Behind-The-Scenes of DayTrippers!

OK...I like to think I'm just a teeny bit cool....I'll kayak down the Hudson, surrounded by ginormous cruise ships...I'll hop on a jet ski in Narragansett and high tail it to Newport....heck, I'll eat a raw oyster out of the Sound! But, Trapeze School? Seriously? I don't like roller coasters! I do not like heights! And, swinging with my little boys always makes me nauseous. But, I'm a sucker for good TV...so, when a producer approached me with this DayTrippers idea (thanks a lot, Amy Desson)...I clenched my teeth and said, "Sounds FUN!"

"I've been through childbirth," I thought. "I can do ANYTHING!" Uh-huh.

Trapeze School New York calls it's Boston facility "Beantown"...and it's actually located right off the highway in Reading...in the huge Jordan's Furniture complex. When we arrived, everyone was so, so nice. Steve, the General Manager, gave us a great interview...and Kaz -- who once worked at Club Med -- started prepping me (on the ground, that is) to take a swing. For whatever reason, I didn't think it looked that scary at first. The trapeze is 24 feet up....maybe 4 or 5 stories...the net was big...there was cool music playing....I was momentarily calm. But that feeling didn't last for long.

We climbed to the top....I had been strapped into a harness of sorts....but, when I was told to put my feet on THE EDGE of this ridiculous precipice...and LEAN FORWARD to grab the bar...I started to freak out! Cue the dry mouth, the sweating, the hyperventilating...the PURE, SHEER terror! I had a hard time concentrating and listening to the instruction because I was just so nervous....but, I don't quite know how it happened....my lovely and supportive teacher yelled "Ready, hep!" and I was OFF!

Truthfully, the first swing was terrifying. I dangled back and forth a few times and asked to "PLEASE GET DOWN!" But, once I landed in the net, the whole mystery of the experience had somewhat been solved and I knew I would actually survive this day! So, I went on to swing two other times....and definitely had fun. I feel proud of myself...like I definitely conquered a demon or two. Photographer Mike -- who is also VERY afraid of heights -- also took a leap! I was so proud of him! He even attempted some sort of bat hang. "Attempted" is the key word there.

I fear I let my instructors down by not trying a back flip or a knee hang. Apparently all sorts of people do! And are quite successful at it...even during their first swing. But, honestly, I have no regrets. Just jumpiing off that LEDGE was daring enough for me! I do feel -- 100% -- that I reached my personal goal.

So, let's talk about the "DayTrip" aspect of this story. Anyone can go to "TSNY"....and take a 2 hour class which ranges in price from $45 to $55 dollars depending on the day and time. The instructors say they can accomodate almost any age (seniors, toddlers) and fear level. Many visitors have that childhood dream of joining the circus...and this gives them the opportunity to live out that fantasy and still return to their safe lives.

Here's a valuable warning....I am SERIOUSLY sore! Did I tense my whole body due to nerves? Or, is this girl not meant to just HANG AROUND for awhile? I don't know...but be prepared for two days of wincing!

I'm not so sure I'll ever run away and join Cirque de Soleil...but, this was definitely one of those stories I'll tell me grandkids about...I'll never forget my day on the flying trapeze!

So, next up! Bungee Jumping! (will never, ever happen)

Have fun!

Well, it took a lot to convince my favorite photographer -- Mike P. -- to shoot this one! Shellfishing in January! In Long Island Sound! In waders! Sounded cool to me....I'm a beach girl....but, not so much to him!

Recently, a good friend referred me to our local paper. "The Valley Courier" regularly features articles from an area fishing expert named Captain Morgan. Until reading that column, I never knew that winter was such a great time to go clamming. According to Morgan, the cool waters keep the shellfish really fresh....and make them super delicious. Hey, I thought -- I'm game! We're always looking for new, exciting DayTrips right here in our own backyard.

Captain Morgan and I had a hard time coming up with a good time to shoot our story. You can only go clamming at low tide....and I work part-time due to two little boys with busy Kindergarten, pre-school, basketball and playdate schedules! First, we were going to meet at 6:30am on the Monday holiday. YIKES. So, we changed it to last Monday...which, if you remember...monsooned. Mike and I rallied...jumped in the car last Sunday morning and headed to Captain Morgan's Bait & Tackle Shop at 21 Boston Post Road in Madison. Spontaneity gets things done!

There, you can buy some shellfishing equipment....which could cost you $150 bucks or so....but, it's a one-time purchase. If you get a sturdy rake, a basket, a culling ring and a little knife for the shells, you'll be good to go forever! Permits cost $25.00 per day and $75.00 annually. Captain Morgan gave us a little tour of the gear...and we were on our way.

