Connecticut Travel

South Farms located in Morris Connecticut just off Rte. 109 on 21 Higbie Road is presenting an exciting musical event on July 22 with doors opening at 7 p.m.

This iconic New England farm best known for its farmers market and event venue is supporting the debut album release of the Dallas based, multi-instrumentalist duo The Gibbonses. This dynamic duo is embarking on a month long summer tour up the East Coast and across the mid-west; and as the band’s only public appearance in CT, this is one show you’re not going to want to miss!

With a unique blend of Southern Soul, Americana, and Rhythm & Blues, Torrington native Brandon Gibbons (Charity) and his wife Jackie have been capturing the attention of music lovers across the Southwest. The band has shared the stage with The Black Lillies, Kimberly Dunn, Dalton Domino, Sam Riggs, and Prophets and Outlaws to name a few.

In a recent album spotlight, Texas Music Picker’s had this to say about their record, Among The Rubble; “This captivating record offers a tale of tragedy and finding resolve, leaving the listener engaged throughout the journey in between! Every song has something to say and we’re impressed by the maturity in this talented band’s debut record!”

Local legends of folk and bluegrass, Switch Factory, will start the show off. These guys are incredible! John Fitts, a writer for the Litchfield County Times, writes, “With a fun live show, impeccable chops and tight harmonies, the members of Switch Factory are in a great place musically.”

Along with this fantastic musical line up you will enjoy the beauty that is South Farms in Morris, CT. don’t miss indulging on some tasty dessert treats by AmandaBakes completing this “sweet” evening!

Pre-Sale Ticket for The Gibbonses Concert on July 22, 2016 are available at South Farms in Morris, CT. Tickets are $15 and they are on sale now online. Space is limited to 200 so get yours now! Please present ID and ticket email at door for admission. This event is being produced/sponsored by: The Gibbonses, The Desultory Theatre Club, DJ Zerp & Zerp Radio, South Farms, and Amanda G. Love with her company AmandaBakes

The center of New Milford located in the scenic Litchfield Hills is noted for its long traditional village green laid out in 1872. Here you will find monuments from past wars as well as a bandstand, first built in 1891 that is a symbol of New Milford’s sense of community.

You can also explore many exceptional galleries, boutiques, restaurants and antique shops that are clustered in the heart of this village. Many are located in beautifully restored 18th and 19th century homes and buildings. Town Hall, facing the Green, marks the home of one of New Milford’s most illustrious citizens, Roger Sherman, the only Connecticut man whose signature is on all key documents of the founding of this nation.
On July 29 and July 30, 2016 the New Milford Green becomes a hive of activity with the many activities and family fun offered up at the 49th Annual New Milford Village Fair Days.

Organized by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, this is the largest annual event in New Milford. Hundreds of vendors including local businesses, organizations, church groups and clubs exhibit their unique offerings. If you like crafts, you won’t be disappointed as many skillful crafters offer their wares.

Food is a big element of any Fair and New Milford’s food vendors won’t disappoint. There is even a dining tent and two days of entertainment that add to the festivities. Participants in this year’s food court include: New Milford Rotary Club, Water Witch Hose Co 2, The Cookhouse, CC’s Spiral Potatoes, Crab Cakes & Coconut Shrimp, Alfredo’s/Colosseo Restaurants, New Milford Lions Club, Thomas’s Ice Cream Truck, American Pie Company, Greek Isle and Primos Deli.

Exploring the south Green you will find a variety of businesses, organizations, church groups and clubs, while the north Green hosts master crafters. Food vendors can be found in the mid-section of the Green where fair goers will find everything from tasty snacks to a wonderful meal that can be enjoyed in the large sit-down dining area.

The Fair opens at 10:00 am and closes at 10:00 PM on both days. Among the many highlights on the 29th are the tour of town hall at 2:30 p.m., a performance by Theatre Works from 1:30 p.m. – 2 :00 p.m., an historic walking tour of Main Street at 4 p.m., an Old Fashion Pie eating contest at 5 p.m., the Kid’s Fun Run at 6:00 PM and music by Hire & Hire from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

On Saturday, July 30th the Fair opens at 10:00 am and closes at 10:00 PM. Highlights on the 30th include: the 49th Annual 8 Mile Road Race & 14th Annual Fair Days 5K at 8:30 am, a town hall tour at 2:30 p.m., the band The Blue Yodels from 3:15 PM – 4 PM, an historic tour of Main Street at 4 PM and the band Zenith from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

For further information, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 860.354.6080 or visit http://www.newmilford-chamber.com for up to the minute information.

