Holiday Lunch and Boutique @ Keeler Tavern

Ridgefield's Christmas Luncheons and Holiday Boutique at the historic Keeler Tavern Museum have become a holiday tradition. Keeler Tavern is located in the heart of Ridgefield on 132 Main Street.

Guests dine in the festively decorated Garden House overlooking the brick walled Garden designed by American architect Cass Gilbert which is lovely, even in December and especially with a dusting of light snow.  The luncheons will be held this year from Tuesday, December 6th to Saturday, December 10th.

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.

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 November 28 through December 21, 2016. 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.

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Twiggy exhibition @ Lockwood Mathews Mansion

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, in collaboration with The Westport Artist Collective, will present The Westport Artist Collective Explores the Revolutionary Sixties, a group exhibition opening to the public through January 8, 2017, with a reception on Oct. 27, 2016, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT. The 1960s were fraught with change. The artwork in this exhibition reflects a multitude of changes as societal norms evolved, and whereby art became the experimental voice for many for whom words were not possible. 

The artists invited to exhibit include: Bevi Bullwinkel, Miggs Burroughs, Trace Burroughs, Linn Cassetta, Daisy Dodge, Mary Harold, Kerry Heftman, Niki Ketchman, Diane Pollack, Steve Parton, Maryellen Hendricks,, Lynn Poppat, Marlene Siff, Barbara Ringer, Barbara Ringer, Lisa Silberman, Katherine Ross, Binnie Birstein, and Florence Zolan.

One of the artists, Trace Burroughs has sold over 300 abstract paintings, one of which was accepted into the Westport Permanent Art Collection, featuring works by local and international artists including Picasso, Matisse, Calder, and others. During his various incarnations as a national game show contestant, rock drummer, animator, announcer for Nickelodeon, and Guiness Book of World Records holder, Trace has enjoyed national acclaim, and many TV appearances, including an interview with David Frost.

Another artist, Daisy Dodge, Dodge graduated from the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus Ohio with a BFA in Advertising Design, with Illustration & Printmaking focus. She loves to take common objects and present them in an uncommon way. Although her method is consistent, the results vary greatly as the process continues to grow and morph as a natural occurrence of repetition. Relying on "a combination of technical precision and happy accident," each painting forms its own personality through the process of its creation

The exhibit will be on view as part of LMMM's tours, Wed.-Sun. at noon, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. General Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children and young adults, ages 8-18. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark. For more information on schedules and programs please visit: www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

For more area information and to sign up for our monthly newsletter www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Wreath Festival @ Woodcock Nature Center

Wreaths are considered to be iconic symbols of the season by many people. At the Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton a series of "Celebrate and Decorate Nights" for wreath making are being offered this year on Tuesday – Friday, November 29 – 2nd, December 6-9  and Dec. 13th – 14th with two sessions each night at 6:30-8:15 pm OR 8:30-10:15 pm.

All you have to do is to gather a group of friends for 1.5 hours of decorating, preceded or followed by socializing in the Center's warm and cozy pavilion. Relax in front of the fireplace! Bring your finest delectables and libations! Using a wonderful array of natural dried flowers, grasses, nuts, fruits, berries and cones, you will leave with an incredible balsam fir holiday wreath. All materials are included in this Ladies-Night-Out event, the proceeds from which benefit the Woodcock Nature Center.

The cost for this fundraising event is $65 per person. Your ticket includes a 22" balsam wreath (outer diameter), all decorating materials and an experiential festive evening among friends. Celebrate & Decorate Nights are 21 years of age and over. Advance ticket purchase is required and tickets are non-refundable. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and is not refundable for this fundraising event. Registration is only available online at http://www.woodcocknaturecenter.org/wreathfestival.

The Woodcock Nature Center is also offering two family days of wreath making on December 3 and 10 from Noon-4pm. Family Days are open house, so come anytime (plan to arrive no later than 3 pm). The cost is $45 per wreath with an additional $10 discount on the first wreath for any mom who is also coming to Ladies' Night. No reservations are required (however, if you are planning to come with a large group, please let them know ahead of time so they can plan space and materials accordingly).There will be hot cocoa served!

The Woodcock Nature Center is located on 56 Deer Run Road in Wilton. For more information 203-762-7280.

Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle @ New Canaan Nature Center

The New Canaan Nature Center located on 144 Oenoke Ridge is offering a program on Saturday, November 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. that will help you walk off some of those holiday calories. Grab the entire family (and any lingering holiday visitors too!) and head on down to the New Canaan Nature Center! You won't want to miss this awesome annual event, a long-time favorite for both members & guests.

