Wadsworth Falls

Are you looking for a great way to enjoy Connecticut’s beautiful spring air? Let me tell you about a beautiful, hidden treasure in the woods of Middlefield, Connecticut.

With the days getting longer and warmer, my husband and I just want to be outside. We love the outdoors and the chance to emotionally connect after a long day’s work. A few days ago, we stumbled upon the Wadsworth Falls State Park and decided to take advantage of the fresh spring air and go for a walk.

From the park entrance on Connecticut Route 157, there are seven trails varying in length, leading to both big and little water falls. We took the orange path, a 1.5 mile main trail to the big falls. The path was very wide and for the most part clear of debris. The big falls were much more beautiful than I expected. With all the rain we had been getting, abundant water cascaded down the rocks to a peaceful creek. Remember to take a picnic to enjoy at the falls or at least a camera to capture the magnificent scenery. On the way back to our car, we swung by the little falls via the blue trail. They, too, were beautiful.

As spring turns to summer we hope to return for a barbecue in the picnicking section of the park. There are tables and grills in a variety of shady, grassy, and rustic locations. Along with a picnic, we plan to take a leisurely swim in the fresh water swimming pond located near the park entrance. Having lots to offer and a beautiful view, I rate Wadsworth Falls 5 stars for a great Connecticut date location for couples and families alike!

Helpful Hints for Hike Dates

Hikes are great for fostering lively discussion. Think of interesting topics ahead of time. Prepare a battery of open-ended questions to keep the conversation going. Stories are always a great way to go. Tell stories from your childhood or of your expectations about the future. Invite your date to do the same. Good conversation always makes a hike go faster.

Be prepared. There is nothing more date-sapping than little bugs eating you for dinner, feeling famished, dehydration, an injury or worse. Depending on the trail length and challenging characteristics, be sure to bring the necessities along with you. Here’s a list for starters: Water, a snack, a first aid kit, bug spray, hair tie, and sunglasses.

When you’re walking together make sure to keep in step. If you happen to be a fast walker and your date lags behind, be courteous and slow down. Keeping in step with the slower walker makes carrying a conversation easier. No one likes talking to someone’s back. If your date is walking too fast encourage him/her to slow down by holding their hand. Usually, this helps keep a consistent pace.

Out of breath? How embarrassing that can be, to be in the middle of the woods on a path that is harder than you imagined or find you are not in as good of shape as you thought. So, one suggestion when you find it hard to walk and talk, find a scenic overview or a bench and stop for something. Good options that seem to work are: “I need to re-tie my shoe,” or “let’s stop for a drink of water,” or even an abrupt stop for a kiss. Whatever the excuse, be sure to be honest about your condition if it comes up. Sharing vulnerability is part of what it takes to grow a relationship. If he or she can’t deal with the reality of your little flaws now, what is there but heartache down the road?

Time it right. Make sure you account for the sunset if you go hiking in the late afternoon so you don’t get stuck in the woods at dusk, when most parks close. Generally, it takes a person that is in average shape about an hour to go four miles. Most state parks have maps with the mileage written out for you. Remember to account for there and back when your configuring.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun!

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Blustery Mystic Seaport

On my search for great places to have a couple’s date, I landed in Mystic Seaport on a partially cloudy Sunday afternoon in March. My first impression was, “Brrr, this place is cold.” It was a warm day inland but the cold ocean winds were a distraction to viewing the otherwise enchanting maritime village.

Mystic Seaport is a village based on 19^th century American maritime history and culture. Like many villages of its time it has the typical buildings such as a bank, a church, a school house, a general market, and drug store. However, unique to a maritime town are places like the cordage factory or ropewalk. The factory is in a very long building (only a fraction of what it originally was) where workers spun hemp fibers into yarn then twisted them into twine and rope using the length of the building to make the necessary lengths of rope.

Just a short walk away from the factory is the Shipyard where you can watch the staff restore an old wooden ship. The ships that have been repaired in the past like the L.A. Dunton can be found right around the corner in the harbor. The harbor is home to multiple tall ships that you can board to discover a true sailor’s life, even climbing below deck to see the galley, the cargo room, and the captain’s quarters.

Other places unique to a maritime village include the nautical instrument shop, the shipsmith shop, shipcarver’s shop, and hoop shop. Apart from the village exhibits, there are also several good museums. My personal favorite is the Figurehead Gallery displaying magnificent carved figureheads, billetheads, and catheads that rode majestically on the bows of ships.

Depending on the day you visit there are special events such as watching a cargo demonstration, helping to set and weigh an anchor aboard the L.A. Dunton, watching a whaleboat demonstration, making your own rope, throwing a harpoon, discovering the stars and planets in the planetarium, or charting a course in the Nautical Instrument Shop. In the summer months you can even take a sailing course from a professional instructor.

I give Mystic Seaport one star for a couple’s date, and four stars for a family outing. If maritime culture is of interest to you it is definitely a great place to look and learn. Because of the number activities geared towards children, families will get the most out this type of attraction.  I suggest you go when it’s warmer and bring kids.

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