Today it’s a travel blog! And we have music!
First move in any off-island adventure is a trip on the ferry. We’re traveling, as we always do, the slow way; meandering through four states, Massachusetts to Rhode Island, through Connecticut, into New York City, America’s Hometown.
As you can see, it was a perfect day for a sea voyage across the sound. Cold and windy, around 38°, and clear. We parked our car downstairs on the freight deck, and came up to sit by a sunny window, drink coffee and read the paper.
Forty-five minutes later, we docked in Woods Hole. We climbed back in to the van . . . Joe took this photo through the windshield, of me digging through by bag to find the phone. We have everything with us, chocolate, apples, homemade granola; plus, an electric tea kettle and an ice chest for the milk for the tea–which I am happily drinking now.
About a half hour from Woods Hole, we leave Cape Cod via the Bourne Bridge . . .
On to 195, through Fall River, Rhode Island . . .
. . . and over the bridge . . . tons of coastline in Rhode Island, so there are lots of bridges!
Into Providence. My photos don’t do justice to this darling city . . . so many wonderful buildings, such a cute downtown . . . here are just a few I took through the car window . . . see the wind whipping the flags? Chilly!
More wonderful old buildings . . . New England cities are filled with them.
And a mix of old and new . . . gorgeous day, look at that sky! We parked here and blew down a couple of blocks to the Providence Mall to SHOP. People who live on Martha’s Vineyard (at least the ones I know) crave a good Mall (no chain stores on the island), but then when we get inside, we are like kids in candy stores, overwhelmed and don’t know what to buy. It’s all so big and sparkly and there’s so much of it!
After shopping (tried on cute shoes, they didn’t have them in my size; found a sweater in “my color”) and mocha coffees, we drove into the most amazing Connecticut sunset that seemed to go on and on . . . heading west — and thinking, hmmm, where should we have dinner?
We choose a destination dear to our hearts, the Griswold Inn, where we stopped the very first time we went to New York together, all those years ago.
We love it because it’s filled with history!
It’s in the quintessential New England town of Essex, Connecticut — another extremely American town as all New England towns seem to be . . . this one, maybe even more so. The moon was beautiful, horns up, smiling; it looks full here, but that’s just the trick the camera is playing . . .
I think they keep their paint colors simple on the old houses just so the flag looks good against them!
Even the lines on the road were red white and blue! How can you not love this exuberance? So we found a parking place . . .
And went in through the green door . . .
To this welcoming lobby . . .
And then . . . I hardly know where to start with the photos, the restaurant is so full of interesting things and cozy nooks . . .
Here’s the bar, very cozy, publike, and neighborhoody . . . With a fire in the fireplace and a twinkly Christmas tree taking center stage.
And who doesn’t love a well marked ladies room? In all its two centuries of existence, the Griswold Inn has never met a sign or a picture of a boat it didn’t love.
And they have a Library Room, full of old books, where you can eat!
The walls are crowded with historical artifacts, everything labeled as to who, what, where, why, and when.
Like eating in a museum!
Loved the ship models — especially this one over the fireplace in the main dining room. Guess which table we chose for the first of what will probably be a month of Anniversary Dinners?
Oh yes, the one in front of the fireplace. A toast to 25 years of luckiness and Just the Right Guy for Me. ♥ The softest kindest heart I’ve ever met.
But, we have to get serious, enough of this mushy stuff, down to business . . . Mmmm, hot rolls with maple butter.
I had the white bean and tomato soup made with chicken stock and a green salad with bacon and tomatoes; Joe had a juicy steak with a gorgozola sauce and steamed broccoli which we lingered over, analyzing and enjoying every bite. When Joe and I go out to dinner we do two things — 1. First, we mentally redecorate the entire restaurant — which wasn’t necessary in this case; and 2. We try to figure out what’s in everything, how it’s made; if we want to make it at home, we write everything down in the little red book I carry in my purse. If it needs cayenne or more garlic, we make note of it. This was simple and delicious and just right.
We shared this bad boy for dessert, because we can, because it’s our Anniversary. Shut up. You’re parked in a judgefree zone.