We followed him to Great Harbor Beach in Guilford which was really gorgeous. A privately owned island lies just offshore...very picturesque. There were quite a few people clamming, too! It was an overcast morning....the water was 37 degrees...and the air was 31 degrees! I wriggled into some waders I borrowed from Captain Morgan's friend (thanks, Maurreen) and I was off...trudging through the muddy bottom of Long Island Sound....out into the water.

Morgan's freinds -- Bruce and Rich -- showed me their technique....and clamming really is quite a workout! Walking through the water was tough on the legs....and scraping the sandy bottom of the Sound...listening for that "ping" sound when you hit a clam....really works the arms. Finally, I found one....Bruce made me eat it (2, actually)....and it was really very good!

Now, here's the big question: how cold were we? We were really OK! The ACTION of clamming keeps you kind of warm. Mind you, I was ready to warm up in the car after an hour or so....but, all in all, I REALLY enjoyed myself. The air was clear....the seagulls were squawking....I found the entire experience really calming.....a lovely date with Mother Nature.

The Guilford Shellfish Commission (which is all volunteer) recommends you call their hotline before embarking on a clamming adventure....1-800-453-8088....if there's more than an inch of rain, they close the beds and test the waters. This is how they ensure safe, fresh seafood.

Thanks to Captain Morgan and all of his buddies....and thanks to you, too, Mike! I owe you lunch! (Not oysters, I know.)

Have fun!

I'm a big fan of Litchfield County....so, I was really excited about this DayTrip! I googled "Snowshoes Connecticut" and came up with this fantastic store "Housatonic River Outfitters". It's owned by a man named Harold McMillan who specializes in selling/renting snow shoes and fly fishing equipment. Harold has a really interesting story....he calls himself a former "Wall Street Victim"...who took a weekend trip to Litchfield County...and basically decided to ditch the crazy city life for rural bliss.

Harold found some snowshoes for me and we headed out the Appalachian Trail. We clicked and snapped our way into our footwear...which is now really light...all aluminum and plastic. Forget those big basket weave flippers of the past! Once Harold got me suited up, I said, "What now? Do I just walk around?" And, YES! That's all there is to it! Definitely not as hard as cross country skiing...but, we did use poles...and apparently it is a really great workout. We circled around a big open field...taking in the beautiful crisp, cold weather and appreciating the views all around. It's important to wear sturdy shoes -- of the hiking variety -- and to dress in layers. It's easy to get hot...even in the cold weather. Harold said it's not unusual to see eagles, deer -- even a bear!

Next, we hiked on a trail that ran along the Housatonic River...which was frozen in spots....it looked really, really gorgeous. Harold can rent you snowshoes for about 20-dollars a day....and can point you in the direction of some really amazing trails through the Litchfield Hills. Also, the store offers guided tours with a snowshoe expert (you even get some hot cocoa!)....so, log onto his web site (look for our link) and check out a possible daytrip! It's an amazing part of the state...and a lovely way to actually enjoy the winter.

Take a tip from my friend Harold! Go ahead...get away from it all. For a day, at least!

Have fun.....

We shot this story on the first COLD COLD night this winter...and, I have to say, the Seaport was CHILLY! But, honestly, the SECOND we opened the door and stepped into The Seaport's village, it was like entering a different time...a different world. Everything looked so amazing in the dark....the tall ships against the dusky sky....the glistening water....the lanterns lighting the walkway. It was an amazing experience....very festive and special.

Our tour guide was "Mrs. Thomas Stillman"...played by a lovely Stonington actress. Her job was to walk us visitors through a holiday story...with stops inside and outside along the way. The first event was a carriage ride...where we got to chat with a notable chap -- Santa! Then, we started delivering Christmas cards to various homes...where our story started to unfold. An army hero was lost after the Civil War....most of his family believed him to be dead...but several townspeople were holding out hope for a miracle.

This is Year 31 (wow) for the Lantern Light Tour....every season the story changes...since there are so many return customers who make it a holiday tradition every year. But, each year there are 5 things that remain the same. Vistitors will: 1.) take a carriage ride...2.) eat a cookie 3.) see Santa 4.) participate in a traditional dance and....5.) go aboard a ship.

The dance was FUN! A great break from the cold....and the trip aboard the LA Dunton was COOL....there's just something about ships in the winter....awesome. And, listening to the actors inside the Colonial homes was quite an experience, too...to really see the candlelight and firelight which lit up their homes at night...so dim....it really felt like we were on a trip back in time.

The story was sweet...and timely....it made us think of the present...and how many people will be missing their loved ones this holiday season.

The Lantern Light Tour was really special. I recommend it to failies with older children...and, if you can't make it this year, there's alwas 2010! Enjoy....and happy holidays from all of us at DayTrippers!

