PA to Connecticut

After leaving PA, we stopped at Prevost bus in New Jersey for a maintenance check and a place to leave Coco while we visited Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Ferry to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty - $29; two hot dogs at Ellis Island - $5.90; $0 charges at Prevost Hospital - PRICELESS!

The Ellis Island exhibits were fascinating. It’s hard to imagine the hardships faced by our immigrant grandparents so many years ago. We climbed up to the observation platform of Lady Liberty and viewed the Manhattan skyline. The last time we visited New York City was before 09/11, and the absence of the Twin Towers was quite sobering. The Statue of Liberty reminds us to appreciate our freedoms.

East Lyme, CT was our next destination. One day trip took us to Mystic Seaport, a restored 1800’s seaside village and home to the “Morgan,” a restored whaling ship. Mystic itself is a cute little town with an old working drawbridge.

Newport, RI, was also on our list and we visited two of the many historical mansions there--the Vanderbilt’s “The Breakers” and a coal baron’s “The Elms.” These palatial homes (the Breakers is over 100,000 square feet) were only used for 8-12 weeks a year, as summer getaways for the New York City elite. It’s hard to imagine the lifestyle of the day! Now owned by the Preservation Society of Rhode Island, the homes are open as museums. We had lunch overlooking the water at Castle Hill Resort, then spent some time exploring the waterfront shopping area.

We took a beautiful drive through the countryside to visit Gillette Castle State Park. William Gillette was a stage actor who portrayed Sherlock Holmes all over the world (over 1600 performances). As a wealthy man of the early 1900’s, he built his home on a high bluff overlooking the Connecticut River. Made of local stone, steel structural supports, and hand-hewn wood, the Castle was quite something to see with a great view of the river below.

The entire area is full of little villages, some first settled in the 1600’s. Local restaurants serve lobster rolls, fried clams and scallops, chowders and wonderful fish and chips. We were surprised by the large number of Dunkin Donut shops; they seem to be everywhere. We have since learned that the chain was founded in Boston, not too far away and our next stop on the way north.

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