Loving Litchfield, CT with the Williams

  July 19-23 (4 nights)

Cozy Hills Campground, Bantam, CT with the Williams 

Our drive to Bantam was pretty uneventful other than finding gas. Our first gas stop the pumps weren’t working??? Our next stop went fine. Everywhere we drive up here, the greenery, fields and fauna are abundant and every shade of green; thanks to the abundance of rain. It even smells clean and my favorite part is there’s always a spot of grass to refresh myself on…

As we got closer to Bantam, once again we started going through one charming town after another. Litchfield, CT's downtown looks like a picture postcard of what you would imagine a New England town to appear.  A downtown memorial park with loads of flowers, grass and huge, old deciduous trees. It was located right by the couple block shopping/restaurant area that were located in buildings dating back to the 1700’s. The street across from these areas has majestic mansions, mostly in fantastic shape. So pretty. Above you see a combination of both towns. Bantam is much smaller, but it’s tinier downtown was really cute too! Good thing mom isn’t in the mood to shop because we could be here for days, thanks to all the darling boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. 

Cozy Hills Campground is located in wooded hills backed up to a couple of ponds and a lake. Since the campsites are located on various levels on the side of these hills, it’s really deceiving how big it is...with so many amenities. They have a huge amount of seasonal campers with elaborate campsites. By far this place had the best internet we have encountered, so that made mom and dad happy; especially when Don came over and showed them how to use their Apple box. 

I went nuts when I saw Lori, Don, and Casey, our Florida neighbors/friends. So exciting!!! We got setup, then joined them for cocktails and a fantastic grilled ribs dinner!!! WOW! Delicious!!! I got to meet their adorable twin grand boys, Holden and Barrett. What fun! The weather was a bit overcast, but we were able to eat outside which I love. 

The next day was beautiful, so mom took me to the newly built dog park and for a walk down to the lake. She would only let me get my paws in but not my head, nor  would she let me swim. Bummer! I was all ready to go after the mallards boldly swimming around. 

We followed the path up the hill and eventually found our way back to our site. Mom took off with Lori and the boys to go paint rocks and then swim. Dad and Don made all of them lunch and brought it to the pool. I was sad since I couldn’t join them. They returned in time to clean up before heading to see Don’s mom and dad for cocktails. 

Don and Lori drove us around the area from Bantam to Kent Falls. What a great place to grow up and live as Don and Lori did. Don and his folks both grew up in the area and some of the old restaurants and businesses are still there. 

M & D always enjoy catching up with Don’s folks. They are always amazed at how fabulous these two ninety plus year olds are doing. We should all be in that great of shape at their age!!! Mom was sad that she forgot to take a photo of them. 

More of this splendid area with stunning parks and views everywhere...There were fabulous mansions and farms that were the weekend homes of the rich and famous, but with all the foliage; mom couldn't get any good photos of them.

Needless to say there were fantastic restaurants all around this area...the above photo was the best seafood place around...Lori made it really special by bringing a tablecloth, candle, wine glasses...she & mom both brought wine...It was fabulous, I'm told.

The White Horse Country Pub in New Preston, CT was really a delight...mom loved all the incredible antiques that were inside this pub and the menu/food was definitely among the best M & D have had on this trip so far...They got to eat beside a river that Don grew up fishing on...

More of our relaxing drive with Lori and Don, we passed many large, fancy horse farms in these lovely hills...

Sadly, Lori had to leave late Thursday morning to return to a family funeral in Pittsburgh. Dad went with them to Laguardia; so he could see NYC's skyline this trip, while mom treated herself to a mani/pedi...everyone was happy, but myself and Casey; since we got left behind. BOO...

Houdini, our grand dog was very happy to have Bekka home again in Indianapolis. Milena will stay in Serbia a couple more weeks to visit more friends and help settle her mom's estate with her brother, Jovan.

Our next couple of stops in PA will be quick ones like this one...before we spend a week in Cincinnati, OH, our old hometown for a family reunion.

This darling train station that we saw as we passed through New Milford, CT.