And that was it, back into hats, coats, scarves, gloves, and outside for more photos, this one is of the gift shop across the street — then into the car for another hour of driving, and then, last night, a hotel . . . and here we are, it’s morning, barely light out; almost time for me to make Joe his Anniversary Cup of Tea! We head into the city this 
morning, New York, New York (a city so wonderful, as someone mentioned the other day, they named it twice!); we’ll be at the New York International Gift Fair for most of today . . . in case you’re looking for us!
With my iPhone I’m able to send photos and videos directly to Twitter . . . in case you’d like to check in today and see how it’s going. Also, if you read that your comment is “waiting for moderation,” it’s because I’m away from the computer and haven’t been able to “moderate!” (You wouldn’t believe the huge amount of spam that comes into this blog . . . I have to “moderate” in order to remove it before your comments can go up.) I promise, it will come asap. I do so hope you have enjoyed your Slow Boat to China today . . . Love showing you our little corner of the world . . . Have a wonderful day!
Susan,
Was that an autumnal sweater and scarf you had on in the car? Those are your colors, darlin’. You looked great.
XOXO that’s what I just found out!! So nice to know! Thank you Audrianne!
Oh Susan you have no idea how exciting this is for me…as we sit in our home & enjoy this marvelous trip to New York, New York! Our granddaughter loves it so much….she would love to move there!! smile….
Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking us along on this journey! Be safe!
Blessings,
Gert
hi travelers…wonderful post…i thought when i got up this morning that you all would have made your way towards NY and was so happy to find the great photos..beautiful day for travel…loved the snap of your toast…xo…have a safe fabulous day susan and joe and happy 25th….love, cindy
ps..oh..have to tell you that when i saw the picture of your old wooden recipe box, i drew a hearty breath..it is just like my moms!…i treasure it so….anyway, i took a picture of it and will upload it to FOSB today….the recipe showing is her handwriting…
pps love the ribs!!! xoxoxo
So much fun to come along on your trip! Have a fabulous time!!!
Born and bred in CT…love those dear, familiar sights of New England. Even though I’ve been in FL for 10 years, I’m still a Yankee Girl at heart. Love following your adventures- enjoy NYC 🙂
Looks like you are off to a wonderful start on your adventure. By the way, your sweater and lipstick looked great in the photo – must be your colors! Continue to have fun and I will look forward to coming along too.
Where do I start? You look absolutely gorgeous in that photo Susan. It’s a treat to see a picture of you because you don’t post many of yourself. And I love it. So beautiful. The inn looks wonderful- I may have to plan a drive down there myself for my anniversary in March! And, I will have to admit that I got teary reading through the part with the photo of you and Joe clinking glasses. Why do I love you both so much? It’s craziness. You’re just so wonderful and you make me happy with your personality. Happy Anniversary and thank you for taking us along on your journey to NY!! xx
Susan~you look fab in your sweater and scarf! Soooo your colors! Thanks for taking us along your anniversary journey. You’re such dears!
Bliss!
Marie xo
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful adventures….and Happy Anniversary to you. The pictures are abeautiful.
Road trip! Such a great way to see the “little” beautiful spots in our country. The bookshelves in the dining area at the Griswold Inn put a huge smile on my face and I just wanted to join you and Joe for dinner and peruse the shelves afterward. That would be enough dessert for me. Love the pictures and hope your trip is full of watercolor images, delicious food and much love and friendship. Have fun!
Linda
To heck with New York! As much as I wanted to go see the city again, I would have never made it out of Essex! I WANT to live there….at the Griswold Inn. How absolutely beautiful! But okay…I will calm down and settle in for the ride.
What a great anniversary. Thanks again for taking us all with you.
Thank you for reminding us how wonderful New England is, I just love seeing it again through your eyes. Family in Conn, and always enjoy my time there.
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe.
Susan,
You look so great in your sweater and scarf. Hope we see more pictures of you in “your colors”. How nice it is to be sitting here in my kitchen, drinking my first cup of coffee and traveling with you and Joe. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Oh, my – Essex! Love the stripey road lines; the Christmas decorations at the Griswold Inn; maple butter on rolls (!); the colors you’re wearing; etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Happy Anniversary.