Join the NCNC Naturalists for a healthy, invigorating Trail Trek to work off that holiday meal. While "waddling" the trails, we'll search for some of nature's most treasured gifts (apple trees, maple trees & honey bees to name a few) and learn why the end of autumn may not be quite as quiet as you may think. In fact, autumn is a busy time of year for many wild animals such as deer, squirrels & birds!

As an extra Thanksgiving bonus, after our hike, you'll also get to enjoy a FREE behind the scenes tour of our Animal Care facilities & Birds of Prey Exhibit - our way of saying "thank you" to the community.

Naturalists will be departing with groups from the Sugar Shack for Trail Treks at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM (sign up is on a first come, first serve basis with limited spots for each).

This event will take place rain or shine and is a drop in program that is free for members and non-members and promises family fun from one years old to ninety!

For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Westport's 30th annual holiday house tour and soiree Dec. 3 & 4

This year marks the 30th Anniversary Holiday House Tour which has become a highly anticipated December tradition for many visitors and residents alike.  This year's holiday house tour is taking place on December 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature six historic houses all built before 1850, in addition to the Adams Academy, Westport's first school.  All the homes and the school will be festooned with festive seasonal décor.

To recognize this special 30th anniversary, each home was carefully selected for its architectural merit and interesting stories. Each house has been preserved to retain its period style facing the street, while the backs have been " blown out" to create kitchens and living spaces that modern families require. Careful attention has also been paid to preserving and recreating authentic dry stack stonewalls.

Some highlights include:

• A major museum-quality restoration of a c. 1760 house in the Kings Highway North Historic District. Its owner will provide fascinating insights into its history and the restoration process.

• A house noted for its seven hearths all of which will be ablaze on the tour day and features a mystery mural in the stairway.

• The former residence of H. Daniel Webster who designed the Minuteman Monument at Compo; an expanded renovation that includes a tavern room;

• The circa 1700 John Platt House documented as one of the oldest houses in Westport

• The Adams Academy, Westport’s one-room schoolhouse.

• A home featured on this tour 25 years ago that is proposed to be part of the newly designated National Register Historic District on Bridge Street. Let's see if anyone recalls it from that tour!

The Soiree will be held at the beautiful Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum, in Norwalk on Saturday, December 3,  from 6 pm -9 pm. On view will be six beautiful homes on the house tour plus the Adams Academy, Westport's first one- room schoolhouse! 

For ticket information visit http://westporthistory.org. To sign up for our monthly newsletter go to www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Kent Champagne Stroll Nov. 25 & 26

Dreaming of holiday shopping , strolling through a quaint New England village while sipping sparkling wine? Well, dream no more and come to Kent's fourth annual Holiday Champagne Stroll. The Stroll is held Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26, 2016. Pour times are from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and shops stay open until 8:00 pm for late-night shopping.

Considered the benchmark for all holiday strolls, the town of Kent offers more than 30 shops, serving more than 30 champagnes and bubblies, and presenting more than 30 different promotions and sales. Kent has distinctive shops operated by the owners themselves. You can find everything from stylish clothing, teas and coffees, jewelry to books, birdhouses and outdoor apparel. Stop in at the Covered Wagon Country Store and step back in time.

You'll find old-fashioned snacks and candies and nostalgic home goods in this cute and rustic shop. Black Sheep Yarns, named #1 yarn shop in the state by Connecticut Magazine, is having fabulous markdowns and Annie Bananie Ice Cream has the Stroll Selfie Station! Kent Greenhouse and Gardens will host a roaring fire pit and hot cider.

All shops are pouring champagnes, sparkling wines, hot ciders, and interesting non-alcoholic beverages. Strollers begin by visiting The Swift House, 12 Maple Street, or Kent Kitchen Works, 6 Kent Green Blvd., to check in and purchase a champagne flute and map to use as a guide for the evening.

The map divides the town into four zones. Visit at least three businesses in each zone: get your map stamped and your name will be entered into the drawing for one of three great bottles of champagnes: a Dom Perignon 2004 valued at over $200, a Tattinger Brut Française and a Roederer "Estate" vintage.

As the evening winds down, strollers are invited to stay and enjoy dinner at one of Kent's great restaurants.

Rising Tide: Fairfield's Coast: Past to Future @ Fairfield History Museum and Center

The feature exhibition, Rising Tide: Fairfield's Coast: Past to Future at the Fairfield Museum and History Center located on 370 Beach St. just off the green in Fairfield is on display through February 28, 2017.

This timely exhibition explores the past and future of Fairfield's coast, as rising sea levels are expected to reshape the experience of living in shoreline communities. Rising Tides looks at the history of the coast, from fishing, shipping, and recreation to how residents have dealt with devastating storms in the past. Looking towards the future, explore how rising sea levels are affecting the region and the efforts being made to promote coastal resiliency.

