Fall Trip – Takiyah Travels

What started out as a conversation about interview prep turned into a two hour long catch up, and before the conversation ended I was purchasing a plane ticket to Connecticut to visit My dear friend Lillya.

Who knew only but God that this trip would be something that we both would need! In the weeks leading up to this trip we both had some difficulties transpire at work so a break, more like a mental health break, was needed. I coined this trip our ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ trip because we did just that.

We got up Saturday morning got breakfast and went for an afternoon hike at Talcott Mountain State Park. The hike was pretty moderate, altogether a little over 2.5 miles, and the views at the top, AMAZING. The whole city lit up with the vibrant colors of fall and the smell nature just captivated you. Once we got to the top we sat at some picnic tables and just took in the view. We noticed others around us brought coolers and had a picnics, we did not think that far ahead but it definitely is a perfect place to hike up and have a picnic at the top overlooking the city.

After our hike we decided to check out a winery that was recommended, Gouveia Vineyards. When we arrived I thought there was an event going on because every table was packed but I think everyone was just happy to be outside. We bought a bottle of rosé and found a table and we made it just in time to watch the sun set on the horizon.

We headed to Portofino’s Italian restaurant for dinner.

Sunday we got up and decided to head to church for morning worship, after church we headed to the coast for lunch. I was super excited for lunch and my only request on this trip was that I get lobster rolls and clam chowder. So we did just that. Captain Scotts was another recommendation. We both ordered the clam chowder, I ordered the hot and cold lobster rolls (I had to try both) and she got the calamari and swordfish sandwich. We sat harbor side and enjoyed our lunch, the food was good but I wasn’t too impressed with the chowder. It was too watery and translucent to my liking.

Lobster roll, swordfish sandwich, and clam chowders

After lunch we took a stroll in Harkness Memorial State park. This park was so scenic, perfect place for photo shoots, weddings, birthdays, picnics and more.

Monday we spent the day in Bahsten (in my best Boston accent). It was a cold damp day but the city was beautiful and pretty empty with covid (I kind of think this gives you an opportunity to visit places without the crowds). We began our venture at the Boston Public Garden, a botanical garden. The park has a lagoon where they operate swan boats tours, however due to covid it was decommissioned, so we settled to touring the gardens by foot.

After our stroll through the gardens we headed to Sons of Boston for lunch and I ordered the clam chowder (of course) and the lobster Mac n cheese, I am lobstered out ha. The clam chowder satisfied my longing taste buds, and they lived up to their sign which stated they had the best clam chowder. I was a happy satisfied customer.