DURHAM, CT

            What does the small rural Connecticut town of Durham (population 7,000, 6.3 square miles) have in common with the entire state of Texas (population 21 million, 268,601 square miles)?  Simply that it is the birthplace of Moses Austin, whose plan of an American colony in Spanish Texas was brought to fruition by his son Stephen, for whom the Texas capitol is named.  The Moses Austin House stands well preserved in Durham’s historic district along with a number of other eighteen century houses, many of which overlook the beautiful Coginchaug River Valley, home to a number of very active working farms.  Dick’s CITGO gas station (full serve only), located at the junction of Connecticut routes 17 and 79, probably has the most splendid sunset view of any gas station in Connecticut, and is, in fact, a popular traveler’s “photo op.”  But there is one thing that IS big about Durham and in fact BIGGEST, and that is the Durham Fair.  Yes, it’s the biggest agricultural fair in Connecticut, well known up and down the eastern seaboard, and will be held this year on September 22, 23, and 24.  Pretty good for a town with no supermarket, but two very excellent independent grocery stores (convenient but not convenience).  See you in September!