1954 Hurrican

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Museum will host a variety of programs for all ages, including panel discussions, community forums, teacher workshops, family hikes and sailing tours. Program partners include the Town of Fairfield, Soundwaters, Save the Sound, Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), UCONN, CTDEEP, The Nature Conservancy, Common Ground High School and CT Audubon Center.  Visit http://www.fairfieldhistory.org for a complete list of events.

Fairfield Beach, CT, December 1, 2012–This home was one of the seven that collapsed in Fairfield Beach. FEMA is in the area with Hazard Mitigations specialists who are trained in proper rebuilding techniques for coastal homes. Photo by Marilee Caliendo/FEMA

Get in the holiday mood @ Merwinsville Hotel's Christmas Shoppe Nov. 25-27 and Dec. 2-4

Start your  holiday shopping early this year with a visit to the  historic 1843  Merwinsville Hotel and Museum that  will put you in the holiday spirit.   

The Christmas Shoppe will be open for 2 long weekends starting on Friday, November 25^th, 26^th & 27^th and continuing on Friday, Dec 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th.  Hours 10:00am -5:00pm with extended hours on both Fridays until 7:00pm for late night shoppers.  Story time on both Saturdays at 11:00am.  Free admission.

 

Each year this historic museum is transformed into a winter wonderland, a world of snow villages and model trains around the Christmas tree lend to the charm of this iconic Railroad Hotel.  Guests will enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate while they shop for that special holiday gift created by a local artisan. Children will enjoy a special story time at 11 a.m. on both Saturdays.  There are many affordable items for sale that are unique. Art, crafts, jewelry, weavings, birdhouses, photography, baked goods, wreaths and much more is available for sale. 

The Merwinsville Hotel is located at 1 Brown’s Forge Road in Gaylordsville, CT – conveniently located 15 minutes from Kent, Sherman, New Milford and the Harlem Valley/Wingdale Railroad Station (the northwest corner of New Milford)

Holiday Cheer @ The Glebe House Dec. 2 & 3

The holiday season offers each of us a chance to reminisce, connect with family and friends and find joy in our traditions.  One of the most anticipated traditions in Woodbury has become the Glebe House Museum’s Holiday Gala.

  ‘Home for the Holidays in the Hollow’ Gala is slated for Friday, December 2 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at The Glebe House, 49 Hollow Road in Woodbury.  Guests will be treated to savory hors d’ oeuvres and an array of wines to toast the holidays; complimented by the elegantly decorated museum.  In this magical candlelit setting, the rooms of the museum will be brimming with good cheer and beautifully decorated.  All of the one of a kind wreaths, swags and table top decorations will light up your holiday and be available for purchase.  Guests will also have a wonderful opportunity to wrap up their Christmas gift list at the Silent Auction where original art work, one of a kind jewelry, fine handwovens, silver, and other treasures will be found.  The cost to attend this year’s event is $25 per person.

To continue the Holiday Festival, the Museum will hold its open house on Saturday, December 3 from 10AM to 3PM.  The public may enjoy the beautiful decorations to purchase, along with holiday gift items.  Visitors will enjoy experiencing life in this Revolutionary War era house during the holidays re-enacted by adult and youth volunteers.  The costumed docents will give first person accounts of the Marshall family who lived at the “Glebe” from 1771-1786, and share stories about how the family prepared for the holiday season.  Admission is free for the day.

All proceeds from this weekend event will help support The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden.  For more information and to purchase tickets for the Home for the Holidays in the Hollow Gala, please call the museum at 203-263-2855 or mail a check to: The Glebe House Museum, PO Box 245, Woodbury, CT 06798.

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Fine Jewelry, Fashion, 20th Century Art + Design Auction in Litchfield

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As the leaves have turned and fallen, and the temperatures continue to cool, Litchfield County Auctions located on Rte. 202 in Litchfield is hosting their last sale of the year.  Held over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, it is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.  

Opening the doors on Black Friday, the gallery combines an Auction Exhibition together with a Priced Estates Tag Sale and “Ready to Wear” Boutique Fashion Sale.  All weekend, auction items, which are also online, can be previewed in person.  There will be a tag sale for you to browse for antiques and home decorations, while our annual “Ready to Wear” Fashion Boutique Sale will be open for you to shop for quality clothing and accessories – men’s and women’s, vintage to designer, and one of a kind finds – this sale is surely not one to miss!

