Category: Connecticut Travel

Hollister House Garden Fair

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The Hollister House located in beautiful Washington Connecticut on 300 Nettleton Rd. is one of only 16 exceptional gardens currently designated a Preservation Project by the Garden Conservancy. In 2010, Hollister House achieved its listing on the National Register of Historic Places and was also named a Town Landmark Site by the Town of Washington. Hollister House Garden is beautifully situated on a gently sloping hillside behind a rambling 18th century farmhouse. The intimate outdoor spaces, bordered by dramatic hedges and the natural landscape, are lavishly planted with both familiar and exotic species and open onto stunning vistas.

The Hollister House is hosting a late summer garden fair featuring rare plants not usually available in the trade and one of a kind garden artifacts and containers will be held in the beautiful historic barn at Hollister House Garden on Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Unusual plants such as specialty peonies, hard-to-find shrubs and trees, and herbaceous perennials that are traditionally planted in the fall will be on offer from four outstanding nurseries: Broken Arrow Nursery (Hamden, CT), Cricket Hill Garden (Thomaston, CT), Falls Village (CT) Flower Farm and Opus (Little Compton, RI). Each of the knowledgeable vendors will present an informative show and tell with timely tips on late season gardening and autumn to-do’s such as dividing peonies, a task best done in September.

In addition to plants, playfully eccentric garden ornaments salvaged, restored and created by Kent, CT-based RT Facts and simply elegant Ben Wolff pots, each hand made in Goshen, CT and signed by the artist will also be available for sale.

Admission to the garden fair is $10 and includes entrance to Hollister House Garden. The $10 donation supports educational programs for the non-profit Hollister House Garden.
Hollister House Garden is also open to visitors every Saturday through September. August hours are 8 to 10 am and 3 to 6 pm; September hours are 10 am to noon and 2 to 5 pm. Information and directions to the garden’s 300 Nettleton Hollow Road location are available on the website at www.hollisterhousegarden.org or by calling 860-868-2200.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment

Run for the Woods on September 7

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If you enjoy walking and running on beautiful nature trails then join the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) for the 2nd Annual Run for the Woods on Saturday, September 7 at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area located on Rte. 69 about three miles south of Rte. 4 in Burlington Connecticut.

CFPA advocates for people that love the outdoors and together with the support of the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Fleet Feet they have organized a 10K Trail Race that begins at 8:30 a.m., a 5K Trail Race at 9 a.m. and a 5K walk at 9:15 a.m. at Sessons Woods.

Participants will walk or jog on beautifully maintained trails and will pass by wetlands, meadows, and a beaver pond. Lucky participants may even catch a glimpse of a pileated woodpecker, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and a majestic broad-winged hawk.

Registration fees are $25 for the 5K run or walk, and $35 for the 10k run. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the race. If you can’t join in the events, and love the outdoors, you might consider making a general donation to CFPA or dedicating it to one of the runners or walkers. All donations go to the protection of Connecticut forests and trails. For more information, registration, and pledging guidelines visit www.ctwoodlands.org/runforthewoods2013.

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About Sessions Woods
The biggest threat facing CT’s wildlife is the loss of habitat. Since more than 90% of land in CT is privately owned, the Wildlife Division established the Sessions Woods Management Area to begin to meet the needs of the State’s wildlife.

Sessions Woods is more than a tract of natural land set aside for wildlife, it also introduces visitors to wildlife and natural resources management through a variety of educational programs, demonstration sites, displays and self-guided hiking trails.

When you walk the trails here, you experience more than just the benefits of a healthy hike in the fresh outdoor air. Along the sides of the Beaver Pond Trail, Forest Meadow Trail and in the Backyard Habitat Demonstration Area you will find demonstrations of wildlife and habitat management practices.

About CFPA
The CFPA is Connecticut’s first nonprofit conservation organization that was established back in 1895 and is best known for maintaining the 825-mile Blue Blaze hiking system. Their mission is to protect forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces for future generations by connecting people to the land. CFPA directly involves individuals and families, educators, community leaders, and volunteers to enhance and defend Connecticut’s rich natural heritage. CFPA is a private, non-profit organization that relies on members and supporters to carry out its mission.

CFPA envisions Connecticut as a place of scenic beauty whose cities, suburbs, and villages are linked by a network of parks, forests, and trails easily accessible for all people to challenge the body and refresh the spirit. They picture a state where clean water, timber, farm fresh foods, and other products of the land make a significant contribution to our economic and cultural well being.
For more information http://www.ctwoodlands.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

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Perfect Pairs at The Palace

The Palace - photo: Happyhaha
The Palace – photo: Happyhaha

Some of the most entertaining acts in history have been “Perfect Pairs” – Abbott & Costello, Martin & Lewis, Lucy & Desi. This Fall the Courtyard by Marriott presents “Broadway/Cabaret/Jazz Series: Perfect Pairs at The Palace.” Perfect Pairs will feature the very best dynamic duos in Broadway, Cabaret and Jazz performing in an intimate setting on the HARMAN Stage on four evenings throughout the fall and winter. This series is made possible through the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Courtyard by Marriott.

