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Connecticuts Coney Island, Frosty Goodies
Road trip with Views of Long Island!
Mayra Dube

Mayra Dube

Sep 10, 2026

Its that time of year! Summer Time! With it comes our stops at Ice Cream shops! I love a good scoop of ice cream. Especially after a nice bike ride or a nice dinner out. When I take my bike out, I really like making stops at small mom and pop shoppes. I will preview shops all summer long. Hopefully its one you've never stopped at and then you too can come and discover new flavors!

Bill's Carousel Ice Cream & Yogurt - New Haven

All SOFT SERVE

all real ice cream

Yes, it's all soft serve! We find the best ice cream mix to fill our machines daily and churn out the greatest soft serve. Add any of our premium sundae toppings, many made in house! Or try a made to order shake with real fruit and flavors.

Craving something you don't see on the menu? We can create just about any ice cream treat you can imagine.

 

Tour The Thimbles

First discovered in 1614 by Adrien Block, these islands were used for everything from farming to quarrying granite, from bootlegging to hiding Captain Kidd’s treasure. Captain Kidd sailed here in 1665…you can still feel his presence today.

Join Captains Mike, Justin, Bryan and the crew of the Sea Mist as you tour the famous Thimble Islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut. For nearly sixty years, 1000s of seafarers have enjoyed tours and charters of the Long Island Sound with Thimble Island Cruise.

There are 2 types of cruises:

 

The Sea Mist is a 44' Carman Boat of Chesapeake design. This vessel was designed with large windows and comfortable seating for sightseeing and private cruises to enjoy cocktails or dinner with friends and family. There are two observation decks. The lower deck is equipped with a full heating system and the interior can be completely sheltered for inclement weather. The upper deck is open to the breeze for observation and photos. Departs from the Stony Creek Dock! Thimble Islands!

 

"Island Time" is a 40' Catamaran powered by twin 300HP Suzuki Outboards. There is perimeter seating for 28 passengers. We have a bar on board providing beverages. There is a head on board. Departing from Bruce & Johnson's Safe Harbor Marina. Cruising the Branford River & the Branford Coast.

This does not do the Thimble Island Tour!

 

Make sure you book the right tour for your adventure. Why not do both trips for a weekend.

This trip we are going to get some great views of Long Island Sound and some great pictures to boot! If your scared of heights bring someone with you as your going to have to drive next to some cliffs. Also, bring a cooler for some lunch!

We are headed to West Ridge State Park!

Lets start this drive off route 691 and lets jump on Route 10 South on the Cheshire line. Driving down Route 10 you can find some great places to stop. Like The Barker Museum and make a stop to get some breakfast or quick lunch at Paul's Restaurant. My favorite stop on Route 10 is Rosies Dairy. More than a dairy shop they have burgers, hotdogs, lobster rolls etc. Get them to go and lets eat with a view! Continuing on Route 10 south your looking for Sheppard Avenue on the right, follow that then to West Sheppard ave, Left on Hill St you should see a golf course on your left follow that, watch for Dunbar Hill Rd on the right all the way to Chauncey Road on the right and then left onto Main St. Off of Main St you will see some pull off's for hikers, if your in the mood take a hike. But make sure you have a large stick for Bears, Bobcats and Snakes. Otherwise keep going on Main St then to the Right on Wintergreen Ave. Once you go under Route 15, you will see the entrance on the right. Follow the road up. Go slow the road is tight. You can't really see around the corners. Closer to the top you can choose left for the ridge/sound view or right to see the "cave". I choose the left. I really wanted to see Long Island and New Haven from up there. There are some pull offs at the top so you can see southward. Just not as striking as the New Haven view. At the top there is a pavilion with some picnic benches that you can have your lunch at. Which is pretty cool.

You can then drive over the Judges Cave.

Once your done up top head down and take a right out of the main exit. That road will take you back to Route 10 North. Follow that back up to Route 691. Then back home. OR Keep Exploring!

 

Did You Know....

The European praying mantis (Mantis religiosa) has been the official state insect of Connecticut since October 1, 1977. It is not native to North America, but was introduced in the 1890s to help farmers manage garden pests. 
Key Facts About Connecticut's State Insect
Status: Designated by the legislature in 1977.
Origin: Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa; brought over to control agricultural pests.
Diet: Eats flies, grasshoppers, crickets, moths, and aphids.
Appearance: Usually green or brown, averaging 2 to 2.5 inches long, with front legs folded in a posture that looks like meditation or prayer. 

