The Distracted Wanderer

07/14/2024

It's been way too long since I've posted any new wanderings in my blog so check out my latest about the The Red Caboose Motel & Restaurant in the beautiful Amish Country of Pennslyvania!

"There's beauty in being unique and different." The Little Red Caboose by Marian Potter, published 1953. If you're planning a visit to the ...

07/05/2024

Thinking about Maine and the beautiful views from the balcony rooms at the Rockland Harbor Hotel. Definitely makes me want to wander north!

04/08/2024

I've wandered by a few of these "Best Diners" picked by the Taste of Home folks and I definitely agree with their choice of the Agawam Diner in Rowley, Massachusetts! My favorite diner in Connecticut is Zip's Diner in Killingly which didn't make the list but is always worth a wander to! What's your favorite diner in your state??

Find our picks for the best mom-and-pop stops from coast to coast.

01/03/2024

Not gonna lie, I love me a fry-up aka a Traditional English Breakfast and chow down on as many as can whenever I'm in that part of the world! I've even tried making them here at home but it's just not the same as enjoying one Across the Pond! Man ... and now I have gone and made myself hungry! What say you? Love a good fry-up too?

The full English Breakfast (also known as the "fry-up"): Some consider it a culinary masterpiece, while some laud it as the perfect, greasy hangover cure. The iconic morning plate of bacon, eggs, sausages, and baked beans is an integral part of British culture. You’ll find it on the menus of café...

12/02/2023

I am currently wandering home to my humble abode in northeastern Connecticut on board a very full Amtrak train. There’s no one sitting next to me currently which is a good thing as the putz - excuse me - traveler in the row ahead of me has his seat fully reclined which would put him in the lap of anyone who might have been sitting next to me. As it is, were I to get up, I would probably knock him in the head as I attempted to squeeze out of my row.

I know this is an age-old argument on airline flights but common courtesy should apply on every form of public transport as there is never a need to fully recline yourself into the lap of the person behind you unless it’s an overnight train/flight/etc and everyone has reclined to sleep. In my own humble opinion, it’s rude to put your own personal comfort above everyone else’s. End of rant.

12/01/2023

My trip to Philadelphia wouldn’t have been complete without wandering over to McGillin's Olde Ale House - Philly’s oldest tavern! Not only does the Spirit of Christmas completely cover the outside, it does on the inside also making it one of the most festive places in the city! A great atmosphere combined with delicious food at very reasonable prices and friendly waitstaff should make McGillin’s a stop for anyone visiting the City of Brotherly Love no matter the season!

11/16/2023

Looking for something to do this holiday season in New England? Check out this comprehensive list of awesome events by Backyard Road Trips’ Zach Lamothe. There’s definitely something for everyone!

Looking for holiday themed events and activities in New England? Look no further than A Very Merry Backyard Road Trip Christmas for all your holiday needs.

10/29/2023

I've wandered to a number of these small towns that are listed in this article from MSN and while I agree that Chester, Vermont and Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania are indeed lovely small towns, I am a little tired of Mystic, Connecticut being the only place in my state to ever get mentioned in these sort of articles. Believe it or not, there are plenty of other small towns that are worth a visit in the Nutmeg State including Putnam, Kent, Essex, Washington, Old Saybrook and Litchfield just to name a few. There are so many places to wander to in Connecticut, don't just limit yourself to the most touristy area we have!

America's big cities are famous for their historic landmarks and fascinating attractions – but these small US towns punch above their weight when it comes to centuries-old historic sights.

10/18/2023

As a history lover, I'm always happy to have a side of it served up with an awesome meal and that's just what I did this past weekend when I went out to dinner at The White Horse Tavern in Newport, RI with my brother and his wife. The grilled swordfish with pineapple salsa (Catch of the Day) was some of the best I've ever had and the wide floorboards alone are well worth the visit! Next month I'm hoping to wander to McGillin's Olde Ale House in Philadelphia when I'm down there visiting my middle progeny. That'll make two down and five to go!

The oldest eateries in America remind us how people gathered, ate, and drank throughout the decades. From the swinging doors of a Wild West saloon to a fine-dining establishment favored by New Orleans’ upper crust, here are seven historic U.S. restaurants worth the reservation.

09/29/2023

Back in April of 2022, I had the chance to visit this beautiful tree located at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall in northeast England. It was a truly beautiful tree in a breathtaking setting and I’m glad I saw it when I did as today my friend Claire sent me the devastating news that it had been deliberately felled by a 16-year old boy overnight. I am stunned, I am saddened and I am angry that a 200-year old beautiful tree was senselessly and maliciously cut down. So glad I had the chance to see it when I did. 😢

https://news.sky.com/story/sycamore-gap-iconic-tree-at-hadrians-wall-deliberately-felled-12971594