Shopping Done - A Cozy Fireside Seat at Chester's Brushmill

Many of Connecticut Shoreline Hot Spot mentions hold fond memories of good times with family and friends but few are as personal and magical as The Brushmill in Chester, Connecticut during the Winter months.

About the Brushmill - it's property and buildings have served numerous functions over the years. In the early 1800s a grist and sawmill to 1859 when it became a manufacturer of carpet sweepers and various kinds of brushes for gun barrels and household radiators. Throughout its history, the Brushmill was virtually self-sufficient. The Pattaconk flowing in the rear powered the mill through hydropower supplied by a large water wheel and an extensive internal belt and pulley system. In fact, each of the pulleys diners see overhead were functioning components of the early electrical system used to both illuminate the factory and power the machinery.

I know The Brushmill as The Chart House working there in the late 70s as a cocktail waitress (I still remember the table numbers downstairs) and it is one of my favorite places in the Winter months.  The Brushmill is just off of Route 9 (exit 6) and as soon as you pull into there parking lot you'll understand my enchantment  seeing the covered wooden walking bridge leading into the restaurant.  The falls which once powered the brush factory often freeze in Winter and with a little snow you're transformed back to the 1800s.

Brushmill's menu hasn't changed much over the years offering a king (28 oz.) and queen (16 oz) cut prime rib as well as various other cuts of beef.  Lobster, shrimp and scallops are on the sea food menu and the menu as a whole can be a bit pricey adding in sides. 

Brushmill reeks of it's history as various brushes are displayed throughout the restaurant.  The taproom is warm and cozy with a fire and stacked stone floor.  It's back room looks directly over the falls as does upstairs dining (I recommend table 14 to 16 if the table numbers are the same).  It's a perfect place to relax in the taproom in front of the fire with a light bite or coffee drink and dessert after Christmas shopping or during the Winter months!

New Year's Eve In CT - Where Do I Go?

While the idea of staying home with a glass of wine and a book sounds delicious - I do the New Year's Eve thing every other year.  So my dilemma is where do I go this year?  This year I'll choose ringing in the New Year from two of the prettiest shoreline resorts offering a great combination of music, dining and dancing! 

It's a New Year's Eve Gala Celebration Party at Water's Edge from 7 to 1:30 or an early dinner seating at 5.  The Gala will include three different bands and there is a Champagne Toast and Balloon Drop at Midnight.  Last year looked like a blast!

Water's Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook, Connecticut is a favorite in the summer (outside on the patio). It's still a wonderful treat in the Winter and shouldn't be missed - dining inside overlooking Long Island Sound is absolutely dreamy! 

Saybrook Point Inn, Old Saybrook, Connecticut is just up the street and they are offering "a night of celebration and revelry!" A cocktail reception at 8pm followed by dinner, dancing (to the music of "The Cartels"!), festivities and a midnight toast.  Saybrook Point Inn is so beautifully decorated for the Holidays!  Wreaths and ribbons adorn both inside and outside the inn - I was feeling festive just walking in for a gift certificate!

Feeling Festive? Shoreline Tree Lighting

It's a festive time of year with so many Shoreline towns ushering in the holidays with tree lightings, parades or a candlelight walk.  Bicycle decorating? Love it!  Westbrook tree lighting committee offered a bicycle decorating contest at the firehouse for children ages one to eight and eleven to adult on Sunday, December 2.  Decorated bikes are judged and join the parade at the firehouse to the Town Green.  Following the parade were crafts, singing, refreshments and free carriage rides and of course a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.  After the festivities where do you eat in Westbrook?

Westbrook is one of those small Shoreline towns that is still a bit of a secret.  It's home to the "Singing Bridge", Bill's, Westbrook Outlet Mall and one of the largest marinas in the Northeast - Brewer Pilots Point Marina.   It's also home to one of my favorite eateries - Brickhouse Pizza.  Brickhouse Pizza's name is deceiving and is so much more than a pizza place.   Brickhouse Pizzeria was founded in 2009 and is a huge supporter of local farms and suppliers, using organic produce seasonal fruits and vegetables.  Processed ingredients, unnecessary sugar and corn syrup are kept to an absolute minimum (that alone gets my vote). 

The owner is passionate about food and it's preparation and loves to hear feedback on the different dishes.  Appetizers include Crispy Wings, a Bruschetta of the Day, Mussels & Frites, Herbed Goat Cheese Dumplings and their dinners offer some of my favorites dishes - Shrimp Puttanesca and Linguine Bolognese.  Not into an appetizer or a dinner? You can build your own pie or order one of the house specials - Shrimp, Basil Pesto, Sliced Tomato or my usual Pecan-Rubbed Duck, Sliced Mango!  We won't forget about Chris's Calzones which are perfect if your entertaining a crowd over the holidays!

Working in Westbrook, it is a frequent stop for lunch or dinner!

The Holidays - Essex and The Griswold Inn

The Griswold Inn what can be more festive over the holidays, especially during Essex's annual carol sing and boat parade on Sunday, November 25th at 4:30.  The Griswold Inn is one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country opening its doors for business in 1776 and has been catering to yachtsmen and overland travelers ever.


Inside the taproom there's a band almost every night and the wine bar is popular especially on Wednesdays for "Wine, Women and Wednesdays". 

The Griswold Inn is one of my Holiday favorites!  I guess partially because Main Street always seems aglow with its sidewalk lights.  Historical homes decorated with Christmas wreaths and lights just add to the splendor.  

A parade down Essex Main Street Christmas caroling is nothing less than enchanting!

Black Friday - done with the deals?

Not much of a shopper, I hide until about three or four in the afternoon on Black Friday.

Preferring a good walk or bike ride at Hammonasset, I can't resist a stop at RJ Julia's bookstore in Madison, Connecticut  and a stop to the RJ Cafe and Bistro. 

Venturing out little later?  You can always stop at Cafe Allegre right across the street from RJ Julia's for appetizers at the bar.  Cafe Allegre has a soft sophistication to it's atmosphere but by no means is it snobby.  One's never crowded sitting at the bar enjoying dinner and a glass of wine with Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Too mellow? Well of course there's Donahue's Madison Beach Grille.  As advertised, Donahue's does feature some of the best bands on the shoreline! Rock Bottom, Prime Time and The Bernadettes play at Donahue's with an open mic night for future artists.  It's probably one of the only spots on the shoreline for dancing (big dance floor and it gets packed) and a favorite if your going out for the music.

See you on the dance floor!

Anyone thinking of Halloween?

Mystic Seaport’s Sights & Frights
October 19-20 & 26-27; 6-9:30
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
860.572.5322
Admission: $13; (members $12)

Mystic Seaport Link

A haunted Halloween celebration with fun for the entire family. Step back in time and wind your way through the spooky 19th-century village with beautifully carved pumpkins lighting the way. Take a journey through a haunted ship, or listen to chilling tales of long ago. Have your future told by a roaming fortune teller, enjoy seasonal refreshments in our tavern and be entertained by musicians singing eerie tunes of long ago. The fun includes crafts, games and a nightly costume parade for our younger visitors.

If you decide to visit the Seaport don't miss Lattitude 41 Shipyard Tavern.  Tavern menu includes chowder, small plates and burgers as well as a grilled 12 oz. NY strip or bouillabaise (many more offerings).  Happy Hour Tuesday - Friday 4-6 pm with $4.00 Draft beers, House Wines $6.00 House and Specialty Cocktails $5.00 Gosling’s Dark and Stormys and 50% Off all Small Plates. The Tavern is warm and cozy with ample room for a gathering of friends after work.

Shipyard Tavern Link

Halloween Trick or Treat
October 31; 4-6 pm
Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic
860.536.4941
Admission: Free
Old Mystic Village Link

Olde Mistick Village Merchants will be handing out treats for the young ones. Come see your fellow ghosts, goblins and fairies as you stroll from shop to shop. Fun for everyone! Event held rain or shine.

And don't forget about Azu!  Link to Azu Restaurant
 "... Like walking into a party that's already in full swing, the restaurant must have slow nights, but I haven't run into one yet"   − New York Times Azu offers an extremely diverse menu with a large selection of appetizers and shared plates.  Atmosphere is fun and party-like.


Myself, I'll be heading over to the local hot spot PLP or Penny Lane Pub  ,
Main Street Old Saybrook for their First Annual Holloween Party.  

Courant.com describes Penny Lane Pub as "a cozy space in the style of an English Pub. The downstairs room is divided by a partition into a large sit-at bar with TVs and a restaurant with spacious booths and tables. The atmosphere is very woodsy and masculine with lots of mahogany, giving it a solid and comfortable feeling."  I don't find it overwhelmingly masculine or woodsy more warm and cozy with a friendly hostess and bartender (Melissa).  Lots of different menu options including my favorite Cobb Salad.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday local entertainment jams in the bar and could be loud and crowded but everyone seems to have a good time.    

Hope to see you!  


Halloween Party
Wednesday, October 31st
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Upstairs Dining Room and Bar
Appetizer and Drink Specials, Entertainment,
Costume Contest, Prizes