Category: Connecticut Travel

Fairfield is rolling out a red, white and blue carpet on July 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that promises to be fun for the whole family. The day begins on the historic town green to celebrate the final day of the display of the Declaration of Independence. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy food from a food truck from 1 a.m. to 1 pm. while enjoying crafts, games and even a British encampment.

The British encampment that will simulate what Fairfield looked like when the redcoats invaded. Participants will experience life during the Revolutionary War by visiting with members of the 54th CT Regiment of Foot, a British regiment like the ones who invaded Fairfield in 1779. The members of the 54th will set up a British soldier’s encampment, explaining the equipment that was likely used during the British invasion of Fairfield as well as demonstrating the manual of arms. There might also be a need to proclaim the “King’s will” to those in attendance while being part of the force occupying the town for the day!

Of special historic interest in honor of the 240th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, take a look at an early version of the Declaration of Independence and other historical artifacts such as a document bearing John Hancock’s famous signature! Connecticut signers of the Declaration included Oliver Wolcott, Roger Sherman, William Williams and Samuel Huntington.

The highlight of this event are the Burning of Fairfield Walking Tours on: Sunday, July 10 at 12:30 p.m., 1p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; to reserve a spot visit the website tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

This walking tour brings the burning of Fairfield back to life as your guide explains the history and events surrounding the attack on Fairfield by the British on July 7-8, 1779. Participants will listen to the Proclamation from the British General William Tryon and Admiral Collier, to the people of Connecticut. You will hear the anguished words of Eunice Burr, as she witnesses the ransacking and destruction of her home, at the site where it happened. Young William Wheeler’s voice speaks to you of his family’s struggle to evacuate the town and his feelings of pride at the heroic actions of the local militia and the Fort at Black Rock as they work to fend off the Crown Forces. The walk ends with the somber after action report of Reverend Andrew Eliot as he reflects on the events of those two days in July, and their meaning for the town and its future. This popular event is one that is not to be missed.

For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Now in its tenth year, SOLOS is a celebration of the artistic talent and diversity of the Arts Center’s artist members. The exhibition will feature a diverse range of works, including paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, and mixed media. With entries from across the country, selected artists are from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

Selected artists include: Nina Bentley, Mixed Media Artist (Westport, CT), Cynthia Cooper, Painter (Farmington, CT), Larry Gordon, Painter (Larchmont, NY), Allan Gorman, Painter (West Orange, NJ), David Kalman, Photographer (Westport, CT) ,Daniel Lanzilotta, Sculptor (Westport, CT), Barbara Ringer, Photographer (Ridgefield, CT) and David Sheskin, Printmaker (Bethel, CT). This exhibition celebrates a disparate group, which in fact is the underlying purpose of SOLOS – it’s about 21st century artists embracing daring innovations, unusual media and bold new techniques.

For more information, contact the Westport Arts Center at (203) 222-7070 or www.westportartscenter.org. The Westport Arts Center gallery is open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 51 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT. For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

This year on July 23 and 24 at the Goshen Fair Grounds located on 116 Middle Road (Rte. 63) in Goshen thriteen Connecticut Vineyards have come together to present the 2016 Connecticut Wine Festival.

The participating vineyards include:Bishop’s Orchards Winery Paradise Hills Vineyard DiGrazia Vineyards Priam Vineyards Holmberg Orchards & Winery Sharpe Hill Vineyard Hopkins Vineyard Sunset Meadow Vineyards Jonathan Edwards Winery Taylor Brooke Winery Jones Winery White Silo Winery and Miranda Vineyard.

Visitors are invited to come and sample the best of Connecticut’s wineries as well as sample delicious locally produced specialty foods, browse for handicrafts while listening to live music. The tickets are 27.00 in advance/$35.00 at the gate and $10.00 Designated Driver. Advance Tickets are available until midnight on Saturday, July 16th and can be purchased online or at the gate.

Tasting Tickets include admission to the festival, samples of up to 4 wines at each of the wineries, a free CT Wine Festival wine glass and a CT Wine Festival tote bag. Designated Driver Tickets include admission to the festival, a free CT Wine Festival tote bag and free water.

If you are part of the 2016 Passport to Connecticut Wineries this is a perfect opportunity to get your passport stamped; wineries will not be stamping their individual pages, but the CT Wine Festival has a page of it’s own to be stamped. Please remember to bring a valid I.D. and remember that there are no pets or outside food and beverages allowed on the fairgrounds.

