By Kathy Kennedy
State Rep., R-119
Kathy Kennedy
I hope that everyone had a happy and healthy Fourth of July. Please join me in thanking our brave military men and women currently serving and all our local veterans for their dedication to protecting our freedoms.
In case you couldn’t tell from the hot and humid weather, it’s officially summer. Before you plan any elaborate vacations, don’t forget about some of the best must-see spots right in your backyard. Take a look at some of Milford’s and Orange’s best summer sites to visit for all ages this summer.
The best part about living along Connecticut’s shoreline is our proximity to some of my favorite beaches. In Milford alone, there are several popular beaches for those hot summer days including Walnut Beach, Woodmont Beach and Silver Sands State Park, which sees hundreds of statewide tourists daily. Don’t forget to visit the town website for more information on parking and general access fees.
If you’re not sold on the sand, try checking out our district’s best parks for hiking, outdoor sports, playgrounds and splashpads. In Milford’s Eisenhower Park, you can expect extensive trails, community gardens and a scenic escape surrounding popular tennis and pickleball courts, and our famous splashpad.
For serious hikers and birdwatchers, I recommend Orange’s Racebrook Tract, a 230-acre nature wonderland that is perfect for nature lovers who can appreciate the Orange Arboretum and the occasional sighting of the great horned owl.
One of my favorite parks is the High Plains Community Center in Orange, which is home to indoor and outdoor summer activities, great for large group events and all ages to play. For those who seek a quieter setting, head up the road to Wright’s Pond in Orange for another lovely view and perfect local fishing.
What makes Milford and Orange home is our history and tradition, which is why I highly recommend either the Orange Historic District or Milford’s Ghost Walks to engage with fun facts about our hometowns. Even today, elements of our past live on through Milford’s Robert Treat Farm and Glendale Farms, which are generational gems and great locations for fresh produce throughout the year.
Finally, nothing says tradition like a visit to Orange’s PEZ Center, where you can take a rainy-day tour to learn some interesting trivia on the classic candy. Then, don’t forget to make your way to support the Orange Volunteer Firemen’s Carnival from Aug. 3 to 6 or the Milford Oyster Festival on Aug. 19, for fantastic food, great games and family fun.
Once again, there are so many beautiful hidden treasures around the corner, and I look forward to seeing you in and around these spots as we celebrate summer. Don’t forget to practice safety measures for children, seniors and our pets to ensure a better experience for all community members. I want to thank our local and state public works and specialized committees for all their efforts in cleaning and maintaining our beaches, parks and community sites all year round.
As always, I encourage you to reach out to me with your questions, ideas and concerns by contacting me at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or 860-240-8700. Don’t forget to visit RepKennedy.com or my Facebook Page for more frequent updates on events and more.