So, last year, on a very snowy Friday, we decided to take our boys to the train show at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. My son, Sam, is a train fanatic....and is interested in seeing ANYTHING related to locomotives, anywhere along the eastern seaboard! We drove about an hour an a half -- a really manageable trip -- and somewhat beat the snow. As we walked into the Garden, the snow had blanketed the ground....lights were twinkling....the air was crisp....the entire experience was TRULY magical. Naturally, I thought, I HAVE to shoot a DAYTRIPPER here....so, that is how this installment of our weekly series came to be!

This year, we travelled to the Bronx on a VERY different day. It was warm and sunny...and the Garden was gorgeous in this atmosphere, as well. It was opening day of the annual train show...this is year 18....and, WOW, the lines were ENORMOUS! But, the good news is this: you CAN skip the lines and order tickets online....and, last year, we didn't face those crowds...so maybe it was just an "opening day thing"!

The display this year is as amazing as ever....there are 13 model trains....which weave in and out of an enormous lay-out made entirely of natural materials, such as pine cones, bark and twigs. AND, all of the structures are New York City landmarks....the Empire State Building, Yankees Stadium (grrr), the Chrysler Building...and, the original Penn Station....which is this year's masterpiece. It is amazing...and, as our tour guide -- Jennifer Josef -- pointed out, it's the only way to see this magnificent building anymore....since it was torn down. I still can't believe that happened....an incredible piece of architecture...now a ghost of the past.

We explored outside the train show, as well. The Children's Adventure Garden is delightful....as is the new Gingerbread House Center.

I loved this DAYTRIP....and, I hope you do, too!
Happy Holidays!

So, we've been hiking, hiking, hiking here on DayTrippers...which is great. But, after Selden Island, I suddenly thought, ANIMALS! We haven't seen cute, little furry faces on DT in awhile...let's do something different this week. I looked in my trusty "Connecticut Magazine" and found an ad for an Alpaca Farm in Watertown....we went to check it out.

The farm is gorgeous. We just missed the foliage, but it didn't matter. There are beautiful views of rolling hills all around...and the alpacas barns and fields are actually nestled right into a slope...it looks cool. We met Jim and Penny Mullen....really nice folks who now have nearly 60 alpacas on their 25 acres. They raise them, breed them, sell them...and Penny also sells fleecy yarn which she gets every year when the alpacas are sheared. The Mullens host several thousand visitors here each year....thanks to their "Open Farm Days" and private tours.

The Mullens say, visiting the alpacas is a great way to teach kids appreciation for the animal kingdom. The alpacas are good with little ones....they very rarely get scared or fidgety....and hardly ever spit! Although Mike and I got between a small spitting match between 2 alpacas. ...we couldn't stop laughing. Gotta dry clean that scarf!

Generally, alpacas are curious and gentle....and super, super soft. They have really distinct, different personalities....and funny hair do's! We met Maguire....and Ronan...who is apparently a ladies man....although he didn't really seem to care for me. Should I be offended? Nah, we'll blame it on the big, scary camera.

We enjoyed our trip to Southwind Farms...and the Mullens have two "Open Farm Weekends" coming up, right around the holidays. ...November 28th, 29th....and December 5th and 6th. Have fun....Hangin' with these animals can't help but make you smile!

This was a really, really cool DayTrip....different...and so interesting.

It was a gorgeous Sunday morning. We met our tour guide, Andy Griswold, in Chester and jumped on a small boat bound for Selden Island, in the middle of the Connecticut River. Andy is the director of the Connecticut Audubon's EcoTravel Division....which hosts more than 100 daytrips annually, as well as excursions outside the country. Our journey to Selden is sort of a preview of one of EcoTravel's public trips....they bring a group out to the island 2 or 3 times each year. There is still room to buy a ticket for the October 31st trip.

At any rate, our boat ride was incredibly delightful. Sunny, bright and brisk. The River sparkled in the early morning light and it seemed so empty. I had never really experienced it like that. Peaceful....calming.

We pulled up on the island and started our hike to the summit. We opted to take the fastest route, which is also the steepest! So, we were huffing and puffing! On the way, we learned the history of this 650 acre island...the largest island in the river and in all of Connecticut. Now, the island seems so primitive....pristine and totally natural. But, in the early 1900's, it was home to a sizable quarrying operation. 300 people lived and worked there....and the forest was decimated. Hard to believe, the way you see it today....but, refreshing to know that we are actually restoring a forest in these modern days. You cans still see piles of rubble and several steel barrels used for the quarries.

When we arrived at the top, the view was SPECTACULAR! The colors of the foliage were everywhere....the water was blue, blue...as we looked down towards Chester and Deep River. The EcoTravel trips provide visitors with information from a botanist, a bird enthusiast and a historian....so, you can appreciate nature in many different ways. Andy is somewhat of a bird expert...he has traveled the world learning about them. So, our conversations were fascinating.

