The $250 Madeleine Chocolate Truffle Chocopologie Cafe, South Norwalk Between 2009 and 2020, Fritz Knipschildt has changed his business's name and operation several times. But he still makes and sells this thing. Towards the end of a day-long jaunt in Fairfield and Norwalk, my crew and I took a break at … [Read more...]
The World’s Largest Jack-in-the-Box (Gone)
The Stuff of Nightmares Wild Bill's Nostalgia Center, Middletown Wild Bill's closed in 2018. If you haven't already, Wild Bill's you can read about my visits the store here. Oh - and don't forget about the world's largest Wacky Wobbler, which you can read about here. Now it's time for the best Wild Bill … [Read more...]
The World’s Largest Wacky Wobbler (Gone)
It's a Giant Head. It Wobbles. Wild Bill's Nostalgia Center, Middletown Wild Bill's closed in 2018. I don't get it. But this is apparently a big deal to a certain segment of our society. I'll admit I find the World's Largest Jack-in-the-Box really, really cool - and that's also here, at Wild Bill's wacky … [Read more...]
Concept of Freedom Trail: Bridgeport (2)
Walters A.M.E. Zion Church, 423 Broad Street Walters African American Episcopal Zion Church has been located at this site since 1882. When its original structure was destroyed by fire in 1951, the current building was erected on the surviving foundation. The building is one of few remaining reminders of an … [Read more...]
The Hartford Courant
What the Heck is a "Courant" Anyway? Oldest Continuously Published Newspaper in US, The Hartford Courant June 9, 2009 It's no secret that the print newspaper industry is going through some trying times right now. Here in the northeast we hear about the imminent demise of such venerable goliaths as the Boston … [Read more...]
The Oldest Seed Company in the US
Wethersfield, You Reap What You Sow Comstock, Ferre & Company, Wethersfield April 14, 2009 I'm not sure they can call themselves "continuously operating" anymore because the store did close in 2009. However, it was bought by the awesome Baker Seed Company in June 2010 and was open again shortly … [Read more...]
Robertson Airport
Planeville Robertson Field, Plainville April 8, 2009 I had never heard of Robertson Field before my visit to the Plainville Historic Center. There, my guide offhandedly mentioned that Robertson Field was the oldest airport in Connecticut. My ears perked up and I noted it, but pretty much forgot about … [Read more...]
Bantam Lake: The Largest (Natural) Lake
This Lake is no Bantam Weight Bantam Lake, Litchfield/Morris November 2, 2008 [Re-reading this page now in 2013, it's very Wiki-heavy. Sorry about that.] Bantam? What of this Bantam? While separated for census and historic reasons, Bantam is governed as an integral part of the town of Litchfield. Bantam is … [Read more...]
The Most Photographed Church in New England
... Maybe. Who Knows. First Congregational Church, Litchfield I'm not sure what more to say about this. This claim is verified on many sites... In fact, one says this: "The town of Litchfield is often called "New England's most beautiful town" and worth a special trip during your Northwest Connecticut vacations … [Read more...]
Concept of Freedom Trail: Middletown (2)
1. Leverett Beman Historic District, Cross and Vine Streets Yeah, okay... I'm not sure how I'm to take a picture of a "District." So I'll grab a satellite image. I can report I drove all around here looking for the CT Underground Railroad Trail and Middletown Heritage Trail's Freedom church. The first … [Read more...]