May 16, 2008
Connecticut's Quiet Corner Historical Weekend Itinerary: Revolutionary War
If you remember the postcard I showed you a while back for Connecticut's Quiet Corner, I promised you some travel itineraries. Here is the first:
Accommodations: Victoria Crossing B&B, Lebanon (tel. 860.642.6998) – Near historic Lebanon Green.
Fitch House B&B, Mansfield (www.fitchhouse.com; tel. 860-456-0922) Built in 1836 by master builder-architect Edwin Fitch.
Daniel Rust House B&B, Coventry (tel. 860-742-0032) Built in 1713 and operated as the Bird-in-Hand tavern.
Day 1: (Revolutionary War)
Lebanon Green, Lebanon (www.LebanonCTHistSoc.org) (www.ConnecticutSAR.org) – One mile long Town Green known for its association with the people and events of the American Revolution. Site of the Revolutionary War Office, Governor Jonathan Trumbull House, the William Williams House. Major stop along the Washington-Rochambeau Trail when George Washington’s troops along with French allies marched from RI to Yorktown ,VA where they captured Cornwall’s British troops.
Lunch: Uncle D’s Log Cabin Restaurant, Lebanon (tel. 860.456.7663) – Menu includes “best ribs statewide” in a rural log cabin. Or, Scotland General Store, Scotland (tel. 860.450.1422) – Old-fashioned general store serving lunch.
Huntington Homestead, Scotland (www.huntingtonhomestead.org) – Birthplace of Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and distinguished statesman during the Revolutionary War and early Republic. Many original architectural features intact. National Historic Landmark.
If you have time, D’Elia Antique Tool Museum, Scotland (www.deliatoolmuseum.com) – Over 1,000 hand woodworking planes from 1750-1790.
Dinner: Altnaveigh Inn & Restaurant, Storrs (www.altnaveighinn.com) – Country charm, elegant dining in a restored 1734 home.
Day 2: (Characters)
Nathan Hale Homestead, Coventry – Site of Nathan Hale’s family home since 1740, though the existing house was completed in 1776, one year after the execution if CT’s hero who famously declared, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” In the beautiful surrounding Nathan Hale State Forest, (tel. 1.866.287.2757) hiking is encouraged, but there are no formal trails marked.
Strong-Porter House Museum, Coventry (tel. 860.742.1419) – 1730 farmhouse of Nathan Hale’s maternal ancestors. Includes carpenter’s shop and barn with exhibits.
Brick School House, Coventry (tel. 860-742-7474, only open Sunday, in-season.
Lunch: Bea’s Country Kitchen, Coventry (tel. 860-742-7255)
Kathy-John’s, Mansfield (860-429-0362)
Cozy Corner Restaurant, Brooklyn (tel. 860.774.2629), a local’s favorite!
Gurleyville Grist Mill, Mansfield (tel. 860-429-9023, only open Sunday, in-season) Offers a unique look at rural 19th-century gristmill technology and the only one of its kind in Connecticut.
Putnam Elms, Brooklyn (www.putnamelms.org) – Circa 1784 historical home of Col. Daniel Putnam and descendants. 200+ years of American history.
Visit www.mysticcountry.com for more ideas or detail on any of the above locations.
Posted by James Trotta at May 16, 2008 9:22 PM | TrackBack
The State of Connecticut is hosting the 4th annual Open House Day on June 14th, 2008. Tourism related businesses across the state are signing up to open their doors to residents and tourists, either for free or discounted admission. Those properties that are already free will have a special offer for those who come. In this itinerary the Revolutionary War Office, Governor Jonathan Trumbull House, Huntington Homestead and the Nathan Hale Homestead are all participating in the Open House this year, so if you find yourself in the neighborhood on June 14th, you may want to stop in for a visit. You can also access a full list of participating properties, and what they are offering, by clicking on this link: http://www.ctvisit.com/featured.aspx?id=31