Riding Public Transit in New England Chapter 2, New Haven CT!

 

New Haven, Connecticut is somewhere I've been a hundred times.  But, this time I tried something a bit different.  I took the train and took buses around town.  This park, once again is a city park and comes with parking fees.  This one's fee is only $25 for out of town residents.  But why pay when you can have an adventure?  

The park has a lighthouse and an antique carousel, and beaches.  There're pavilions, banquet venues and so much more.  Along the shore you find things like viewfinders, a boat launch, and a lot of green.  One thing you can see through the viewfinder is another light house along the breakwater.  There's a dolphin statue on the beach, and it's a positively peaceful and beautiful place to spend some time.

 

But I didn't start my day in New Haven.  I started my day with the Waterbury train again.  This time I took it to Bridgeport and transferred to the New Haven Line, landing at State Street Station in New Haven.  I had a lovely walk to the green where I caught the 206 bus and went to Lighthouse Point Park.  It was all a lovely ride. The bus driver's in New Haven were all very nice.

What I like about riding trains and buses is that I don't have to deal with as much stuff.  I don't have to drive.  That's a wonderful thing.  When I was a kid and I was coming into being 16, I wanted to get a driver's license.  Now, I just don't care.  I like to look at the scenery while I ride.  I like to people watch.  I relax on the ride.  Then I relax on the walk.  It's a great way to get away from it all.  

Now, it's not all perfect.  There are layovers.  I waited for nearly an hour at Stratford on my train change home, but it was a nice day and I just hung out.  What this does is gives me a new perspective.  I get a chance to think, take photos and get some exercise.  I even took the 274 bus to IKEA to do some shopping while I was in town.

The bus hub in New Haven is the town green.  From there you can catch literally any bus to anywhere.  They have city to city buses, local buses and they all stop at the city green.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of homeless people on the green, but don't let that bother you.  It didn't bother me, and I was alone.

New Haven is not only the home of Yale, but of so many fun things.  They have parks, theater, great food, and so much more.  It's worth spending some time.  And if you go to Long Wharf, you can have some of the best food truck food around.  It's all worth it.

On my way home, I went to Union Station.  I'd never been to New Haven's Union Station before.  It's awesome.  It's a historic train station and is still beautiful inside.  But that's not all.  They have 14 tracks, and you can go anywhere.  Not only can you go there on the New Haven line of Metro North, but also you can catch CT Rail, CT Shoreline East, Amtrak, and specifically the Acela.  The Vermonter and many other trains come through New Haven.  It's a great hub.

So, once again I say; get out of your comfort zone.  Gas costs a fortune.  I rode the train for a total of $13.50 and spent $3.50 on a day bus pass.  I had a great time.  I saw something new and spent the day relaxing and exercising.  The sun came out and everything was perfect.  I love a new adventure, and there will be more of this kind of adventure here over the summer.  I will be trying all kinds of New England public transit.  It's here, and most parts of the country don't have the intricate system that we do, so I hope people use it to get out more.

Be aware that unfortunately, a lot of the services I use aren't available on weekends.  I wish they were, but there doesn't seem to be a demand for them on weekends, because people here drive their cars everywhere they go.  If you're headed into NYC you can find transport, but in other places it can be sparse.  Hopefully that will change in the future.

So, summer is here.  There're a lot of places to go, and there's public transport to get there.  It's an adventure.  You meet people.  You get to relax.  It's a great way to spend the day, and it doesn't cost a lot of money.  So, take some time and have an adventure, take a train; take a bus and enjoy!

https://www.newhavenct.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/16/664

https://ctvisit.com/listings/lighthouse-point-park

https://visitnewhaven.com/places/lighthouse-point-park-carousel/

https://portal.ct.gov/ctrail

https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroad

https://portal.ct.gov/services/driving-and-transportation/getting-around/trains

https://www.cttransit.com/schedules

https://portal.ct.gov/dot/publictrans/bureau-of-public-transportation/local-bus-service

https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctdot-press-releases/2024/ctdot-announces-massive-bus-service-expansion-beginning-march-10

https://www.amtrak.com/home?cmp=pdsrch-NAT%20|%20Non-Core%20DMA%20|%20Brand%20|%20Google%20|%20Exact-google&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0ruyBhDuARIsANSZ3wok9ajoDDsnNlOm0eiI38-jgU6VO0JzDT00Kfz4uoFnO0KbUlAi-BYaAil9EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

First Post of the Summer Experiment! Day Trips!

