Winter is a peaceful and cozy time to visit the cottage. It has lots of natural light from the many windows viewing the lake, if you're lucky you'll experience a snowfall. There is a patio fire pit on the deck if you want to sit outside on a nice day or under the starlight and stay warm. Come relax for a few days! It's the perfect place to quarantine/work online with a lake view (we have strong & reliable internet)! :) The cottage overhangs the edge of the lake with an expansive 20'x24' water level deck that you can swim or kayak from, and a large second story deck which makes you feel like royalty as you view nature and the lake from above. Both decks are ideal for an outside meal, barbecuing, yoga, reading, family time, or just enjoying the serenity of nature and the lake. Our recent remodeling has kept some of the character of this 1933 summer home. The cozy cottage sleeps up to six people, making it perfect for a vacationing couple (or two) or a family. It has a medium size bedroom with a queen size bed, and a small bedroom with a full size bed. There is a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and a living room with large french doors that open onto the upper deck with magnificent views of the lake. On the lower level is the living/recreation room (including laundry machines) which opens onto the water level deck. There are always areas on the deck to be in the shade if needed. There are two small parking spaces that will fit a maximum of two cars. Kayaks and a canoe are provided for your use at no additional charge. There is also a Huck Finn style raft to sit on or swim from during the summer, or to untie and float around on. We have internet, a DVD player, basic TV, a music speaker, and indoor games. If you choose, we have a paddleboard rental for only $20. We also have a massage therapist that you can schedule a massage with, right by the lake. Also, I am a photographer (Molly Mia Photography), and can also offer family/couple/individual portraits if you're interested! The cottage is removed from noise and bustle, and the quiet and beautiful lake makes it a really fun place to enjoy being part of nature. It is still just a 10 minute drive from Mystic-- a favorite tourist town, 5 area wineries, the Connecticut Shoreline, and 5 minutes from Foxwoods casino. There is also a small, organic "Earth Friendly Farm" that sells vegetables at the beginning of your street. There are endless recommendations for all sorts of places less than 20 minutes away. Here are a few suggestions: Local “New England Feeling” Attractions: -Buttonwood Farms in Griswold is famous for its delicious farm fresh ice cream and over 14 acres of sunflowers that will peak during the end of July. From mid-September through October the farm has a corn maze and several fun family activities -Holmberg’s Orchard in Gales Ferry is a beautiful place to go pick your own fruit of the season, whether that’s blueberries, peaches, raspberries, apples, or even nectarines this year. Tractor rides will bring your family to the perfect picking location. In the fall, there are fields of pumpkins, as well as squash, gourds, Indian corn, hay bales, and mums. There are also events, such as Farmer’s Markets. - Mystic Aquarium ?is ?great for families! -The Mystic Seaport Museum, a ?Historic Whaling Village from the 1800’s, has many attractions indoors and outdoors, with incredible sights and tours of historic ships. ?- The Pequot Indian Museum is very interesting and ?Smithsonian-quality. Interactive for children and quite educational. Open Wed- Sat 9am-5pm, a 6 minute drive from the cottage. -Old Mystic Village and its many shops ?are great for both adults and children -Clydes Cider Mill is a hot spot in the fall! Sample or purchase cider (and hard cider), and homemade goods (the donuts are highly recommended). FRESH SEAFOOD AND RESTAURANTS: -If you would like to indulge in New England’s fresh seafood, be sure to visit the restaurants and markets in Pawcatuck, Mystic, Stonington CT and Westerly, RI. If you need directions or recommendations, please ask us for more information. -MYSTIC has a variety of restaurants, both casual and high-end. Some popular places include: Mystic Pizza, Pizzetta, S & P Oyster House, Latitude 41, the Engine Room, Bravo Bravo, and Go Fish. Karma Kitchen is a healthy cafe with smoothies, nutritious juices, acai bowls, & more. Drawbridge Ice Cream is very popular on the bridge. HIKING/PARKS -? ?Ledyard and neighboring towns have many interesting parks offering a variety of trails. Listed are some of the more popular: -Lantern Hill- There are great views overlooking cliffs on a mountainous trail, which is about 30 minutes to the top. There are two trailheads: One is at the far rear of the parking lot of the Two Trees Inn, and the other one is .4 in from Route 2 on Wintechog Hill Road in North Stonington (6 minutes away) -Copp Park? - ?Offers a number of trails and two dog park areas -Bluff Point - ?This is a beautiful 2.5 mile round trip dirt road in Groton that you can walk or bike on. Beautiful views of the shallow waters, and open ocean with sandy beach at the end of the road. (17 minutes away) -Haley Farm State Park is a popular trail for biking or jogging, along with Bluff Point. SWIMMING ?- Long Pond of course! You are welcome to take the kayaks or the raft and bring them over to the nice rock areas of Long Pond to swim off of. BEACHES -?if you are looking for swimming in the sound or ocean, these are the closest beaches: -Ocean Beach ?- on Long Island Sound, ?-Misquamicut Beach ?- ?Beach is on open ocean. In Westerly, RI (30 min away) -Watch Hill and East Beach. A touristy area with restaurants, ice cream, a carousel, and shops. A beautiful walk to the beach. WINERIES: -Tastings, and often entertainment or events -Jonathan Edwards? - ?Call to see if there is entertainment -Maugle Sierra Vineyards? -? Entertainment Friday Evenings 6-9pm, & most Sundays 2-5pm. -Stonington Vineyards? - ?Entertainment most Saturdays, look online or call for schedule. GOLF ?- ?Lake of Isles in North Stonington? (10 minutes away) If dates are full or if you are looking for a second rental nearby for a family and friends, please check out our other cottage on this same lake. The listing is HomeAway #367207, and it's a white cottage with red trim. Just send us an inquiry and ask us about it if you can’t find it. Book early if you need specific dates. Note that we have a weekly discount for stays 7 nights or more. (This discount applies all year.) We are happy to answer any questions you may have, email us for more information or ask us to call you back.
