Coastal Decorating

Of course, our first and foremost challenge is to bring you a wealth of information on places and events in Southeastern Connecticut - however, along the way we'd like to share with you some ideas on home decorating with a shoreline appeal. After all, not only do we have one of the top ranking coastal and nautical decor shopping sites on the internet - Blue Barnacles - but we happen to be located on one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country!

Whether you live along the Southeastern Connecticut shoreline or just want to bring a feel of the coast to your home, be sure to visit Blue Barnacles Home Decor blog for some fabulous ideas on nautical and coastal home decor.

Want some ideas on decorating your mantle? See our January 2008 post Decorating Your Mantle with a Coastal Feel! From wreaths to baskets to shell adorned mirrors and candlesticks, weathered shore birds, resin shells and starfish - you're sure to spark some ideas that will help you create a stunning coastal look for your mantle.

North End Deli

Looking for wonderful little place for breakfast, lunch or dinner in Southeastern Connecticut? Be sure to stop at the North End Deli, named after the North End in Boston (commonly referred to as 'little Italy'). Located at 969 Poquonnock Road in Groton, Connecticut - this is a treasure you won't want to miss!

You'll find everything from the perfect 'starters' to wonderful deli sandwiches (with names like The Fulton Market, The Hanover Street, The Delancy Street, South St. Seaport!). You can also 'Create Your Own' with fabulous selections of breads, spreads, meats and cheeses to choose from. Or opt for a tasty sandwich from the grill (like Turkey BLT Panini, Philly Steak Cheese, Meat Lovers Panini.....).

Watching calories? There are many salads to choose from - The North End Toss, The Little Italy, Lost in Manhattan and more. And don't forget the French Onion Soup or the Soup Di Giorno!

The dinner choices range from Lasagna, Fettuccini Alfredo and Stuffed Shells to Lemon Chicken, Grilled Top Sirloin, Chicken Alredo, Shrimp Scampi, Chicken and Broccoli and other sumptuous selections.

And last but not least, make sure to save room for a delicious dessert!

Children's meals are available for those guests under 12 years old.
Take out, delivery and catering are also available.

Open Monday from 7 am to 2 pm; Tuesday through Saturday from 7 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm.

For more information contact the North End Deli at 860-448-0600 or visit the North End Deli website for a complete menu and other information.

Mystic Aquarium

Southeastern Connecticut sports one of the finest Aquariums you'll find anywhere.

Mystic Aquarium, one of America’s leading aquariums, showcases the living collections, science and conservation work of Sea Research through exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs, emphasizing hands-on, interactive, live animal contact experiences for all ages.

Hosting more than 750,000 visitors annually, the Aquarium is open year-round and is Connecticut’s largest non-casino attraction. Mystic Aquarium is one of the few in North America housing Beluga whales and other rare and remarkable sea creatures.

The Institute for Exploration at Mystic Aquarium is a base for famed oceanographer and explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, widely known for his rediscovery and preservation of Titanic, Bismarck, PT-109 and many others. Dr. Ballard’s advancements in deep sea technology have made it possible to uncover secrets of the world’s oceans and bring them in real time to young people across America. These discoveries are featured in Dr. Ballard’s ever-changing Challenge of the Deep exhibition at Mystic Aquarium.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is open daily, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

March 1st thru November 30th : Sunday-Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (once inside guests may visit until 6:00 pm)

December 1st thru February 29th : Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (once inside guests may visit until 5:00 pm)

Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (once inside guests may visit until 6:00 pm)

Hours are subject to change without notice.

A visit to Mystic Acquarium wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration Store. Located next to the Ocean Planet Pavilion, you'll find a great selection of gifts, books, videos, apparel and much more, so be sure to leave plenty of time to browse.

The Penguins Cafe, adjacent to the Ocean Planet Pavilion, has a great menu with a variety of foods sure to satisfy guests of all ages. If you prefer, there's also a picnic area near the east end of the parking lot.

The Aquarium has plenty of free parking and handicapped parking on the premises.

Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted for admission, membership and store purchases. The Penguins Café and Gift Shop at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration accepts cash and credit cards.

Visit Mystic Acquarium website for tickets and pricing, membership, events, shows and seasonal programs, group reservations, driving directions, functions and parties, and show information.

Harkness Memorial State Park

Enjoy a day of sun, picnicing, flying kites, or just walking through the fabulous gardens of Harkness Memorial State Park in Southeastern Connecticut. Relax and take in the panoramic views of Long Island Sound. Harkness Memorial State Park is the magnificent summer estate of the late Edward S. Harkness family. Explore the magnificent summer mansion set on over 230 seaside acres of sweeping lawns, with stately trees and spectacular gardens.