This unique series, where the performers and audience both occupy the stage, is the result of the passion and hard work of Palace Theatre Board Member Lynn DiMenna. “Lynn has been working quite diligently to bring this series to fruition for almost four years now,” said Executive Director, Michael E. Moran, Jr. “Combining Broadway, Cabaret and Jazz and seating the audience on the stage with the performers will make for four extraordinary and intimate events.”

“I wanted to launch the series with something a little special,” said DiMenna, a cabaret performer herself. “Pairing some of the best entertainers in the different genres brings something unexpected and exciting to the mix that I think our audiences will love!”

Saturday, September 7, 2013 – 8 p.m.
JUDY CARMICHAEL & STEVE ROSS
Grammy nominated pianist Judy Carmichael, one of the world’s leading interpreters of stride piano and swing, and Steve Ross, who the New York Times calls “Crown Prince of New York Cabaret,” team up for an unforgettable evening.

Friday, October 18, 2013 – 8 p.m.
CHRISTINE PEDI & JOHNNY RODGERS
October’s evening features musical theater singer, comedienne and Drama Desk nominated Christine Pedi, and internationally-celebrated singer-songwriter, pianist, Broadway star, and recording artist Johnny Rodgers, who is described by Stephen Holden (The New York Times) as an entertainer “that can’t be found anywhere else” with “fused elements of Billy Joel, Peter Allen and Johnny Mercer.”

Wednesday, November 13, 2013 – 8 p.m.
CYRILLE AIMÉE & FREDDY COLE
In November, old world jazz and standards meets the next generation – Cyrille Aimée, an unstoppable, undeniable talent in the modern age of jazz and whose unique vocal stylings reflect her culturally rich background of Dominican rhythm and the incredible swing of the French gypsies, teams up with Freddy Cole (Nat “King” Cole’s brother) whose vocals – suave, elegant, formidable, and articulate – are among the most respected in jazz today.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 – 8 p.m.
MARILYN MAYE & HOUSTON PERSON
The series goes out with a bang when Cabaret legend Marilyn Maye returns to the HARMAN Stage with world renowned tenor saxophonist Houston Person mixing the best in Broadway, Cabaret and Jazz.

Tickets for the Broadway/Cabaret/Jazz Series can be purchased as single tickets and partial subscriptions at www.SCAlive.org or charged by phone with major credit cards by calling the Palace Box Office at 203-325-4466. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Palace Theatre box office on 61 Atlantic Ave. in downtown Stamford, CT. The box office is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 2013-2014 season is made possible by Palace Theatre’s Season Sponsors Seaboard Properties, Inc. and the Whittingham Family. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

About the Palace Theatre
The vision of the Palace Theatre is to be the regional arts center for exciting entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic, and social life of the community. The Palace strives to achieve this vision by demonstrating integrity in all work and relationships, providing service and quality in all activities, fostering and promoting diversity of thought, ideas and culture, providing stewardship for the Stamford Arts community, emphasizing outreach in our community, and offering creativity in all endeavors. Major funding is provided by the Department of Economic & Community Development and the Office of the Arts. Programs made possible in part by the Fairfield County Community Foundation.

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Hometown Heroes Exhibit at Danbury Museum & Historical Society

Courtesy of the Danbury Museum
Courtesy of the Danbury Museum

The Danbury Museum & Historical Society located on 43 Main Street in Danbury has launched their new exhibit, Hometown Heroes: An Historic Tribute the Danbury Police & Fire Departments, now open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 3pm, through November 9, 2013. This exhibit tells the tale of the birth and development of both departments in the city of Danbury and honors the city’s Hometown Heroes, the men and women who serve and protect the citizens that live here in countless ways.

The eighteen display cases in Huntington Hall, the exhibit space, is filled with memorabilia, including: photographs, uniforms, artifacts, equipment and ephemera that commemorate the history and service of Danbury’s police officers and firemen.

In addition to vintage photo displays in each case, an hour-long photo slide show runs continuously and photocopied newspaper articles and other published materials are accessible to visitors to spark memories and spur conversation.

The exhibit is the backdrop for a full slate of films, lectures and special events for all ages. The history of national fire and police service will also be explored, and includes an August 17th visit from Damon Campana, Director of the New York Fire Museum who will discuss NYC fire history at 2pm.

For a nominal fee, visitors to the museum on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm can enjoy a guided tour of the historic buildings located at the 43 Main Street campus, including: The John & Mary Rider House (c.1785), The Dodd Hat Shop (c. 1790), The Marian Anderson Studio and the Little Red Schoolhouse.

About the DMHSA: The Danbury Museum & Historical Society was formed in 1947 to acquire, preserve, exhibit and interpret New England’s past; focusing particularly on the heritage of Danbury. Situated in downtown Danbury, the museum preserves the John and Mary Rider House (c.1785), the Dodd Hat Shop (c. 1790), the Marian Anderson Studio and the Charles Ives Birthplace. Huntington Hall, a modern exhibit building houses the museum offices and research library.

