New London was a tough place to live - attracting "men of hardihood and valor". Thousands of them…read moreflocked here to join the whaling industry rocketing New London's growth as it became "one of the largest whaling ports in the country". Located on a strip of grass at Town Hall is this 2-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission, in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. It has the same inscription on both sides. The marker is in fair condition with damage on both sides in the form of fading, spotting and peeling of the blue background. The full inscription reads: New London New London was founded in 1646 by John Winthrop, the younger, who chose this shore-ringed "plantation" for its excellent harbor. This land, with its great natural assets, attracted men of hardihood and valor and became one of the largest whaling ports in the country in the mid-19th century. As this industry waned, manufacturing flourished, bringing an influx of foreign labor which contributed immeasurably to the enrichment of community life. The history of New London may be said to be concentrated in its seal, adopted when the city was incorporated in 1784... a full-rigged ship with all sails set and the motto "Mare Liberum," meaning "Freedom of the Seas." Erected 1976 by The City of New London and the Connecticut Historical Commission. 161 CT towns done, 9 to go

We passed close to the New London Ledge Lighthouse on the New London to Orient Point. Close enough…read moreto take pictures and enjoy the view. It looks nothing like any other lighthouse I've seen. This is a red brick and granite building in the French Second Empire style. The cast-iron lantern rises from the center of the building's mansard roof. New London Ledge Lighthouse was built in 1909 on the southwest ledge at the entrance to the New London Harbor. The United States Coast Guard took over in 1939 upon its merger with the Lighthouse Service and the light was automated in 1987. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. New London Ledge is locally famous for the ghost of an early keeper named Ernie who allegedly haunts the lighthouse. The Coast Guard crew on duty at the lighthouse reported unexplained knockings taking place at night, as well as doors opening and closing repeatedly, the television turning on and off by itself sporadically, and the unexplained removal of sheets from beds. We couldn't see Ernie at 6:45 this morning. Maybe he sleeps in? [Review 15302 overall, 804 of 2021, number 50 in Connecticut.]

Poor Ernie haunts a…read morevery cool place New London Ledge Lighthouse was completed in 1909 and is the newest light in Ct. It's one of the most recognizable lights in the whole country because it looks more like a elegant home than a lighthouse. More than one sea dog, inching through the fog and seeing the light for the first time must have thought he was going up someone's driveway. Yep, this light is unique and I have heard the architecture described as Georgian, Neo-Gothic and French Empire style. It originally had a 4th order Fresnel Lens that is now removed. Of course New London Ledge is home to one of the most famous ghost stories in New England. A man named Ernie, who was once keeper of the lighthouse way back in the 30's had his wife run off with the Block Island Ferry captain. Poor Ernie become so depressed that he jumped off the top of the light into the cold, dark waters never to be seen again. From what I can tell that part of the story is true. However, every since then strange noises and doors banging have been heard. Occasionally thought the dense fog a forlorn figure can be seen walking around the now unmanned light. I have been out here a zillion times but have unfortunately never seen Ernie. This area can be a spooky and dangerous place however. Frequent fog and the fact that the light lies in an area of strong intersecting currents makes these waters unpredictable to say the least. It's only a mile off shore so it's an easy kayak trip but I have been out there when the weather has gone from calm and pleasant to insane and deadly in a matter of minutes. This is part of the "race" where Long Island Sound drains back into the Atlanic Ocean. Sort of putting your finger on the end of a hose. Old sailors had an expression: Dare Not Tread Beyond These Gates For Fear your Boat The Race Will Take. But the race did take many, many boats. Including me on several occasions. No, I've never seen a ghost out here but almost became one several times.

It is hard to believe that almost 10 years ago in June of 2012 I witnessed Governor Malloy…read morecommemorate the opening of the magnificent new Pearl Harbor bridge. Before that it was referred to as the Q Bridge. It was absolutely exhilarating to be able to walk across the bridge and see the beautiful workmanship that went into it. There was a large crowd, music playing, food, vendors, and even a sailboat on the bridge for a photo opportunity. It was a spectacular time as I walked from New Haven to East Haven and back to New Haven.It was truly one of those experiences that you will never forget. The only thing that was missing that day was the ability to see the bridge lit up in a variety of colors. I look forward to driving over the bridge at night especially on holidays. I still think of that very special day every time I cross the bridge in a car.

The Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge carries I-95 over the Quinnipiac River and was completed between…read more2005 and 2015. It has five lanes in each direction as one might expect for such a busy highway. It replaces the original bridge going back to 1958. It's pretty considering the boring girder bridge base but also incorporates some cable-stayed elements. Other completely cable-stayed are more attractive. But it gets you across the river so I'm pleased. [Review 18672 overall - 87 in Connecticut - 2194 of 2022.]

Can confirm the first review's report that you can't see either this lighthouse or the one that's…read moreon land in Fenwick unless you own property in the immediate vicinity or are the guest of someone who does. We thought we would drive up to visit the nearer lighthouse like we did with the lighthouses in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but there are signs telling you that access is restricted. We decided not to flout that but can verify that the golf course looks very nice. Stars awarded for the history of the lighthouses.

A light that's hard…read moreto see The Old Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse was completed in 1888 and was built to replace the much older lighthouse at Lynde Point. It's a very typical lighthouse for this period and stands 48 feet tall and is constructed of brick and cast iron. These lights are frequently called bug lights, coffee pots of most commonly spark plugs. Strong and cheap to build they can survive just about anything, including massive hurricanes and ice and freezing cold. The one was automated in 1958 and recently went up for sale in 2013. It finally sold for 340,000 dollars but the price is somewhat misleading. The owners are responsible for maintenance and the Coast Guard still owns the land that the light sits on. This lighthouse isn't a particularly easy one to get close to. It's in the very expensive and exclusive area called Fenwick and they aren't very fond of people walking around there. The best way to view it is by the water or by kind of landing a yak on a beach in the off season and they walking down the breakwater up to the light. Just hope nobody sees you. This is a classic Connecticut lighthouse and is even featured on the CT license plate. The money for the special plate goes to hope preserve Long Island Sound. A cool little light that everyone sees while crossing over the Connecticut River on I-95 but one that very few people get to see up close.

We visit the base to use the commissary and NEX. There is a submarine museum near here too, which…read moreis excellent, and in an area that does not require a military ID to access. First off, you do need a Military ID to get on base (every adult in the car) and again when trying to purchase items on base. To bring a guest on base stop at the visitor office next to the main gate. The base itself seems to have under gone some updates to road signs and basic curb appeal which is very nice for those who live and work here. The commissary and NEX are good sizes, include the expected items, (uniforms, national brands, etc.) and share a parking lot. Grab your shopping cart before entering. Baggers at the Commissary work for tips so bring a few dollars cash; they pack, carry your bags out and put them in your vehicle. NEX is two stories with a food court and restrooms near the entrance. Escalator, elevator and stairs available. Sporting goods, clothes, jewelry, cleaning supplies, H&B, liquor. All the stuff.

The police at the gate were extremely helpful. I had brought a service man back to the base and the…read moredirections I had brought me to the wrong gate. The officer that was checking ID's advised me where to and gave me directions as well as they were super efficient, and extremely kind. I always appreciate police, but in this instance, I double appreciate these gentlemen for not just their service as officers, but their service to our country as well. Thank you so very much!

