<![CDATA[Laysville Hardware | Your Lyme - Old Lyme Hardware Store - Blog]]>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:56:59 -0800EditMySite<![CDATA[CT Fishing Licenses and Local Tips]]>Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:28:39 GMThttps://www.laysvillehardware.com/blog/ct-fishing-licenses-and-local-tips

If you’re planning a fishing trip, we’re here to help! With Rogers Lake right across the street and plenty of great local spots nearby, we get lots of anglers stopping in for nightcrawlers—and asking about fishing licenses.

Here’s how to make your trip hassle-free:

Get Your CT Fishing License Instantly

If you don't have your license yet, applying for a fishing license in Connecticut is streamlined:
Online: Visit the DEEP Licensing page to get your digital fishing permit for inland and/or marine  instantly.
DEEP Licenses and permits

Who needs a license?
  • Young Adults and Adults 16 and older require a current CT fishing license.
  • Youth 15 and under do not need a license.
  • Residents 65 and older qualify for free licenses.
  • There are exemptions for some individuals with disabilities and active military members.
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​​2025 CT Resident Fishing License Fees
Inland Fishing License
  • 16-17 :  $14
  • Adult : $28
Marine Fishing License
  • 16-17: $5​
  • Adult: $10
(All Water Sport Fishing 16-17: $16, Adult: $32)
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Bait

​We stock LIVE nightcrawlers, the go-to bait for bass and trout—perfect for fishing at Rogers Lake. If you’re heading to the Connecticut River or Long Island Sound, pair your bait with squid or bunker to attract striped bass, bluefish, and flounder.
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What else have you had success with? Comment below.

​Free Fishing Days

Take advantage of these upcoming Free Fishing Days:
  • Saturday, May 10, 2025: No license required.
  • Sunday, June 15, 2025 & Saturday, August 9, 2025: Get a free 1-day license online (available 3 weeks ahead).
Even on Free Fishing Days, regular size limits and other regulations apply.
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All You Need - Locally

We’ve got you covered with nightcrawlers—the perfect food for freshwater fish—and all the essentials to make your time by the water stress-free. Stock up on folding chairs, coolers, bug spray, and more before you cast your line. Swing by Coffee’s Country Market next door for a wide selection of fresh sandwiches, drinks, and snacks to fuel your adventure. After all, happy anglers have the best stories to share later.

Looking for more fishing gear? Check out Black Hall Outfitters locally, in Old Lyme.

​Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’re here to help you have the best day possible. Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣

Helpful Links

CT.gov Fishing: Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP)
​Information, Licenses and Permits, and Current Regulations
Online Sportsman Licensing System: CT License Application
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Connecticut is Fishy: General info, places to fish, and specific fish with interactive maps of Connecticut fishing sites.
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Places to fish
The following are some categories with links of places to fish in Connecticut

FISHBRAIN Rogers Lake: Rogers Lake Fishing Reports and more.
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What else have you seen or caught? Comment below!

🎣 ​Share Your Fishing Adventures with Us!

The memories start here—whether it's picking up nightcrawlers, celebrating a child's first catch, or swapping stories about the one that got away. We love hearing from you!

📸 Tag us on social media and let us be part of your fishing journey. Share your photos, stories, and tips in the comments below or in your posts.
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Facebook and Instagram @laysvillehardware
]]><![CDATA[Luck, Legacy, and Lush Colors: A St. Patty’s Day Tribute!]]>Sun, 16 Mar 2025 19:42:47 GMThttps://www.laysvillehardware.com/blog/luck-legacy-and-lush-colors-a-st-pattys-day-tributePicture
As we channel the luck of the Irish and the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re raising a (paint)brush to celebrate the proud Irish roots of Benjamin Moore, a name that’s brought color and life to homes for generations! 
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Did you know that Benjamin Moore, the founder of one of the most iconic paint brands in history, was born in Ballybay, Monaghan County, Ireland, in 1855? Let’s journey back in time to explore how this Irish immigrant's vision painted a brighter future for homes and entire communities.
From Ballybay to Brooklyn: The Journey of an Irish Dreamer
At just 17 years old, Benjamin Moore left his hometown of Ballybay in 1872, emigrating to Brooklyn, New York. Armed with determination and a strong work ethic, he quickly found his footing as a salesman in the painting trade. However, young Benjamin had bigger dreams that would come to life in 1883 when he and his brother Robert opened the Moore Brothers Paint Company in a small loft in Brooklyn.

