FLIP + CHING

More Photos from Connecticut

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Ching under Travel.

These were taken at the scenic overlook that looks out to Mystic Seaport.

These were taken after our lunch at Skipper’s Dock.

We found this awesome playground in Stonington when we were walking around. We were occupied for a good half hour. It was the best playground ever!

Had to get a photo in front of the big tugboat. 🙂

After wandering around the area for a while, we decided to skip Mystic Pizza altogether (Who wants to take photos of a place that serves sub par pizza?) and just drove to Mohegan Sun.

It’s a huge casino resort!

My favorite part is the Brighton store inside the casino. They had the complete Tuscan etched heart jewelry set that is hard to find so I ended up getting the earrings, necklace and bracelet. Woot!

We went to Foxwoods (another big casino resort in Connecticut) after Mohegan Sun.

We had fun taking pictures in front of the Hard Rock Cafe.

We couldn’t really take that many picture inside the casino because they frown on that sort of thing. Oh, well. Stay tuned for more trip pictures!

Jay and Becca put an “Easter Egg” on the trip itinerary. They wouldn’t tell us where we were going, and wouldn’t even let us help navigate. We had to drive through Mystic to get to the location of the “Easter Egg” – LOL.

This is the scenic overlook by the road where you can see Mystic Seaport and all the sailboats in the bay. It’s so much prettier in person. The camera phone picture just doesn’t do it justice.

The owner was really nice and helped us take this photo. I think he felt bad when he saw Brian laying on the pavement to try to get us all in frame.

The trip “Easter Egg” turned out to be Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, CT. The wine tastings are not free, but they give you a free wine glass with your $8 tasting fee. The experience is totally worth it. Just ask Brian and Jay.

Jay and Brian hung out with Paul while Becca and I explored the vineyard.

The property is really pretty.

I’d never had a trip “Easter Egg” before, but I have to say this was the best “Easter Egg” ever! Totally worth the trip to Stonington!

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First Day in Connecticut

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Ching under Travel.

These photos were taken on our first night there, Wednesday, June 29. The hotel hosted a Caribbean-themed cookout. The weather was absolutely perfect!

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Hyatt Summerfield Suites Hartford North/Windsor

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Ching under Travel.

Becca selected a great hotel for us in Connecticut. That’s Connecticut with a “C” and not a “K” for those terrible spellers like Brian. LOL.

I liked the comfortable king-sized bed and the spaciousness of the room itself. Our accommodation included a separate living room and kitchen (equipped with a full-sized fridge, dishwasher and microwave — they even provided dishes, silverware and glassware like wine glasses and such) and the shower in the bathroom is large enough for a couple of people to shower together — a must for Brian and me.

There’s a ledge in the shower that is too small for a bench but is the perfect width and height to prop your leg up when shaving. I didn’t really have to do that since I had my legs and arms waxed prior to the trip, but I thought it would be a helpful tip to share with everyone (well, mostly the ladies I guess).

I really liked the entertainment center that serves as a divider between the bedroom area and the living area. The best part is that the TV swivels 360 degrees in either direction so you can watch TV while sitting on the couch with your feet propped on the hassock or while laying in bed, though you can’t do both at the same time. There is only one TV after all. =P

Speaking of watching TV, the rooms are equipped with DVD players so you can watch a movie or, if you prefer, you can hook your laptop up to the TV via the HDMI connection and watch something from Netflix or Hulu on the TV since wireless internet service is complimentary — another must for us.

Other things that are complimentary are the hot breakfast every morning and wine, beer, water and other beverages during social hour Monday through Thursday. Every other Wednesday in summer is “grilling” night where the hotel hosts a complimentary cookout. The night we checked in it was Caribbean night.

Breakfast is nothing spectacular but, as complimentary breakfasts go, it’s pretty good. They usually have sausage or bacon. They have eggs, but they make it different ways each day. One day it was scrambled. Another day they had folded eggs with cheese in the middle. I’m not really a fan of either, but I lucked out that the chef Carlos is a nice guy. I asked if I could get eggs made to order and he first told me no, but then felt bad for me because he later agreed to do it. We skipped breakfast at the hotel because we ate at the Harvest Cafe & Bakery in Simsbury the next day, but the day after that Carlos asked me if I wanted my fried eggs without prompting when I ran into him the next day.

The room we had is great enough by itself but, even if the facility wasn’t, it’s service like that of Carlos’ that will keep guests coming back. He sure made me feel special. If you ever find yourself in the Hartford, CT area, I highly recommend staying at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites in Hartford North/Windsor. You won’t regret it!