Litchfield County Auctions is pleased offer Property from the Estate of JOAN RIVERS. Auction catalogs are now viewable online on both INVALUABLE & LIVEAUCTIONEERS, with live auctions with online bidding in two sessions on July 20 & 21.

This sale will offer buyers and collectors alike a rare opportunity to acquire property that was personally owned and loved by Joan Rivers, with items from her country home in New Preston, CT, her apartment in Manhattan, NY, and home in Los Angeles, CA.

Known for her sense of humor, personal style, and fashion, the quality in her collection is apparent. “These are the items my mother used and loved and lived…” said her daughter, Melissa Rivers. “I am pleased to know that fans will have a chance at owning a piece of her legacy.”

Day 1, Wed., July 20: Furniture & Decorations, including Lighting & Fireplace items, Porcelains & Glass, Silver, Pewter, Textiles, Fine Art, Garden & Outdoor items, and more. Live Auction & Online Bidding. Starting at 10:00am EST.

Day 2, Thurs., July 21: Jewelry & Accessories including sunglasses, bags & luggage, together with jewelry from her personal collection, including Chanel, Dior, Bulgari, Alexis Bittar, Iradj Moiri, Vilaiwan, Marie Ferra, Armani, and many items from the Joan Rivers Jewelry Collection. Live Auction & Online Bidding. Auction starting at 10:00am EST.

Various Owners, Jewelry & Accessories, Afternoon Session, July 21. A separate sale of Jewelry, Watches & Accessories from other owners will be exhibited alongside property from the Estate of Joan Rivers and sold in an afternoon session on July 21. Live Auction & Online Bidding. Auction starting at 4:00pm EST.

There will be an auction exhibition to preview items from Friday, July 15 through Tuesday, July 19, 10am-5pm at our gallery in Litchfield, CT. There will be also be a Summer Tag Sale held featuring property from other estates & collections that will be available for immediate purchase .

They are honored to have a role in carrying out the wishes of Joan Rivers and her estate, and to help two very worthy causes that Joan passionately supported, God’s Love We Deliver and Guide Dogs For The Blind.

They expect to see many of Joan’s friends and neighbors on auction day and hope all of her fans will join them, as well, whether it is in person or online. https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/90984_joan-rivers-estate-furniture-and-decorations/.

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

On September 10 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the Hollister House Garden is hosting a weekend Symposium called “A Passion for Gardens” at the Heritage Inn in Southbury as well as on the grounds of the Hollister House Gardens.
There will be five expert speakers that will be moderated by garden designer and preservation specialist Bill Noble.

The speakers include:
Arne Maynard, celebrated English garden designer, will share his secrets on the creation of his gardens, unique and rich in detail with a particular sense of harmony and belonging, as he introduces his latest book, The Gardens of Arne Maynard.

David Culp, noted plantsman, author, and creator of the gardens at Brandywine Cottage, will tell us what’s new, unusual, and steadfast in the world of perennial plants in the “Best of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”

Page Dickey, beloved garden writer and passionate gardener, will describe how we can enjoy drifts and pools of flowers that give our gardens unexpected charm in “Self-Seeding in the Garden.”

Quill Teal-Sullivan, preservation professional and garden manager, will speak on “Courage, Vision and Manure” and bringing back the beautiful and historically rich gardens of Helena Rutherford Ely at Meadowburn Farm.

Andy Brand and Christopher Koppel of Broken Arrow Nursery will engage in a friendly yet competitive debate as they present and compare a wide range of plants native to both Japan and America in “East vs West.”

The day concludes with cocktails and early buying at the Sale of Rare and Unusual Plants at Hollister House Garden in Washington, CT. from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission to the Symposium is: $180 for members of Hollister House Garden and/or the Garden Conservancy, $180 for general admissions purchased by July 15 and $195 for general admissions after July 15. The Cocktail Party and early buying event is open to symposium participants as well as to the general public not attending the symposium.

Admission to Cocktails and Early Buying is included in the registration fee for symposium participants. Admission (Cocktails and Early Buying only) is $40 for Hollister House and Garden Conservancy membersand $45 for general admissions.

On Sept. 11 there is a Rare Plant Sale open to the public from 10 am t0 4 pm and admission is $10.

To register for this event visit http://www.hollisterhousegarden.org/events/garden-study-weekend. For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

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