Classic Hot Fudge Sauce

Trips home from the beach in the summer on Long Island growing up meant ice cream: Carvel, Friendly’s, or maybe even McDonald’s. However, here in western Connecticut, our summer excursions include trips to “the dairy”. We get in line and wait 20 minutes in the blazing summer sun (though sometimes under umbrellas in the rain too!) for a chance to indulge. But it’s not just any ice cream…it’s freshly made dairy farm ice cream using milk from the cows that are raised right there on the property.

It’s a pretty amazing concept and experience for this once-suburbanite – something you assume only happens in middle America, not in Connecticut. But dairy farms selling fresh ice cream in this New England state, known primarily for it’s affluent areas and gorgeous autumnal drives, truly abound. And just like homemade ice cream churned with your KitchenAid, there is absolutely no comparison in taste or quality of dairy farm ice cream to commercially produced ice cream – actually, it’s even better because the milk couldn’t be any fresher. Lucky for me, I recently had the chance to visit two local dairy farms that both are well-known and dearly-loved in this neck of the woods for their farm-fresh ice cream. Being a food blogger sure is a tough job, isn’t it?

Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop on Rt. 67 in Oxford, CT is a hidden gem you’d fly past if you didn’t know to look for it. Located about 4 miles off of Exit 15 on Interstate 84 (you know, the smarter alternative to driving on I-95 through CT…), Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop is, hands down, our favorite haunt for local ice cream. And yes, we have waited 20+ minutes for ice cream in lines 25+ people deep. It’s a simple summer tradition strengthened by the fact that we know source of this treat’s main ingredient – heck, sometimes I even see the cows grazing as I drive by on my way to work in the mornings. This farm isn’t only a Dairy Farm of Distinction, bestowed by the dairy industry for high quality milk (and yes, they also sell raw milk), but it’s long-time family run business that has also been recognized as “Best Ice Cream Shop in CT 2010” in Connecticut Magazine and has 4+ star ratings on Trip Advisor, Yelp, and Roadfood.com.

With over 30 flavors daily, how could you possibly choose just one? And how could you possibly choose a favorite at that? (I have two: butter crunch made with sweet cream ice cream and pumpkin-gingerbread.) And toppings? Sundae vs. milkshake vs. sandwich? Cone vs. cup? Honestly, you’d be foolish to not ask for your flavor of choice in a [yes, also] freshly made waffle cone and I challenge you to turn one of these cones down after smelling them cook from through the window. And at a little over $4 for a waffle cone the size of your head, how could you possibly turn that down? The only thing to remember before hitting up Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop, aside from wearing your fat pants that day, is to bring cash – no cards or checks are accepted. But since there is a bank about 1 1/2 miles away, you should have no excuse not to make your way to here…and maybe even bring a pint with you.

A short trip a little further west from Oxford in to Fairfield County will bring you to Ferris Acres Creamery, located on Rt. 302 (aka Sugar Street – appropriate, no?) in Newtown, CT. Much like Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop, Ferris Acres Creamery brings freshly-made ice cream to its devoted following, which seems to be just as strongly devoted as we are to “our” dairy. A ridiculously hot and humid May afternoon brought us to this off the beaten path dairy farm and again, we waited patiently in line for what promised to be the best in the area. The blueberry cheesecake special of the day ice cream made it into my waffle cone and we sat under a shady tree probably too close to the cows for most people’s comfort. Yeah…blueberry cheesecake ice cream? Sweet cream ice cream (I’m a sucker) with fresh blueberries and chunks of cheesecake mixed in: hot summer day perfection.

Aside from these two stellar choices in western CT, eastern CT is truly well-known for their dairy farms. The Connecticut Ice Cream Trail has been dubbed as a great day trip off the shoreline, a short drive from Mystic or the two casinos (Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun). If we lived any closer to the eastern CT dairy farms serving fresh ice cream, we be all over them but as it is, we live well over an hour from many of them – not ideal for a quick trip for ice cream.

In the interest of keeping Smells Like Home a food blog, I couldn’t pass up sharing one of our very favorite ice cream-related recipes. This classic hot fudge sauce is one we’ve made many times before and because it takes all of 10 minutes to whip up, it’s an optimal topping choice for homemade ice cream or whatever may make it into your cart at the grocery store. I’ve tried a few other homemade hot fudge sauces but this one blows them all away. And as the name indicates, it’s a classic. Deep, rich chocolate flavor and a perfectly thick consistency make it our favorite and because it lasts a few weeks in the fridge, it has the potential to top off a variety of different flavors.

Classic Hot Fudge Sauce
source: adapted from The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 3 oz high-quality milk chocolate, finely chopped (I love Callabaut)
  • 1 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan (at least 1 1/2 quarts), combine the heavy cream, sugar, cocoa, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture of a boil over medium heat and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate (a little at a time) and the butter until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. You can warm it back up in the microwave on medium power as needed.
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  • Kate
    July 16, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    I would go to Mystic!