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

The fourth of July is around the corner and the folks at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is offering a unique water view of municipal holiday displays – times two, thanks to reflections on the surface – and avoid the crowds and traffic aboard Fireworks Cruises that they are offering this year.
The Fireworks Cruises on boardR/V Spirit of the Sound™, the country’s only research vessel with quiet “green” hybrid-electric propulsion gives participants special, easy access to the local displays. Best of all, you won’t have to lug lawn chairs and there won’t be any trees in your way. Forget waiting in traffic when cruising the Sound while enjoying a fabulous view of fireworks displays from one of two levels on the ship.

Here’s the Aquarium’s patriotic-pyrotechnics plan, with fireworks viewing at sea:

Thurs., June 30 – Westport’s Compo Beach display
• Fri., July 1 – Stamford’s Cummings Beach display
• Sat., July 2 – Fairfield’s Penfield/Jennings Beach display
• Sun., July 3 – Norwalk’s Calf Pasture Beach display

Each cruise departs at 7 p.m. from The Maritime Aquarium dock (outside the IMAX® Theater). Return is expected by 11 p.m. Food in small soft-sided coolers is allowed aboard the boat, but alcoholic beverages and glass bottles are prohibited. Tickets are $50 per person. All participants must be at least 42 inches tall to board. Those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. R/V Spirit of the Sound has a climate-controlled cabin but participants should dress for time outside on deck, where the best viewing occurs. There is a restroom onboard.

Capacity is limited so advance reservations are strongly suggested. Reserve your tickets online – and see the full summer schedule for public cruises aboard R/V Spirit of the Sound – at http://www.maritimeaquarium.org. Or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.

For a complete fireworks calendar for Fairfield County and Litchfield Hills visit http://www.visitwesternct.com

The Danbury Museum & Historical Society located on 43 Main Street in the heart of Danbury has launched a new exhibit, Toy Time: Playful Pieces that will be on display through October 29, 2016. This is a free exhibit that is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The exhibit features something for kids of all ages. Vintage toys from the museum collection will be showcased including Lincoln Logs, dolls, tin toys, trains, board games and puzzles, as well as outdoor play items and much more.

This show is sure to please parents and grandparents visiting with their children, neighbors, school classmates, brothers and sisters; there is something for everyone viewing this fun exhibit with items that boys and girls of every generation have enjoyed.

This summer is a great time to visit the museum and awaken fond memories of past play dates. The Museum’s extensive toy collection will surely help folks do just that.

Visit www.danburymuseum.org for a full list of upcoming events being held at the museum. For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

The summer season at Quassy Amusement Park has ramped up and is dishing out plenty of summer fun for families. This fun filled lakeside amusement park has a history that goes back to 1888 when Mr. Richards opened a grove house for clambakes. By 1905, the Wallace Hotel replaced the grove house and a trolley, picnic area and carousel was added. By 1937, three local businessmen purchased the property and began adding attractions. In 1952, the park became a full-fledged amusement park with the addition of even more rides. Today this unique family amusement park overs more than twenty rides, swimming, picnicking, a large arcade and Spash Away Bay Water Park as well as the award winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster.

New this year is the new ride called reverse time that will be the first ride of its kind in all of North America plus new waterslides. Reverse Time, themed as a giant clock, accommodates 24 riders seated in a circular configuration facing outward. As the ride starts to spin it is lifted into the air with the supporting turntable rotating in the opposite direction.

Guests will dip and dive as the ride reaches a maximum speed of 20 revolutions per minute. Mid-cycle, the ride will change direction adding to the exciting experience.

The park is also hosting many special events this summer that includes:

July 4- ‘3D’ Fireworks – Have a blast this July 4th at the Quassy special ‘3D’ fireworks presentation after dark to benefit Healthy Eyes Alliance. Viewing glasses will be sold for $1. Parking $10 on July 4th. Presented by TD Bank, Price Chopper, Premier Auto Group of Watertown, Pepsi and Quassy.

Aug. 27-Christian Dance Day – Christian praise and worship dance teams perform on the Carousel Theatre stage at 2 p.m. Great family entertainment.

Sept. 3 & 4 -Irish Dance Competition – 20th Annual Constitution State Feis (Irish Dance Competition) with hundreds of dancers from throughout New England competing. To take place at the Carousel Theatre. Presented by the Horgan Academy of Irish Dance.

Sept. 5 – Carload Labor Day – Say goodbye to summer with a special $45 Carload Labor Day (up to 10 persons in your car) at Quassy! Support the Campership Fund as a portion of the day’s proceeds helps to send kids to camp!

Sept. 24- Second Annual Dance Competition – 11 a.m. at Carousel Theatre stage.

Sept. 24 & 25- 25th Annual OKTOBERFEST – Great German food, live music, dancing and more. Noon to 6 p.m. both days in the OKTOBERFEST pavilion. Music starts at 12:30 p.m. Rides operate 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the park visit www.quassy.com. For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com