Oh, Susan…..how perfect. Felt like I was on the road with you….and have now added a few places to my “we gotta go there” list ! And I can’t say Happy Anniversary enough…I can tell you and Joe know the BLESSING of having a soul mate and partner for life ! I loved the “first of many anniversary dinners” – the love of my life decided that since this is our 35th year and we celebrated in NYC in January , that we should do something special each month on our anniversary date…ya gotta love a guy like that ! So I can’t wait for February for a brunch out and a good play. Enjoy the gift show…..oh, I bet it is amazing ! I know you will keep us posted with all the great things you do and see – Thank you !
I love your travel blogs, it always so interesting to see all the sights. I’ve been to Providence Mall, very pretty ceiling with all the light and windows. I’m putting Griswold’s on my places I’d like to dine, it looks so cozy and very interesting. Do you have a booth at the gift show? Have a Wonderful Anniversary. Mine is next month, 44 years. I was just a child bride, lol! Think you colors are marvelous.♥
Susan,
Thanks for the great post. The Griswold Inn is one of our favorite places for a Saturday lunch — their pea soup is fabulous. And you’re exactly right– Essex is exactly what a new England town should look like!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe.
Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!! I’m sure you and Joe are off on your adventure, gathering charming ideas and “stuff”…though YOU don’t need any help in the charming ideas category….love the Inn and the decor was wonderful…sitting here in Brown County Indiana, sipping my Hazelnut Decaf, and enjoying springlike weather…living vicariously through you and your sweetie……have fun!
Lovin’ “our” road trip, on the slow boat to China, with the beautiful pictures, & the great Autumn outfit pretty girl! I think in a previous life I must have lived on the East Coast, and then – “the softest kindest heart I’ve ever met”, so sweet, tears from me, for you both! xo
Good morning Susan, I just loved your trip to New York, especially your stop in Essex. My husband and I know exactly where the Griswold Inn is, we’ve been there for brunch before. It is a lovely old place with so much history. We love walking up and down the street and to the end where the museum overlooks the ocean. It’s one of my favorite places to go! They have many unique little shops as well, but I have to say your pictures are just wonderful. I so enjoyed them. Happy Anniversary too! You two are definitely soul mates!! Have a wonderful time!
Thank you so much for taking us along on your special anniversary trip. Don’t stop at a MONTH of special dinners! We celebrated our 25th all YEAR long!
You look very pretty in your colors! Thank you for sharing your trip…. so beautiful and love New England! Have fun and all the best to both of you!
Looks like you and Joe are having fun. I hope the weather is wonderful for your entire trip. I would love to visit Providence someday. Maybe. It could happen. Happy Anniversary!
Happy, happy 25th anniversary and best wishes for many more years of happiness. I, too, thought you were wearing your autumnal colors in your picture and you looked great! Wearing the right colors really works.
Dinner at the Griswold Inn was a real treat. It has been many years since I’ve been to New England and you have shown us how unique it is. So lovely. I am looking forward to the rest of “our” trip. Thank you for taking us along with you. Your love and enthusiasm make us feel wonderful. Stay safe.
The pictures are gorgeous – I have just got to get out more… I love, love the red, white and blue road stripes – without you Susan, I would not have known this about Essex. The Griswold Inn has exactly the right ambience for an adventure worthy of absorbing and appreciating. Being entertained along with eating wonderful new dishes – great combination. Happiest of all anniversaries to you and Joe. JudyC
Hi Susan! Look at your cute self in YOUR colors!!!! I don’t think you could have planned a more perfect trip…loveliness abounds 🙂 and that photo of the glasses clinking in an anniversary toast is over the top magic!! Can’t wait to see more xoxo Debbie
What a wonderful trip! Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos!
Those colors do look great on you! Just love seeing all the pictures and your descriptions (haven’t been to that part of the U.S.). Congratulations on you Anniversary. Hoping you have a very interesting time and looking forward to reading more about it.