If you can't make it on one of the EcoTravel trips to Selden, you can book a private tour....there are also 4 campsites on the island...you can reserve a space through the ranger at Gillette Castle.

Selden Island is a very cool place to visit. I felt like an explorer! And the sole of my hiking boot fell off....very funny...but, that's another story! Cheers!

There is truly nothing like fall in Connecticut...and, boy, did we experience the beauty of the season during our day in the Litchfield Hills. First, we visited Wood Acres Farm in Terryville....a beautiful place that primarily hosts country weddings on its gorgeous grounds. But, visitors can call up Ken Wood and order a private horse and buggy ride...what a treat! How often do you get to experience that these days? Ken suited up his 1700 pound horse, Sunday, and took us for a lovely ride through some back roads....it really felt like we were stepping back in time....a unique chance to appreciate mother nature's colors at a slow pace.

After a really enjoyable carriage ride, Ken asked if I wanted to take the reigns and steer Sunday into the farm. Of course! It was actually harder than I expected...she was very sensitive to each and every movement of the reigns....but, with a few "Woahs" and one close call with our Jeep, I managed to "park" her near the stable...very fun. Something you just don't get to do everyday!

When our fun at the farm was over, we met Janet Serra, tourism guru for the Litchfield Hills. We interviewed her at Topsmead State Park....a really lovely spot that features an English cottage once owned by an heiress named Edith Chase. Visitors can take tours of the house on weekends, and explore the park's grounds and hiking trails. Janet told us that we are really lucky to live here....Connecticut has a national reputation for foliage season.....and there are many hidden gems to find during a DayTrip to Litchfield.

We continued on to one more spot....we were having fun in this great neck of the woods...and I wanted to see Lake Waramaug....since I had just read a travel article about it. WOW. Janet took us to an incredible spot overlooking the lake....the water was shining and sparkling....ducks were swimming....the leaves looked so pretty and the air was crisp and cool. Honestly, I felt like I was on vacation....it couldn't have been a more scenic spot.

All in all, a great adventure! Don't forget to appreciate the season, right here in our lovely state. And, if you're looking for a casual lunch, check out the Bantam Pizza place....YUM. Have fun!

I grew up in the Concord, MA area....so, this DayTrip was a little crazy for me! A great walk down memory lane. Walden Pond is as beautiful as I remember....it's really clear....and not too cold...and it just has this totally peaceful aura. The beach was busy and fun with kids running around....but, many people had walked around the pond and found their own little quiet place...to sunbathe, swim or read.

Henry David Thoreau lived at Walden for 2 years, 2 months and 2 days in the mid-1800's...seeking a life of simplicity. Visitors can hike about 1/2 mile and see the site of his sparse cabin...and a really cool tribute to the famous philosopher...people have left statues (cairns) made from rocks from all around the globe. Moving.

You can swim, hike, fish, operate non-motorized boats in this gorgeous kettle pond...which is really unique.

Concord is really gorgeous and historic...we ended our visit with stops at The North Bridge, where a Revolutionary War battle was fought....The Old Manse where Nathaniel Hawthorne lived...and The Orchard House Museum, home of the Alcotts....where Louisa May Alcott wrote "Little Women"...I used to give tours there when I was in High School...it was fun to return!

We ate lunch at my old favorite haunt...."New London Style Pizza"....another Concord gem you don't want to miss! My son is currently whipping super-balls at my head....must run. Have fun!

OK....I'm totally willing to put myself out there for the good of a story. Jet Skiing? No problem...I managed not to look like a total idiot....but, Disc Golfing? I was HOPELESS! Apparently, my small Frisbee skills as a child have completely waned because I was throwing here, there and everywhere...and not exactly at my target (except Photog Mike's shin). BUT...the good news is that we had a blast! The 18 hole course at Wickham Park in Manchester is very cool. Some holes are virtually hidden in the woods...and one of them is incredible. The experienced disc golfers throw up a hill, through a small passage of thick trees...woah. My "band of merry golfers" - as I called them -- included Dave Mourad -- a teacher by day, disc golfer extraordinaire on the weekends. Thanks, Dave! You were very supportive...even when I was a total mess!

Wickham Park is gorgeous. If Disc Golfing isn't your thing, explore what this Manchester property has to offer. There is an aviary, a nature center, many gorgeous gardens and an incredible view of the Hartford skyline....where Fox 61 web master Doug Stewart used to sled when he was a youth! Our Tour Guide Jeff Maron was great...and told us that the Park's new Sensory Garden will be completed soon...it's very cool.

My oldest son was starting Kindergarten the day after we shot this story (yes, Mike, everyone knows, why not blog about it?) and I was worried and distracted...but, the Disc Golfers totally captured my attention and we had a lot of fun! Give thid growing sport a try....maybe YOU will show some SKILLS!