From their report (HERE):
What do Main Streets have that the malls don’t? Atmosphere… History… Romance. They’re the place to go for unique experiences. Candle-lit restaurants, unique wedding destinations, charming streets for strolls, intimate wine-tasting rooms, quaint B&Bs, special historic spots — these are just a few of the things that make Main Street districts a romantic destination. This year, we scoured the nation to find the Most Romantic Main Streets. Here is what we found.
Middletown, Connecticut. Middletown’s allure includes an artful Main Street brimming with elegant restaurants, an award-winning local chocolatier, and the romantic Inn at Middletown, offering the best of New England charm.Dream Date: With its views of Main Street's church steeples and the winding Connecticut River, the Inn at Middletown is the perfect base for a romantic New England weekend. Make a leisurely start with brunch at the classic O'Rourke's Diner, where the culinary talents of Brian O'Rourke have been celebrated by foodies from Gourmet Magazine to The Food Network. Stroll along Main Street, and visit the vintage model train display at Amato's Toy & Hobby, then stock up on regional treats at the New England Emporium. Malloves Jewelers just might give your sweetie some good ideas! Venture past the historic houses on tree-lined College Street to the prestigious Wesleyan University. Take in an eclectic and interesting lecture, a hockey game, or go stargazing at the college observatory. Back on Main Street, your hardest chore will be choosing where to eat. With dozens of choices in just a few blocks, you'll be tempted by Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and American restaurants, as well as the locavore,organic cuisine at It's Only Natural. But for romance, try Esca's extensive wine list and delicious Italian entrees —deemed “worth getting a babysitter” for by local critics. After dinner, sample the artisanal confections at Tschudin Chocolates and a perfect espresso at Klekolo World Coffee. End your evening with a visit to Eli Cannon's Tap Room for the best variety of local beers and friendly atmosphere, or retreat to the Inn at Middletown for a martini in front of the fireplace at the Tavern at the Armory
You do realize that you used a picture of Luce's for this article, and they weren't even mentioned in it, right?
ReplyDeleteWhy does everyone love O'Rourkes?? to me its just ok, and well dirty inside really, but that just an opinion. In south Middletown Roberto's and Tommy's Pizza are both favorites. Its the people recognize some businesses off Main street that long time Middletown resident's- not just the Wes and downtown crowd know and love!
ReplyDeleteO'Rourkes burned down previously because of grease! Why is this restaurant seen as Middletown's Official Restaurant and St. Sebastian's talked of as if its the City's official church? enough
ReplyDeleteTo Anon at 7:57am: If you click on the link that Fishmuscle provided, you would notice that he was reprinting the exact article published by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. The picture of Luce was used in said article.
ReplyDeleteOut of curiosity, why are you offended that Luce wasn't specifically mentioned? It is on Main Street, isn't it? Can you think of a more lovely picture to represent Main Street?
Congratulations to Middletown! I know many of the businesses work hard to make Middletown's downtown what it is.
ReplyDeleteAnd to all the anonymous haters out there: You live here. If you care enough to comment: put your name on it. If you're going to complain: own it, perhaps even DO SOMETHING about it.
Produce with your passion.
I love that line, Produce with your Passion!
ReplyDeletebut I'd add, "and let it come from a place of love".
Romance blossoms from love and fills the air with love itself. See the beauty that is there, looking past what you don't want to see. And it's there for sure, up and down Main Street ... in a bite of delicious food, the sight of a beautiful flower ... or the song of brilliant musician ... it's love and it's growing. More good is on the way! Seek ... and you shall find ...
Ditto on O'Rourkes. Most over-rated "diner" in the state. Always a long line to get in, and quite frankly, not worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteNobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded.
ReplyDeleteYogi Berra?
ReplyDeleteAs for O'Rourke's...if you wait outside in the cold long enough anything taste good and you ignore the dirt. A friend from Maine who is one of these diner people, searching the world for the best diner, heard of O'Rourke's and HAD to eat there. We stood outside in the cold for two hours and got in and ordered breakfast. It was just OK but for some reason my friend thought it was Nirvana. He's either one of those people who believes hype or needs to eat at better places.
ReplyDelete