  • Rory W
    July 16, 2012 at 1:48 PM

    I would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity!

  • Rory W
    July 16, 2012 at 1:49 PM

    I tweeted about it too. You can find it here: https://twitter.com/RoryWallwork/status/224923601009262593

  • Samantha C.
    July 16, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    I would be happy going anywhere in Conneticut. I have never been there before, but somewhere on the beach seems to strick me the most and maybe some good shopping!

  • Samantha C.
    July 16, 2012 at 2:26 PM
  • Emily Pence
    July 16, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    I would love to visit some of the farms in CT. I’ve only been to Mystic and the coast.

  • July 16, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    I hear Mystic is family-friendly. I’d love to go anywhere with a beach and boardwalk!

  • dorothea crumbacker
    July 16, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    The Connecticut Icecream trail sounds like an amazing place to visit.

  • Theresa Crandall
    July 16, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    I think Newtown, CT sounds great, but I think anywhere in Connecticut would be exciting 🙂

  • Jenn
    July 16, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    I have a lifelong bucket list item of visiting each one of the 50 states. While I reside on the east coast, I’ve never been further north than New York so Connecticut is entirely unexplored territory for me. I’d have to do some research to see exactly where I’d want to visit in particular.

  • Courtney
    July 16, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    Mystic!

  • Paula
    July 16, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    I live here in CT and haven’t been to either farm! I think we’ll have to go to one (or both!) this weekend. What wonderful finds, Tara!
    I think we’ll also take a ride out to Kent to check out the waterfalls. We’ve been checking a few off the list this summer… I love waterfalls! 🙂

  • Paula
    July 16, 2012 at 3:12 PM
  • jmbh
    July 16, 2012 at 3:18 PM

    Holy ice creaming craving now, Tara!!!
    Have you been to the UConn Creamery. . .to die for.

    Anyhow, I’d like to visit the Golden Lamb Buttery in Brooklyn CT

  • July 16, 2012 at 3:25 PM

    Nothing beats homemade esp ice cream, sign me up!!! PLEASE!!

  • July 16, 2012 at 3:35 PM

    I would love to visit the coast on an autumn day 🙂

  • Lesley
    July 16, 2012 at 3:50 PM

    I would love to visit the NW corner. The Interlaken Inn has always interested me and maybe going to Lime Rock Park. Then drive to the Washington and Litchfield hills area for some antiquing.

  • Ana
    July 16, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    I’ve always wanted to visit the Mark Twain Museum, but in general, I’d love to check out some (or all) of Connecticut’s farms for wool and yarn. I love buying yarn when I’ve met the animal it came from. Just makes it so much more special.

  • Alexandra Cosgrove
    July 16, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    The Connecticut destination I would like to visit most is my home! I’m from the Hartford area and my parents still live there, but I am currently living in Indiana. I would love to have a trip home and treat my parents to a nice weekend somewhere!

  • July 16, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    I would love to visit the ice cream trail – I love visiting little dairy farms & off the path places. 🙂

  • Andrea Skidgel
    July 16, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    CT Ice Cream Trail!!!!

  • July 16, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    I went to college in SE CT, and I’d love to go back and visit Mystic again.

  • Kara D
    July 16, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    Rich Farms Ice Cream sounds perfect, I would love to go there.

  • July 16, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    Anywhere would be great. I’ve never been to that part of the country. I love to explore places. It truly looks like a bueatiful area.

  • Cheryl L.
    July 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    Bluff Point Coastal Reserve sounds nice!!

  • Susan Tuma
    July 16, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    Wow, yum, anywhere would be good!

  • Michelle
    July 16, 2012 at 7:22 PM

    I’d love to go to West Hartford to visit brother and sister-in-law and niece and nephews

  • TJ
    July 16, 2012 at 7:26 PM

    I’d love to see the area along the Long Island Sound

  • TJ
    July 16, 2012 at 7:27 PM
  • July 16, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    I would love to visit Hartford, CT!

  • July 16, 2012 at 8:34 PM
  • Allison C
    July 16, 2012 at 8:37 PM

    My husband thinks the Steve Wilkos show is entertaining and has been trying to convince me to go to a taping in Stamford. If I won this maybe we could go and then enjoy some civilized touristy areas like Mystic. I wouldn’t mind going to play a little at the Mystic casino too. Thanks for the chance!

  • Katie
    July 16, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    I’d never heard of it before, but the Connecticut Ice Cream Trail sounds like a blast!

  • July 16, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    I want to go to Mystic!

  • sharonjo
    July 16, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    I’d love to visit Connecticut and hike the Appalachian Trail and maybe climb Bear Mountain. I bet the view from the top would be gorgeous! Thanks so much for the chance.