In the same year, Benjamin Moore founded his company on a simple yet powerful business philosophy: develop and manufacture high-quality products that meet customers' needs and sell them through independent merchants. This principle laid the foundation for what would become a globally recognized brand.
"... the application of intelligence
to industry based upon integrity..."
​
- Benjamin Moore
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A Legacy of Inspiration and Transformation
Benjamin Moore’s journey from Ireland to America is a tale of resilience and vision. By 1929, the company had expanded to include a home decorating department catering to a growing demand for beautiful, vibrant spaces. Their commitment to excellence led to hiring the company’s first chemist in 1907 and establishing a research department, ensuring that their paints were always a stroke above the rest.
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​As part of their dedication to innovation and client support, Benjamin Moore created Betty Moore during the interwar period to help with color choices, decorating, and painting.
Today, Benjamin Moore is renowned for its superior quality paints, environmentally friendly products, and innovative solutions. Whether it’s vibrant colors that bring a room to life or the durability that withstands the test of time, Benjamin Moore paints are a trusted partner for every home project.
Irish Values in Every Brushstroke
This St. Patrick’s Day reminds us how Benjamin Moore’s journey embodies the spirit of Irish heritage: a commitment to community, creativity, and connection. With every stroke of Benjamin Moore paint, we’re not just adding color to walls; we’re honoring a legacy of inspiring and transforming lives—one brushstroke at a time.

Celebrate with Us!
As a locally owned independent  Benjamin Moore "Signature Store", we’re proud to be a part of this incredible legacy. Whether you’re starting a new project or refreshing a favorite space, let us help you find the perfect colors to inspire your home and honor the spirit of Benjamin Moore—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

​🍀 ​Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 
 What's Your Favorite Green Paint Color?
Kids Office: ​Green Hydrangea CSP-850, Aura, Eggshell.
Front Door: Jack Pine 692, Exterior Satin.
Wall: Timothy Straw 2149-40, Regal Select, Matte.
Let's See the Love 💚  Inspire others by sharing your amazing paint projects!
Email john@laysvillehardware.com. 
Lyme, CT Project - Benjamin Moore's Lush
Walls: Lush AF-475,  Regal Select Matte.
Trim: Chantilly Lace  OC-65, Semi Gloss.
Lush pre-mix: Benjamin Moore's Gennex colorants are a key part of their paint system, ensuring color consistency and durability.
]]><![CDATA[Color Inspiration - Valentine's Day]]>Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:30:09 GMThttps://www.laysvillehardware.com/blog/color-inspiration-valentines-day
Benjamin Moore Valentines day Raspberry Blush
We are seeing a lot of bold color choices this year inspired by Benjamin Moore's 2023 color palette:
Benjamin Moore 2023 Color Palette
Benjamin Moore is a great place to get inspiration for your next paint project. This month we are featuring the color Pink - in honor of Valentine's Day.

We hope you will get some inspiration from this article from Benjamin Moore.
Please visit "Pink Paint Color by Family" for the full article and more color inspiration.
The Perfect Pinks for Valentine’s Day
Whether you are looking for a cheerful cherry blossom or an eye-catching fuchsia, pink is a flattering paint color that works wonders in any space. Explore Benjamin Moore's collection of homeowner-favorite pink paint colors, and find expert advice and inspiration on how to use them in your home. 
Most Popular Pink Paint ColorsHere are a few of our homeowner favorite pink paint colors, including First Light 2102-70, a former Benjamin Moore Color of the Year. 
Pink Living Rooms
Pink walls in living rooms are both comforting and sophisticated, ideal for a space where you love spending time. Here, an accent wall in First Light 2102-70 provides a burst of blush besides walls and ceiling in White Heron OC-57. Explore the expertly curated color palette themed around First Light 2102-70 for more pairing-with-pink color inspiration! 