Happy Anniversary Susan and Joe! How lovely–Griswold Inn is just charming- the Slow Boat ride was wonderful! Susan I love your colors and your lipstick is beautiful on you! Can’t wait to see more of your lovely trip to NYC! Thanks for sharing! ♥
Susan,
Your journey details are delightful. Thank you.
xo
s.s.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us (and your Anniversary! Wishing you both a very happy one!)! My daughter and I always use to drive from Alabama once or twice a year to visit New England, our favorite place on earth! We haven’t been able to do it the last few years with our jobs interfering and of course the economy hasn’t helped a lot either. But I so “home-sick” for a visit that I must make it a priority to see it again soon. And one place I will definitely head for is the Griswold Inn! It is lovely, just perfect. Thanks again for sharing it with us and I can’t wait to see where else “our” trip takes us this time!
xoxoxo
Ps. You look lovely in your “colors”!
Such a fabulous trip! Happy anniversery to you both! Love the pictures of Griswald Inn, !!! Beautiful. Safe Travels Susan and Joe.
Susan! You’re on your way!!! LOVE the sweater! You are BEAMING!!! The fireplace table was just perfect! Thanks for bringing us along! Oh! And the Red White and Blue road stripe!!! That’s the first time I’ve ever seen that. So charming!
Beautiful pics! Thanks for taking us along. You are so generous! I am loving the trip so far! Happy Anniversary!
Susan ~ Those really are your colors. You look fabulous!
Thanks for taking us along on your anniversary trip. Looks like it’s off to a wonderful start. I wish you all the best and safe travels.
Looking forward to seeing more!
Beautiful pics! Thanks for taking us along on your trip, you are so generous. So far I am really enjoying the trip! Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary Susan and Joe!
I could not wait to leave for our trip to New York yesterday! I told my husband I had to pack a “virtual suitcase” and he was totally confused! This is the second best way to travel. I do hope Joe does not mind your taking all the Girlfriends with you on what should be a trip “just for two” – haha!
Thanks for the visit to The Griswold Inn. I love Essex (the train!!) and have always lamented not going to “Old Gris”…
Enjoy the city … if you have time, try to get to the wonderful store ABC Home. Last time we went to NYC, we spend hours just on the first floor!
Lipstick looks FABULOUS!!!
Happy Anniversary to You and Joe. Thanks so much for taking us along on your trip. I teared up at the toasting of your anniversary of 25 years! What an accomplishment these days! What a great couple. We all feel like we are part of your family. What craziness but we all love you two! You enrich our lives with your home and recipes, tips, gardening and your beloved pets! And wow, those colors do work, girl! You look like a new woman in that sweater and scarf and lipstick! You go girl!!! Have fun, can’t wait for the next stop on our journey! It makes my day!
XOXO! Love you, love all you girls!!! And my dad too!
I so enjoyed this post! Loved the photos, Your trip looks just wonderful! Thank you for sharing it. I cant wait for the next installment! Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! You two certainly are living a ‘charmed life!’ Enjoy! and Long Life…..
Oh thank you! You knew just what I needed! I am normally the chipper, “Happiness is a choice” type…. But everyone needs a day. Today is my day, I have been in a horrid mood, as much as I hate to admit it. 🙁 But then I tuned everyone out, made myself a cup of tea and made my way here hoping for a post from you. Well I am truly greatful for this post. Essex Connecticut, a place traveled many times in my childhood, as I grew up (my early childhood years) two towns over in tiny Chester CT! A childhood like everyone should have! One in a small town filled with history and nature! So this post today, it truly warmed my heart 🙂 Thank you! 🙂 I am excited for this trip you are taking us on 🙂
Hey Sara, I had a friend from college who lived in Chester, I love the quaint towns of Connecticut, especially the ones along the shoreline. Hope your day only got better after you read Susan’s blog!
Oh yes, and Happy Anniversary to you and Joe!!!!!!!! 🙂
I am from out west and I just love seeing everything over in New England. If always looks so charming out there. And I want one of those bad boys myself. Best wishes for your anniversary and New York trip.
How romantic and you are off to a great start for your Anniversary Adventure to NYC….now, you do not have to remind any of us not to judge what you eat this week….honey, we are right there with you (you had soup/salad) of course you would share a sundae!!! I enjoyed my first stop and can’t wait to see what is next…thank you.
