Destinations: Connecticut Shoreline

"Long weekends, they pass so quickly. Goal: Attempt to relax. With so few areas left in the States where one can truly find some downtime, it's difficult to just take off for a few days without anticipating traffic, setbacks, and the stress that comes with packing for an overnight.

First piece of advice, keep a bag packed with toiletries, underwear, shoes, and pyjamas (if you wear 'em), so that when you decide to be spontaneous, you can spend 10 extra minutes thinking about what to wear. Second, if you live within 4 hours of Connecticut, hop a train or jump in a car, and head to The Shoreline.

I can't tell you how relaxing it is to just be in this area. Unpretentious and very pleasant. You can feel the pace slow as you exit I-95 or step out of your train at Mystic Station. Grab a croissant at Mystic Market on your way through town, and maybe a fresh sandwich or Camembert and crackers from their deli for later.

Forget the usual touristy stops: Groton's Submarine Base, Mystic's Seaport, and Old Lyme's Florence Griswold Museum. Check into the Inn at Stonington or Mystic's Daniel Packer Inn, and enjoy the quiet. In the Stonington Borough (Ariel view, left) have breakfast at Water Street Cafe', they have delicious Eggs Benedict and Banana Bread French Toast. Walk it off with a quick jaunt down to the Lighthouse where so many have wed, and breathe in the views.

In Mystic, walk down to the drawbridge and take a lap or two around the river. Afterwards, have an ice cream at the Mystic Drawbridge shop, make sure to indulge a waffle cone. Take your time in the various stores lining the main drag as you make your way back toward the water --never more than a stone's throw away, mind you.

Take it all in, take it all in, and just have a tranquil moment with yourself and one of the most beautiful areas in New England. You'll truly be able to say, I've experienced peace, a luxury so difficult to come by."

Gorgeous less the stress --Lux