Light pinks like Opal OC-73, Head Over Heels AF-250, and Tissue Pink 1163 are also favorites for living rooms. Looking for something bolder? Try Royal Flush 2076-20, a vibrant fuchsia, paired with a warm neutral, like Sonnet AF-55.
Pink Complementary Colors
‘Complementary’ colors is the term for hues that sit opposite of each other on the color wheel—learn more in our color wheel video. 

When thinking of pink complementary colors, look to the many shades of the green color family. Pair a blush pink with a grounded green for beautiful balance: This seating area features a stately fireplace and walls painted in Desert Twilight 2137-40 and Sea Haze 2137-50 while the ceiling adds whimsy in Touch of Pink 2008-70. Soft pink paint colors offer a refreshing alternative to white ceilings, adding a design edge to the often overlooked “fifth wall.” 

Foggy Morning 2106-70 is another favorite neutral pink; we love pairing it with Tarrytown Green HC-134 or Garden Oasis 699 for stylish contrast.
​"SURPRISINGLY VERSATILE,
PINK HAS MORE RANGE THAN
​YOU MAY THINK.”
—
ARIANNA CESA
COLOR & DESIGN EXPERT
Vibrant Pink
Pink offers a surprising range that livens up any space. Bring some drama with deep magentas and bold fuchsias, or brighten up a small space with an invigorating playful pink. 

Add a touch of glamour to your bedroom by using more vibrant pinks as an accent or feature color. This ceiling painted in Twilight Magenta 2074-30 draws the eye up against walls in Paper Mache AF-25, providing a pop of color in this crisp room. 

Looking for an eye-catching pink paint color? We suggest Crushed Berries 2076-30 and Cranberry Cocktail 2083-20
Pink & Neutral Paint Colors
An inviting palette of pinks and neutrals transform common rooms into soft spaces to relax. Pink works well with cool graysand warm taupes, ideal for enhancing your neutral bedroom and living room designs. 

Strike the perfect balance by using neutrals in transitional spaces like hallways and entryways that lead you to rooms in fresh pinks. Here, a hallway painted in Baby Fawn OC-15 opens to a room in Pleasant Pink 2094-60, allowing colors to transition smoothly from room to room. 

Consider these winning pink and neutral pairings for your home:
White Trim & Ceiling Colors for Pink Walls
​Now that you've found your perfect pink wall color, complete the look with a classic white-painted trim and ceiling. White Opulence OC-69 and Atrium White OC-145are two of our favorites, since they have a soft hint of blush to them. 

Looking for a crisp, clean white paint color? Chantilly Lace OC-65 is considered one of our brightest white paint colors and a go-to for trim and ceiling. To keep it simple, use the same white paint color on the trim and ceiling, but change up the sheen for a slight contrast. 

Here, the subtle pink of White Opulence OC-69 provides a soft and inviting color for any room, paired beautifully with walls in Pristine OC-75. Bold pink bedding and a patterned chair complete the look. Explore more relaxing bedroom colors.
]]><![CDATA[Having a doggone time choosing the right paint color?]]>Tue, 22 Mar 2022 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.laysvillehardware.com/blog/having-a-doggone-time-choosing-the-right-paint-colorPicture
Choosing the right paint color can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider; the light, complementing the floors, furniture, art, appliances and surrounding rooms, the trim and ceiling are something to consider as well. 

