Valentines Day Gift Idea Caribbean Cruise Series Cooking Classes at Jones Family Farm

If you are looking for a memorable gift for Valentine's Day, and can't afford a cruise to the islands, consider the next best thing, the  Caribbean Cruise series of cooking classes being offered by Jones Family Farm in Shelton!

Jones Family Farm located on 606 Walnut Hill Road in Shelton is a popular vineyard as well as a pick your own  and Christmas tree farm.  In keeping with the farm to table movement, Jones Family Farm has been offering cooking classes over the past few years that are limited to just 12 lucky participants.

To kick off 2016, Jones Family Farms is offering a Caribbean Cruise Series of cooking classes that will take place in April and May.  Registration for the classes begins on February 2, 2016 and each class offered is $90 and runs from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Participants will receive an apron to take home as well as recipes.  Classes fill up quickly, so if you want to go on a cruise, sign up soon by visiting the website.

The concept for these classes are to explore the "pepper pot" of various island cuisines. Jones Family Farm's instructor will highlight the local food specialties that evolved from their heritage countries of influence.

The first "cruise" is Celebrating Passover in Curacao on April 23, 2016. Participants will make Charoset Balls, Fried Red Snapper, Hot Cucumber and Radish Salad, Baked Plantains, Stuffed Dates, and Panlevi Cookies.

Next, in the series is the beautiful island of Jamica on April 30. Pumpkin Soup, Curried Lamb with Mango Chutney, Coconut Rice and Peas, and Duckunoo (Sweet Potato Dessert) are on the menu.

The French Island of Martinque is the next island on the cooking cruise that takes place May 7. Participants will learn how to make such specialties as: Hearts of Palm Vinaigrette, Callaloo with Crab, Sautéed Corn & Snow Peas, and Beignets de Banane.

The final stop in the cruise series is the island of Cuba on May 14.  Specialties on this menu includes: Pollo con Pina (Chicken with Pineapple), Moros y Cristianos (Beans & Rice), Roast Calabaza, and Coconut Flan.

Please note that the the menu items above are tentative, and subject to change based on what's seasonally available! For more area information on where to go and what to see and do visit http://www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Valentine's Day Ideas

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.

It's a Sweet Deal for Sweethearts at the Shelton Inn Hampton on 695 Bridgeport Ave. minutes off Rte. 8.  They invite you to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart and are offering a romantic evening for two that includes deluxe king bed accommodations for one night for two, a complimentary breakfast for two, a $50 gift certificate to Vazzy's Cucina Restaurant (free shuttle service) and champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.  This offer is available Feb. 8-17.  To reserve 203-925-5900 (use promo code PDK) or www.hamptoninnshelton.com.

Hampton Inn

It’s Valentine’s Day all year round at the Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center.  Their “Stay in Love in Stamford Romance Package” includes your choice of wine or sparkling juice upon arrival*, a $25 food and beverage credit, and more. Visitors must book at least three days prior to arrival and stay a minimum of two nights. Rates start at $149. To book your room call (203) 967-2222 or www.hiltonstamfordhotel.com.

Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center

For a fun Valentine’s Day getaway try the “Stay Here, Play There NYC Train Package” at the award winning Sheraton Stamford Hotel. The package includes overnight Stamford accommodations from $156 per night, two adult round trip Metro North train tickets from the Stamford station to Grand Cental, complimentary shuttle service to/from the hotel and Stamford station and Breakfast for two in restaurant 700 Main.  To reserve call 203-358-8400 or visit http://deals.sheraton.com/Sheraton-Stamford-Hotel-3616/so.htm

Sheraton Stamford Hotel

The Bridgeport Holiday Inn on 1070 Main Street is offering a Valentine’s Day Package for $214 that includes a champagne toast on arrival with a chocolate heart, a gourmet 4 course dinner for two, an overnight stay in a deluxe king bedded guest room and free validated parking.  This package is only available on Feb. 14. To reserve your spot call (203) 334-1234 or http://www.hibridgeport.com.

Bridgeport Holiday Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk is offering a Valentine's Day Package through Feb 28 that offers luxurious overnight accommodations for two, chilled bottle of champagne, gourmet chocolates and a full American breakfast at the Great American Grill all for $109.  To reserve your room call 203-523-4000 or http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/connecticut/hilton-garden-inn-norwalk-ORQNWGI/index.html.