 

The Northeastern United States is a special place, and I've spent the last 32 years calling it home.  It's a unique environment with some good things and some bad things, but isn't that the way anywhere you call home?

I live in Connecticut, and summer is upon us very soon.  Needless to say, that's important around here, because during the off seasons, there's only so much to do.  But, in the summer, most people get out and they go to parks, woods, mountains, camping, hiking, ATV riding, and lots of other activities.  One of the big ones is finding a place to go to the beach.

Connecticut has 618 miles of coastline along Long Island Sound.  It's our version of an ocean, and it's beautiful.  About 87 miles of that is beach.  How fabulous is that?  Now, I don't have an exact count of how many beaches there are in Connecticut, but I do know that there are 14 of them that are public.  87 miles and only 14 beaches open to the public.  There's a lot of beaches that aren't open to the public.

In Connecticut there are several cities along the shore that have city beaches.  These beaches charge a fee for an annual permit to park your car there and therefore visit.  Most cities will charge well over $200 to people who don't live in their city for said permit.  Each and every beach will charge for a separate permit.  If you think that's a lot of money to go to a beach, you should see the tickets you get if you park your car there without a permit.  It's twice as bad or more.  It's hard when you don't live along the shore, so you don't have a beach to go to in your own town.  It's hard to fight for space on a nice day when you go to the few public beaches.  No matter where you go, you're probably paying a separate parking fee as well.  It's a lot, and a lot of people don't have a lot of money.

So, what's a way to have that little adventure and spend some time along the shore?  

My answer was to take the train and the bus.  Let me explain.  I've been wanting to try out the public transportation in my region.  I've taken Metro North Railroad to New York City and taken the subway around the city for years.  But, there are public transportation systems all over Connecticut and Massachusetts, that I've never tried.  Stamford was my first trip doing this.

I boarded the Metro North Train in Waterbury.  This is a train station that's basic, but recently, they've redone the parking lot and it's much nicer than it used to be.  I took that train to Bridgeport, one of the large hubs on the train system.  I waited a few minutes and boarded the train that's route runs from New Haven, Connecticut to Grand Central Station in NYC.  I took that train to Stamford and got off there for the first time ever.

When I got to Stewart B. McKinney Transportation Center in Stamford, I found a great place to continue my journey, because that's also where the main bus terminal is.  In Connecticut, we not only have local buses, but buses that take you from town to town all over the State.  It's quite convenient.  However, that day I was looking to ride the local bus system in Stamford.  A day ticket for local buses in any city in the state costs $3.50.  You can ride all day long in any single city.  

After my $7 train ride, I boarded the bus that the sign said would take me to Cove Island Park; the beach by the shore park I'd come to check out.  The bus came as promised and it was comfortable and took me straight to the entrance to the park.  No permits for my car.  No fines for not having one for my car.  No fees to park my car.  Best experience ever.  

I walked two miles around this park, enjoyed the wildlife, the view, and the beach.  That's how big the park is.  I didn't even go everywhere in the park.  The East Coast Greenway runs through that park.  In the park there are three beaches, with a beach house to change in and even a snack bar.  There're kayak and canoe rentals during the rental agency's operating hours.  There's an education center that teaches children about the area's wildlife and ecosystem.  There's tidal flats, ball fields, trails for different activities; clearly marked.  There're playgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions, a marina and so much more.  It's a great place to spend some time.

During weekend and summer hours, there's even a tram to drive you from section to section or from parking lot to beach.  This place has it all.  And the hack?  Take the bus.  The 328 bus goes directly to the park entrance.  I had a great time, I didn't ruin anyone's beach, the people were lovely, and it was relaxing and beautiful.

And, how was the rest of my trip?  I stopped at a place called The Cove Restaurant on my way back to downtown.  They had great food and the service was fabulous.  There was also a burger joint that looked delicious, and a smoothie stand at the same area.  It was all a great experience.

I did take a walk downtown before I left, but I was only on a short day trip, so I didn't get to see all of Stamford.  I will go back.  I found so many things I wanted to see that this definitely won't be my only trip.

I was intrigued by Stamford over all, and I need to investigate more.  Fortunately, it only costs $7 each way to go there and $3.50 for a day pass for the bus.  I had a lot of fun for $17.50 round trip.  I probably would have paid as much for gas and more if you add parking.  Parking in Waterbury and some other stations is free and patrolled by the police for security.  I didn't have to drive, which was a godsend, because you have to drive on I-95 to get to Stamford, and I can tell you it's not worth it.  The traffic is the worst.  So, I relaxed and enjoyed the ride all day.  I enjoyed the places I visited.  I didn't worry about anything.  I didn't pay exorbitant fees.  I met nice people, ate good food and had a great time doing almost nothing.  

What this did do was get me started investigating the public transportation system that runs in New England and I will be having more trips to talk about.  So, if you live in the Northeast, try this out.  It's cheaper than gasoline.  It's far less frustrating than traffic.  You won't have to find parking spaces everywhere you go.  Do a little research before you go, get the apps you'll need for your trip and enjoy!

https://soundwaters.org/sails-rentals/rentals/

https://www.stamfordct.gov/

http://stamford-downtown.com/

https://www.stamfordct.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/120/507

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33936-d4306582-Reviews-Cove_Island_Park-Stamford_Connecticut.html

https://ctvisit.com/listings/cove-island-park

https://stantonhouseinn.com/cove-island-park-stamford-ct

https://new.mta.info/schedules

https://tokentransit.com/

https://www.cttransit.com/

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html?cmp=afl-sem-AMNY-connecticut-hartford&gad_source=1

https://hartfordline.com/

Always remember; it's best to use apps to pay fares for public transit.  You can get the apps you need in your regular app store.

You'll Love the Ideas in This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.    The Kimberly Bridge at Casa Kimberly, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I don't care who you are, romance is infectious.  Casa Kimberly probably shouldn't be famous, but when you get Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor together in 1964; a very good year by the way, romance is inevitable.

The Bridge of Love was built as a replica of the Bridge of Sighs of Venice fame.  Richard Burton built the bridge so that he could visit Liz at Casa Kimberly from his own casita across the street without being hounded by paparazzi.  Following that, he gave Casa Kimberly to Liz for her 32nd birthday.  To this day, the bridge is known as Puente del Amor and is a very special spot in Puerto Vallarta.

So, if you happen to be in Puerto Vallarta, you have to take time to visit the Bridge of Love and the history of one of Hollywood's greatest romances.

https://casakimberly.com/the-unique-history-of-casa-kimberlys-puente-del-amor-bridge-of-love/

https://www.instagram.com/casakimberly/p/C2-s9XcyGbU/

https://lprluxury.com/casa-kimberly-legacy-elizabeth-taylor-gets-makeover/

https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Hotels/A-Look-at-Puerto-Vallarta-s-Iconic-Casa-Kimberly

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l265/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=15508043452&cq_con=129665666566&cq_term=attraction%20in%20puerto%20vallarta&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=15508043452&adgroup_id=129665666566&target_id=aud-1393039795340:kwd-295542241413&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=b&ad_id=569262886228&keyword=attraction%20in%20puerto%20vallarta&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS38AFeuk7iZEMjUlKdQfH5LAaMHJv1Oc4DoEZW5blom513WHkZE3WwYaAry2EALw_wcB

2.    Include a unique event in your travel plans.  Have you ever gone to a place to see something, and it fell flat?  I find that it's normally fun and exciting to have a plan that involves an event.  Recently, we went to NYC to see a hockey game.  A few months ago, we went to Iceland because it was Northern Lights' Season.  Having a something instead of just a somewhere helps enhance travel.

Whether you'd like to participate in Holi in India, go see some of the original Highland Games in Scotland or even watch people jump off of a bridge in West Virginia; there's something for everyone going on out there around the world.  Just because a Wife Carrying Competition isn't something you'd participate in, doesn't mean it isn't fun to watch.

I've been to Maine for a Sea Plane Fly In.  I've been to Boston for the Marathon.  I've been to Cleveland for Rock and Blast.  I've been to Cedar Point for Twins Day.  Some of the things I've been to are a little out of the mold, but even getting in the world's biggest traffic jam to see a total eclipse of the sun was fun.  So, if you have a bucket list spot; check and see if the best time to go might be for an annual festival or event.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/festivals

https://www.tourradar.com/f/festivals-and-events

https://www.exploreworldwide.com/experiences/festival-tours

https://www.afar.com/travel-inspiration/art-and-culture/festivals-and-events

https://www.musicfestivals.com/

3.    The International Burro Race, Boom Days, Leadville, Colorado.  That's right, it's a race where people run with Burros.  This is one of the events that I was talking about as a unique reason to visit a location at a particular time.  Leadville, Colorado is a great place to go and enjoy small town life and lots of hiking and other outdoor mountain activities.  It's one of the most beautiful spots in the country, but once a year they have a festival.  Part of that festival is the Burro Race.

