This one is awesome…read more It's an 1867 marble statue of a Civil War soldier being greeted by a young girl. The statue is near the front entrance of the CT Veterans' home in Rocky Hill. The veterans' home has an interesting history. It was first built in 1863 in Darien and named "Fitch's Home for Soldiers and Orphans". It's purpose was to take care of wounded Civil War soldiers and their orphans. The home became a state facility and grew in size to the point where it accommodated 1,000 soldiers soon after World War One. In 1940, the CT Veterans' home opened a new facility in Rocky Hill, where it exists today. One of the relocated vets was a 97-year gent named Edmund Kleespies - he was the Home's last living Civil War veteran. The Returned Soldier statue has been renovated and was moved to Rocky Hill in 1985. It's an incredible statue of what looks to me to be a dazed traumatized soldier, home from the war, being greeted by a child. Things haven't changed much over the years, have they?

This is one terrific memorial!…read more It's a large rock on a white stone base. Set into the rock is an ornate metal plaque with over 100 names of Cromwell citizens that served in World War One. There are sculpted panels showing scenes from the war - soldiers and sailors and a cavalryman on a horse. There is a large angel with her wings outstretched over the names- as though she is there to protect them. The center inscription reads: Erected in Honor of the World War Veterans By the Citizens of Cromwell 1925 On top of the rock is an attention grabbing sight - a fierce looking bronze statue of an eagle or a hawk perched on top of the distinctive World War One "Doughboy" helmet.

Unexpected and beautifully imposing. I was surprised to run into this driving through Cromwell.read more

This location requires an appointment for ALL services- I was able to secure an appointment about a…read moreweek out from my initial inquiry. This is the most efficient Government Office I have ever been to- took approximately five minutes to get a replacement card sorted out, and, the representative was incredibly professional.

Wonderful, timely service, notably from Michael. He was able…read moreto answer all of my questions and add insights about which I had not thought previously. First-rate. And thank you.

Beautiful library in Haddam! The parking lot is a little small, but looks to be available on both…read moresides of the building. The building itself looks to have been through a renovation or two, with the front looking very classic. Theres a domed ceiling with stained glass on the top; it's positively gorgeous. There are places to sit, lots of books, and a respectful quiet in the building.

From the owner: Public Libraryread more

I absolutely loved the sculpted panel that is the centerpiece of this memorial…read more Take a look at it. You'll see a tough looking American GI holding a rifle across his body. It looks like a Viet Nam era M-16. Standing next to the GI is a colonial era soldier holding the American flag of his time, the one with the circle of stars. It's a stunning image- seeing the two of them standing shoulder to shoulder. It's a powerful symbol of patriotism and our armed forces across the generations of American history. The sculpted panel is flanked by two plaques with powerful language. The left plaque echoes the theme of service over the decades and honors the memory of Marlborough's soldiers from the French and Indian War through the Viet Nam war, and "all those periods of calm and trouble in between." The right panel honors the seven Marlborough soldiers killed in the line of duty between 1777 and 1968. It's located in the town green roughly across the street from Town Hall. It's one of the best veteran's memorials I have seen

This review is of my visit on a Saturday when the inside of the building was closed and so, I only…read moregot to see the whole of the outside of the Capitol building. I was very impressed by the architecture of this building. It's design and décor were interesting and unique compared to the other standard Capitol buildings design that I have seen elsewhere within the continental U.S. This Capitol Building is adjacent to Bushnell Memorial Park and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch. It has a beautiful gold leaf dome and its façade is made of New England marble and granite. From my online research on this building, I came to learn that this building's architecture is of Second Empire & Renaissance Revival kind on the outside and High Victorian Gothic on the inside. The weather on the day of my visit was not good, so my photos may not necessarily reflect how impressive this building looks (I haven't edited them) but I bet on a beautiful sunny day, the photos would make this Capitol building look even more wonderful. This is definitely a place to visit for sightseeing activities when in Hartford.

