Whistle Stop

Located inside the Branchville, Connecticut, train station where many commuters hop Metro North on their way to the city, Whistle Stop caters to people with little time to sit and eat. When it originally opened, muffins were just about the only thing on the menu; and there are still about a dozen fine varieties baked every morning, notable for immense tops that completely cover the pans in which they are baked. The ones we like include a crumbly corn muffin, cake-sweet blueberry, raisin-dotted bran, gingerbread, sour cream almond, apple cinnamon, and seriously candy-packed chocolate chip. Beyond muffins, the current menu includes whole pies to go, scones, breakfast cookies, and even locally-baked bagels.

Since she opened her muffin hut in the old wood-walled train station in 1982, Lolly Turner has created a pleasant little dining area in what used to be the station’s waiting room. Here, those in no hurry read the paper, sip coffee and eat their pastry of choice at leisure. This adorable breakfast nook is a friendly place to stop for a morning coffee and a bite, whether you are traveling by train, car, or bicycle.