Milford, CT

Connecticut

April - May 2025

Driving to Milford, CT

At around half past ten, we locked the door and drove to our new destination, again eastward bound. The traffic in New Jersey was heavy, but it got even heavier in New York State and Connecticut, where we got stuck in traffic. We arrived at our hotel in Milford, CT, one hour later than planned. After quickly unloading the car and settling in, we relaxed by having a drink, enjoying some leftovers, and taking it easy.

Reuniting with the Atlantic Ocean

The next day, after three years, we reconnected with the Atlantic Ocean. Not on Fripp Island, Beaufort, SC, but in Milford, CT, at Silver Sands State Park. The park was redeveloped from a residential area to a nature reserve with marshland and dunes after Hurricane Diane destroyed the houses in 1955.

Running Miles on the Beaver Brook Trail

Just a half-mile stroll from the hotel, I found the perfect place to do my run, the Beaver Brook trail. The boardwalk and trail surface gave this cushiony landing; thankfully, it had no sneaky roots to trip me up. And the pond was beautiful as well. It made working out early in the morning even more enjoyable.

An Evening Stroll Through Historic Milford

On our last evening in Milford, CT, with an empty fridge and packed cooking tools, we drove downtown for dinner. We realized that we had only explored Milford near the hotel, while there was also a historical part.

So, after our delicious meal, we took a short, leisurely stroll through another charming town to soak up the atmosphere. It was clear the tourist high season had yet to start as the restaurant and street were pleasantly uncrowded.

A Final Stroll at Mondo Ponds Preserve

On our beautiful, crisp, and sunny departure day, I went for a last short hike in the area. Conveniently located near the hotel, I found the Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve trail’s entrance. This preserve got its name from the Mondo family, whose gravel excavation in the 1950s created the five tranquil ponds we see today. They are all fed by spring water and runoff from wetlands. Wandering through this beautiful, lush sanctuary for wildlife, it was easy to forget that I-95 was even close by.

A Smooth Journey North

Because our next destination was only a three-hour drive away, it was a huge help that we were able to check out late, around noon. We enjoyed a smooth trip under blue skies to Plymouth, Connecticut, easily crossing both the Rhode Island and Connecticut state lines.