After our renovation was completed I couldn't make any more decisions.  We wanted to keep the interior paint simple and start with a bright, modern white to complement our light oak floors. Who knew there would be an unlimited amount of whites to choose from? I was completely overwhelmed. I picked up a ton of Benjamin Moore color chips and paint samples from Laysville Hardware and ultimately asked the expert. John suggested Benjamin Moore's Decorator's White OC-149 based on what I was looking for. I also loved Chantilly Lace OC-65 so we used this for our trim and our kitchen cabinets. The hint of grey in the Decorator's White offset the Chantilly Lace trim for a crisp contrast that we all love. Now that the project is finished and all our decisions are behind us, Moxi (our Fox Red Lab) loves that we have plenty of time to play with her.
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​Benjamin Moore put together these helpful steps to make the process of selecting the right paint color for your home a little easier.

How to Choose Interior Paint Colors

While there is no one-size-fits-all reply to "what’s the best interior paint color," some thoughtful research goes a long way. Go into this exercise with an open mind and a commitment to exploring your creative side as you search for your perfect paint color.
Step #1: Analyze the Room for Interior Paint Ideas
Hardwood floors, countertops, a fireplace surround, area rugs, and of course furniture...the colors in these items will help determine which paint color families will work best in your room, and help narrow your options. 

Additionally, the right paint color for any room should reflect the mood you want to create in the room as well as complement its architecture and style. 

Paint truly transforms your space–see some of our favorite colors for living room and bedroom if you are selecting color for either of these important spaces in your home.
Step #2: Explore the Best Interior Paint Colors–for You
If you want to cut to the chase, check out our tried and true most popular paint colors, where we highlight homeowner favorite colors including Chantilly Lace OC-65, Revere Pewter HC-172, Hale Navy HC-154 and many more. 

For a more deliberate approach, use magazines, online tools like Pinterest and our Inspiration section to find colors and color combinations that inspire you. Is your eye drawn to darker hues, fresh pastels or bold primary colors? Explore how paint and color work together in the Color Handbook and tap into our online color tools.
Step #3: Get Color Chips, then Test with Paint Samples
​Once you’ve selected the colors you’re drawn to, visit your local Benjamin Moore retailer and pick up color chips and inspirational brochures to bring home. 

While you may be tempted to use color swatches only to determine which color to use, the best way to test color in different lighting conditions is to buy paint samples from your local Benjamin Moore retailer -Laysville Hardware.
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Natural and artificial light can impact the appearance of color, so viewing it at different times of the day in all lighting conditions is crucial. Learn more about paint color samples.
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Laysville Hardware's "Color Zone"
>> Read the full article and find more helpful tips on benajminmoore.com.
]]><![CDATA[Decorate for the Holidays with Laysville Hardware: Snowflake Tree]]>Mon, 23 Nov 2015 15:29:13 GMThttps://www.laysvillehardware.com/blog/decorate-for-the-holidays-with-laysville-hardware-snowflake-treeChristmas Tree Lights with a Flare
A couple years ago I saw this tree on the cover of Martha Stewart Living. This inspired me to create my own tree of lights.
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My Inspiration
I bought some Christmas tree lights in different sizes from Laysville Hardware and several of their Snowflake lights. I borrowed my neighbors ladder and held my breath as I began to create my own version of this tree.
People stop from all over to look at our tree and we have received a ton of gratitude from our neighbors who love looking at our tree. We love it so much we remove the snowflakes and keep the lights on all year. It is great light for outdoor entertaining and dinners when it warms up.

This year I want to try some of Laysville Hardware's Christmas ball lights to add some color to our tree.
Have any other ideas? I would love to hear from you!
]]><![CDATA[Create Something New with Something Old — How to Paint Brass Fixtures]]>Tue, 15 Apr 2014 23:09:29 GMThttps://www.laysvillehardware.com/blog/how-to-paint-brass-fixtures
If you want to do a quick update to a room, a fresh coat of paint and some spray paint over some old fixtures can create a new look without breaking the bank. Our "kid’s bathroom" was covered in 1960s floral print wallpaper and tired brass fixtures when we moved in. Not ready for a total bathroom overhaul I opted for some bright paint and some "updated" fixtures.

