Category: Connecticut Travel

65th Anniversary Promises Special House Tour in the Litchfield Hills July 14

Center of Litchfield (Jim McElholm photo)

New England’s oldest house tour, Open House Day in Litchfield, Connecticut, celebrates its 65th anniversary on Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the rare chance to visit five prize private properties in the early New England town that is famous for its grand and elegant homes. An impressive roster of homes with architectural and historical distinction is being assembled for this special year. Proceeds benefit Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR), an organization dedicated to helping troubled youths.

Tapping Reeve House and Law School

The Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, the first law school in America, will also be included in the admission price of the Tour. The History Museum is featuring a new exhibition, The Hour of Conflict; marking the anniversary of the Civil War by examining the ways the war im¬pacted the residents of Litchfield in the 1860s. The museum will also feature a juried art show sponsored by the Litchfield Visual Arts.

A Preview Tour will be offered Friday, July 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by a cocktail reception in a private home.

Litchfield Aid of CJR, an organization founded in 1911 by 12 Litchfield women to help support the programs and facilities of the Connecticut Junior Republic, sponsors the annual tour.

HOUSE TOUR INFORMATION

The self-guided house tour begins at 10 a.m. on July 14 the Information Booth on the Litchfield Green, where tickets may be purchased for $35. Advance purchase tickets, $30, may be ordered by mail from Litchfield Aid of CJR, P.O. Box 214, Litchfield, Connecticut 06759. A stamped, self-addressed envelope should be included with credit card information (Mastercard or Visa only), check or money order, made payable to Litchfield Aid of CJR. Ticket information for the Preview Tour and Party may be obtained by calling the Connecticut Junior Republic, 869-567-9423.

For details of the 65th Annual Open House Tour and ticket information for the Preview Tour and Party, contact the Connecticut Junior Republic at (860) 567-9423, between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM, or visit www.litchfieldct.com/cjr/tour.html.

For information about nearby events and a free copy of UNWIND, a 112-page color guide to lodging, dining and all the attractions in the Litchfield Hills, contact the Western Connecticut Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968, Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506, or visit their web site at http://www.litchfieldhills.com

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A Duo of Two Revolutionary Events July 7

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The Burning of Fairfield 223 Year Commemoration & Walking Tour

On Saturday, July 7th the Fairfield Museum and History Center has planned an evening walking tour from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm to commemorate the 1779 Burning of Fairfield.

On July 7, 1779, the people of Fairfield awoke to a warning shot from the fort at Black Rock, signaling that a British fleet was spotted off the coast.    For two days, Fairfield was under British attack with troops burning virtually all its buildings.  This attack was actually one of three attacks, including New Haven and Norwalk, along the Connecticut coastline.

Following the Burning of Fairfield in 1779, there was ongoing worry among citizens about a repeat attack and this concern eventually led to the construction of the Powderhouse in Fairfield, which is located behind the site of Tomlinson Middle School.

This year marks the 223 rd. anniversary date of the destruction of Fairfield by British troops. This year, the animated walking tour brings to life an exciting piece of Fairfield’s history and will include stops at various homes on or adjacent to the town green with actors portraying prominent citizens. The event is so authentic that actual letters and depositions from 1779 are used. This is living history in action because you can hear the actual dramatic words of Fairfield citizens who were witnesses to the burning of Fairfield.

The rain or shine walking tour will begin at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield.  Each tour is $5 for museum members and $8 for non-members.

The Fairfield Museum is located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, CT. Hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free for members, $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for children age 5 and under.  For more information on exhibits and upcoming programs, visit www.fairfieldhs.org or call the Fairfield Museum at 203-259-1598.  The Museum annually hosts more than 18,000 visitors. For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

 

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Hopkins Vineyard Celebrates 225 Years

On July 7 from noon to 5pm (rain date July 8th) Hopkins Vineyard, a National Bi-Centennial Farm (25 Hopkins Rd.) located in New Preston Connecticut will be celebrating 225 years of ownership by the same family.

The Hopkins Family has organized the Heritage Festival and is inviting the general public to come and experience this colonial themed event for free! The Heritage Festival, will be replete with music and costumes representing the year 1787.

In 1787, Elijah Hopkins, returning from the Revolutionary War, chose this rich and fertile site on Lake Waramaug to settle his family and start the Hopkins Farm. The farm, has witnessed many diversified forms of agriculture over the years including the raising of sheep, racehorses, grain crops, tobacco, and in the more recent past dairy farming.

In 1979, Bill Hopkins planted the first vines and converted his 19th century barn into a state-of-the-art winery that overlooks the serene waters of beautiful Lake Waramaug. The rest is award winning winemaking history.