There's a short race of 15 miles and a long race of 21 miles.  The rule is that you have to finish the race with your Burro.  Don't have one?  That's okay.  The locals will match you with a burro if you don't have one.  That's right; matchmaking for burros and people to run a long race.  If you aren't into the run, I promise you'll still be entertained.  It's a one of a kind experience no matter how you look at it, and if you enjoy the Rocky Mountains, you should swing by Leadville and check it out.  If you can't make it to Leadville to enjoy the original, check out some of the other burro races that have sprung up across the state.  It's spreading out.

https://leadvillepackburrorace.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=10797

http://www.leadvilleboomdays.org/welcome-2/

https://www.packburroracing.org/races

https://www.thirstcolorado.com/source/2024/5/2/burro-racing

https://www.facebook.com/LeadvilleBoomDays/

4.  It's the return of the Paris Waiters Race, Paris, France.  This spring marked the first time that this one of a kind event had taken place in over a decade.  Reportedly founded in 1914, although I'm not positive about that date, waiters race across Paris in a unique way.  They must carry a tray with a croissant, a glass of water and a coffee cup over a mile through old town with no disasters.  They aren't supposed to run, exactly, but the first one who arrives at the finish line items in tact, wins.  Around 200 waiters ran the race this year ahead of the Summer Olympics, and hopefully it will continue as a tradition.  If visiting Paris, the race takes place tentatively in the spring and could be a great event to plan a trip around.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/24/world/europe/paris-waiters-race.html

https://apnews.com/article/paris-olympics-food-drink-waiters-france-969ab5ae581716bf32d794ff9cf80bf0

https://www.theleader.com.au/story/8572497/paris-fastest-waiters-crowned-in-2024-as-waiter-race-returns/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/waiters-and-waitresses-raced-through-the-streets-of-paris-180984025/

https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2024/03/24/paris-waiters-race-streets-crpog-lon-orig-is.cnn

5.    AllTrails.  Let's take a moment and discuss the rational side to travel.  Most of us aren't travel vloggers, and don't have time and money to take grand vacations all the time.  I'm one of those people who have to get out and get some air to get away from the stress in my life, and I don't always have time or money to do the things I most desire.

AllTrails is my latest passion and the only app I've ever paid for.  This wonderful app, that only costs $35.99 a year will help you find outdoor places to get away from it all

THIS IS NOT A PAID PROMOTION!!!

AllTrails will tell you about places to take a walk on a trail near you.  It will tell you about places you never knew about, no matter how long you've lived in the area.  It tells you the distance, difficulty, elevation change and gives you a map of each and every trail.  You can preview the trail.  You can use it to help you navigate the trail.  It will help you find the trail head.  There are reviews so you can even gauge the current condition of the trail.  It's great information.  

I can't recommend this app enough.  Sometimes I just need to get out, and I have multiple options at any time with AllTrails.  It's helped me get in better shape, feel better, and clear my head from some very stressful days.  For anyone who likes to get away to clear their head, this is the best!

The reality is, we can't all just jump on a plane and get away.  We can't all just spend a fortune to clear our heads.  This is the answer for anyone who likes to get outside and get away.  I wouldn't recommend it if I didn't love it myself.

https://www.alltrails.com/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alltrails.alltrails&hl=en_US&gl=US

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alltrails-hike-bike-run/id405075943

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8lsGsHJsYo

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=528606746056733

So, there you have it.  Events are a great motivator and enhancer of travel.  Special locations within a travel location are also travel enhancers.  Travel is a multi level experience.  Places can be special, but it's the events the history that make the memories.  Always keep in mind what you'll be doing and not just where you'll be going.  The two go together hand in hand and make the experience all it can be.

And, if you don't have time, like I normally don't; look into a hiking app.  I love AllTrails, but there are other ones if it's not for you.  I have to get away from it all to relax and local hiking is a great thing to get me through my day.

Hope you've enjoyed all my ideas and that you'll get out there and enjoy!