Though all travel accommodations were taken care of by the Connecticut Office of Tourism,
all of the following thoughts and photos are authentic and wholly original.
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| Bali scarf; c/o The Third Piece, pictured with Elissa, Taylor and Bianca |
After a startlingly short ride we arrived at Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park in Portland, CT.
Upon stepping off the bus we were transported to a beautiful and unexpected modern oasis where those young and old zip-lined jubilantly over the water, padded by in bathing suits regaling tales of their bravery while at the park; wake-boarding, cliff jumping, scuba diving and more.
No longer someone who shies away from a challenge (as long as my hair will not get ruined) I strapped on a harness to scale the wall above before zip-lining across a beautiful stretch of water.
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| Tapered athletic pant; c/o The North Face, sneakers; c/o Puma |
Motivated purely by adrenaline, the climb was a challenge and I was glad to be wearing athletic capris rather than the bathing suits other had opted for.
Certain grips prompted a bit of a leaping stretch I considered a bit more challenging than was naturally comfortable.
Sustained after a delicious lunch of barbecue fare we explored further, learning more about the founders of Brownstone at it’s newest addition; Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort in Middlefield.
Should the promise of thrill not be an immediate draw, the parks opening of Fire at the Ridge, led by Hell’s Kitchen competitor Chef Kevin Cottle ensures a one of a kind culinary experience.
With my nerves shot and arms still shaking (I kid), the prospect of tasting wines could not have been more appealing.
Ascending the massive graveled driveway to Taylor Brooke Winery brought on a frisson of excitement throughout each of us.
The sight of the beautiful, quintessentially New England style main building and manicured gardens surrounding it made it feel similar to returning home.
Each small success, the great failures and the necessary funny bits in between.
Of my favorites were the St. Croix Rosé, Sunny Sangria and the semi-sweet Summer Peach which is aptly nicknamed “summer in a glass.”
As Fall approaches, look forward to the Autumn Raspberry and Cranberry Riesling.
What destinations are available in your backyard?
Mai T.
September 14, 2015This rock climbing looks like a real challenge. What a great experience!
Marie
September 14, 2015What a fun thing to get to do. My friend said that park was so much. It's totally on my list to do next summer.
Denise Low
September 14, 2015My kids would love the rock climbing. Thanks for sharing.
Amanda Light
September 15, 2015Wine.Period.EndofStory.
Linda Manns Linneman
October 6, 2015This sounds like you had so much fun. I don’t think I could climb the rock wall or do the zip line at my age but I know my family would enjoy this. It looks so nice there. Thank you so much for sharing
Linda Manns Linneman
April 16, 2016This sounds like alot of fun and great challenges. I have never heard of this place before. My family would love it. Thank you for sharing
clojo9372
April 18, 2016WOW… Look at that climb… I applaud those who are fit enough to do that. I am definitely not! Other than that it looks like an awesome place! 🙂
elizabeth warren
June 2, 2016cool post!
Gee Jones
June 14, 2016Looks like so much fun!
ILARIA CARRARO
August 16, 2016I HOPE I COULD HAVE FUN TOO IN THIS WAY!