Excellent colors on you, m’love! You are excellent travelers–understanding that the gift of travel isn’t found in reaching your destination, but in discovering the gifts along the way! Joy, joy, joy!
First of all, you look great! I am sooo envious of your trip with all the New England houses, landscape, and treasures of history. Living in the desert, my heart sometimes just pines (pardon the pun) to see water, trees, charming buildings with such history, and even snow, but not too much snow.
Keep having a sweet time together,
Wow! What fun! All the other girls are right you look lovely in your coat and scarf! It’s great to see all these wonderful places in New England for the first time! I loved the Griswold Inn – it was almost like being there with your pictures. Happy Silver Anniversary to you and Joe and thanks for taking us along for the ride! 🙂
Okay, I LOVED “Shut up You’re parked in a judge free zone”, and I ask permission to use it when necessary. Or is it copyrighted? I’ve never been to New England, thanks for sharing the pictures and stories! I’m teetering dangerously between telling you not to worry about moderating our comments just enjoy your trip….and screaming please share all you can! *sigh*
I really want a clone!!! Would like to be everywhere at once!
I’ve been chuckling about that phrase, too, ever since I read it this morning. It was so appropriate where used (cute!) and there are other times it would be very useful to use, too! 🙂
Happy Anniversary – and I couldn’t think of a better place to spend it. The Gris is one of my favorite places – celebrated my 60th birthday there several years ago. Definitely a hard place to leave. The Christmas tree stays year-round in the pub. Can’t wait to see more pics from the show and NYC. Beautiful weather for you both. Enjoy!
YOUR LIPSTICK IS PERFECT!!!…as was your outfit in the car…Happy 25 years of wedded bliss…and your Joe is definitely a kind and wonderful hubby~a MONTH of anniversary dinners!!!…you are one lucky gal…I know you both will have a fantastic time in New York…you make fun wherever you go…and then share it with us…THANKS SO MUCH…
Oh Susan–you are so sweet to share the details of this trip with all of us..especially since it is your anniversary trip–btw–my anniversary is this week too, 40+ years, we got married on ground hog day..haha. Each photo of wonderful New England causes me to say ‘be still my heart’ because I so love New England. I’ve only been in Rhode Island once–Providence to be exact– and still remember the wonderful clam chowder served with clam cakes..the best ever.
Looking forward to the rest of ‘our’ trip. Your Joe has to be wonderful, being patient with shopping and picture taking and blogging…he has to be a good man…lucky you… and lucky him, for I am certain you are a very good woman. God bless you both with at least 25 more years!
This is me and Jeanie wishing Sue and Joe the happiest anniversary possible –and I hope that gorgeous lady in the picture , with the red lipstick , will pass my message on……
XOXO Dad!
What a wonderful start to your anniversary journey. And you look so happy to be on your way. I’ve lived on the west coast for over 40 years now, but have always wanted to go back to New England for another look around. My parents eloped to Vermont from Nova Scotia. Your photos have given me a little taste. Looking forward to the New York photos. Have a great day at the Gift Fair.
Susan could you please tell us where we retailers can buy your designs and books to sell in our stores? Now that I have been reaquainted with you I would love to have you keep me company in my quilt store! Have fun in the big apple!
Thanks for taking us along on your trip…..we all get to be arm chair travelers!
The photos are great…..and Susan, you wear orange well !!!!!!!!!!! The sweater and scarf and the sunglasses…….you rock!
Loved the Griswold Inn……so quaint and charming…..perfect for a special dinner to celebrate you and Joe.
Have a wonderful Anniversary! Please tell Joe, the girlfriends really appreciate it that he let’s us come along……….we’re kinda like the third wheel…ha ha !
I love Connecticut! Such a pretty state! I have three sisters that happen to live there, so we try to visit at least once a year. My husband and I always enjoy seeing the beautiful little historic towns that dot the shoreline.
You took some really great pictures Susan!
Happy Anniversary to you and your husband! 🙂
Good Morning~
First ” your “colors look great on you~almost didn’t recognize you! I mean it in a good way!
Love the restaurant~ especially the reading room~how could I read AND eat?
