Perched on a rocky island overlooking Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island is one of the most unique mansions you've ever seen. Clingstone, as it's aptly named, is 103 years old, but it looks like a million bucks.
This house, with the 360 degree views of the bay, cost a mere $36,982.99 when it was completed in 1905. Today, it offers a combination of grandiose opulence and rough beach house charm.
This week's pick might be the perfect one to drag your parents to--for payback purposes. "College Road Trip" will bring you way back to the days of piling into the family car and carting everyone around to various colleges, while they rated the classes and you rated the party scene.
Raven-Symone (aka little Olivia from The Cosby Show!) makes it to the big screen as an overachiever with Martin Lawrence as her overprotective cop father, policing her pre-college visits.
Think of winding, bucolic roads in New England, and think Connecticut. Avoid the autumn crowds and head there now to check out these spots:
Where To Stay:Mayflower Inn, Washington Don't think you have to rough it in the wilderness if you check in to the Mayflower. Calling every room the "antidote to urban stress" guests can indulge in lavish spa treatments, sink into feather topped mattresses and stroll the perfect 58-acre English garden grounds. It still feels intimate with just 21 rooms and 9 suites.
Where To Eat:River House Tavern, Wesport Perched on the edge of the Saugatuck River, this tavern's all about the views. Floor-to-ceiling windows and mahogany and walnut floors lend a hearty feel. Live music every Thursday night keeps things casual. Try the halibut with Meyer lemon compote, truffled sweet pea puree and fava beans.
What to See:Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven Head to the grounds of Yale and stop at the Peabody. Get lost in the Great Hall amongst the fully recreated skeleton of a juvenile Apatosaurus or nearby next to the reconstructed skeletons of Camarasaurus, Stegosaurus and Camptosaurus. Another perk? Admission's just $7, and it's free on Thursdays from 2-5 pm.
This weekend, every sugared up child--and many an adult--anxious for Christmas to arrive will probably be lining up to buy tickets for Fred Claus, this holiday season's first big-budget movie. Since we've been seeing trailers for this since last Christmas, we're probably not going to be one of the anxious ticket holders to see Vince Vaughn get kicked in his man-parts.
But there's one thing we love: Paul Giamatti as a disgruntled, messy Santa, the kind who deserves scotch instead of milk with his cookies. In honor of the constantly underrated Mr. Giamatti, we're pointing you to the city of his birth, New Haven, Connecticut, where perhaps you could meet an adorably rumpled comic book lover or a suspicious superintendent. Or how about:
A man with a nifty bag?Koffee Too is not only open till midnight serving fair trade to Yale students, but it also stocks authentic New York bagels from H&H. 276 York St.
A taken woman?Viva Zapata may not have won the distinction of best margaritas in town according to the Yale Daily News, but lingering at the carved-up bar enjoying the house guacamole or an unbeatably fresh lunch combination, you may not be so bothered. 161 Park St.
Barack Obama stopped by the Parkman Bandstand at Boston Common last night for a big rally that also featured Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. While he didn't have a chance to explore the country's oldest city park, Obama did draw nearly 10,000 supporters on the eve the Red Sox-Rockies World Series.
The Democratic candidate won't be in town to catch the game, but his team isn't playing anyway: He told the crowd last night he's a die-hard White Sox fan, post-season or not. (He even took a dig at Rudy Giuliani, who inexplicably decided to back the Red Sox after his Yankees lost the Division Series earlier this month.)
Had Obama stayed in town, though, he would've found plenty to do around Boston Common. The Frog Pond isn't yet frozen for skating, but it's pleasant year-round. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument honors "The Men of Boston" who died in the Civil War. Adjacent to the Common are Park Street Station and Boylston Station, the nation's first subway stops. And across the street is the Public Garden, the country's first botanical garden.
We remember this week's pick, Reservation Road, way back when it was a mere book, so we're pretty curious as to what to expect with the film. It's the story of two Connecticut families whose lives clash unexpectedly over a tragic accident.
Joaquin Phoenix is back with his Johnny Cash seriousness as Ethan Learner, with Jennifer Connelly as his wife. The plot promises it all: "rage, revenge, love and hope"--we'll see what it delivers.
As this was shot all over Connecticut, we'll offer you some unique things to check out in Fairfield, a picture perfect destination this time of year.
Where To Stay:The Inn at Fairfield Beach -- A five-minute stroll from Fairfield Beach, the inn is cozy with just 13 rooms. Each one is light and airy with cathedral ceilings, fireplaces and views of the Long Island Sound. Think floral bedspreads and tea kettles and you've got the vibe of this hidden and homey hideaway.
Where To Eat:Barcelona Wine Bar -- It might feel a little like stepping back into the 70s when you enter Barcelona Wine Bar, because they still have the kitschy wallpaper and bar stools. But rather than snap you out of the time warp, everything else completes the retro vibe. Check out the outdoor patio for some fresh air while you snack on chorizo with sweet and sour figs or cod croquettes with saffron aioli.
Where To Walk Around:Fairfield University -- Grab your elbow patch blazer and stroll the grounds of Fairfield University on a fall day. Don't miss landmarks like Bellermine Hall, an English manor style mansion originally built in 1920 and perfectly updated in 1982.
Shucking season is here, and we're searching for the top raw bars. Our map has the exact locations of the best briny bivalves.
While Maine has its lobster, Massachusetts is the capital of New England oysters. And now that we're in the heart of the season, the Naked Oyster on Cape Cod is loading up on local seafood. Park yourself along at the long mahogany bar, and settle in for a feast.
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by Dan Gould