I chose Benjamin Moore’s Blue Lapis  2067-40 for the walls. I never get tired of this color — I love it!
This left us with the old brass fixtures. We updated the sink with chrome fixtures with white accents leaving the brass light fixture as my next DIY project.

I  felt the detail in the fixture made it interesting enough to keep — only it desperately needed some help. I opted to paint it bright white to provide a nice contrast to the Blue Lapis paint color.  For the cost of a can of spray paint it was worth a try.
Laysville Hardware suggested Rust-Oleum's Universal Gloss Spray Paint and some steel wool for the project.
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BEFORE - Brass Light Fixture
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AFTER - Sprayed with Rust-Oleum Glossy White and walls painted with Benjamin Moore's Blue Lapis

How to Spray Paint Your Brass Fixtures

What you will need:
How to:
  1. Remove the fixture from the wall and clean it with soapy water and a sponge/cloth making sure not to get any of the electrical wires wet. Dry it.
  2. Use steel wool to ruff up the surface
  3. In a well ventilated area (outside is best if it is not windy) put down your drop cloth, remove and tape up any areas with the painter's tape that should not be painted
  4. Spray away following the instructions on the Rust-Oleum can
  5. Let it dry, reassemble and install
Here's more information on Spray Painting from Rust-Oleum and a "How to" video from Rust-Oleum on YouTube for more detailed instructions. (just click on the highlighted links)

I was amazed with how easy and fast this project was. Of course now my mind is scanning the house to find the next spray paint DIY project. I am thinking of finding some objects and painting them brass to update the living room area in keeping with realtor.com's 2014 Remodeling Trend #2 — Brass Accents. Maybe I can find an old vase or bowl and give it a try.
]]><![CDATA[Benjamin Moore Chalkboard Paint - Make your walls work for you]]>Mon, 23 Dec 2013 14:49:44 GMThttps://www.laysvillehardware.com/blog/benjamin-moore-chalkboard-paint-make-your-walls-work-for-youPictureMy "Inspiration"
I probably spend way too much time on Pintrest, especially after 11 pm when I can't fall asleep. For those of you that don't know about Pinterest (John), it is a web community where  members can "pin" images, videos and other objects to their pinboard.  I get a lot of my "inspiration" from things I find on this site. The chalkboard paint was something I had to try.

Our kitchen has a 10 foot by 8 foot wall that was a perfect backdrop for something creative. Laysville Hardware suggested the Benjamin Moore Chalkboard paint. I chose black - but there are a ton of color choices! They recommended a 3/8" nap roller and I picked up the paint tray, some painter's tape a drop cloth and off I went. I saw they also sold magnetic paint — how cool is that?! I picked up a quart of Rust-Oleum magnetic paint and a smaller nap roller to see how we could add a magnetic back board to the project. John from Laysville Hardware recommended I only do a small area for the magnetic paint and boy was he right. I chose to do a bar across the mid/top of the wall so we could post photos, kids art work or little daily notes. After 8 plus coats the magnetic paint finally started working — well worth the effort but it added a little more time to the project.

For detailed instructions on how to apply the Benjamin Moore Chalkboard paint you can visit the Benjamin Moore web site.
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We have received so many compliments on our chalkboard wall. Everyone is drawn to it (pun intended). The kids enjoy decorating it for Birthdays, different seasons, and we use it for the letter of the week and other learning opportunities. It is the wall that keeps on giving... and perfect for someone who likes to redecorate every week.

The only con is it can get a bit messy on your floor. I would recommend picking up a dust pan and brush - and stay away from wall to wall carpeting.  A damp sponge makes it easy to clean the chalk off the wall (and floor.)

Other Ideas for the Chalkboard paint:
I have seen chalkboard paint on the back of doors, cabinets, serving trays, kids bedrooms... the possibilities are endless.
Click here to see more chalkboard paint ideas from Benjamin Moore.
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