Please thank Joe for sharing you with us girlfriends on your trip!
Safe travels!
Lynn
Thank you so much Susan for sharing your trip! I was born and grew up in Connecticut, so your photos are bringing back many good memories. Have a great time in N.Y.!
Diana Jenks
(Cakelayer)
♥ ♥ ♥ Hello Dearest Travelers….This Blog is…Perfection…Thank You so Much for Sharing all of this Magic with Us Sweetest Sue…Happy 25 Years with Your Joe…♥ Safe Journey…& Have an Extraordinary Week! Twirling into New York! Yay! xoxo Poof! 🙂
You guys are my ‘fav’ couple. I LOVE that Joe is so sweet and kind. (It is a rare thing to be matched so perfectly. ) I can just see you as little old people…. still puttering around, doing nice things for each other. Happy Anniversary
Susan,
OMG, I was so excited to see the Griswold Inn. My daughter and I were there 2 years ago when we did a Mother/Daughter trip her Senior year in New England. When we got out of the car in Essex, we thought we had stepped into a story book and didn’t want to leave! We had dinner at the Griswold Inn because that was the name of the Inn in Gilmore Girls (her favorite show) and absolutely loved it. Happy Anniversary and have an absolutely wonderful time!!
Carla
Just to clarify. Wrong inn name or wrong series/program. The inn that Lorelai managed in the Gilmore Girls series was the Independence Inn and the inn which she and Sookie later purchase and ran was called The Dragonfly Inn.
Your Joe sounds like my Kevin , whose grandparents lived in Essex. I had the good fortune to visit briefly once. Thanks for sharing and congratulations to you and Joe!
What a lovely start to you trip! Thanks for bringing us along. Happy Anniversary and will look forward to following along with you on the rest of your trip. And I agree with Sheila and Marie….you look so pretty in “your colors!” Such a glow!
XOXO
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for taking me along on your adventure, it was just what I needed this morn. Rick & I will be celebrating our 40th anniversary in July, and you now have me dreaming ( and maybe planning ) of a trip to dine at the beautiful Griswold Inn- we’d love it there…old books, history, fine wine and food by the fireplace,what more could you ask for….oh yes, and to be with the one you love!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe♥ Safe travels!
Take care,
Cathy
Thank you, it’s just been wonderful so far!
Happy anniversary! What a charming trip, scenery, restaurant, inn,etc. It made me homesick for the northeast. I do get to go home to upstate NY for a visit this summer so I’m visiting vicariously through you until then.
It is 3 minutes until noon. I’m starving and I am so going somewhere to get a hot fudge sundae. That looked fantastic. Any reason I shouldn’t have one for lunch on a Tuesday?
Tuesday is actually Hot Fudge Sundae Day . . . except for when it’s on Monday. That’s the rule!
I actually did go to a diner and I had that sundae for lunch. It was delicious and I feel like a kid. Thanks for the inspiration!
Now I want one, too!
Oh what a wonderful trip! Happy Anniversary, and many more. Your new colors look maahvelous darling. Just love the pictures of the quaint New England buildings. Have a great time in the big apple. We’re all looking forward to sharing more of this trip with you.
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe! Thank you for sharing your trip. New England looks so lovely. I am just going to have to make up there one of these days and enjoy the charm in person!
Happy Anniversary!
You could look for Pale Male – the Red Tail Hawk that has nested on the ledge of a very nice building on Fifth Avenue for years. Here are a couple of websites if you are interested. http://www.palemale.com and http://mariewinnnaturenews.blogspot.com/.
Thank you for sharing the adventure with us.
Have a wonderful time!
Susan, Thank you so much for letting us “tag along” on your anniversary trip! And thank you so much for all the detailed pictures. It really is just like being there – except without the calories from all the good food I know we are going to enjoy together. 🙂
Your blog is an absolute joy. I look forward to seeing the world through your creative eyes and sharing your boundless enthusiasm for the truly important things in life. You truly make our world a better place and help me live a more purposeful and inspired life.
…on to NYC! Can’t wait to get there!
Oh, you’re making me homesick! 🙂 I grew up in Central New York and the areas you’re traveling through are so familiar to me. I do miss the fabulous Inns and cozy restaurants of New England. We can all live vicariously through you during this trip.
