Exploring Sheffield Island Norwalk Connecticut

Sheffield Island is a small island located just off the coast in Norwalk, CT. It is an approx. 3 hour tour (I'm not kidding!). The Ferry departs at 11:00 am at the Sheffield Island Dock adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge  and the corner of Washington & N. Water St. 

The lighthouse was built in 1868 and retired in 1902.It is maintained by the Norwalk seaport association and is now a museum for visitors to experience a glimpse of history.

The island is definitely worth visiting for an afternoon excursion. The 45 minute ferry ride (with narrated tour guide) to the island is a scenic and fun adventure all on its own. Kids especially will enjoy the raising of Stroffolino Bridge as the ferry passes under. We enjoyed the fresh sea air and the general good spirits of passers by. The friendly smiles and waves as the ferry journeys out to sea invokes a general feeling of delightful seaward camaraderie. 

In approaching the island, the view of the lighthouse is quite splendid. The old stone structure stands peacefully yet solidly in the center of the island, while surrounded by a medley of  sea  blues and greens. Even though it was thickly overcast on our visit, the hazy ambiance as we arrived was almost magical.

Exploration of the lighthouse and grounds is a treat. The lighthouse with its beautiful historic stone construction and gracefully curved windows with original shutters captures my attention. As always, I am drawn to interesting windows and the gentle light they cast upon the objects inside. The house itself is filled with an eclectic mix of  museum-like items from all periods of time. Many of the items and furnishings are fascinating antiques with a unique story of their own to tell. On this particular trip the Lighthouse was filled with beautiful quilts from the Norwalk Quilt Trail. 

Surrounding the lighthouse are public grounds which are well kept for tourists to enjoy. The beaches are filled with shells of all sorts, sea life, and large rocks. There is a covered picnic area and tables in and around which makes for a pleasant BYO picnic lunch.We brought a blanket and spread out on the lawn, which worked out well until the flies came. This particular day was extremely hot with temps soaring near 100 degrees, so perhaps this is why the flies and bugs were so plentiful. Regardless, I do suggest you bring a (safe and natural) bug repellent with you, just in case. 

There is a very nice nature trail which goes through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge (see picture below). The sign states that you will hear a "symphony of sounds" and it true. A variety of birds, crickets, and sea  sounds can be heard all along the trail. At the end, there is a boardwalk which leads up to a lookout. Even at a leisurely pace, the entire trail hike takes only about 15 minutes (to and from). 

The ferry began its return to the mainland promptly at 1:15 which provided more than enough time to explore the island and lighthouse, and to enjoy our picnic lunch. A very pleasant way to spend an afternoon in Norwalk, CT.

The departure dock with the Sheffield Island Ferry (catamaran) ready for voyage to the lighthouse

An oyster fishing boat passes by the Ferry while on route to Sheffield Island

The Sheffield Island Lighthouse

Close up of the lighthouse tower

Stairs leading to the second floor of the lighthouse

Lighthouse display of an old lantern and photograph

Antique Sterling stove in the lighthouse kitchen

Antique canister which once held fresh catch oysters

An antique quilt (from the Norwalk Quilt Trail) is displayed in the bedroom on the second floor

Sewing basket display in the sewing room

The Sheffield Island dock

Notice the very large bird nest on top of the roof!

A great spot for an island picnic!

View looking out from the island

Sheffield Island wildlife

Another tranquil view

Nature Trail through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge - a symphony of nature "sounds"

Highlights from a hike in Connecticut

It isn't too often I actually have the opportunity to hike in my own area. Parts of Connecticut are actually quite beautiful and perfect for a scenic day of hiking.

Mohawk State forest, located near Litchfield and Goshen, is the sixth oldest forest in the state. There is plenty of hiking here and a few great spots for sunning around Mohawk Pond. Although I didn't have the chance yesterday, the pond would be a great location for canoeing or kayaking.

View from the summit at Mohawk Forest State Park

Rock heart memorial tribute on the summit

Deep inside the forest is an area called Black Spruce Bog; one of the few historic bogs in Connecticut. It is an area filled with interesting and sometimes rare plant life which is the result of melted ice from 10,000 years ago. Interesting specimens such as Sheep Laurel, Leatherleaf, Sphagnum Moss, Sundew, and Pitcher plant are found here. Trees include: White Pine, Black Spruce, Eastern Hemlock, and Tamarack.

The Boardwalk to Black Spruce Bog

Interesting plant life in the Black Spruce Bog

Another nice place for an afternoon hike is Southford Falls State Park. A great scenic spot along Eight Mile Brook in Southbury, CT. Here you will find a babbling brook with waterfall, covered bridge, boardwalk, and peaceful hiking on a trail that loops around the park. The trail is a bit of a challenge though as it is sometimes steep and rocky, so be sure to bring good hiking shoes! Spend a lazy afternoon fishing off the bridge or gazing at the multitudes of wildlife that make home to the brook and marsh area. Even though the park is just off of RT.188, it is actually quite peaceful; often with sounds of horses in the distance as the Larkin Bridle Trail is nearby. Stop in for an afternoon, bring your dog, and a picnic lunch! View Park Map

Covered Bridge in Southford Falls State Park

The falls of Eight Mile Brook

Inside view from the covered bridge

Southford Falls State Park bridge. A great, lazy fishing spot

Could not resist the opportunity here........ have to admit, I had to look twice!

The pleasures of an afternoon tea

Afternoon tea and treats!
Photo provided by the Blue Harbor House

Nothing is more inviting than the invitation to sit for a moment to linger a cup of afternoon tea with a sweet treat (or two!). It is more than just a chance to fill ones tummy with something delicious, it is a chance to experience a few captured moments of inner tranquility. The first hint of aroma draws you in. The first sip sweeps you to a place far away from a bustling world, and for a few brief moments "none of it matters".

This recipe for Scottish Lavender Shortbread  has been graciously shared by Annette Hazzard of the Blue Harbor House, Camden Maine. Each afternoon, Annette offers guests complimentary tea accompanied by a baked treat such as the lovely lavender shortbread pictured right.



Scottish Lavender Shortbread
by Annette Hazzard - Blue Harbor House 


Shortbread
8oz butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornflour(cornstarch)

Mix butter and sugar together until creamy.  Gently mix in flour and

cornstarch until it all binds together. It should be a moist, not dry

mixture.  Use cookie cutters to cut  out circles.  

Bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes

Lavender and rose glaze
2tbsp crushed culinary lavender.
1 tbsp rosewater
Powdered sugar to make a thick paste.
Mix all together. Smooth on top of cooled shortbread.