Waterford Connecticut
It must have something to do with the Connecticut’s coastlines proximity to New York and the old money that went along with the boom of the industrial age, but the parks that I seem to come across all have this big, old and decrepit sprawling estates with views of the Islands over the water. Harkness Memorial State Park being no exception.
Situated on over two hundred and thirty acres, this summer mansion of the Harkness family, called Eolia, boasts panoramic views of Long Island sound. As a state park it is visited freely by Connecticut residents. out of state daily and seasonal passes are available. But the first time I went the young lady at the gate saw that my out of state plate was also a Veteran plate and she waived me through, free of charge. There is a small lot outside of the gate which alludes to the idea that walk-ins are not charged and entrance fee. But as busy as it gets on nice summer days, I wouldn’t expect that to be available.
I have not found any particular ghost stories about the estate, but the friends of Harkness are hosting an event in October titled Ghost Stories by the Connecticut story tellers, might be a good time to find out the spooky history of this once great estate turned state park.
There’s a sign for a pub at the Waterford beach park not too far from Harkness Park, I have not been in there to see if the sign is accurate or not. I plan to update this part as soon as I get down there and find out.
For a park close by with a darker past check out Seaside Park.
