, our space is more than just a bookstore; it's a sanctuary for bibliophiles and nature enthusiasts alike. 📚✨ Our unique Plant Bar is a botanical paradise, offering a stunning array of plants perfect for your home or office. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a curious beginner, our expert staff is here to guide you. Come pick your plants, pick your container and decorate.🪴🌺 Need a cozy corner to dive into a book? We’ve got plenty of warm nooks perfect for reading or gathering with friends. Grab a book, a cup of our aromatic herbal teas, and let the stories transport you. 🍵📖 Don’t miss our collection of curiosities - from unique herbal blends to mystical trinkets, there's always something new to discover. Each item is handpicked to delight and inspire. 🌟🔮 Come visit us and experience the whimsical blend of stories, plants, and community. We’re open every day, ready to offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. 🌱❤️
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The Trove - Old Saybrook |
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✨ With a diverse selection at the Trove we have modern, vintage, and antique goods, we curate an experience that resonates with history and style. Our network of vendors brings their distinct offerings, all carefully chosen for your consideration. Step back in time and embrace the nostalgia. Every piece has a tale to tell, and it's waiting to become a part of your story. 📜 🛍️ We have two buildings at our location - make sure to check out both of them for your browsing experience. Each building houses a unique collection that promises to captivate your interest and inspire your imagination. Don't miss out on the treasures awaiting you! 🔍
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With gas prices so high. I am going to wait a few weeks before starting more trips. I will be featuring the shoreline for Spring and Summer. I will also be featuring beaches across our state. Hopefully by then it will be better. For now, here is a great idea for perhaps a weekend..
For this weeks trip lets head to Old Saybrook! Dress appropriately for kinda cold weather because of how close it is to the shore. If its windy then dress for winter temps. TAKE A COOLER!! Lets take a scenic route to get there. Getting to I95 lets get off at the Westbrook exit that has Route 153 lets head south. Yes you will see the Westbrook Outlets sign there. Its basically closed. Unless you want to see the old train they have there, skip it. Keep going on 153 south and then head Route 1 North. If your starting this drive in the morning stop at Julie's Cup of Joe and grab a bite to eat. After that keep going North and oon the left you will see Dharma Jewel Tebet Gift Shop. This is a really cute place. It has singing bowls & bells, meditation supplies, crystals, clothing and more. Keep heading north and then you will come up to Atlantic Seafood. THIS is why I said take a cooler! My husband stocked up on some lobster meat! He bought a couple of bags and ate one while I was driving! There is alot there you might want to stock up! Across the street you MUST go into Trove! It has 2 buildings with over 80 vendors. It has collectibles, Antiques, jewelry and more. Ok keep going. Up the road if your into Polish food there is a whole market for you to browse! Then continuing on watch out for the sign that shows 154 turn right and then again onto plum bank road. This is a very scenic ride into Old Saybrook. I really like driving here. Watch out for some bald eagles nesting on the left at the marsh. There are some beaches you can stop and take photos. During the summer you must be a resident, so stoping here before Memorial day would be ideal. Keep following the road, it will swing left but stay right onto Maple Ave for more scenery. Hopefully its a clear day! following the road your going to cross a causeway then over to Saybrook Point. You could stop there for a bathroom break if needed. There is also a mini golf but it may not be open. Otherwise turn left staying on 154 which is now Main st. You will end up in downtown Old Saybrook. Watch out for a parking space, they are hard to come by! Lots of places to eat here. Also visit if you can the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Museum. Get out of the car and take a stoll downtown. Once our done you can keep heading north on 154 and jump back onto I95 OR If you turn South on Route 1 you can get a really good pizza at Tj's Restaurant & Pizzaria. I suggest the steak and cheese pizza rolls. YUM YUM! There is also a Parthenon Diner down the road. I love diners! So you can either head south on Route 1 and the turn right at the McDonalds and get to the on ramp for I95 or you can keep exploring!
**** CHERRY BLOSSOMS ARE NOT READY YET**** Taking a drive to view some Cherry Blossoms would be great. The flowers usually bloom in late March or early April, but the exact timing varies each year depending on the weather. Here is a list of places that have some trees to view... Wooster Square Park and Yale University in New Haven. Also make a stop and get yourself some Sallys Pizza! Bushnell Park in Hartford. May I suggest a stop at Parkville Market for some great food. Then after make a stop at WEHA Marketplace. Downtown Greenwich has some trees. Mill River Park - Stamford I AM SAVING THIS HERE SO IN A FEW WEEKS IT SHOULD BE READY TO GO!
Perhaps taking a ride to some waterfalls this time of year. The trees have no leaves so far and that will give you some great views before they do.. Perhaps taking a trip over to Kent Falls or maybe even to Chester CT where you can view 2 falls for the ride of one! Bushmill By the Waterfall is a restaurant at the waterfall. You can also grab some drinks at the bar, then the other one is in town right next to the Chester Museum at the Mill. Go around the back of the building to see it. Then head into Chester and grab a bite to eat! Chester is easy to get to just head down Route 9! |
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Did you Know.. |
🔍 Discover the Henry Whitfield House: A Historical Gem of New England! 🔍 Step back in time and explore the remarkable Henry Whitfield House, proudly standing as the oldest house in Connecticut and the oldest stone house in all of New England. 🏠 Nestled in Guilford, this incredible structure holds a rich tapestry of history waiting for you to unravel. 📍 Location: 248 Old Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437 🏗️ Structure: Constructed in 1639 from local granite with walls about two feet thick, the house not only served as an elegant private residence but also a robust defensive fort for the community. 🛡️ 🗝️ Historical Significance: Recognized for its profound historical importance, the Henry Whitfield House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997. It currently operates as the Henry Whitfield State Museum, proudly claiming the title of the first state-owned museum in Connecticut. 🏛️ 🌟 Unique Features: Admire the steeply pitched roof and rare 17th-century casement windows that provide a window into the past, showcasing post-medieval English architectural traditions. These elements alone make the Henry Whitfield House a must-see for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike! 🌟 🌿 Join us in embracing the legacy of Reverend Henry Whitfield and the pioneering Puritans who made history come alive within these sturdy stone walls. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the allure of the Henry Whitfield House is sure to enrich your appreciation for New England's storied past. 📜✨
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📚 ✈️ Are you planning your next adventure across the United States? Make sure to bring along our unique Travel Word Search Book. As you flip through its pages, you'll embark on a journey through the USA like never before! With each turn, you'll discover interactive crosswords and engaging coloring pages that will guide you to iconic destinations and provide endless fun along the way! Highlights:
🗺️ Whether you're taking a road trip or flying coast to coast, let this book be your guide to the wonders of the USA. Every page is a new adventure, waiting for you to explore! 🌟 Makes a great gift!
