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!