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. 

Wine Scented Candle

NaturallyintheWoods was always my dream.  I started in 2012 doing local fairs and fundraising events. I love making pure soy candles and wax melts. I have a variety of jar sizes - from my itsy bitsy which is a 2 oz. size to my 16 oz.   Choose from a variety of scents - I love what I do. You can purchase candles online and at Spectrum Gallery, Shops at Riverton ,  and Berlin Kiosks.

FLEA MARKETS

Flea Market at the Crossing 105 e Main St Plainville

Heck's Things and Things Indoor Flea Market 46 Harding St  Berlin

Redwood Country Flea Market 170 S Turnpike Rd Wallingford

Boulevard Flea Market 500 Ella T Grasso Blvd (rt 10) New Haven

The Woodbury Flea Market 44 Sherman Hill Rd Woodbury

Mansfield Flea Market 228 Stafford Rd Mansfield (Mansfield Drive In)

Elephants Trunk Flea Market 490 Danbury Rd

Bethlehem Indoor Flea Market  37 Thomson Rd Bethlehem

Newington Kiwanis Flea Market East Cedar St Behind Downtown

College Mart Flea Market  2 Wedgewood Dr Jewitt City

Wrights Barn 104 Wright Rd Torrington

 

Mansfield Drive In - They run first run movies so you have to check every week. Here is the link

September 10 and 11, marked by a grounding New Moon in Virgo that provides a cosmic reset button. Combined with Venus sliding into deep Scorpio and Mercury entering diplomatic Libra, it is a powerful seven days for clearing away old habits and re-aligning your personal relationships. 

♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Everything is up for review as Uranus goes retrograde, asking you to reconsider your personal outlook. The Virgo New Moon helps you clean up your daily routines and focus on wellness. Surrender to the flow instead of fighting for control. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 17, 21, 34, 45
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
This week calls for collaboration to move an important passion project or creative dream forward. Honest, deep conversations will spark sweet moments in your love life. Keep your eyes open for unexpected inspiration mid-week. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 4, 10, 16, 22, 38, 49
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
It is officially habit-swap time, Gemini. If you have been stuck in tiresome behavioral loops, the cosmic energy gives you the perfect window to break free. Focus on communication, as travel or learning opportunities may suddenly surface. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 10, 19, 27, 42
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You are moving into a beautiful phase of emotional grounding. Take time to clear out emotional debts or past grudges that are weighing you down. Nurture your home space and protect your energy from draining people. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 6, 17, 34, 41, 48, 53
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Your natural charm and confidence are amplified right now, making it a great week to advance your career. Don't worry about others stepping into your territory; simply show up as your authentic self and let your light shine. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 15, 37, 44, 50, 52, 60
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
The New Moon in your sign on September 10/11 hits a major reset button for you. You are the main character of the cosmos right now. Use your sharp analytical skills to decide what no longer deserves access to your precious time. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 4, 9, 13, 25, 33, 57
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Mercury enters your sign on September 10, supercharging your ability to network, collaborate, and connect. It is a wonderful week to find harmony in your partnerships, join forces with like-minded people, and plan your next big move. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 3, 14, 28, 31, 46, 55
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
With Venus moving into your sign on September 10, intensity and passion mark your week. You are entering a beautiful phase for love and personal luck. Don't hold back or limit your dreams out of fear—let yourself want what you want. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 7, 20, 26, 28, 39, 44
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
The universe is giving you a swift push toward your professional and personal ambitions. If you are willing to take bold action on your goals, you will experience sudden growth and luck. Expect a surge of optimism. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 11, 23, 31, 40, 43, 51
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
The Virgo New Moon opens up a lucky new chapter of manifestation for you. You are hungry to learn and expand your horizons. Focus heavily on the details of your plans, and don't try to force or control the final outcome. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 5, 10, 13, 24, 27, 36
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
It's time to network! Mercury in Libra helps you cross paths with highly beneficial people who support your vision. Keep an open mind to innovative ideas and seek out community circles that leave you feeling intellectually stimulated. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 3, 18, 23, 35, 38, 47
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Your strong intuition is your superpower this week. Long-term dreams regarding relationships or your career niche are starting to manifest. Be honest about your deepest desires and lean into your creative or spiritual habits. 
  • Lucky Numbers: 7, 12, 14, 29, 32, 56

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