Now in business for over 30 years this premier Connecticut Vineyard is celebrating its’ heritage in style. The events from noon to 5 pm at the Heritage Festival will include: Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard Parade at Noon followed by a Proclamation of the Anniversary, honoring American Patriot, Elijah Hopkins.

Adding ambience to the festival, there will be 18th Century Music by Hanford & Finlay, who will play Tavern Songs in addition to performing a family program called “In the Good Old Colony Days”.

There will be quilting, spinning and weaving, candle making, rope making, black smithing, kettle corn and open fire cooking displays. The festival will have plenty of fun children’s activities and games that will be provided by the Charles Merriman Society. The DAR will be on hand to help with genealogy research and an interesting selection of Colonial Era Arts and Crafts will be for sale.  Refreshments, baked goods and food catered by the Hopkins Inn will also be available.

For more information visit http://www.hopkinsvineyard.com. For area information and places to shop, stay and dine visit www.litchfieldhills.com.

 

 

 

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Maritime Aquarium’s Cruises Go Daily in July

Study Cruise aboard the Oceanic

Share a memorable boat ride with crabs, fish, lobsters and other creatures brought up right out of Long Island Sound right before your eyes during daily study cruises this summer with The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

The Aquarium’s exciting Marine Life Study Cruises will begin their daily schedule on July 1, departing at 1 p.m. each day through Labor Day. (In June, they push off at 1 p.m. on Saturdays.)

During each 21/2-hour Marine Life Study Cruise aboard the research vessel Oceanic, animals are collected from different water levels and bottom habitats of the Sound. A video microscope provides a magnified look at wriggly plankton gathered at the sunlit surface. Tiny crabs and worms emerge from a sampling of the anaerobic muddy bottom. A biodredge reveals a hidden world of sponges, snails and mollusks. And everyone inspects the trawl net’s bounty – varieties of fish and crabs, lobsters, sea stars, squid and always a few surprises.

The outings are much more than a boat ride. Maritime Aquarium educators involve participants in the processes, from sorting through samples to helping to pull in the trawl net and returning animals to the water. These animal encounters have immediate and incredible value in showing participants that the Sound is very much alive and worthy of our protection.

Besides being fun and eye-opening, Marine Life Study Cruises also contribute to local scientific research. Water-chemistry and weather readings are taken. And details about the animals brought onboard are entered into the Aquarium’s Long Island Sound Biodiversity Project, a database on the physical and biological features of the Sound. The database, available online for teachers and researchers, will reveal any changes in the Sound over time.

Also during the study cruises, as part of a Horseshoe Crab Census conducted by Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, The Maritime Aquarium tags and records data about all horseshoe crabs collected.

Cost of a Marine Life Study Cruise is $20.50 per person ($18.50 for Maritime Aquarium members). All passengers must be at least 42 inches tall. Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-up tickets will be sold space permitting. The Oceanic can accommodate 29 passengers. Marine Life Study Cruises also are available for private 9 a.m. charters for summer camps, Scouts and other groups. Cruises depart from the dock near the Aquarium’s IMAX Theater entrance. To reserve your spot on a Maritime Aquarium Marine Life Study Cruise, or for more details, call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206. For more information visit www.MaritimeAquarium.org. For regional information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

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The Eighth Annual Pilobolus Ball June 30

One of the world’s most popular modern-dance troupes accoring to the New York Times that is “famous for its wit and sensuality.” is hosting an Summer Ball where guests are invited to drink, dine, mingle, bid and dance the night away!

This is one of the “hottest” parties in Litchfield Hills of the summer season. On Saturday, June 30, on the great lawn at Quatre Vents in Washington, join the Litchfield Friends of Pilobolus under the stars to celebrate Connecticutʼs preeminent arts organization a cultural gem in the Litchifeld Hills.

This yearʼs benefit gala is destined to be the largest yet after their record breaking Ball last summer. The evening includes dinner by Kentʼs own Millstone Café and Bakery, an open bar generously provided by Pernod Ricard USA and of course, dancing. The Pilobolus Dancers will delight guests with three unique, palate-whetting performances created exclusively for the Ball.

This yearʼs live auction highlights contain a VIP Jets Package, an African Safari, a Trip to Tuscany, an Exclusive Dinner with the Dancers of Pilobolus as well as the coveted Walklyndon Walk-on at The Joyce Theater this summer.

Funds from the Pilobolus Ball go to support the creation of new dances and Pilobolusʼ educational programming, which serves people of all ages and backgrounds, including severely underserved communities. Pilobolusʼ mission is to promote access to creativity, collaboration, and productivity in groups of all kinds.