Over three acres of formal gardens were designed in the early twentieth century by famed landscape architect Beatrix Jones Farrand and have recently been restored to the point of being deemed "The Best Formal Public Garden in New England" by the editors of Yankee Magazine.

Whether you go during the peak season or off-season, Harkness Park has a great deal to offer. There are horse and carriage rides and an antique car display. Visitors can enjoy tours of the mansion in-season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The gift shop is also open in-season on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The park truly offers something for everyone with excellent saltwater fishing, picnicking opportunities amid the breathtaking scenery, and a variety of events and activities such as art shows, car shows and kite festivals.

The 200+ acres were a working farm and the mansion served as the Harkness’ summer home. The Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style mansion has 42 rooms and includes a pergola (tearoom) and carriage house (support complex). Lush gardens flank the mansion on both the east and west lawns, and an Alpine Rock Garden adds to the beauty and splendor of the seaside panorama.

Harkness Park is also a favorite spot of the ConnectiKITERS Kite Club. Subtle rolling hills and shoreline winds make it an ideal spot to launch a kite. Your children will be able to see kites of all shapes and sizes and can even join the fun by bringing along a kite of their own.

Mansion Hours:
The mansion is open for tours weekends and holidays from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. The first tour of the day starts at 10:00 a.m. and the last at 2:15 p.m.

Rental Information:
The Harkness Mansion is available for weddings, private parties, seminars, conferences, luncheons and teas from March 1 to December 23.

There are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees (in effect daily from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day from 8:00 a.m to 6:30 p.m.) at Harkness Memorial State Park.

Located at 275 Great Neck Road in Waterford, Connecticut, the park is open from 8:00 a.m. to Sunset. Call (860) 443-5725 for more information or visit the Harkness State Park website.

Fort Trumbull State Park

Whether you're a first time visitor to Southeastern Connecticut or an area resident be sure to visit the Fort Trumbull State Park located at 90 Walbach Street in New London. Get an interactive history lesson at the visitor's center, or just walk the Fort and ramparts for a view of the Thames River, a visit to Fort Trumbull has something for everyone including a boardwalk and fishing pier.

Spectacular fishing opportunities abound with a one-of-a-kind fishing pier boasting over 500' of shore-based access to the major game fish of Long Island Sound. Saltwater anglers will find a unique combination of sport fish including striped bass, bluefish, weakfish and tautog as they feed on the variety of bait fish found at the mouth of the Thames River. In addition to 24-hour access, the pier offers bright lighting and individual pole holders for angler comfort; year-round restrooms and fresh running water.

Bathrooms, Conference Center, Fishing Pier, Onsite & On-street Parking, Visitor Center, Waterfront Walk.

The Visitors Center contains state of the art multimedia theaters, computer touch screen interactive exhibits, 3-D models, and extensive graphics and text panels. This one of a kind center depicts over 225 years of military history and technological advances from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War. Some of the main themes of the Visitor Center are the September 6, 1781 attack by the British under the command of Benedict Arnold, the U-boat menace during World War II, and the anti-submarine efforts during the Cold War.

The park's grounds are open to the public year round from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.

Visitor Center Hours:

The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day. There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds. A per person charge applies for the Visitor Center exhibit area and Fort Tours.

For more information visit the Fort Trumbull State Park website or call (860) 444-7591

O! Brasil

You'll find some wonderful places to shop in Southeastern Connecticut. Located at 165 State Street, New London in the historic Harris Place Building O! Brasil is an American business with a Brazilian mission. The rare craft and art carried by O! Brasil comes in the form of pottery, furniture, stonework, paintings, carvings, jewelry, and functional furnishings. Each piece is fashioned by hand, each unique, most bearing the name of the person who created it. Some pieces are distinctly Brazilian. Others are simply beautiful.

O! Brasil brings these pieces from the countryside of Brazil to the center of New London, Connecticut. Its display of unique, handmade products resonates in contrast to the commercialized sameness of chain stores in malls. People who come in to O! Brasil feel that they have come across a treasure of rare beauty.

For more information contact O! Brasil at (860) 437-1646
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Muddy Waters Cafe

After a morning of sightseeing in Southeastern Connecticut relax at this inviting cafe on the Thames River in New London. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere by the fireplace or the waterfront deck. Muddy Waters Cafe features specialty coffees, cappuccino, cafe latte, cafe mocha, espresso, macchiato, Oregon chai tea, hot cider, hot cocoa, iced drinks and more. Enjoy a delicious homemade sandwich, soup, or salad, then indulge in a fabulous gourmet dessert or Italian ice. For the early riser, enjoy freshly baked goods, bagels, assorted fresh fruit, yogurt, or a breakfast sandwich.

Located at 42 Bank Street in New London. Open 7 days a week - Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m - Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For more information call 860-444-2232.

Muddy Waters is available for private functions.

MC, Visa accepted. ATM available.