Category: Connecticut Travel

Holiday Lunch at Keeler Tavern

The very popular Christmas Luncheons and Holiday Boutique have become a Ridgefield holiday tradition. This fund raising event is held at the Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. Guests dine in the festively decorated Garden House overlooking the brick walled Garden which is lovely, even in December and especially with a dusting of light snow.

The luncheons will be held this year from Tuesday, December 4th to Saturday, December 8th. There will be two seating’s each day at 11:30 AM and 1:15 PM. The cost will be $25 per person by prepaid reservation. Guests will be invited to visit the seasonally decorated rooms of the Tavern Building. Call 203-438-5485 for reservations or visit http://keelertavernmuseum.org<img

If making a reservation for more than one person, please list the names of other members of your group. Reservations and payment may be made securely on line at keelertavernmuseum.org or by calling the Museum and paying by charge card or by mailing a check directly to the Keeler Tavern Museum. For further information or the menu to be served call the Museum at 203-438-5485.

Holiday Boutique
The Holiday Boutique in the Gilbert Dining Room and Museum Gift Shop will be overflowing with gifts for everyone and every occasion. A new selection of Christmas ornaments, unique decorations of the season, gifts for children and adults will fill the area. These unusual gifts will make filling your gift giving needs easy.

The gift shop will be open from 10:30 AM to 4 PM December 4th through 8th. In addition it will be open Sunday, December 9th from 1 PM – 4 PM. During these days, talented crafters will bring products that will enrich the variety of gifts available. And, don’t forget to buy a gift for yourself.

Early Shopping Days will take place Tuesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 2nd from 1 PM – 4 PM.

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Open Studio at Whiting Mills Dec. 1 & 2

The Open Studio, on Dec. 1 – Dec. 2 from11 a.m.- 5 p.m. is being held at Whiting Mills. This event is hosted by the artists that reside in this historic building located in Winsted on 100 Whiting Street.

Hearts & Tulips by Cheryl Bartley Designs
Hearts & Tulips by Cheryl Bartley Designs

Just getting around is half the fun as Whiting Mills has some of the oldest working freight elevators in the State. There are over 30 artists, artisans, quilters, photographers, potters, woodworkers, specialty shops and much more to explore.

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The Mill is has been decorated by the watchful eye and creative genius of Steven Silvester who bedecks the mill with an array of lights and chairs. He has even created a movie that you can watch as you move from floor to floor.

At this annual event each artist offers a variety of items in different media for sale. In addition to touring four floors of this historic building, visitors may enjoy art and craft demonstrations at some of the working art studios. Each artist, in their respective studios, will offer free food and drinks to visitors. A strolling guitar player, kids activities and door prizes add to the festive atmosphere.

The Whiting Mills is located at 100 Whiting Street, Winsted, Connecticut. For information call 860-738-2240. Visit http://www.whitingmills.com

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Holiday Lights at Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce is proud to announce their first annual “Lake Compounce Holiday Lights”, a brand new family event taking place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings beginning on November 30th. The park will open at 5 p.m. on Fridays, and at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The event goes until 9 p.m.and will run November 30, December 1 – 2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23. The park is located on 822 Lake Ave in Bristol Connecticut and can be reached at 860-585-9987 or by visiting http://www.lakecompounce.com.

Holiday Lights will provide full family entertainment for all ages, and include festive activities such as a spectacular Holiday light show every half hour at the main gate, which will feature tens of thousands of lights dancing to holiday music. Kiddeland rides and family themed rides will be in operation. The Train will be transformed into the North Pole Railway, operated by a very special uniformed train conductor with a Holiday story to tell.

There will be indoor activities such as cookie decorating and gingerbread house making. Children will be given the opportunity to customize their very own letter to Santa, and will then receive a personalized letter sent directly to them, from Santa, just a few days later. On the Kiddeland stage children can enjoy Story Time with Mrs. Clause. There will be carolers strolling throughout the park, an ice carver creating unique, frozen creations, and lots more festive entertainment. The childhood favorite photos with Santa is not to be missed in the Starlight Theatre. The park’s gift shops will also be loaded with Holiday themed merchandise for sale, so guests can get their Holiday shopping done, too.

