Lamothe’s Sugar House Maple Sugaring Weekends Through March

If it seems as though this winter will never end, take heart, the sweet scents of maple syrup in the making clearly announces that spring is coming—and this is a good reason to plan a visit to Litchfield Hills. Although self-guided tours and samples of maple syrup products are available year round – one of the most exciting time to visit Lamothe's Sugar House in Burlington Connecticut is on any given weekend in February and March. The Lamothe family started farming in 1971 with a few pigs and a vegetable garden. They began making maple syrup for their own use with a modest 7 taps. As word got around, so did requests from far and wide to purchase the precious maple syrup they made. Lamothe's has come a long way since their first 7 taps; today, Lamothe's is Connecticut’s largest sugar house with more than 4,000 taps and a state-of-the-art sugar house.

On weekends, in February and March, Lamothe’s offers free tours on their farm from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Visitors will learn how maple syrup was discovered and how it developed over time and is made today. Visitors will see how maple syrup and sugar are made and enjoy delicious samples. Complimentary coffee and hot cider is also served. Store hours are Mon. – Thurs. 10-6, Fri.-Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 12 – 5. Lamothe’s maple syrup is available in Grade A Light Amber, Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber, and Grade B. They suggest that you serve their maple syrup on ice cream and cereal, as well on pancakes or waffles. Lamothe’s also makes a full array of maple sugar based products from granulated make sugar to popcorn, spices, sauces, preserves and spreads to name a few. Some of the candy that Lamothe’s makes includes pure maple candy including Pure Maple Flavor Drops and Maple Walnut Caramels, Maple Salt Water Taffy and Peanut Clusters. For a wonderful snack try the Maple Sugar Coated Nuts and maple farmhouse kettle corn. Consistently innovative, Lamothe’s also makes spice rub for pork and chicken from maple sugar and spices, savory sugar and spice, maple barbeque sauce and a maple tinted marinara sauce. Lamothe’s even offers a line of unique New England bridal or shower favors such as a lovely 100ml plastic container of maple syrup, or several elegant imported glass containers in 40 or 50 ml sizes. They also offer pure maple candies in one, two, or four packs that are tied with a ribbon in the color of your choice.

On March 3, Lamothe’s is hosting Billy Steers the Connecticut Author of "Tractor Mac" at the sugarhouse from the 11am-3pm to do a book signing, reading, meet & greet visitors. Billy Steers illustrates all of his own books and will be bringing Tractor Mac for the children to take pictures with. Lamothe's Sugar House is located on 89 Stone Road, Burlington, CT (860-675-5043). For more information visit their website at www.lamothesugarhouse.com.

Disney's Aladdin Jr at The Warner Theater Feb. 25 and 26

The Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education's students will present Disney's Aladdin Jr on Saturday, February 25 at 2 & 7pm and Sunday, February 26 at 2pm. Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! All of your favorite characters are here in this stage adaptation of the Disney hit, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and of course, the Genie. Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences' spirits will soar with excitement. Most of all, the tuneful, Academy award-winning score with songs including "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me" will certainly make this musical a favorite for many years to come! This performance is part of the Young Actors Series and will be directed by the Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education's Director, Isabel Carrington. Tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased by calling the Warner box office at 860-489-7180 or online at www.warnertheatre.org. About the Warner Built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened in 1931 as a movie palace (1,772 seats), the Warner Theatre was described then as "Connecticut's Most Beautiful Theatre." Damaged extensively in a flood, the Warner was slated for demolition in the early 1980s until the non-profit Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts (NCAA) was founded and purchased the theatre. The Warner reopened as a performing arts center in 1983, and restoration of the main lobbies and auditorium was completed in November 2002. In 2008, the new 50,000 square foot Carole and Ray Neag Performing Arts Center, which houses a 300 seat studio theatre, 200 seat restaurant and expansive school for the arts, was completed. Today, the Warner is in operation year-round with more than 160 performances and 100,000 patrons passing through its doors each season. Over 10,000 students, pre K-adult, participate in arts education programs and classes. Together, with the support of the community, the Warner has raised close to $17 million to revitalize its facilities. NCAA's mission is to preserve the Warner Theatre as an historic landmark, enhance its reputation as a center of artistic excellence and a focal point of community involvement, and satisfy the diverse cultural needs of the region. To learn more about the Warner Theatre, visit our website: www.warnertheatre.org.

CHOCOLATE DINNER TO BENEFIT AUDUBON CENTER, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, HERITAGE HOTEL SOUTHBURY

Let the Bent of the River take you on a Chocolate Holiday! New Morning’s The Provender will transport you to Mexico through Chef Carol Byer-Alcorace’s Mexican Antojito inspired menu. Your palate will take you to the winter destination of the beautiful birds that summer here in Southbury CT and the Bent of the River. Tickets are now on sale for the annual Chocolate Dinner being held on Saturday, March 3rd at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury, to benefit Southbury’s very own Audubon Center at Bent of the River. Tickets are $85 per person. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Tickets only $70 if purchased by February 17th. Visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/219802 or stop in at New Morning Market on Rte. 6 in Woodbury CT to purchase tickets. The evening will begin with a ‘Cocktail Hour and a Half’, where guests can mingle, visit the live Birds of Prey exhibit, enjoy creative, Mexican inspired appetizers like Chocolate, Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas and taste wines from local vineyards; White Silo, Walker Road and Hopkins. During the dinner hour, Laura Volpintesta, originally from Mexico City, and the Sol Shine Band will be performing live suave ensembles. Latin dance demonstrations and lessons are being provided by Fred Astaire Studios. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the dishes crafted by Chef Carol: Mole Chicken, Coconut and Shrimp Seviche, and Chocolate Chili Cake, just to name a few. Woodbury’s own Winding Drive Jams will also be serving a spicy, sweet chocolate brownie dessert. Why Audubon & Chocolate? Each year, the menu draws from a locale where cacao is grown. The Audubon’s dedication to the preservation of habitats for birds and wildlife is well known. As the snow flies in New England, so fly the birds- to warmer climate and, to the lands where chocolate originated. Bird migration, habitat protection and community engagement are integral to Audubon’s mission. The Atlantic Flyway Initiative (AFI) is a strategic Audubon initiative that targets bird habitats needing preservation from South America to Canada. The Flyway is the migration route for millions of birds each season. About The Bent of the River

The Audubon Center at Bent of the River lies on 660 acres in Southbury, Connecticut, near the historic village of South Britain. It’s an inviting, outdoor sanctuary with 15 miles of walking trails and an environmental education center with inspiring programs. Please come and enjoy yourself, learn more about the important work of the Bent, and discover the value you’ll gain from a relationship with the Bent. www.bentoftheriver.audubon.org About New Morning Market New Morning Market Located on Rte. 6 in Woodbury Connecticut, New Morining is a purveyor of natural, organic and eco-friendly foods and wellness products. They also offer nutritional counseling and free classes regularly. The 7,500 square foot retail center is currently located at 738 Main Street South in Middle Quarter Mall. Construction is being completed on a brand new, larger facility which will be located two miles north at 129 Main Street North in Woodbury. The move is scheduled for later this year. More information can be found at www.newmorn.com About Heritage Hotel

Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa, Conference Center, 522 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT 06488. (I-84 Exit 15). (203) 264-8200, (800) 932-3466. Set in the Litchfield Hills, the resort features 163 guestrooms, state-of-the art conference and banquet facilities, indoor and outdoor heated pools, fitness center, racquetball, tennis, sauna, whirlpool, a challenging 9-hole golf course, pub with billiards and wide screen TV, award-winning dining and extensive wine list at Eight Mile Brook, and Tres Jolie Day Spa. Located off I-84, just 90 minutes from New York City. For getaway package information contact us at: 1-(800) 932-3466. www.heritagesouthbury.com.

Sweet Deals for Valentine’s Day!

If the winter doldrums have set in, a welcome cure is in sight...Valentine's Day! Whether you want to get out on the ski slopes or retreat to a fireside, the inns and resorts of Connecticut's Fairfield County and Litchfield Hills are offering a host of special packages for Valentine's Day. Interlaken Inn in Salisbury is offering a Valentine's Day package on Feb. 11 that includes overnight accommodations and breakfast fro two, a red rose for her, a complete three-course dinner for two, and a glass of house wine or cocktail for each of you. This page is $259 plus tax for two. Call 1 (800) 222-2909 or www.interlakeninn.com.

Rock Hall Luxe Lodging in Colebrook is offering a Valentine's Day Package from 02/10-02/15 and features one Night's Stay, Champagne, Chocolates, Mediterranean Breakfast with Mimosa. Available add-ons: Spa services couple's massage, flowers, as well as Valentine's Dinner at Sunset Meadow Vineyards on Saturday 2/11 (www.sunsetmeadowvineyards.com) and Valentine's Chocolate Decadence & Wine at Haight-Brown Vineyards 2/12 & 2/14 (www.haightvineyards.com). The cost is $375 per couple per night. For details call 860-379-2230 or www.19rockhallroad.com.

Mayflower Inn located in Washington Connecticut is also offering a Valentine's Day Package on Feb. 14 that includes a romantic retreat to Mayflower Inn & Spa's five-star, five-diamond accommodations. Relax with a bottle of champagne in room upon your arrival and enjoy an incredible fine dining experience with Mayflower Inn & Spa's special Valentine's Day Pre-Fixe Dinner. Rooms start at $750; the pre-fixe 3 course dinner is $85 per person. For details call 860-868-9466 or www.mayflowerinn.com.

Torrington's Quality Inn is offering a Wine and Stay Package that includes a bottle of wine, flowers and jacuzzi room on Feb. 14th for $144.99 plus tax. For details call 860-496-8808 or visit www.choicehotels.com.

Southbury's Heritage Hotel is offering a Valentine's Day Package from 02/10-02/14 and includes overnight accommodations and a special Valentine's Day Dinner for two (including tips and gratuities) and breakfast for two the next morning. Rates start at $229. For more information call 203-264-8200.www.heritagesouthbury.com.