Hilton Garden Norwalk

The Hyatt Regency in Greenwich is offering a romance package at their newly renovated hotel that is sure to provide an unforgettable setting with all the romantic touches.  The romance package offers breakfast buffet for two in Winfield's, champagne delivered to room upon arrival, complimentary valet parking for (1) vehicle, evening turndown service, and 3 p.m. late checkout for just $20 more than the rate of the day.  This package is available through 12/30/2013. To reserve call 203-409-4340 or http://www.greenwich.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-greenwich/offers/details.jsp?offerId=103003&isBookable=true.

Hyatt Regency Greenwich

If you are a fan of Love Potion # 9 you might want to book at stay at Rock Hall Luxe Lodging on 19 Rock Hall Road in Colebrook that is offering a Love Potion #19 Valentine's Package. Add this Valentine's package to your luxurious accommodation, and receive a romantic fireside essential oil Couple's Massage, afternoon "Snowball" cocktails, and a hand's on session with Rock Hall's herbalist to create a unique love potion, a pair of imported Turkish towels, and a Rock Hall cocktail shaker. The package is $475 with the purchase of accommodation and is available Feb. 8-17.  To book this call 860-379-2230 or visit www.19rockhallroad.com

Rock Hall

The fabulous Falls Village Inn located in the heart of historic Falls Village is not only creating a special menu for Valentines Day they are offering a Hooray For Love package that includes an overnight stay in a luxury king room with private bath, a complimentary welcome bottle of Falls Village Inn Signature Label Wine, corkscrew and glassware for two, a sample of locally made chocolate & nuts, and continental breakfast for two.  Rates start at $209 and the package is available from Feb. 14 – Feb. 17.  For more information call 860-824-0033 or visit www.thefallsvillageinn.com

Falls Village Inn

Overlooking the Farmington River, The Old Riverton Inn on Rte. 20 in Riverton is offering a Valentine’s Cupid County Inn Romance overnight package on Feb. 14 only Overnight accommodations, flowers, candy and bottle of champagne in your room, plus a romantic valentine’s candle light dinner for two and a full country breakfast in the morning make this package a delight.  Rates start at $230 for a small room or $270 for a large room, all decorated with Hitchcock furniture. To book your room call 860-379-8678 or www.rivertoninn.com.

Old Riverton Inn

The Heritage in Southbury’s Be My Valentine package offers a perfect getaway and includes overnight accommodations for two, a complimentary bottle of moscato champagne delivered to your room, dinner for two in the elegant Heritage room, and access to amenities such as the heated indoor pool/whirlpool, sauna & steam rooms.  Rates start at $179 and are available only on Feb. 14.  For more information call 1-800-932-3466 or www.heritagesouthbury.com.

Heritage

On February 9 Interlaken Inns’ Valentine's Day Package offers a red rose for her, a cozy and romantic night away, plus a fabulous dinner with to live music throughout dinner, then - dancing to the region's premiere 13-piece Big Band.  The complete package offers a three-course dinner for 2, Glass of house wine or cocktail for each of you, A red rose for her, Dancing, Overnight accommodations for 2, Breakfast for 2. Complete Valentine's Day Package is $279 per couple (total package is $334.98 per couple including tax and service charge).  To book call 1-800-222-2909 or visit www.interlakeninn.com.

Sunnyside at Interlaken Inn

Litchfield Inn is celebrating February for Lovers month and is offering a romance package for the entire month that includes deluxe overnight accommodations, a three course dinner at Bantam Bistro, bottle of Sunset Meadows Wine and cheese, lovers dessert platter delivered to your room and breakfast for two.  The cost is $359 per couple and can be booked by calling (860) 567-4503 or visiting www.litchfieldinnct.com.

Litchfield Inn

The stately Mayflower Inn located in the heart of Washington is offering a Valentine’s Day package on Feb. 14 that includes a very special Valentine's Day Dinner for 2 (exclusive of beverages), a Bottle of champagne in room upon arrival and Continental Breakfast.  Rates start at $950.00 and Suites at $1,250.00.  To book call 860-868-9466 or www.mayflowerinn.com.

Mayflower Inn

In Southbury, Valentine's Day at Crowne Plaza Southbury is being celebrated on Feb. 14 – 16 in style.  Enjoy a scrumptious dinner and relaxing overnight stay with your sweetheart at the Crowne Plaza Southbury. The  package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, Special Valentine's Dinner for two in the Arrowhead Restaurant, and a full breakfast buffet the next morning all for $199.  Call 203-598-7600 or http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/southbury/hvnsb/hoteldetail.

Crowne Plaza Southbury

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.