For more information contact: www.danburymuseum.org and for area information www.litchfieldhills.com

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Stamford’s Restaurant Weeks farm to table through Sept. 2

CT: Fairfield County,Stamford

Hosted by the Downtown Stamford Restaurant Association, the Stamford Restaurant Weeks is kicked off on Monday, August 19 and runs through September 2. With 31 restaurants to choose from, all with tantalizing prix-fixe menus, there’s plenty of opportunities to try a new eatery or return to one of your favorites.

The highlight of this years’ Restaurant Weeks is the focus on farm to table dining. Just look for the tomato icon next to the menu item to know that this food is part of this initiative. The four local farms that have partnered with local chefs participating in this event include: Domus, Green Up Group, Hubbard Heights Farm and the Stamford Nature Center.

This summer’s Restaurant Weeks participants: Aria, Bar Q Stamford, Bar Rosso, Barcelona Wine Bar, Bobby Valentine’s Sports Gallery Café, California Pizza Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Capriccio Café, Columbus Park Trattoria, Cotto Wine Bar, Emme of Capri, EOS Creek Cuisine, Fin II Japanese Restaurant, Hudson Grille, Kona Grill, Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant, Kujaku Japanese Restaurant, Lola’s Mexican Kitchen, Lucky’s Classic Burger, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Morton’s, The Steakhouse, napa & co., Patrizia’s of Stamford, Quattro Pazzi, Remo’s Brick Oven Pizza, Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse, SBC Downtown Restaurant & Brewery, Tengda Asian Bistro, Tiernan’s Bar & Restaurant, Volta Gelateria Creperia, and ZAZA Italian Gastrobar.

The Stamford hospital is a co-sponsor of this event and is promoting their KIDS’ FANS 5-2-1-0 Program, designed to promote health and fitness among Stamford’s youth.

Once again, the he Avon Theatre Film Center is returning as a co-sponsor, so be sure to be one of the first 3,000 Summer Restaurant Weeks patrons to receive a voucher for a free medium sized popcorn at the Avon Theater Film Center.

For up to the minute details visit www.stamford-downtown.com and look under Signature events.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

Don’t Miss One of the State’s Oldest Country Fairs in Goshen Aug. 31- Sept 2

Chain Saw Demo - courtesy Goshen Fair
Chain Saw Demo – courtesy Goshen Fair

‘Tis the season. In Connecticut’s rural Litchfield Hills, harvest time means the region’s favorite end-of-summer celebrations, old-fashioned country fairs. In the quiet hamlet of Goshen, one the largest agricultural fairs in the State will be taking place from August 31 through September 2 for the 101 time!

Many events featured at this country fair have been attracting families for generations. Baking contests, horse shows, and displays of prized sheep, swine, goats, cattle, cows, oxen, and draft horses offer a rare chance for city and suburban youngsters to see fine farm animals close-up. Live entertainment, mouth-watering food, a colorful midway and a multitude of displays and imaginative entertainment rounds out the fun.

This year’s celebration includes an Adult Spelling Bee, Fireworks, Hay Bale Toss Contest, a colorful Parade, Pie Eating Contest, Skillet Throwing Contest, Vater’s Monster Truck Show and performances by Hypno Lorezo, Changes in Latitudes: a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, Nashville Drive, and Apricot Brandy to name
a few.

Horse Show, courtesy Goshen Fair
Horse Show, courtesy Goshen Fair

There are some new additions for kids as well this year. Near the Antique Barn, be on the look out for the Frozen T-shirt Contest that will take place on Saturday at 3 pm. On Monday, at 11 a.m. Jester Jim will be on the scene with a show sure to delight youngsters. A special treat for kids on Monday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. is the offer of a $30 wristband for unlimited rides (admission not included).

Special highlights of the fair also include a draft horse show at 8:30 a.m. on Sat. Aug. 31, a Lumberjack Contest and woodcutting demonstration from 12 noon – 3 p.m. followed by the Hay Bale Throw Contest at 4:30 and fireworks at 9 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 1, some of the highlights include a Junior Open Dairy Show at 9 a.m., a 11 a.m. parade down the midway, a 1 p.m. horse draw exhibit, pie eating contest at 3 p.m., a skillet toss at 4:30 p.m. and Vater’s Monster Truck Show at 7:30 p.m. On Monday, Sept. 2 there will be Dairy Show and Dog Agility Demonstrations at 9 a.m., a woodcutting contest at noon and the adult spelling bee at 2 p.m and much more. For a complete list of entertainment check out the website.

Pie Eating Contest - courtesy Goshen Fair
Pie Eating Contest – courtesy Goshen Fair

Admission to the Goshen Fair is $8 for adults, children under 12 are free. Senior admission will be $5 on Sat. only. Visit http://www.goshenfair.org/coupon.htm for a discount coupon saving $1 off admission on Monday, Sept. 2 only. The Goshen Fairgrounds are located on the right approximately ½ miles south of the center of Goshen on Rte. 63. The GPS address is 116 Old Middle Street, Goshen, CT. For an up to the minute schedule visit http://www.goshenfair For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment