Tag: CT Travel

Frolic at French Farm in Greenwich

French Farm courtesy Greenwich Historical Society
French Farm courtesy Greenwich Historical Society

French Farm on 516 Lake Ave. in Greenwich was the first property in the town to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975; and just recently it was designated as a Local Historic Property that will preserve it for future generations.

Originally, the house was designed by H. VanBuren Magonigle and was built in 1911-1915 for Mary Billings French. Today, this four-acre, 100 year old property has beautifully restored farm buildings and a rare plant collection that creates a series of distinctive gardens designed by late owner, David Wierdsma making this landscape a living work of art. Wierdsma inherited the property in 1972 and endeavored to preserve the original structures on the property and to create beautiful and whimsical gardens.

Cottage-lawn-w2running-kids

The farm is not always open to the public, however on Sunday, September 15, on behalf of the Greenwich Historical Society, the entire family is invited to visit French Farm for an afternoon of art and nature from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., rain or shine.

This is the perfect place to celebrate the final days of summer and explore this unique private landscape that is part gentleman’s farm and part living work of art. Kids will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the farm’s animal occupants, enjoy a scavenger hunt, press cider, climb the “pterodactyl nest” tower, explore the fossil garden and enjoy nature crafts and activities on the lawn.

Adults have the option of two tours–one led by Florence Boogaerts, focusing on the horticultural aspects of the property; the other by farm manager Jacek Nidzgorski who will talk about the property’s cultural landscape, its collections and its origins and development. Artists are invited to set up their easels during the event, and photographers will be free to snap.

Buffet refreshments, served on the main lawn, will include an artisanal cheese board, seasonal bites and sweet and savory pastries, all created by celebrity chef John Barricelli of Sono Baking Company and Martha Stewart Everyday Cooking fame. Advanced reservations are required no later than September 11 and made be made online at http://www.hstg.org/adult.php#frenchfarm or calling 203-869-6899 for additional information.

Admission to this event is $35 for adults, Children 4 to 12: $10. No charge for children 3 and under.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

Don’t miss the 36th annual Oyster Festival in Norwalk

Don’t miss the 36th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival that promises to be the biggest and bester ever!
Lobsterman-466x600

Fun for families and friends from nine to ninety, the 36th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year from Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8. This year’s entertainment highlights include music from nationally known-bands on all three days. Festival goers will enjoy a wide variety of rides, cooking competitions, arts and crafts and a diverse assortment of attractions and entertainment that promise unforgettable fun.

New this year the festival will feature the action packed Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show that will feature world champion lumberjacks demonstrating their log rolling, axe throwing, chopping, sawing, tree climbing and dragster chainsaw skills. This show will take place on all three days: Friday at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The New England Fishing Village with demonstrations, samples and displays as well as the International Food Court offering a diverse selection of dining choices add to the fun.

For the Kids

The festival’s Pirates Coast Adventure will wow children of all ages. Here, kids can meet real life pirates and look for booty in treasure hunts, hear storytelling and join in other fun-filled activities. The Kids’ Cove includes games, rides and entertainment. This interactive pirate encampment gives kids a taste of what seafaring was like during the golden age of piracy from 1650-1750. In addition, there will be an action-packed performance by Marvel Super Heroes.
Sunday is Family Day with special family and children’s packages for entrance, rides and meals. The perk of family day on Sunday is that one child under 12 gets in free with each adult paid admission and for a mere $15 can ride all the amusement rides free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To round out the family fun there will be live shows for kids on the festival’s main stage.

Carousel11-300x199

For the Whole Family

The festival offers a wide array of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including continuous entertainment by local musicians and national acts. A multitude of fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets and ages. For on the water fun, head to the festival docks to tour historic vessels and to cruise the scenic and historic Norwalk Harbor.

For the Foodies

Food demonstrations and competitions, including the always-popular chowder and chili cook-offs will take place throughout the festival. A highlight of the Festival is the wide variety of great food from around the world that is available at the International Food Court. This culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise vital funds for their charitable causes. At the Oyster Pavilion, learn about Norwalk’s oystering history while watching slurping and shucking contests.

The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Sunday is Family Day with special pricing on that day only — 1 child (age 5-12) free with each paid adult admission. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.seaport.org. Free Parking and Free Shuttle Bus service is provided from four (4) local parking lots, just follow the signs to Oyster Festival Parking.

Save on Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Oyster Festival Tickets

Festival goers can save on admission and rail fare when they purchase the Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival discount package. Packages are available at all ticket offices and ticket machines (except South Norwalk Station). On sale starting July 15. Package price from GCT/Harlem-125th Street: Adults, $26.25; Seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals receiving Medicare, $20.50; Children 12, $21.25; Children 5-11, $4.50; Children under 5, free. – See more at: http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_oyster_fest.htm#sthash.O3xJx0M4.dpuf

Packages also run from other stations.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage. The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival. In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit www.seaport.org or call (203) 838-9444.

For more information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

Run for the Woods on September 7

CFPAs_Run_for_the_Woods_(4)-By_William_Breck copy

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.

CFPAs_Run_for_the_Woods_(2)-By_Marty_Gosselin

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

JanetLeave a comment

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.

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

Summer Photography Exhibit at Greenwich Historical Society

Town Hall from Greenwich Avenue by Mary Waldron
Town Hall from Greenwich Avenue by Mary Waldron

“The Perspective of Time” is a collaboration between the Greenwich Historical Society and the Stamford Photography Club. The show of juried images is the result of an invitation by the Greenwich Historical Society to members of the Photography Club to submit photographs that portray aspects of Greenwich history through the eye of the lens. The images will be on display at the Historical Society’s Storehouse Gallery through September 1, 2013.

Table Shuffleboard at Bruce Park Grill by Mike Harris
Table Shuffleboard at Bruce Park Grill by Mike Harris

The varied and fascinating images represent a visual commentary on the ever-changing face of the community–its structures, landscape and institutions–and how aspects of the town as they are today may not survive the next generation. Since its invention, photography has been an invaluable medium for chronicling historical events. But photography can also raise the understanding of history to another level by evoking a sense of time and place on a more visceral level. This exhibition
exemplifies this.

Glenville Bridge by Jean-Marc Bara
Glenville Bridge by Jean-Marc Bara

The Greenwich Historical Society is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4:00 pm. Admission is free to members and children under six. $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students. Admission is free to all the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 203-869-6899 or www.greenwichhistory.org. FOr area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment