Essex

Certainly not a hike by any means but the town of Essex is a great place to walk if you want to take it easy and enjoy the scenery on a Sunday morning.... or if there is still 3 feet of snow on the ground on normal trails. Regardless, we love walking here, Essex is the quintessential small New England town.

We typically get a late start (usually my fault) so finding a parking spot right on Main Street is difficult but there is a  small public parking lot you can use just as you come into the street on your right hand side.  We usually take it easy, walking up and down the road, enjoying the people and the great little shops.  I will admit that we have rarely bought anything as we simply like the walk but we've managed to make it into most shops at one point or another.

There is a quaint little 

 coffee shop in which you can to grab a  hot cup of joe to enjoy during your walk. One of our favorite shops along this road is the Essex Christmas shop.  It's just off the main road but it just calls you inside as you walk by.  You get a feeling of nostalgia just walking in.  Not big by any means but it is a two story loft which offers a little bit for everyone's taste.  It's one of those shops that offers one of a kind items.  If you see something you like, BUY it! We'd been looking for a tree topper for the last few years and found a great one there right before Christmas.  Unfortunately, we didn't buy it when we were there and by the time we made it back, yup, it was too late!  We'll know better next time....... 

Gillette's Castle

There is always something new to discover at Gillette's, no matter the season.  Over the years we've managed to try just about every path and it never gets old.  There are several different bridges to walk over and under, some new... some old, but gorgeous nonetheless...... there are several ponds on the property but the most gorgeous view has to be the Connecticut River from the top of the castle itself.  Following around to the trail on the side of the castle, you can walk down to the river for a closer view or cross the river via the ferry into Chester.

On a couple of lucky days, we've managed to catch some views of hawks and eagles flying overhead.   Several walks ago, we were able to get close to a hawk who happened to land on one of the nearby trees near  the trail we were walking.  We sat there for quite a while mesmerized by his sheer size, he was magnificent. So, this park is simply a great walk if you only have a short while or plan on sticking around for a few hours....   

One of many details of the grounds of this gorgeous property.  Every time we come here, we discover something new.  Many of the paths we now walk on were the old railroad tracks used by the steam powered train which you can still visit on the property.   

    

    

Not such an easy walk when it's covered in snow but worth the view at the top...