Visiting Constable Country

[Photo]What would you choose to do on the most beautiful day of spring? BBQs, picnics, visits to a local pub's beer festival and cycling over the hills of Suffolk are among some of the very many activities our friends participated in over this past weekend. We were lucky enough to have a visitor from America and took to opportunity to endulge in a relaxing afternoon including a long walk along the Stour River trail after an amazing lunch at a well known pub and a little bit of sight seeing following an evening of live music and steak and ale pies. We basically made the most of our less than 24-hour visit and stayed within a 12-mile radius of Bures. How did we do it? We mapped out the area we wanted to stay in, took into consideration the amount of time we had and multiplied that by what I call "impact factor". The equation led us to a route that took us through a quick drive around Bures and into Dedham and Flatford - the heart of Constable Country. [Photo]If you haven't visited Constable Country, make the effort. And, if you have't spent time inDedham or Flatford in particular, consider it a must-do. Eating, walking, sightseeing, crafting and boating are only a handful of things you can occupy yourself doing in these villages. With exquisite dining at the reknown Sun Inn to casual pub fare or a vanilla ice cream cone just around the corner, delicious food is plentiful here and can cater to any size budget.
Once you've had your fill of food and drink, your next stop should be the Dedham Art and Craft[Photo]Centre. This centre is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. You will find arts and crafts from all over the area as well as a few from further afield. Stop by the church next door for a tour and a trip up the tower for a breathtaking view of Stour River Valley. Once you've made your way through Dedham, your next stop should be Flatford Mill. But don't get back in the car to do this. The footpath from Dedham to Flatford provides for an easy walk. And, if you are looking for something a little more adventurous, consider hiring a boat at the Dedham Boat House. Whichever way you choose to get to Flatford, you are guaranteed a wonderful visit. And may even be welcomed by some of the area's more unique residents. Once in Flatford, be sure to visit the Flatford Bridge Museum and the infamous house of Willy Lott. [Photo]Regardless of which activities you choose while here, you are guaranteed a beautiful visit of an historically important area of East Anglia. Just don't forget to stop and smell the flowers!