Things I learned from the Guilford marker:…read more 1) Guilford dates to 1639, but that's only good for seventh place on the list of oldest Connecticut towns. 2) Guilford's settlers bought the land from a Squaw named Shaumpishuh. 3) During the American Revolution, British troops landed in Guilford and burned down two houses. Located on the huge Guilford Town Green is this 2-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission, in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. It has different inscriptions on both sides. The marker was dedicated in 1980 and although the blue background and white lettering are crisp with no signs of fading or peeling, unfortunately I did see some vandalism and graffiti on both sides. The full inscription reads: Guilford This town, the seventh oldest in Connecticut, was founded in 1639 by an oppressed but optimistic band of English Puritans. Henry Whitfield, a minister in Ockley, near London, was the moving spirit behind their emigration. About forty of his friends and sympathizers formed a joint stock company to sail across the Atlantic. They were mostly young and energetic men, farmers, well-educated, and all of them persons of high standing in their community. In a deed of sale dated September 29, 1639, the Whitfield Company purchased the lands between Stony Creek and East River from the Squaw Shaumpishuh, Sachem of the local Menunkatuck Indian tribe. Whitfield's stone house at first served as a fortress and meeting place. Guilford Green was inspired by the typical 17th century English common. In the fall of 1641 the settlers purchased from the Indians land beyond East River that included most of what became East Guilford. East Guilford, now Madison, was set off as a distinct church society in 1703, North Guilford in 1720, and North Bristol (North Madison) in 1753. Two good harbors and two tidal rivers assured success to Guilford in Connecticut - New York coastwise shipping and the West India trade during the 18th century. In the American Revolution British troops landed several times and burned two houses. The famous Sachem's Head Hotel (1832-1865) and Guilford Point House (1797-1897) made this town the center of society for many years. John Beattie's granite quarries at Leete's Island employed as many as three hundred workmen and supplied stone for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Famous sons of Guilford include William Leete, an early Governor of Connecticut; Fitz-Greene Halleck, one of the noted Knickerbocker Poets; and Abraham Baldwin, a signer of the United States Constitution and a Senator from Georgia. Erected by the Town of Guilford The Guilford Foundation The Guilford Keeping Society and the Connecticut Historical Commission 1980 158 CT towns done, 12 to go

"Well, cuddle up, angel, cuddle up, my little dove And we'll…read moreride down, baby, into this tunnel of love" (Bruce Springsteen) You'll find it on the Wilbur Cross Parkway near New Haven, CT. Driving on the Parkway, it's become a Connecticut landmark - a welcome and familiar sight. It was blasted through a 1,200-foot-long hole through the West Ridge Mountain in 1949. It carries approximately 77,300 vehicles daily. It was originally named the West Rock Tunnel. It was renamed the Heroes Tunnel in 2003 to honor "heroes of all kinds" in the post-September 11 era. The Tunnel and Wilbur Cross Parkway are vital connectors between New York and Hartford.

The Heroes Tunnel (formerly known as the West Rock Tunnel)…read more "the former name of this tunnel was provided by fellow YELPER Jim C. from Wallingford, CT and represents "historical" information that can not be confirmed or denied by this reviewer but much appreciated" The tunnels are located along the Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15) in the Town of Woodbridge and the City of New Haven, near the Town of Hamden border. The Heroes Tunnel is a 1,200-foot long tunnel, which passes through West Rock Ridge in New Haven and Woodbridge. The existing tunnels were constructed between spring 1948 and fall 1949 and consists of two 28-foot wide by 19-foot high barrels with horseshoe cross-sections. The northbound and southbound barrels of the tunnel consist of two 11-foot wide travel lanes with 6-inch shoulders and a 2-foot 6-inch wide raised maintenance walk on each side. The centerlines of the barrels are approximately 63 feet apart. It is debatable that this is the only tunnel to pass beneath a natural land feature in the State of Connecticut and is eligible for listing on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. It seems the renaming of these tunnels weren't well received - this challenge to leave the tunnels name in tack was not in anyway meant to take away from the many heroic efforts by any of the participants the name "Heroes Tunnel" may reference whom have sacrificed it all helping humanity, it's more about renaming history and the cancel culture that continues to identify and change historical significance landmarks that aren't offensive and was in no way meant to be prejudice against any culture, creed or the oppressed. These tunnels were engineering marvels through the time of their inception and construction and are monumental feats that reflect the pride of those that worked and sweated to make travel in the area convenient and safe for those that transverse America's highways...

The new Henry on Main is amazing! Great use of space, wonderful selection of books to purchase, and…read moreyou can read and drink a coffee from cafe Nola in the back. Exactly what Clinton has needed for a long time. We are so glad to be residents who can walk over.

I love libraries. HCH is modern, light, clean and spacious. Librarians are helpful and considerate,…read morebut then I love librarians as well. I can't imagine anyone looking at Yelp to choose a library but I was here and they asked. BTW- I have seen a few weak libraries in my time- HCH IS NOT THAT.