Another beautifully appointed State House. Although it isn't my favorite, it was very interesting…read moreto explore. Visitor parking onsite and a few guides for a self-guided tour. We had just missed the guided tour, but sometimes I like to wander on my own anyhow. The senate and house meeting rooms were both quite lovely. I loved the antique water dispenser, which was just beautifully crafted. I learned that this was for the horses. You filled your bucket and took it outside for them. The carvings and statues were very opulent and ornate. There was one that was labeled to be one of the oldest, preserved from the Cival War. It is so fun to compare and contrast various state capitols buildings. They all have an interesting history and a unique flair of their very own.

If you're driving down Route 66 in this neck of the woods, be prepared for two incredible sights…read more-painted rocks that look like living creatures! This one is near the intersection of West Main (Rt 66) and Stone House Road. It's a gorgeous rendition of a bald eagle. This beautifully painted rock outcropping has seen various lives as a whale, a shark, a frog, and a turtle. In 1989, a high school student repainted it as an eagle, and its lived on as an eagle ever since. Over the years, it gets repainted every once in a while and the year it was touched up is also painted under the eagle's beak. This is a freaking gem !!!

When I was little we would drive by this on the journey from New Haven to Hampton to visit family…read more It instantly became the thing my brother and I looked for on the way. I moved to this area and on a backroads drive randomly rediscovered this in all of it's patriotic glory. The eyeballs are slightly more terrifying than as a child I remember them being but it's still 200% 'Merica.

I was spending some time this past Memorial Day Saturday reading in the library. The initially…read morebuilt old space is beautiful, and every chair is strategically positioned. I literally want to sit in each to enjoy the view. The new books they add are top selections. I stumbled upon serious reads here.

I find the library staff very helpful. I think the collection is good but not great. Reasons: many…read moreof the books I request have to come from other libraries, too few copies of new or popular fiction and, many of the books have broken spines and food stains through out. I donate as often as I can and I wish the collection was larger, the ordering of new & popular books could be increased (wait list way too long) and, some books simply need to retire because of poor condition.

First thing I learned is we've all had his name wrong…read more It's not "Smokey the Bear", it's "Smokey Bear". Makes sense, right? Think about it ... it's not "Donald the Duck or "Mickey the Mouse", is it? (Wise-ass remark from the back of the room) -"Yo, what about Kermit the Frog"? Hey, there's an exception to every rule. Anyway, the character of Smokey Bear was created way back in 1944 to make the country more aware about the dangers of forest fires and to preach fire prevention. Smokey's longevity makes him the longest running public service campaign in American history. I was surprised to learn that in 1984, he was honored with a U.S. postage stamp to mark his 40th anniversary. There are hundreds of these Smokey Bear signs all across the country. They publicize the threat level of wildfires. This Smokey Bear sign is located at the entrance to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection complex on Route 66. It's one sweet piece of Americana.

Very realistic yet non threatening portrayal of a North…read moreAmerican brown bear. Helpful in determining whether campfires/bonfires are appropriate by advertising how dry it is outside. Denim jeans are somewhat too provocative.

I stopped by the Cora J. Belden Library in Rocky Hill to pick up a book for my book club. I have…read morenever been to this library before. I thought it was interesting that this library is located amongst the houses, for some people I'm sure they could walk here with their eyes closed. Right at the front of the library they have a hold box. I could be wrong with the name, but this is where they hold your book, and you could pick it up even when the library is closed. I walked inside, there's book sales and community events posted. I went to the computer to search where my book is located. According to my search result, I went to look under fiction. It wasn't there. There were other works by the same author. I went to the front desk to ask for assistance. The lady started walking towards a totally different direction. She went to look under Mysteries, I found it under New Releases. She explained that they're going through a new system, it might be difficult to find some materials. She was very helpful, despite me finding it. They also have a spiral staircase leading to the children's department. I typically love to explore the children's area, I was in a rush this time. There were some noisy kids having a fun time. I had a successful first time at the Cora J. Belden Library.

A pretty library with friendly staff - they have nice open areas to read and research, and even…read moresome art on the walls. Parking was plentiful with an easy in and out; there was even a knitting group meeting outside when I pulled up! They seem very community oriented.