Winvian is offering the "Essence of Love Package" from Feb. 12-16. The package includes a one night stay double occupancy in a five-diamonds Cottage accommodation – American Breakfast – Couple 60 minutes Swedish Massage – Bubble bath, in-cottage, following massage – 3 Course Dinner with Winvian Signature Martini (others beverages not included) in our five-diamonds restaurant. Rates start at $1070. www.winvian.com.

Bella Alpacas Bed and Breakfast is offering a "Love and Peace" romantic Valentine's Day getaway through March 30. Stay in our lovely rooms that overlook the alpacas and lots of land, All room have private bath, queen log beds, sitting area, bamboo floors. Take a hike on our 50 acres then sit down and pet the alpacas and the pigs and enjoy a yoga class. Jump into a hot tub, under the stars.Breakfast included. Rates $215 per couple for one nite, $400 for weekend. 860- 946-3076 or www.bellaalpacas.com.

Danbury's Ethan Allen Hotel offers a Valentine's Day Dinner at Fairfield's Restaurant & Bar from 02/10 – 02/14. The cost is $95.00 (plus tax and gratuity) per couple. Call (800) 742-1776 ext. 185 to make reservations. www.ethanallenhotel.com.

The Doubletree by Hilton in Norwalk is offering a Champagne Dinner for two that includes overnight accommodations and a 3 course dinner for Two. This offer is availabile Feb. 10-12, 2012 and is $159.00 inclusive of all taxes and gratuties. Call 203 853 3477. www.norwalk.doubletree.com.

The Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk is offering a Valentine's Day Package thru Feb 29th. The package includes: Luxurious overnight accommodations for two, Chilled bottle of champagne, Gourmet chocolates, PLUS $50 gift certificate at the Great American Grill (May be redeemed for room service!) and a Full American breakfast. Rates for this package start at $169. Call: 203-523-4000.www.norwalk.stayhgi.com.

On Valentine's Day, the Sheraton Stamford Downtown is offering a complimentary Valentine's Day dinner from pre-fixe menu, one bottle of sparkling wine, and a chocolate or fruit, plus a Full American breakfast for two and a 4pm late checkout (based upon availability). Rates start at $239, Call (203) 358-8400 for details. www.sheratonstamford.com.

The newly renovated Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich is offering a "Amour" Package that includes chilled champagne upon arrival, breakfast for two in Winfield's Atrium Restaurant, valet parking, evening turndown service and 3 p.m. late check out. Rates start at $209 plus tax. Call 203-637-1234 for details or www.greenwich.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels.

Annual Polar Bear Open Feb. 12, 2012

It’s time to get ready for the first golf tournament of the year at the Burlington Golf Center, Route 4, in Burlington, Connecticut. The Seventeenth Annual Polar Bear Open will be held on Sunday February 12, 2012. The nine-hole event with holes ranging from 150 to 250 yards was established by Chet Dunlop, Connecticut PGA Teacher of The Year, founder of the Burlington Golf Center and Director of The New England School of Golf. The Polar Bear Open began in 1994 as an informal event between Chet and other local pros caught in the deep freeze of a tough New England winter. It proved so popular that Dunlop decided to make it an official annual event. Over the years players have contended with everything from ice and snow, to thunder, lightning and mud. This group of hearty New Englanders seems to revel in the challenge of the elements.

With temperatures some years hovering near 10 degrees a full field of men and women’s and junior divisions vie for first, second, and third place prizes, as they ignore the calendar. Each loop brings the participants back to the Pro Shop for free mugs of hot mulled cider and tasty treats from Hogan’s Cider Mill, also located on the property. Players warm themselves by the wood-burning stove as they discuss their strategy before heading out to brave the elements and the whims of the golf gods. The Polar Bear Open will begin at 10AM and runs through mid-afternoon. Participants must register in advance. Entry fee is $25 per player. The Burlington Golf Center is on Route 4 in Burlington, Connecticut. For more information call 860-675-7320 or email: info@burlingtongolfcenter.com or visit www.newenglandschoolofgolf.com About Chet Dunlop PGA Golf is a sport that anyone can play, and everyone can play better. Chet believes that the game of golf is accessible to every student who wants to play, and his mission is to help each player discover their own ability in a relaxed and supportive environment. He knows he cannot give his student a swing, but he can help that student find their own. It is this approach to teaching that is sustainable as this method allows the student to become their own coach, recognizing their strengths and reinforcing them as they play. As the Director of the New England School of Golf for over 25 years Chet has coached thousands of students utilizing his particular approach to the game of golf. In that time he has been named Teacher of the Year by the CT PGA, while receiving recognition for his coaching ability not only by national publications including Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, but he has also been featured in Japan’s own Golf Magazine. Chet’s impact on his students reveals their natural ability and helps them find their own way into the game. As long time local golfer Norm August explains: “Chet helped me find my natural swing, (and showed me how not to) let all the other stuff that I was trying to do get in the way, and it was perfect … it was just natural.” Chet is pleased to be a part of the Canton Indoor Golf Center Team and looks forward to exploring the game with his students in CT’s own world class practice and teaching venue. Please call 860-675-7320 to schedule an appointment. www.newenglandschoolofgolf.com.