And yes…you do look sensational in that scarf and coat!
One thing that immediately struck me – No snow! Dry Roads! In January! It seems so funny not to see a wintery New England in January. Of course, that makes travel much safer for you and Joe, which is good.
Looking forward to seeing much more of your anniversary trip to NYC!!! Thanks for taking us along.
Marilyn (in Dallas)
I’ve seen many comments on your new look, I must say it is a winner! Beautiful colors on you. Thanks for taking us along on your trip. I just love the picture of the street with the red white blue center stripes. I wish every town would do that….wonderful
Dear, sweet Susan,
Please adopt me…
Love, Pam K.
P.S. My sincerest wishes for a wonderful anniversary. You deserve much happiness because of the happiness you give us girlfriends.
XOXO!
I am adding The Griswold Inn to my list of places to go, Susan! Happy Anniversary to you and well wishes for a wonderful trip!
Well, I have to “chime in” with Thanks for taking us along! I’ve got a flu bug and haven’t been feeling tops and after looking at this post, reading what you’ve written and looking at the photos, I feel better and think I should call Norm at work and tell him I’m planning a jaunt to Door County, our get-away spot for anniversaries! He will think I’m NUTS as we always go in the fall but then I’ll explain why the urge…It is so interesting to see your photos and travelog of places we’ve never been but have heard about. (We read Yankee Magazine! 🙂 )
Have a good time and will watch for updates this week!
Happy Anniversary! You’ve giving me a new place to add to the “must visit” list. The Griswold Inn looks enchanting. I haven’t spent nearly as much time in New England as I would like.
Such a lovely treat to see your post this morning. I’m in the Sierra Foothills of California. One of these days I’ll get myself out to New England to see the charming sights. Happy 25 years to you and Joe. Have a wonderful week!
Thanks so much for sharing. I LOVE this blog.
I must go to that INN – it looks like my dream of a perfect restaurant. The prices seemed reasonable as well.
I know Joe is private – but tell him “Happy Anniversary” from me! It gives me hope to know that kind, smart, funny (and cute!) men exist (I haven’t found my “Joe” yet…)
Also – I’m from NY. If you are there (I know your love of tea!) have you been to McNulty’s Tea and Coffee? It’s the oldest still running tea shop in the country (I think!). It’s small, but fun and they have great tea. Lot’s of stuff from England that is difficult to come by. Also the village is fun!
Also – speaking of tea – have you been to “Tea and Sympathy” – it’s a little tea place also in the village (short walk from McNulty’s)? You can go there for lunch or just afternoon tea. Mis-matched plates etc. – it’s cute. Skip The Plaza for tea – it’s over-priced, has no charm and they redocorated a year ago and it’s AWFUL – yuk.
Email me if you have any questions! Have fun!!!
I was lucky to have tea at the Plaza many years ago. So I have that checked off my list . . . I HAVE to go to Tea and Sympathy, all the girlfriends have suggested it! I put McNulty’s on my list too! Thank you Stephanie!
Love traveling along with you! You should drive to Southbury CT and drive by Gladys Taber’s Stillmeadow on the way home!
Good idea!
ooohhhh… I do love road trips!
Happy♥happy♥happy ♥Anniversary♥ to you both!
You look lovely in YOUR colors!
And – the only judgement I make is… you have the most wonderful taste!
Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Have even MORE fun on your safe trip!!
♥Deb♥
Susan, thank you for taking me to New York with you~I’ve never been and I really appreciate you allowing me to tag along on this most wonderful occasion. Happy Silver Anniversary xoxoxo
Thank you Susan for sharing your trip with us. I got lost in time for a few moments. I felt as though I was there! Happy anniversary to you and your sweetheart. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Dear Susan,
Thanks for taking your girlfriends on your trip to New York and thanks to Joe for being so kind as to share you with us. Sweet anniversary wishes for you two lovebirds! I am enjoying the pictures on Twitter and the blog….absolutely beautiful. Thank you again for including us in your life!
