kent, ct - Jamie Bannon Photography | Hartford, Connecticut

OK—it’s been a while since I’ve posted. About the exact amount of time it takes to grow a baby, have it, and then eventually start sleeping again. Coincidence? Maybe.

In any case, here we are—and in spite of all that I’ve been working on this past year, the adventures have far from stopped…even if I’ve got some catching up to do on here! And I promise to get back to all of my knocked up adventures. But for now, let’s talk about this weekend’s adventure with the newest member of our crew, Max!

portrait of a dad and his small baby hiking at kent falls in kent, connecticut, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

Kent Falls State Park is one of my favorite little spots in CT—the waterfalls there are stunning year-round, and it’s a nice little hike (steep, but short), so it’s perfect for getting outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, and taking pictures—three of my favorite things. I much prefer a winter hike there to a spring hike, not only because the ice makes the falls extra special, but also because if you go on a warm spring day you’re just weaving through a crowd of people…but I guess that’s what happens with short, easy hiking trails with immediately rewarding views (the main falls are right at the parking lot, so you don’t have to go far to see the pièce de résistance).

kent falls waterfall in connecticut in the winter, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

But that’s exactly what we wanted—to test the water, so to speak, for Max’s first hike! He’s only 2 months old, so he’s still predictably unpredictable, and nothing is as terrifying a prospect as being halfway through a long hike with a screaming baby—so we started small.

kent falls waterfall in connecticut, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

After a long ride and a short hike, we hit Kent Falls Brewing Co., a great little place we’d never been. Let me just start by saying I LOVE a farm brewery. The beers are amazing, and it’s a great spot for little ones—they’ve got a nice little playground and swing set by the outdoor seating, which Max is of course too little to enjoy, but he still had a good time beer tasting (KIDDING!) and don’t even get me started on the piglets! Of course the animal selection isn’t always the same, and neither is the farm store/butcher shop selection…you can do the math. And no—we did not take home any pork.

barrels in front of a window at kent falls brewing company in kent, connecticut, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

two beers and a baby bottle on the outside patio at kent falls brewing company in kent, connecticut, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

a pig on the farm at kent falls brewing company in kent, connecticut, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

The drive between the falls and the brewery is pretty amazing as well—it’s such a beautiful corner of the state up in Northwest Connecticut, and it’s fascinating to drive through the area. There are spectacular old farmhouses, mixed in with crazy mansions side by side with run down shacks. It’s impossible to ignore the way in which the area has changed dramatically over the years, as is evident driving through, and the landscape is gorgeous, albeit motion sickness inducing—but then I’ve always been a sucker for rolling hills.

We had such a beautiful family day, and it was such a fun and enjoyable place to explore with our newest little adventurer. Stay tuned for more, and happy trails!