In the auction, there will be great property coming from quality estates and collections, Highlights include 20th Century Art & Design from the collections of Antony Hayden-Guest and actor Bruce Willis; and Fashion from the collection of Amy & Milton Greene.  Fashion & Jewelry designers include Hermes, Valentino, Dior, Judith Leiber, Givenchy, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Kiesilstein-Cord, YSL, Ferragamo, Manolo Blahnik, Bulgari, Miu Miu, Dauss, Mary Francis, C & D Jewelry, Mark Cross, Roberto Cavalli, Kenneth Jay Lane, Alexis Kirk, Rodrigo Otazu, Monies, Lawrence VRBA, and Others!    

Thanksgiving Holiday Auctions

Featuring Fine & Estate Jewelry, Watches, Handbags & Couture Fashion; 20th C. Design: Arts & Crafts to Mid-Century Modern0; and Fine Art: Impressionist & Modern to Post War & Contemporary Art.

Auction Exhibition & Tag Sale: November 25 to November 29, 10am-5pm.

2-Day Live Auction: November 30 & December 1, 10am each day

“Ready to Wear” Boutique Fashion Sale

Live Gallery Sale: Thanksgiving Weekend, November 25–29, 10am-5pm

Please join us for our second annual "Ready to Wear Boutique" - a fine apparel and accessory sale.  Vintage, designer and contemporary items for men and women that are priced for immediate purchase.  This sale will run concurrently during our Thanksgiving auction exhibition. 

Upcoming: The Winter Antiques Sale

This auction will feature a fine selection of American & European Antique Furniture & Decorative Arts, including Silver, Rugs, Porcelains & Glass, Mirrors, Lighting, and much more, together with Traditional Fine Art: Paintings, Prints, Drawings, Sketches and Sculpture.  Quality property is still being accepted for this sale! Consignment deadline is December 19, 2016.

For more information about upcoming sales or consignment at Litchfield County Auctions, please visit their website: www.LitchfieldCountyAuctions.com, find them on Facebook: Litchfield County Auctions, or contact them at (860) 567-4661 / sales@litchfieldcountyauctions.com.  To sign up for a monthly newsletter on Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County visit www.litchfieldhills.com​

Americans @ Play at the New Canaan Historical Society

The New Canaan Historical Society located on 13 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan has just organized a new exhibit Americans At Play that will be on display through January 1.  This exhibition is a tribute to the way people spent their leisure time in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  A highlight of this exhibition is the sporty attire shown along with favorite pastimes.

People of all ages, especially young women, freed from the confines of the hoop skirt, embraced outdoor activities such as cycling, which reached its height in 1897. Riding was also popular as was the fox hunt that was held annually each fall in New Canaan in the late 1800s.  Other favorite sports of the time were croquet, golf, tennis, riding and swimming. The exhibit features wool bathing suits that were the height of fashion in the 1920s.

During this golden age, many New Canaanites traveled to resort hotels, the seashore and the mountains. The most affluent individuals traveled to Europe with large trucks packed with clothes for every imaginable occasion. The arrival of the automobile made excursions possible and many residents traveled to Roton Point, Rowayton and to the many lakes and ponds in the area. Driving googles, were a must whatever the season!

New photography exhibit @ Norwalk Historical Society

Celebrate the opening of the Norwalk Historical Society's new exhibit, Self and the World: Experiencing Photography in 19th Century Norwalk, on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm at the Norwalk Historical Society Museum. The museum is located at 141 East Avenue next to the Norwalk Health Department, in the red brick house with blue double front doors. Parking is available at Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Avenue. RSVP to: info@norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.

Self and the World: Experiencing Photography in 19th Century Norwalk is curated by Elizabeth Avery with graphic design by Scott Kuykendall. The exhibit takes you on a journey through the development of photography in the second half of the nineteenth century. This coincided with a period of growth in Norwalk's economy and population. Norwalkers embraced photography in all of its forms as it evolved. There are never before seen daguerreotypes, family portraits, cartes de visite photographs, plate glass negatives and an original early Kodak camera, that helps tell the story of the early age of photography and its influence on the people of Norwalk.

On display will be 19th century stereoscopes (stereo viewers) which were America's most popular form of entertainment in the late 1800's and 1900's. Visitors will have an opportunity to touch and view stereo cards through a modern 21st century stereoscope. The role of the photographer is also celebrated, which includes a female amateur photographer Ada Betts, African-American photographer Augustus Washington and American Civil War photographer Edward Tompkins Whitney.

In addition, visitors will be able to experience the museum's other exhibits which include: Norwalk Collects: Celebrating Four Historic Collections and Eating off the Landscape: The Farrington Lockwood Dessert Service, curated by Elizabeth Pratt Fox, and Norwalk: Portrait of Diversity, with photography by the late Tony Velez. The gift shop will be open and features one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items by Connecticut artists. Spend an evening surrounded by history. Gallery Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, Noon – 4:00pm. Except holidays, special events and by appointment. 

For a monthly newsletter on travel deals and tips on Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com