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Check out this section every week for our latest Connecticut Crafters! Are you a Crafter that lives in Connecticut? Click this Link to send us your information so we can include you in our next issue. |
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🎨✨ Are you ready to make your craft dreams a reality? Look no further! With my expertise, I specialize in creating an array of delightful and unique items just for you. Whether you’re looking to adorn your home with exquisite home decor signs or hoping to impress with personalized drinkware, I’m here to bring your vision to life. 🍷 From whimsical cake toppers that celebrate special moments, to heartfelt greeting cards that speak volumes, my craftsmanship extends to an array of personalized products. 📧 💎 Dive into the intricate world of creativity with shadow boxes, keychains, bookmarks, and beaded creations. Or, make a bold statement with stunning leather clutches and stylish apparel that caters to all ages, featuring onesies, bibs, and custom shirts. 👶👕 For those who adore the art of personalization, explore my extensive range of decals of all sizes and much, much more! The possibilities are endless, and so is my excitement to transform your ideas into tangible, creative masterpieces. 🌟🎁 I also make Retractable Badge Reels. Customized to your business profession! Let's collaborate to design a product that’s uniquely yours, a creation that will be cherished forever. I'm thrilled to embark on this creative journey with you! 🎉🛠️
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🌟 Elevate Your Everyday with Handmade Wonders 🌟 Welcome to Wandering Woman Design—where every creation tells a story of adventure and passion! Our products are crafted to enhance your ability to eat well, live well, and wander well, all inspired by our global travels. Discover Our Handmade Collection:
Our creations are not just products; they are gifts—beautifully packaged to present as thoughtful, one-of-a-kind treasures. Indulge in a bit of wanderlust and transform your daily rituals with our high-quality, aesthetically pleasing items. 🌍✨
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Events that have an entrance fee will be noted with $
April 11 & 12 CT Cactus & Succulent Society Annual Show & Sale April 11 - 19 Spring Garden Expo - Hollandia Nursery & Farm 95 Stoney Hill Rd Bethel April 11-12 50th Annual Gem and Mineral Show sponsored by the New Haven Mineral Club Clarion Inn 201 Washington Ave North Haven Sat 9:30-5 Sun 10-4:30 April 18 Townwide Tag Sale - Shelton Rain Date April 19 April 25 & 26 Daffodil Fest Tag Sale weekend April 25 & 26 11-7pm Glastonbury Food Truck Fest 98 Wooland St south Glastonbury April 25 12-4pm Chester Earth Day - Main St Chester April 25 12pm Middlesex Vintage Flea Market 150 Sebethe Dr Cromwell April 26 Free Kite Display - 11-4pm Harkness Memorial State Park
FARMERS MARKETS Stonington Village Farmers Market Bayview Ave Saturdays 9-12pm until mid Oct.
FLEA MARKETS Mansfield Flea Market - Sundays - Indoor and Outdoor Newington Kiwanis Flea Market - Sundays Public Parking area BEHIND downtown. $ |
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🌌 Cosmic Energy Shift Alert: April 9 - April 15, 2026
This week marks a significant turning point in cosmic energy as Mars makes its assertive entrance into Aries on April 9. Expect a transition from the emotional fog of early April to a phase characterized by direct and rapid decision-making. ♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19): Feel a massive surge of momentum as Mars enters your sign. Ideal for launching passion projects, but remain cautious of "aggressive" tendencies. Lucky Numbers: 1, 9, 18, 6, 19, 3
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Venus brings harmony, but April 9 requires caution in pacing and precision. Lucky Numbers: 1, 9, 6, 15, 24, 13
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Embrace professional focus and social momentum, with an inclination towards independence as the weekend nears. Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 23, 3, 25, 21
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Delve into "major work" and inner purposes, challenging comfort zones regarding career and personal growth. Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 20, 17, 4, 13
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22): Mars energizes opportunities, turning fiery financial issues into positive resolutions. Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 28, 9, 15, 22
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Key partnerships come into focus. Restructure at your core for better alignment. Lucky Numbers: 3, 5, 17, 19, 8, 12
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22): Rebalance relationships post-Full Moon and discover surprises in valued ties. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 21, 24, 11, 2
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Review daily habits. Excellent week for leading with intuitive pattern recognition. Lucky Numbers: 8, 11, 22, 26, 7, 1
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Financial optimism reinvigorates your ambition. Follow excitement over practicality. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 30, 14, 21, 5
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Align focus with your emotional foundation for professional recognition. Trust your intuition. Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 26, 1, 10, 15
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Engage with fast-paced ideas and seize unexpected opportunities. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 25, 1, 2, 11
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Manage newfound financial fortune wisely and embrace deserved clarity. Lucky Numbers: 2, 11, 27, 24, 3, 9
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