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

Ski Jumping Championship in Litchfield Hills

Despite last week’s rain and 50 degree temperatures, there will be no shortage of snow at Satre Hill this weekend when the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) hosts ski jumping for the 87^th year during Jumpfest Weekend in Salisbury, CT, drawing some of the best junior jumpers in the East- many with Olympic aspirations.

Human Dog Sled Race Photo credit: Jonathan Doster

SWSA president Ken Barker said “The night time temperatures dropped right after the warm spell and we’ve been making snow ever since.” Barker added “We have two snow guns that produce huge volumes of snow.”

With overnight temperatures remaining low this week SWSA directors will continue snowmaking to add extra cover to the landing hill.

“Our biggest problem,” Barker said “is that because there isn’t much snow on the ground out there, people may think that we don’t have any either. Right now, our ski jump facility looks like a big white patch in a otherwise brown world.”

Ski Jumper Photo credit: Jonathan Doster

The three-day Jumpfest will include Target-Jumping Under the Lights as well as the Human Dogsled Race, a crowd favorite where five humans pull one human on a sled around a .3 mile course. Teams get very creative with both their costumes and sleds.

Junior jumpers, many of whom have recently completed in the junior jump camp, will show off their new-found skills as they compete on the 20 and 30 meter hills.

Ice carving will return to the Scoville Memorial Library again this year, but with a new twist. In place of an actual competition, the event will feature multiple-block demonstration pieces by some the areas (and country’s) best carvers that will be sure to impress. To add to the fun, the areas best restaurants will compete in a chili cook-off.  At night, Snow Ball revelers can dance to the rock and roll music of Common Folk and Treetop Blues featuring Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult fame.

Ice Sculpture Photo credit: Jonathan Doster

 Schedule of Events

Friday

Nite Lites

6:30 pm- Chili Cook-off

7 pm- Target-Jumping under the lights.

Following jumping-  Human Dogsled Race

                                           

Saturday

9 am- Nordic Kids 20 and 30 meter competition

11am-noon- practice for Salisbury Invitational ski jumping competition

1pm-3pm- Salisbury Invitational Competition                

11am-3pm- Ice Carving Demonstration featuring area’s best carvers,  Scoville Memorial Library, free admission

8pm-midnight- Snow Ball, featuring opening band The Common Folk and treetop Blues with Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult fame, at the Lakeville Hose Co., admission: Adults $12, children 12 and under free.

Sunday

Pancake Breakfast at Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance building

11am- Practice 87^th Annual Eastern Ski Jumping Championships

1pm- Competition including Junior Olympic hopefuls.

All jumping events held at Satre Hill in Salisbury.

Unless otherwise noted, admission for all events: $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free.  Proceeds from Jumpfest Weekend will fund SWSA’s children’s skiing programs.

For updates and program changes go to www.Jumpfest.org.  For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

Savor Connecticut at Naugatuck Historical Society Feb. 23

The Naugatuck Historical Society is offering a program called Savor Connecticut that will feature a Connecticut only tasting and presentation on Saturday, February 23, 7-10 p.m.  Guests will be able to sample the flavors of Connecticut, including different wines, beers and food. They will enjoy a presentation and exhibits featuring the History of Connecticut Foods by authors Eric Lehman and Amy Nawrocki.

Visitors will sample drinks from Cambridge House Brewery, Two Roads Brewery, Avery Soda as well as taste wines from local vineyards. Food to be sampled will include items on the menus of the following restaurants: Tequila Grill, A1Pizza, Dottie’s Diner, Santos’ Restaurant, Jesse Camille’s, Ayash-Man, Nardelli’s Grinder Shop, Newman’s Own, G’s Burgers, Fascia Chocolates and more.

 The tasting will allow guests to sample the flavors of these local venues while strolling through the historic railroad station and enjoying the temporary exhibit The Flavors of Connecticut featuring artifacts from Avery Soda, the oldest soda company still bottling in Connecticut, Nardelli’s Grinder Shop, featured on the Travel Channel and Fascia’s Chocolates, a family run business for generations. The exhibit will also include artifacts from the Naugatuck Historical Society archives including pieces from Peter Paul, Naugatuck Creamery and Diamond Ginger Ale.

Eric Lehman and Amy Nawrocki, authors of “A History of Connecticut Food: A Proud Tradition of Puddings, Clambakes & Steamed Cheeseburgers” will kick off the evening with a presentation on the history of Connecticut foods. Their book includes the history and even the recipes of some historic dishes long forgotten and some still being made in our eateries today.

The authors sampled the rich fare to be found in Connecticut and their book shares their experiences and reflects their passion for Connecticut, its history and all that make this state a wonderland of dining experiences. They will also have copies available of “A History of Connecticut Wine: A vineyard in Your Backyard” from their presentation last year available. The authors will be on hand for a book signing and to answer questions. For more information on the book http://booksnewhaven.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/283/

Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $25 at the door. Tickets are available at the Naugatuck Historical Society, 195 Water Street, Naugatuck, CT, Mountview Plaza Wines and Liquors and the Naugatuck Tax Office or by contacting wendy.murphy@snet.net. Tickets include admission to the presentation, tasting, exhibit and give-a-ways.

For more information call us at 203 729 9039 or email Naugatuckhistory@sbcglobal.net. To visit the website http://www.naugatuckhistory.com.  For  area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

February Fun at White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield Hills

The White Memorial Conservation Center, an Environmental Education Center and Nature Museum, is located in the heart of the 4000-acre White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield.

The Conservation Center operates a Nature Museum with exhibits focusing on the interpretation of local natural history, conservation, and ecology, as well as a Museum Nature Store.

The grounds includes the wildlife sanctuary maintained by the White Memorial Foundation that comprises 4000 acres of fields, water, and woodlands, trails, campground and boating facilities.

In February, White Memorial is planning some exciting programs for children and adults.  On Feb. 3 for example, at 1 p.m. learn to paint a winter sunset in watercolor with internationally celebrated botanical artist Betsey Rogers-Knox. Step by step instruction will be offered for all levels for ages 12 and up. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members and pre-registration and payment is required.

The Center is also hosting the 2nd Annual Adult Museum Sleep In: A Sense of Wonder!  So, pack your sleeping bag, your love of nature, sense of childlike wonder, and hearty appetite and stake out your floor space in the Museum or the Carriage House Bunk Room and celebrate the life and times of Rachel Carson! Night walks, day walks, and readings by Ilvi Dulac and David Leff, sing-alongs too are all part of the fun. This program is limited to 20 happy campers! All meals provided but BYOB! Members: $70.00 Non-members: $ 90.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

If you are interested in winter wildlife tracking, don’t miss the free walk on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. with Deneen Bernier to look for clues left behind by animals that tell the story of how they live this time of year.

The Star Party, an astronomy program organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society is back on February 15.  The topic will focus on our magnetic sun and weather permitting there will be star gazing after the program at 7 p.m. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars.

 

On February 16, Gerri Griswold leads participants on a winter walk through five ponds to look for animal tracks and listen for birds.  This brisk stroll is capped off with hot chocolate and a sweet treat in the A.B. Ceder Room.  Meet at the museum at 2 p.m. and head to the trailhead to start this invigorating walk.

White Memorial Foundation is located on 80 White Hall Rd. in Litchfield.  For program information call 860-567-0857 or http://www.whitememorialcc.org.  For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.