Kisses~~Karen
Happy anniversary! What a wonderful trip–thanks for taking us with you. You look so happy and radiant in your colors. While I wait for more delights, I will bide my time by snacking on your yummy brownies! P.S. Made the milk cake (twice!). I had it with your sauce and the heavens parted for me too when I took the first bite!
:-)!
happy happy aniversary!!!! Thanks for sharing the wonderful trip to places I will not likely ever see,
Happy Anniversary, Lovebirds! What gorgeous weather for a trip! It’s a good thing ya’ll have a van, since you brought us Girls along. You look fabulous in your colors. Thanks for bringing us all the gorgeous photos of New England. Makes me want to head North right now. Don’t forget to get a little surprise for Girl Kitty and Jack!
Thank you so much for taking the time to take pictures and share with us! I enjoy them so much especially the ocean ones, well I do like those old homes too! Have a wonderful time! Happy Anniversary to you both 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your travels. Old towns are the best and what a delightful restaurant. I could almost taste your soup and I’m sure I put on another two pounds with that hot fudge sundae. Safe traveling and have fun. Can’t wait to continue the adventure.
Oh, so sorry I can’t be original……….You look great in the photo in your beautiful colors!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Thanks for the great trip we’re going on with you! Hope you’re having the time of your life!
That restaurant looks wonderful. We have to make a trip to CT in the spring to meet with our financial advisor and I am going to insist we stop there. I grew up in MA so I enjoyed the ferry pics and the bridge pics and the New England buildings. Have fun!
So far, those colors are working for ya babe!!!! Love the inn…..
LOVE YOU!
Have fun…. you have our permission
xo
Joann
Happy Anniversary dear ones! Thanks for taking me on your “tour” so far. Have never been to that area so am sooo enjoying the sites…and a red/white/blue stripe – get out of here fun! Am hoping you can send us snaps of the hot new items that will be coming our way in the future. Happy you were not traveling on icy roads. Toot toot!
Thank you, thank you for sharing your travels with us!!! Our dream is to visit the East Coast, so until then, I will do it vicariously thru you!
I could hardly stand it, seeing the Library Room in that charming restaurant – I wanted to get my hands on those old books so badly!!!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe!!!
Happy Anniversary Susan & Joe! Such fun being able to go on a journey through your eyes. Living in northern CA it is a treat. Looking forward to more. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Anniversary! Congratulations! And thanks for bringing us “along” on your adventure!
I was so thrilled to read this today….. my husband and I are from Canada and we went to Essex, Conn and stayed in Griswold Inn for our honeymoon!! That was 33 years ago…. we travelled all along the east coast – Mystic Seaport, Essex, Rhode Island, Newport etc………. we loved it sooooooo much – and being in the fall it was perfect! Thank you for bringing that gorgeous inn back to my memory – the restaurant/pub was awesome – we had our first ever whole lobster there…. we were so wary of it looking at us! LOL Such fun memories!! They had an awesome New England Fried Chicken there with honey & biscuits that my husband loved! My dream is to go back to visit it all again!
hello susan, hello everyone. always wanted to travel around in the New England area and visit the inns and sights along the way. what a wonderful area. loved the inn and loved the warm fire. Happy anniversary susan and Joe, just celebrated my 11th wedding anniversary sunday and i wish we could have gone to an inn as nice as that one. have a fun trip and enjoy NYC!!! hugs…. 🙂
A very happy 25th wedding anniversary…so very special.
In September ma mari and moi will celebrate our Diamond wedding anniversary; if God so wills.
Enjoy the gift show and we will be yours guests via your posts.
Enjoyed all your pictures and have been to some of the places as my daughter lives on Cape Cod.
Yes, I would have chosen the table in front of the fireplace; it looks just like a home fireplace.
God bless you both and happy honeymooning…….
Joyfully,
~Sylvia Faye
Susan,
Your photos are always so wonderful. What kind of camera do you use?
Never mind … I found it listed in an older blog post of yours.
For those who are interested, it’s a Canon EOS Rebel T2i. I gotta get one of those!
Canons are the best!
Oh, Susan….thank you for taking us along on this wonderful trip! Happy Anniversary to you and Joe….may you enjoy many, many more.