Coventry Regional Farmers Market and the Nathan Hale Homestead… ..and a war thrown in for good measure.

 We spent a glorious fall  Sunday afternoon taking in the swirling leaves and munching on freshly made still warm cider donuts as we inhaled the intoxicating woodsmoke scented air at the Nathan Hale Homestead here in Connecticut.  If you live within a two hour drive, it’s so worth the trip. Yankee Magazine voted the Coventry Regional Farmers Market  the best farmers market in New England and now I know why.  So many regional farmers, bee keepers, soap makers, bread bakers, musicians, artisans, and today…. a revolutionary war reenactment that was spectacular to watch.  Next weekend is  the last until next season,  here’s a link for more information.

The battle field for the reenactment of the Revolutionary war

 Preparing to fight…

the camp…

war horses….

Where there’s smoke there’s fire…

In this photo below you can see how close combat actually was…
basically they just shot each other until there was either a retreat or
no one left standing from the losing side.
For more information on the Revolutionary War, click  this LINK..

A little info about our State Hero Nathan Hale and the homestead,  found on it’s website……

The Nathan Hale Homestead was the home of the family of State Hero, Nathan Hale. Constructed in 1776, the current house is the second dwelling built on the property. Nathan’s father, Richard Hale, was a prosperous livestock farmer and built the house for his large family. Ardent patriots, six of Richard’s eight sons served in the patriot army. One son, Capt.

 Nathan Hale was caught and hanged as a spy at age 21 by the British in September of 1776. He is famous for his alleged last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

 Following the American Revolution, three Hale sons died from wounds received in the war. Their widows and children moved to the family homestead, so that an average of 12-20 people lived in the house at any one time.

The Homestead is a pristine example of a Georgian-style home. Although sold out of the Hale family in the 1820s, the house has remained virtually intact. The house was first restored by George Dudley Seymour, who saved the house in the early 20th century. Recent paint analysis has resulted in the repainting of the house interior in historic colors. The house is furnished with Hale-family pieces and period antiques and is based on the family inventories. The house was deeded to Connecticut Landmarks in the 1940s. Much of the acreage associated with the Hale farm, is now the Nathan Hale State Forest.

After touring the house and spying on the war in progress…
we wandered through the farmers market… oh, the heavenly food…
French Crepes!!!…
Fresh produce!

Cider sugar donuts hot off the fryer!!
I’m willing to bet you’ve never had better…

Hey, even Redcoats get hungry, don’t ya know.
These guys had an awesome folksy sound…
envision Wagon Wheel… do you know what I’m referring to?
One of my favorite songs around a campfire.
They call themselves Poor Old Shine.
I’d hire them for a wedding, I kid you not.
..and if you’re still with me here…
Look at the face we came across on our way out…
I think his mom said his name was Doodle, but with my hearing impairment
I’m pretty sure I heard that wrong.
You tell me… does he look like a Doodle to you?
 Hey..Doodle?.. I’d take you home in a heartbeat if only I could.

18 thoughts on “Coventry Regional Farmers Market and the Nathan Hale Homestead… ..and a war thrown in for good measure.”

  1. Actually, he DOES look like a Doodle!

    I can't tell you how much my hubby would enjoy this reenactment.

    FANTASTIC PHOTOS!

  2. Looks like a great day! How long of a drive is it from where we are? And I LOVE Doodle! What a great photo of him… love those dogs, such personality! Awesome photos of the place!

  3. He DOES look like a Doodle! lol This looks like my kind of day. I love those uniforms and Poor Old Shine sounds pretty interesting too.

  4. Loved seeing the pictures especially the reenactment. The Battle of Guilford Courthouse in NC was fought on my family farm…would love to see an reenactment there.
    The home looks so pristene.

  5. I love reenactments. We've seen several in Vicksburg when Grant took the city during the Civil War. Also been to Sturbridge Village and Jockey Hollow in New Jersey where General Washington camped.

    You sure live in a pretty part of the world Karen. The Homestead is a gorgeous home. Do I see 18 pane windows? How fabulous that the house has remained virtually intact. Amazing.
    Sam

  6. I can't even begin to tell you how cool the reenactment would be to attend! How fun to play a role and dress the part too! Loved getting to see this through your eyes… and Doodle? I dunno… doesn't quite fit…

  7. Loved Doodle!
    And Isn't that the greatest place?
    Next weekend they will host a Native American event.
    So happy to see you, you look ageless! ((hugs))

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