Welcome to our latest issue of the NEWsletter!  Summer is winding to an end and fall is just around the corner.  This month as I write my cover letter I find myself with a day to explore a part of the country I have never visited before, New England.
 
I have to be in Trumbull, Connecticut for a few days to work with some clients and decided to come a day early and visit with a friend and restaurateur in Pomfret Connecticut.  First of all, Providence Rhode Island has become a major North Eastern hub for Southwest Airlines, bringing low fares and frequent schedules to a part of the country that has long been hostage to the major carriers and their high prices.  Our clients can now travel from So. California to Providence for as low as $198.00 roundtrip, per person!
 
I was pleasantly surprised on my flight to be able to fly directly over New York City at night and the lights were absolutely fantastic!  You could see the lights of Manhattan and all the bridges leading to it lit up like a series of hands holding the island in place.
 
This morning I awoke early to sunny skies, a cool and crisp 60 degrees and a refreshing ocean breeze.  I jumped in my rented Explorer, but a little Jimmy Buffet in the CD player and headed off to Pomfret and my friends restaurant “The Vanilla Bean Café”.  Having never been to this part of the country, the drive was fascinating, winding through small towns that have changed little since the 1700s.  The countryside was dotted with small farms, dairies, Victorian homes and hundreds of Antique shops waiting for anyone that loves to shop and wander.
 
Upon arrival at the Café, I was met by my friend Barry Jessurun and we had a fantastic breakfast before being taken on a tour of the “Bean”.  The Vanilla Bean is housed in a 1800s era barn that the Jessurun family has turned into one of the North East’s most famous and popular Café & Restaurant.  The Bean is home to regular weekend performances by Folk artists from all over New England, including Don White, Stan Sullivan and Roy Book Binder to name a few.
 
Barry then took me on a tour of his beautiful town and community.  We visited an incredible restaurant called the Golden Lamb, also housed in an incredible restored barn.  Dinners are served on Fridays and Saturdays only and the view over the Connecticut farmland was awe inspiring.  Or ewe inspiring if the sheep happen to wander by as they did while we walked the ranch!
 
Next it was off to a five year old winery that is winning awards all over New England.  Being a small town, everyone knew Barry and we were able to wander throughout the winery and even wandered into the vineyards and climb the hill to a point where we could see Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  We talked to the workers in the field and learned a few new things about grapes and wine making.
 
Well it was time for me to get back in the car and head to my hotel for the evening.  Trips and the “little distractions” like this always make me glad I take a little time to see new parts of the world even when I travel on business.  As you have heard me say before, it truly is the friends, experiences and memories that make travel so worthwhile.
 
Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions about this or other articles in the newsletter.  For more information on the Vanilla Bean, Click Here!  And enjoy the ride!
 
Have a great month!
 
Scott Caddow
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