Looking for great summer day trip that doesn’t involve the beach, but involves acres of sunflowers and homemade ice cream ?
I’ve been making an annual pilgrimage to this sunflower field for a couple of years now. I am sharing the address because I think everyone should visit here at least once. Buttonwood Farm 473 Shetucket Turnpike, Griswold, CT. Annual there is a fundraiser called “Sunflowers for Wishes” devoted to making wishes possible for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
As far as the eye can see there is a river of yellow and green. Adding to this rural charm is the fact that Buttonwoods Farm makes their own farm fresh ice cream. They now give hay rides through the fields, as well. Bundles of sunflowers are made available to purchase each day.
The blooms usually happen in late July, but mother nature dictates the true arrival. On the final day of their festival, they let the cows run free in the fields, and let me tell you, those are some really happy cows that get covered in sunflowers!
What about a great Autumn hike that involves a waterfall?
Myth has it that the Devil himself created the round holes at the bottom of this waterfall.
A visit to the Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut is worth the drive, especially in the autumn. The slow winding roads through the park are filled with ponds and trees painted with every color of autumn.
Bring sturdy boots and a walking stick if balance is an issue, because you will need to walk down a steady incline to reach the base of the falls. It’s a relatively easy walk but it is definitely not flat. Be mindful of roots! Once you’ve arrived at the base of the falls, you’ll be on large rocks which can be slippery when wet. Do not wear flip flops!
There are no parking fees, but there is an overnight camping fee. Facilities include Pedestal Cooking Grills, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Composting Toilets.