Individual Tickets: $250. Table packages available starting at $2,500. Tickets are available by visiting www.Pilobolus.org or call 860‐868‐0538 x 16. The Pilobolus Dance Theater is located on 6 Calhoun St., PO Box 388, Washington Depot, CT. For lodging information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

About Pilobolus Dance Theater

Pilobolus began in 1971, as an outsider dance company, and has evolved into a pioneering American arts organization of the 21st century. Most recently the company has been nominated for a 2012 GRAMMY Award for Best Short Form Music Video for ALL IS NOT LOST, a collaboration with the rock band OK Go. The company now revolves around three centers of activity: PILOBOLUS DANCE THEATER, the umbrella for a series of radically innovative and globally acclaimed concert dance companies; THE PILOBOLUS INSTITUTE, unique educational programming for schools, colleges, and public arts organizations as well as a series of classes and leadership workshops for corporate executives, employees, and business schools; and PILOBOLUS CREATIVE SERVICES, a division specializing in a wide range of movement services for film, advertising, publishing, commercial clients, and corporate events. The company is based in Washington Depot, Connecticut and performs for stage and television audiences all over the world. For more info, please visit www.Pilobolus.org.

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Greenwich Historical Society Bike Tour of Greenwich Point June 24

Pond at Greenwich Point with Tod Mansion in Background circa 1935, Collection of Greenwich Historical Society

The Greenwich Historical Society will sponsor a “Greenwich Point History on Wheels” family bike tour on Sunday, June 24, 2012. Join them to explore the rich history of Greenwich Point and learn how an idyllic 19th century island estate (complete with private golf course), built by millionaire J. Kennedy Tod on the original 1640 Greenwich founder’s Elizabeth Neck, evolved into the fabulous recreational Town park it is today.

Participants will engage with local historians stationed throughout the park to learn about the original beachfront golf course; about the groundbreaking architect who designed the award-winning (newly restored) Innis Arden Cottage; about the humble origins of the Old Greenwich Yacht Club; about the historic “Chimes Building” uses; why the Eagle statue stands guard over the estate’s pond and much, much more. As you cycle through the tour, you’ll stop along the way to hear stories, take a closer look at some of the ruins, and see vintage photos from the Historical Society’s collection that capture snapshots from different eras. Kids will enjoy their very own scavenger hunt as part of the tour. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about this beloved fixture of the Greenwich landscape and how it evolved over time.

“Greenwich Point History on Wheels” is being held in conjunction with the “Experience the Sound” celebration co-sponsored by the Greenwich Shellfish Commission and To The Point whose aim is to expand the community’s awareness of coastal marine life, nature, outdoor recreational pursuits and the environment by showcasing local organizations .and education institutions that care for and promote them.

Participants will gather at the first parking lot on the right after entering the park. The tour is open to bike-riding singles, families and children over seven years old who are able to ride a bicycle. Bring bikes and wear bike helmets (water bottles also recommended). Tours will begin at 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Admission is free but reservations are recommended. To reserve a space, or for additional info, please call 203-869-6899, Ext. 10. For more information visit http://www.hstg.org. For regional information http://www.visitfairfieldct.com

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West Comes East at Goshen Stampede, With Rodeo Thrills Just in Time for Fathers Day

Goshen Stampede

Promising the best Stampede ever and one of the most unique Fathers Day events anywhere, the 7th Annual Goshen Stampede will go into action for three days, June 15 to 17, bringing Western style rodeo thrills to Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills Champion roping, racing and the challenge of cowboy versus bucking bull and bronco will be the highlights of this busy weekend, which will feature two official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeos.

Two traditional fair favorites, Demolition Derbies, and Truck Pull competitions, will also be on the schedule. Fireworks on Saturday night, non-stop music on the main stage, a kids’ rodeo and free Petting Zoo and plenty of great food fill out the agenda and insure a good time for all. Proceeds from the event help support local charities as well as national organizations supporting the men, women, and families of the United States Armed Services.

The rodeo fun starts Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m. when the fastest horses in Connecticut and their riders will race for cash prizes and a title in Barrel Racing, an event that demands speed, timing and accuracy to bring home the money.

Rodeo competitions will take place on Saturday, June 16 at 6 p.m. and on Father’s Day; Sunday, June 17th at 2 p.m. junior cowboys will compete in the kid’s rodeo on Saturday at 4 p.m. for entrants up to age 12.

There will be added excitement from two wild Demolition Derbies Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m., where drivers ram each other’s cars and the last car running is the winner. The Tri-State Truck and Tractor Pulls, spirited competitions to see who can go farthest while pulling prodigious weights, go on Saturday at noon and 5 p.m. and Sunday at noon.

The Stampede will be take place at the Goshen Fair Grounds, 116 Old Middle Street in Goshen. Hours are Friday, June 15th, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m; Saturday, June 16.th 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, June 17,th 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is Adults, $11, ages 10-18, $5 and under 10 free with a paying adult. Advance purchase is available at goshenstampede.com, where a complete schedule of events is also posted

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