Admission is $14.99 per adult, $10.99 for children ages four though ten, and free for children three and under. Season pass holders may enter for free with their 2012 or 2013 pass. Admission fees are plus tax. Tickets may be purchased online now, or at the park gate once the event begins. Nominal fees will be charged for various activities. Season Passes are being offered at the park at a special sale price of $69.99 plus tax. They can be purchased as holiday gifts and will include special holiday wrapping.

About Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce, part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks, is New England’s Family Theme Park and the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. With the largest water park in Connecticut, and a brand new water slide called Riptide Racer, the park is now in its 168th season. This is the first year the park will be celebrating Holiday Lights, which they hope will be a family tradition for years to come. 2013 Season passes, regularly $75.99, will be on sale for a discounted price of $69.99 plus tax, for the duration of the event. More information can be found at www.lakecompounce.com.

For area information contact www.litchfieldhills.com.

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A Furry Point of View Art Show in Litchfield CT

Litchfield, Connecticut artist Elizabeth Wolff is excited to show a new collection of her whimsical mice in an exhibition of her one woman show “A Furry Point of View.” Many other creatures, including turtles, pigs, foxes, and feather-headed chickens, will join her mice in a gallivant across paper for all to enjoy.

For years the townspeople of Litchfield and the surrounding areas have supported this young illustrator as her work has developed and this show will be a celebration of that ongoing friendship.

Since she was a little tyke of 3 or 4 years old, Elizabeth has eagerly devoured countless picture books with illustrations by Beatrix Potter, Jan Brett, Graham Oakley, and Kevin Henkes.

As a spirited color enthusiast, Elizabeth began drawing with bright markers and crayon scribbles at a very young age. Today, she is a young artist seeking to master her media of choice which includes pen and ink, colored pencils and a little dabble of watercolors. Elizabeth finds inspiration from episodes of daily life that influence her characters own unique and comical plots. In the near future she aspires to become a children’s book illustrator and in such a hectic world, people might enjoy the optimism and humor that her fuzzy friends bring to life…inky paws and all. Her website is www.ewolffdesigns.com.


In the gallery: November 1- December 28 at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South Street, Litchfield, CT. 06759. 860-567-8030. www.owlibrary.org. To accommodate the December holiday season, purchased works of art may be picked up at the Oliver Wolcott Library after 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 and immediately upon purchase throughout the month of December.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

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HOLIDAY SPIRIT GETS AN EARLY START IN THE LITCHFIELD HILLS

To get into the proper holiday spirit early, the place to be the first weekend in December is the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. Festivals galore start the season right in this region that is always as pretty as a Christmas card, and there are numerous opportunities to check off your holiday shopping list in scenic settings. The only dilemma is where to go first.

Bethlehem New England’s Christmas Town

One good place to start is Connecticut’s own little town of Bethlehem, a quaint, village that is transformed each December, when it becomes New England’s favorite Christmas Town. Thousands of visitors arrive to mail their Christmas cards with a Bethlehem postmark and to enjoy the 31st annual gala Christmas Town Festival, set this year for Friday night December 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a tree lighting at 6 p.m. and Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

The town green is transformed for the occasion with some 70 vendors offering crafts and good food. Bring the family for musical entertainment, hayrides and the chance for a photo with Santa. Find the complete schedule at www.christmastownfestival.com

Bethlehem’s historic Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will be festively decorated for the weekend, with themed decorations in each of the first floor rooms. Children will enjoy games, prizes and surprises and refreshments in the Visitor’s Center. This house will be open during festival hours, December 7 and 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For details, phone (203) 266-7596. For details, phone (203) 266-7596 or visit www.ctlandmarks.org

Bethlehem also offers the chance to visit a rare museum-quality 18th century Neapolitan Crèche housed in a barn at the Abbey of Regina Laudis. Check the hours at www.abbeyofreginalaudis.com

The Bethlehem Post Office is also offering extended hours. Bring your holiday cards and stamp them with a special cache. There are 76 stamp designs to choose from as one new design is added each year. The post office will be open with extended hours for the festival. The post office is open on Fri. Dec. 7 from 8 am to 8 pm; on Sat, December 8, 15, & 22 from 8 am to 3 pm and Mon.- Fri. 8 am to 5 pm the month of December

For area information on where to stay, shop and dine, please visit www.litchfieldhills.com.

Family Fun

Kids will love the Grinch Festival a the Imagine Nation Children’s Museum in Bristol on December 7 from 5 pm to 8 pm, where the Dr. Seuss world of Whoville, complete with crafts, sing-alongs and special visitors–including the Grinch. www.imaginenation.org

December 1-16 marks the opening of the Winter Indian Arts & Craft Market at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, and from noon to 4 p.m. parents can shop in the holiday tent that offers items for up to 70% off. The market continues the whole month of December. www.iaismuseum.org.

Holiday ornament-making for kids will take place at the Sharon Tree Lighting on the green and Sharon Historical Society Open House starting at 4:30 on December 1. Everyone is invited to enjoy hot chocolate and homemade cookies furnished by Sharon residents at the society’s headquarters, the historic Gay-Hoyt House, which is beautifully decorated for the occasion. www.sharonhist.org

The Merwinsville Hotel and Museum is transformed into a winter wonderland every year for Christmas in Gaylordsville, a world of snow villages, model trains around the Christmas tree, caroler’s displays of snow globes, nutcrackers and music boxes. The event takes place Nov. 30, 6:30- 930 and Dec. 1-2 from 10 to 5 pm. Art, crafts, jewelry, weavings, birdhouses, and photography by local artists are among the tempting items for sale. A special Story Time for children will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 11AM. www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Festive Shopping

This will be the 23rd year for St. John’s Bazaar in Washington November 30 and Dec. 1 and 2. A live auction will take place at Friday night’s preview party, with offerings such as a week in Tuscany or a Nantucket getaway. The Bazaar continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with festive gift shopping and delicious treats from the famous St. John’s Larder. www.stjohnwashington.org

Another favorite historic celebration is the annual Holiday Festival at the Glebe House in Woodbury, also Friday, December 1 and Saturday, and December 2. Free tours will be offered of the museum house, beautifully decorated for the holidays with wreaths, holiday lighting, and garlands, all for sale. A bazaar offers many original gift ideas. www.theglebehouse.org

The Holiday Tea at the historic Rider House is a happy tradition presented by the Danbury Museum and Historical Society from noon to 1:30 p.m. on November 29-30 and December 1. A variety of teas and an assortment of sandwiches, savories and sweets will be served and the Danbury Museum’s Holiday Bazaar will be open with a host of gift ideas. Reservations are required–space is limited. Call (203) 723-5200 for further information.

There’s still wonderful shopping to be had the following weekend at the Newtown Holiday Craft Festival at the Edmond Town Hall gymnasium in Newtown, on December 9th where over 36-juried vendors will be offering their handcrafted wares. Information is available at (203) 261-2414.

Or plan to have Breakfast with Santa on December 15 and 16 at Wood Acres Farm in Terryville. Eggs, pancakes and sausages are on the menu, there will be horse-drawn hay or sleigh for all and young visitors will enjoy a visit with Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus. For advance tickets, phone: (860) 583-8670.

For more information about these and other December events in the Litchfield Hills and to receive a free copy of UNWIND, a 112-page color guide to lodging, dining and other attractions, contact the Western Connecticut Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968, Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506, www.visitwesternct.com.

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A Time For Storytelling at Institute for American Indian Studies November 24

Outdoor Village at IAIS

According to Native American lore, the art of telling stories is an important apect of culture heritage and sharing from one generation to another. Janis, a US, Mohawk-Shinnecock descent notes from “Four Hearts Whispering”, “”We tell our stories to entertain, but they do much more than that. They teach life’s important lessons — to young and old alike. Stories can explain the natural world around us and connect us to our past”

On Saturday, November 24 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. families are invited to share in a Native American cultural experience at the Indian Institue for American Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

It is said that in New England Native American life, stories are traditionally told as the days grow shorter and the winds blow colder. During this special time of year, participants are invited to gather with storyteller, Four Hearts Whispering at the ndian Institue for American Studies and enjoy her delightful and heartwarming traditional Native American stories. There will be a short intermission break where children will be invited to participate in a simple craft.

Please call (860) 868-0518 for reservations. Fee: $5 Adults; $6 Kids. For information visit http://www.iaismuseum.org. For area information visit http://www.litchfieldhills.com

About the Indian Institue for American Studies

Located in Washington, Connecticut, the Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) – formerly the American Indian Archaeological Institute (AIAI) – was incorporated in 1975 as an outgrowth of local efforts to recover New England’s then-largely-unknown indigenous history. IAIS is a 501(c)3 museum and research center founded by Edmund “Ned” Swigart and Sidney Hessel. In the early 1970s volunteers of all ages joined Ned – an instructor at the Gunnery School and head of the Wappinger Chapter of the Connecticut Archaeological Society – to dig in and around Washington. A multitude of discoveries pointed to extensive native settlements and soon the back room of the Gunn Historical Museum overflowed with artifacts and field notes in need of analysis. Volunteer archaeologists joined forces with volunteer fundraisers and the American Indian Archaeological Institute opened on July 1, 1975.

Since 1975, AIAI – and later, IAIS – has surveyed or excavated over 500 sites, including the remarkable discovery of a 10,000-year-old camp site, the earliest known archaeological site in Connecticut. But archaeology is about so much more than excavating sites or collecting stone tools; it is about people. Through archaeology, we are able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans. This history echoes throughout all history and informs us in the present. With full awareness of the importance of keeping this knowledge alive, the focus of the Institute has always been stewardship and preservation. In 1991, our name was changed to the Institute for American Indian Studies and there was a shift in focus to include education in conjunction with research. Today, in addition to special events and workshops, IAIS also houses a knowledgeable Education Department, dedicated to developing and providing in-depth and exciting programs for students of all ages. Schools from throughout the region take advantage of the Institute’s on-site facilities, while schools from across the country contact IAIS looking for reliable and accurate information.

IAIS continues to be a membership organization. In addition to annual support from members, IAIS reaches out to foundations and corporations for grant and funding opportunities. This year, more than 10,000 people visited us and another 15,000 students participated in our education programs. We offer workshops, films and lectures throughout the year. The Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club, under the direction of IAIS’s Director of Research and Collections, Dr. Lucianne Lavin, offers a summer excavation of a village dating back over 4,000 years, as well as a lecture series during the winter months. Our Museum Shop, which is an integral part of the museum, is always stocked with Native American gifts and crafts from across North America.

A respect for the earth and for all living things is central to Native American lifeways and this is reflected throughout our museum, which is nestled in 15 acres of woodlands and trails. Outdoors we have created a Simulated Archaeological Site, Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens, as well as a replicated 16th century Algonkian Village. The village is based upon traditional knowledge and archaeological research and is built from local natural materials. Self-guided trails let visitors explore the seasonal world of Woodland Indian peoples. Inside, our museum exhibits present information on a spectrum of topics related to the lives and cultures of prehistoric, historic and contemporary Native Americans. Permanent exhibits include Quinnetukut: Our Homeland, Our Story; From East To West: Across Our Homelands; Digging into the Past: Archaeology in Connecticut; a Sachem’s wigwam (longhouse) classroom with a beautifully painted lifeways mural; and a replicated early-1900s Northeastern reservation house room. Changing exhibits and the shop’s Artist’s Corner give visitors a reason to come back again and again. IAIS is open seven days a week year-round. Something exciting and different is always happening here. It is a place of discovery…a place to return to.

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