  • sharonjo
    July 16, 2012 at 11:25 PM
  • Dian
    July 17, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    The ice cream trail sounds like a lot of fun. I love ice cream!!!!!!!

  • Alisha
    July 17, 2012 at 12:52 AM

    I’d love to visit the creamery, as I find the process very fascinating!

  • July 17, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    OMG I would go to The Dinosaur Place in Mystic Country!! My boyfriend and I are OBSESSED with dinosaurs and that would be such a fun day!

  • July 17, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    I would like to go to River Valley.

  • July 17, 2012 at 8:30 AM

    I would visit Stratford, CT and stay at Marnick’s. My mom grew up in that area and brought me there a few summers ago. It was so relaxing to wake up next to the beach, get an ice cream downstairs, collect sea glass, and have dinner at the restaurant in the evening.

  • Lacy
    July 17, 2012 at 9:09 AM

    I don’t have a preference. I have been in the early early stages of planning a New England type vacation!

  • Wendi
    July 17, 2012 at 9:17 AM

    Mystic!!!! 🙂 to the aquarium and the seaport.

  • July 17, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    I would love to go on the CT ice cream trail!

  • July 17, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    I would love to go back to Mystic Seaport (went as a child), and on the way back stop at the Submarine (not sure what town it is in…went there as a kid too..)

    Here is my tweet:

    WinniesInkyFingers
    ‏@winsinkyfingers 1m Edit your profile
    There is a cool contest at: http://smells-like-home.com (also, some great icecream recipes!

  • Daraya
    July 17, 2012 at 10:38 AM

    I have traveled to over 30 states in the U.S. – but not Connecticut! I would love to visit Wadsworth Falls. I heard that it is so beautiful! 🙂

  • Esther T.
    July 17, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    I think hiking the Appalachian Trail would be awesome..I love nature and would love seeing Connecticut from this viewpoint. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Dina
    July 17, 2012 at 11:24 AM

    I want to go where you got that ice cream!!

  • Ilene
    July 17, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    I’d go to one of the casinos.

  • Leslie
    July 17, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    I’d like to drive through several of the towns on the Long Island sound and visit a winery!

  • July 17, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    I would love to do anything that involves being active. I liked No. 22 on the site.

  • Kelly
    July 17, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    I would go check out Mystic. From there? Just keep on driving along the shore line!

  • Beth
    July 17, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Ice cream trail all the way! @Mcbeth528

  • Beth
    July 17, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    Ice cream trail…yum! https://twitter.com/mcbeth528

  • amy marantino
    July 17, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    i want to go to Mystic

  • amy marantino
    July 17, 2012 at 10:14 PM
  • July 18, 2012 at 12:55 AM

    Fantastic promotion! Thank you for the entry!

  • Megg
    July 18, 2012 at 12:57 AM

    And here’s my 2nd entry with twitter link: https://twitter.com/MeggSohn/status/225454046260101121

  • July 18, 2012 at 5:19 AM

    Oh my! I would love to visit the Ferris Acres Creamery and sample some goodies. I’m such a foodie, any treat would lure me in. 😉

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  • July 18, 2012 at 5:20 AM

    Tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/225520356201476096

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  • Melanie
    July 18, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    I’d love to visit anywhere in CT, I’ve never been!

  • Katie
    July 18, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    I’d love to visit some of the wineries on the wine trail (http://www.ctwine.com/) or just visit the coast.

  • theresasea
    July 18, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    Hartford to see Mark Twain’s house!

  • gmmcarthur
    July 18, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    I would love a trip to Connecticut and the ice cream trail makes it even more enticing!!!! I’m a native and lifelong resident of Louisiana who STILL isn’t used to the hot humid summers (and I’m over 50!). An autumn visit would be fantastic.

  • July 18, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    What a cool idea to follow the ice cream trail! It would be neat to try Hank’s Dairy Bar and all the other places.

  • Terri
    July 19, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    I would love to visit Mystic!

  • emily willingham
    July 19, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    i want to visit Mystic, CT

  • emily willingham
    July 19, 2012 at 2:59 PM
  • Sara Youwish
    July 19, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    I love cows and ice cream! CT sounds awesome

  • July 19, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    I would love to go to Preston!

  • BBB
    July 20, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    The UConn campus has great dairy ice cream shop worth a visit

  • Kerry
    July 20, 2012 at 8:30 AM

    Girlfriends in Heaven escape sounds awesome – I would love to hit Westport’s Born of Earth Spa!

  • Kerry
    July 20, 2012 at 8:30 AM
  • Kevin E
    July 20, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    I would like to visit Dinosaur Park in Rocky Hill!

  • Kevin E
    July 20, 2012 at 10:41 AM
  • Suzy Q
    July 20, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Oh, that ice cream looks amazing. Connecticut also looks beautiful an I have never been there. It looks so peaceful, I would love to go!

  • Ann
    July 21, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    Ridgefield, because my brother and his family live there, and I miss them. We’re at the point of only seeing each other for funerals. Pathetic. This would be a great surprise to him also. Would be nice to win before my birthday – what a great gift!

    Thank you.

  • July 21, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    I would love to visit and ice cream stand where the treats are made right from the cows on the farm.

  • amy
    July 22, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    The ice cream trail sounds great to me!

  • July 22, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    Gotta have me some Rich Farms pure sin sweetness delight this year. Growing up in nearby Trumbull, Ct, summer wasn’t complete without a trek to Rich Farm. Amid the rolling farmland of southern Connecticut, the mooing of cows, a swat at mosquitos and crowds of hungry ice cream lovers Rich Farm was frozen creamery heaven. Manned by local college students whose tip jars helped fund the next semester of study, Rich Farm’s small, low-slung wooden building behind the traditional white farmhouse and beside the dairy barn serves up the very best in buttery, flavorful, creamy concoctions with a huge range of fruity, nutty and candy choices to tempt your tastebuds. Give me peach with chunks of fresh peaches nestled on top of purple raspberry ensconced in a big waffle cone. Or maybe I want maple walnut with chocolate or butter pecan melting into strawberry. So incredibly hard to decide with all that deliciosity available for the frozen cream-a-holic in me.

    Although I’ve spent my whole adult life in North Carolina, each year I’ve made the pilgrimage home to Trumbull with a side trip or two on each visit to dairy dreamland at Rich Farm. Now my kids and my husband know the way as well as I do and anticipate each visit with starry eyes and expectant tummies.

    My Dad who lived in Trumbull all his life died last year so my regular visits to Connecticut and Rich Farms ended with his passing. Next month my husband and I will venture north once more with a stop in in Southbury on our way to Canada. Rich Farm is calling me and I’m already cataloguing the flavors in my mind, planning the perfect combination for one more memorable stop. If you get there before me be sure to savor a scoop or two for this Connecticut gal.

  • Jessie C.
    July 23, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    I’d like to visit The Connecticut Icecream trail

  • Jessie C.
    July 23, 2012 at 12:27 AM
  • July 25, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    there are ice-cream farms???? That’s the one I want to go on!

  • Judy B.
    July 25, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    That hot fudge sundae sure looks good. I’d like to visit the Roseledge Herb Farm & B/B

  • Judy B.
    July 25, 2012 at 10:46 PM
  • Margaret Smith
    July 26, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    I’d love to visit Mystic and also Foxwoods. Never been to Foxwoods before.
    Thanks so much.

  • Margaret Smith
    July 26, 2012 at 7:11 PM
  • Terri Dell
    July 26, 2012 at 7:49 PM

    I would love to visit the Mystic Seaport

  • Adrienne gordon
    July 26, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Gotta visit Mystic Harbor when you are there.

  • CATHY TRUMAN
    July 26, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    I would like to visit Mystic.

  • July 26, 2012 at 9:48 PM

    twitted this today, 26/7

  • Stephanie V.
    July 27, 2012 at 12:06 AM

    Woodbury – Carole Peck’s Good News Café – creatively prepared dishes using organic, locally farmed ingredients – yum!

  • July 27, 2012 at 12:23 AM

    This is such a great contest for me because I’m moving to CT in two days! I don’t really know anything about the state as I’ve been born and raised in the south for the last 25 years, but I’m excited about the new adventures! I would love to visit Mark Twain’s home/museum. Nerd alert? Maybe!

    But, I’m really interested in this whole ice cream at the local dairy farm thing! One would think this would be a southern thing, so I’m surprised it’s so popular up there. I’ve never even heard of it in Georgia!

    Alec

  • July 27, 2012 at 12:31 AM
  • randi ross
    July 27, 2012 at 1:29 AM

    pubs

  • Cynthia C
    July 27, 2012 at 6:40 AM

    I’d love to visit Mystic Seaport.

  • Cynthia C
    July 27, 2012 at 6:42 AM
  • Joe K
    July 27, 2012 at 7:56 AM

    I would go to the shore for a nice seafood dinner, so I’ll say Old Saybrook.

  • July 27, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    Hartford…I hear it’s beautiful! alittlenosh AT gmail.com

  • Suzanne K
    July 27, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    I thought I wanted to visit the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat but the Blueberry Cheesecake ice cream has me rethinking that!

  • Theresa Jenkins
    July 27, 2012 at 7:56 PM

    over 50 and into skiing it’s -The Connecticut Winter Games for Seniors<location:Ski Sundown,New Hartford….Our Harley group is willing to forgo their BIKES for a winter trip to watch us over 50 do this

  • Jimmy
    July 27, 2012 at 9:13 PM

    I would like to visit the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

  • Carolyn G
    July 27, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    I always wanted to visit Mystic,CT

  • Stacy
    July 28, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    I would be on my way to try some of that delicious ice cream! I’d pickup my good foodie friends in Stamford first!!

  • tracy davis
    July 28, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    I would love to do Hogsback

  • STEVE STONE
    July 28, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    love to wine thnaks for the chance

  • MelissaO
    July 29, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    There are a few trails that I’d like to visit in the northeast part of the state…plus I love that drive from Providence into CT.

  • Crystal F
    July 29, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    I would love to take my girls on the North Pole Express at the Essex Steam Train. thank you!!

  • Tracey
    July 29, 2012 at 4:59 PM

    Ooo, Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop, please!!

  • July 30, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    Oh, your visit to Connecticut sounds like just the trip for me! Farms. Country roads. Ice cream. What could be better?!

    P.S. Trips home from the beach meant stops at Carvel for this former Long Island girl, too! My first job, at 14, was working behind the counter at Carvel. I was fired for putting too much ice cream on the cones.

  • patricia skinner
    July 30, 2012 at 3:20 PM

    I would love to visit Mystic Seaport.

  • Gloria S
    July 30, 2012 at 9:19 PM

    i would like to visit the ice cream trail

  • Jacob LaFountaine
    July 30, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    Fox Woods Casino sounds worthy of a day away

  • Ravzie
    July 31, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    My mouth is watering after reading about that Rich Farm ice cream! So right now the one place I want to visit is Oxford – ready to get in the long line on this hot summer day!!!

  • Ravzie
    July 31, 2012 at 12:08 PM
  • Krista
    July 31, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    Would love to visit Connecticut- it’s so beautiful, like a painting. I would love to visit Mystic and to see Yale’s campus.

  • Gloria S
    July 31, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    i would like to visit Yale University

  • Nadine L
    July 31, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    I think I would love the Ice Cream Trail

  • Nadine L
    July 31, 2012 at 11:10 PM
  • Denise L
    August 1, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    I’d like to go to Mystic, Bridgeport or anywhere on the ocean. Never been to Connecticut, so any city/area would be an excellent adventure.

  • Denise L
    August 1, 2012 at 3:41 PM
  • Andrea
    August 1, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    I would love to visit! Also the Farm’s name is Ajello and my husband’s is Alejo 🙂
    Ice cream trail would be my pick and my sons and husband too.
    Thanks!

  • June g.
    August 1, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Mystic is the place for me! Anywhere there is ice cream and beautiful scenery!

  • August 1, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    I’d love to checkout Mystic, and then on to the ice cream trail–yum!

  • Anna
    August 1, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    I have a strong connection to Connecticut on my father’s side, but I haven’t made a trip there in some time. I’ve been telling my boyfriend forever that we need to take a ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat ride, I haven’t been to the Haddam Neck Fair over Labor Day weekend since I was a kid, and I would love to hike around Gillette Castle. A quick trip to Middletown and Manchester would be a must also.

  • James E
    August 2, 2012 at 5:55 AM

    would love to take a tour of some of the business there

  • August 2, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    If I was to win, I’d have to visit the dairy farms, and farmers market. I LOVE food, and especially sweets! Icecream is my best friend!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  • davis ann
    August 2, 2012 at 11:17 AM

    anywhere in CT sounds lovely to me 🙂

  • Christa Singleton
    August 2, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    I’d like to follow the CT Ice Cream Trail! I didn’t even know there was one!

  • Melanie
    August 2, 2012 at 3:57 PM

    I would love to visit the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport Connectcut to see all the fabulous humbuggery! Not to mention the Fiji mermaid 🙂

  • Ashlie
    August 2, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    I have never been to Connecticut so I would love to go any and everywhere – but if I have to pick just one place, I’d go with Rich Farms Ice Cream, it sounds fantastic!!!

  • MK
    August 2, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    Mystic

  • MK
    August 2, 2012 at 8:11 PM
  • Jessica L
    August 3, 2012 at 12:23 AM

    I would love to hike the Appalachian Trail, eat lots of ice cream, and see the fall colors!

  • lauren
    August 3, 2012 at 2:37 AM

    I would go to Ferris Acres Creamery.. I’m from that area originally, but I live on the West Coast now. Would love to get back and spend some quality time with my family 🙂

  • August 3, 2012 at 4:12 AM

    I’m a sucker for homemade ice cream. I actually own 3 ice cream makers in varying sizes, depending if its ice cream for just me or for a party. I’d totally go to Oxford to check out the yummy Rich Farm Ice Cream!! My sister lives in NYC and I’m in Honolulu, so maybe a sisters New England ice-cream themed roadtrip is in the future?

  • Connie
    August 3, 2012 at 10:34 AM

    I would go to Mystic!

  • David Oakes
    August 3, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    I would visit the Fish family farm in Bolton Ct for their ice cream!

  • Maggie
    August 3, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    An ICE CREAM TRAIL?!? Yes please!! Outside of that, Rich Dairy sounds pretty super too.

  • sef
    August 3, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    I love making homemade ice cream and now am on a quest o find the perfect waffle cone recipe

  • Marcia Goss
    August 3, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    I’d like to visit the Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop in Oxford.

  • Marcia Goss
    August 3, 2012 at 10:16 PM
  • Jill L
    August 4, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    Would like to check out Lake Compounce. It would be fun to ride a coaster built into the side of a mountain.

  • Jill L
    August 4, 2012 at 9:31 PM
  • Christy
    August 4, 2012 at 11:38 PM

    I’d like to visit COUNTRY RAMBLES AND AMBLES – #13

  • Deanna G.
    August 5, 2012 at 1:44 AM

    I’d like to visit The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

  • Deanna G.
    August 5, 2012 at 1:45 AM
  • Michelle S
    August 5, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    Mark Twain house.

  • Claire
    August 5, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    i’d like to go and climb bear mountain!! 🙂

  • gina
    August 5, 2012 at 2:58 AM

    I do love going to Mohegan Sun Casino!!!

  • joni
    August 5, 2012 at 3:43 AM

    I printed the Classic Hot Fudge Sauce recipe and going to give it a try.

  • Annette D
    August 5, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    I would enjoy visiting Hartford again. I was there years ago for work but I did not get to see much of the city.

  • Annette D
    August 5, 2012 at 1:06 PM
  • Diane Baum
    August 5, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    Sadly, I’ve never visited Connecticut, but it is a state I ‘ve always wanted to visit. Reading your blog made me want to”discover” it even more. I would live to visit the towns, try the homemade ice cream, see the museum…

  • ky2here
    August 5, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    connecticut ice cream trail sounds perfect

  • ky2here
    August 5, 2012 at 8:14 PM
  • Christina
    August 5, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    I’d love to go to Mystic!

  • August 5, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Washing Depot or Hartford. I always wanted to visit Washington Depot because it is the town Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls is based on.

  • Kim
    August 6, 2012 at 4:28 AM

    I would definitely visit Mystic.

  • August 6, 2012 at 6:12 AM

    Oh, the ice cream trail has my name written all over it. Yum, yum!

  • August 6, 2012 at 7:17 AM

    I’d love to go to the ice cream place and then swing by your house 😉

  • August 6, 2012 at 7:19 AM
  • barbara n
    August 6, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    I would love to go to the seaport at Norwalk

  • Lalaroo
    August 6, 2012 at 7:55 AM

    I would love to visit the dairy farm. Cows are so sweet!

  • August 6, 2012 at 8:27 AM

    We love Mystic – I’d love to go again but I think I’d have to make a side trip to the Ice Cream Trail. That sounds beyond fantastic.

  • August 6, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    Mystic all the way! 🙂

  • Danielle
    August 6, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    I would love to do the CT wine trail – I have friends that have gone and say it’s lovely!

  • Beth
    August 6, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    I’d just love to go anywhere in beautiful Connecticut during the fall…oh, the foliage would just be breathtaking!

  • Ashley C
    August 6, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    Would love to visit Mystic area of CT, great history and delicious ice cream!

  • Jennifer
    August 6, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    I have always wanted to visit Hartford!

  • Intisar
    August 6, 2012 at 11:19 AM

    I would most definitely do the Connecticut Ice Cream Trail. That sounds right up my families alley!

  • Esther T.
    August 6, 2012 at 11:53 AM

    I have a cousin in Easton that I would love to visit. I don’t think he’s ever experienced the ice cream trail. Would love to surprise him with visits to all the wonderful places. Thanks.

  • August 6, 2012 at 12:49 PM

    The ice cream trail sounds pretty great. I’d like to go to Mystic.

  • Whitney
    August 6, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    Ice cream trail…oh my! Anywhere would be fantastic!

  • D Schmidt
    August 6, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    I would very much like to visit Hartford after reading Claudia’s article on the Blogher site (Arts are alive and well in Connecticut)

  • D Schmidt
    August 6, 2012 at 1:18 PM
  • Jennifer
    August 6, 2012 at 1:27 PM

    I would love to visit Mystic. It sounds like a great place with lots of family-friendly activities!

  • Denise S
    August 6, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    I’d love to visit Mystic Aquarium.

  • Liz
    August 6, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    I’ve never really explored Connecticut and would love to see more than I-95 up that way!

  • Jillian Kain
    August 6, 2012 at 4:42 PM

    I would love to go to Mystic! And go on the ice cream trail! Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!

  • KCarroll
    August 6, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    i would visit Wethersfield, CT…my old stomping grounds!:)

  • bonnie h
    August 6, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    Ice cream trail sounds great, but i would also like to see the coastline, being trapped by land i love the sea, when i get the chance,

  • lynn brannen
    August 6, 2012 at 7:21 PM

    I`ve been reading about all the great places to visit.The Mark Twain museum sounds good among other places.

  • Daniel M
    August 6, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    the ice cream trail sure sounds like fun

  • tamar
    August 6, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    I want to check out Yale in New Haven!

  • Chris
    August 6, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    Actually, I’d love to follow the ice cream trail – I am addicted to the stuff. And hopefully have some steamers while back in New England, since noone in the southwest knows what those are. I have missed them!

  • ANGEL JACKLYN
    August 6, 2012 at 10:32 PM

    The “Antique Retreat” in Woodbury sounds like fun! Thanks for the chance!

  • ANGEL JACKLYN
    August 6, 2012 at 10:32 PM
  • Pauline M
    August 6, 2012 at 11:41 PM

    I would love to try the White Memorial Foundation cross county ski trails!

  • Pauline M
    August 6, 2012 at 11:42 PM
  • Wendy
    August 7, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    I would love to go see the lighthouses at Waterford, on the Sound’s east end! Maybe have a clam bake, stay at a hotel overlooking Long Island Sound. Since I have never been there, it would be amazing!!

  • Wendy
    August 7, 2012 at 12:37 AM
  • Erica C.
    August 7, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    I’d like to try the Outdoor Sports Center Rock Climbing in Wilton!

  • Suzan Flint
    August 7, 2012 at 3:31 AM

    I would love to visit the Ice Cream Trail! =)

  • vanessa
    August 7, 2012 at 4:26 AM

    I think the Gulf Beach.

  • August 7, 2012 at 8:51 AM

    I would love to go back to Connecticut! I was there years ago during the winter and it was magical.

  • Angela Neynaber
    August 7, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    I would love to visit the Connecticut Ice Cream Trail!

  • Cassie
    August 7, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    I think I would like to visit the Rich Field Ice Cream shop the most. They have a silo and, having grown up on a farm, I love old silos.

  • Denise Donaldson
    August 7, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    I would love to go to Mystic.

  • Tiye
    August 7, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    An ice cream trail?! Really? Wow … I’m REALLY rethinking this whole Vegan thing 🙂 CT might actually be a better vacation spot than I thought.

  • Denise Donaldson
    August 7, 2012 at 11:59 AM
  • August 7, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    I’d love to see Kent Falls State Park!

  • kathy pease
    August 7, 2012 at 1:30 PM

    id love to visit LIME ROCK PARK 🙂

  • kathy pease
    August 7, 2012 at 1:30 PM
  • Amy
    August 7, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    I’ve never been to CT. Winery and beach are always good choices for vacation.

  • Peter G
    August 7, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    Mystic is beautiful and I would love to take my family.

  • Peter G
    August 7, 2012 at 3:25 PM
  • Dawn Miller
    August 7, 2012 at 4:04 PM

    I would love to go to the Ct. Ice Cream Trails!!!!

  • Zach Harris
    August 7, 2012 at 4:28 PM
  • clynsg
    August 7, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    I would like to try some of the B&Bs –those historical houses that have been transformed sound lovely.

  • Aeryn
    August 7, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    I would absolutely love to be able to visit Connecticut during the upcoming changing season- the colors of CT during autumn are so stunning and robust. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • Aeryn
    August 7, 2012 at 4:59 PM
  • Sarah L
    August 7, 2012 at 6:31 PM

    I like the 3. Shore Thing trip on their site. I like beaches.
    Thanks for the contest.

  • Sarah L
    August 7, 2012 at 6:32 PM
    • Sarah L
      August 7, 2012 at 7:11 PM

      delete this tweet please

  • Sarah L
    August 7, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    Please delete previous tweet. It wasn’t right. This one is.

    https://twitter.com/slehan/status/232975792039153665

  • Bruce
    August 7, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    The Sunday sounds delicious

  • Beverly Metcalf
    August 7, 2012 at 8:18 PM

    The Connecticut Ice Cream Trail sounds great to me. Thanks for this contest!

  • Debra F
    August 7, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    I’ve always wanted to visit Mystic, Conn.

  • Richard Hicks
    August 7, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    always wanted to visit Hartford!

  • Richard Hicks
    August 7, 2012 at 9:46 PM
  • Robby Rob
    August 7, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    This is a great giveaway. I used to work in Mystic, CT. Great town, great people. This state has a lot of hidden gems.

  • Robby Rob
    August 7, 2012 at 10:00 PM
  • Krys R
    August 7, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    I’d definitely make a day covering the Connecticut Ice Cream Trail

  • julieh
    August 7, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    I’d like to visit hartford, ct

  • Kayla
    August 7, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Wentworth’s is my favorite ice cream place in CT. I’d take a trip to Hamden just for their ice cream.

  • August 7, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    The Baker Cove area at the ocean would be an awesome place to visit in CT!

  • August 7, 2012 at 11:05 PM
  • Marco
    August 7, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    Not only would I like to visit Ferris Acres Creamery–I’d like to live there!

  • Carla
    August 7, 2012 at 11:54 PM

    I’d like to see the Hartford area.

  • ria
    August 7, 2012 at 11:57 PM

    Mystic Beach

  • August 8, 2012 at 12:25 AM

    I want to go to Dinosaur Park!

  • August 8, 2012 at 12:59 AM

    I would love to visit the Hartford area.

  • Marissa M
    August 8, 2012 at 1:05 AM

    Would love to visit any area of CT!

  • heather c
    August 8, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    I’d love to visit New Haven.

  • heather c
    August 8, 2012 at 1:13 AM
  • August 8, 2012 at 1:43 AM

    hartford- we had family there. thank you!

  • Trisha McKee
    August 8, 2012 at 2:27 AM

    I’d love to go to East Haddam, Ct to go visit the Goodspeed Opera House.

  • Liz Neal
    August 8, 2012 at 2:27 AM

    I would like to visit New London.

  • Liz Neal
    August 8, 2012 at 2:29 AM
  • Trisha McKee
    August 8, 2012 at 2:29 AM
  • Jill H
    August 8, 2012 at 4:11 AM

    I’d love to visit the Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop on Rt. 67 in Oxford, CT!

  • Jill H
    August 8, 2012 at 4:12 AM
  • MJ
    August 8, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    UConn Dairy freshest ice cream! Litchfield County in the fall!

  • Melissa Shirley
    August 8, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    The Connecticut Dinosaur Trail sounds fun

  • tracey byram
    August 8, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    I’d like to visit Niantic Bay.

  • susan smoaks
    August 8, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    i would love to visit the Country Rambles and Ambles – #13 and forget my 21st-century troubles in eastern Connecticut.

  • August 8, 2012 at 8:56 AM

    Coastal Lighthouse

  • susan smoaks
    August 8, 2012 at 8:58 AM
  • Nick
    August 8, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    I would love to go to Stratford

  • Kat Emerick
    August 8, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    My husband and I took a road trip from Pa. all the way to Maine. We stopped at a place called Mystic Seaport and it was so nice! Would love to go back again.

  • JAMES LYNAM
    August 8, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    I WOULD GO TO “GREENWICH, CT.”

  • August 8, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    I would like to visit the Connecticut to experience the Essex Steam Train ( http://www.essexsteamtrain.com/ ). It looks like a great thing for the whole family to do, and I really have a thing for steam engines.

  • Rosey
    August 8, 2012 at 11:15 AM
  • Ashley
    August 8, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    I would go anywhere and everywhere. 🙂 I fb this too.

  • Dorothy Hubbard
    August 8, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    I would like to go to the Ct Ice Cream Trail.

  • Katie
    August 8, 2012 at 12:02 PM

    I would like to go to New Haven to visit the buzzing area surrounding Yale! I can only imagine what a beautiful college town it must be, filled with brillant people 🙂

  • Betty Curran
    August 8, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    Oh, to be a food blogger! Your review is fabulous. I’ve never been to Connecticut but now I really want to visit, especially to find those dairy farm ice cream shops. And yes I’d like to visit Mystic and any seaports.

  • Betty Curran
    August 8, 2012 at 12:07 PM
  • Jennifer Wenzler
    August 8, 2012 at 12:08 PM

    I would love to go to Ferris Acres and try the blueberry cheesecake ice cream. It sounds delicious!

  • elizabeth p
    August 8, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    I would love to go to mystic and sample all kinds of yummy foods.

  • LinhC
    August 8, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Since I’ve never been to CT, I’d visit any place but during the Fall so that I can also experience the beautiful autumn colors!

  • vivian
    August 8, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    mystic seaport

  • Doug D.
    August 8, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    I’ve never been to Connecticut, so anywhere would be a new experience to me. I especially love the water.

  • Breanne
    August 8, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    I’d like to visit the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

  • Re Morgan
    August 8, 2012 at 3:17 PM

    yummy! i’d love to win. i’d like to hang out in CT for a while and check out the areas.

  • Wil Hagen
    August 8, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    I would explore the shores, and arcitecture of greenwich.

  • DanV
    August 8, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    I’d like to take my family to Hartford

  • Michelle H.
    August 8, 2012 at 3:52 PM

    I would love to visit the ice cream trail.

  • maria cantu
    August 8, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    Mystic sounds interesting and fun.

  • lisa smith
    August 8, 2012 at 5:47 PM

    I would like to visit Sherwood Island State Park.

  • lisa smith
    August 8, 2012 at 5:47 PM
  • Donna K
    August 8, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    I would like to visit Gulf Beach.

  • Sand
    August 8, 2012 at 7:12 PM

    I would love to visit Hartford.

  • […] Source: Slightly adapted from Smitten Kitchen and Smells Like Home.  Originally from Gourmet and The Perfect […]