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

Bizarre Bazaar @ the New England Carousel Museum Nov. 19

To get you in a holiday mood, the New England Carousel Museum located on 95 Riverside Ave. in Bristol is hosting the "Bizarre Bazaar, a holiday art and craft fair on November 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a juried show and sale of work by phenomenal artists and artisans handpicked by the Museum and one that you don't want to miss  especially if you are looking for unusual holiday gifts.

Expect to be dazzled as you wander among the work of  artists and artisans at the Carousel Museum that will be displaying a variety of homemade crafts, amazing treats, and holiday gifts. There will be two floors with over 50 exhibitors showcasing their unique gifts among the Museum's holiday environment and gorgeous carousel horses.

As adults shop, there is plenty to do for the little ones. The Arts and Crafts Room of the Museum will be open for children and, "Amazing Magical Paul" will be back to create whimsical balloon animals !   Best of all, admission is only $1.00 with free carousel rides for children all day.

To sign up for a monthly newsletter on Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County visit www.litchfieldhills.com

November and December Events @ Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has planned a wide variety of events for November and December that will be fun for the entire family from learning how to create a fire to shopping for Indian arts and crafts.

November begins with a friction fire workshop on Saturday, November 12 from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.  Participants will learn  the way the way Native American people created fire by using only what nature provides. Andrew Dobos and Deneen Bernier of Three Red Trees School of Natural Living will guide participants through the process of making fire by friction using the bow and drill method. Each participant will leave with their own set of fire making tools. This is a physical skill; kneeling, bending and safe use of a knife are required. Pre registration for this event is required and the fee is $20 for members and $25 for non members.

Also on November 12 from 6 pm to 8 pm there will be a full moon walk. Participants will navigate by moonlight through the Institute's replicated Algonkian village and surrounding woods with traditional lanterns through hemlocks, witch hazel and oaks. The journey will conclude by relaxing around the campfire. The fee is $12 for members and $15 for non members.

On November 13 from 12 noon to 2 pm there will be a traditional ceremony in the outdoor village in honor of Veteran's Day. Participants and visitors are invited to a light lunch after the ceremony.

The Winter Indian Arts & Crafts Market begins on the weekend of November 26 and 27 and continues on December 3 and 4 and December 10 and 11.  Visitors are invited to shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local Native American crafters, jewelers, and artists.  This is the perfect time to to meet and buy directly from the artists while learning about contemporary Native American art and cultures. Gourds, pottery, jewelry, rattles, artwork, and flutes are just some of the items that will be offered. The market is open from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

On December 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Institute is hosting Artifact Identification Day.  Visitors are invited to join the conversation as Director of Research & Collections, Lucianne Lavin, Ph.D., identifies and provides interesting commentary about your local stone objects and Native American cultural items. This event is included in the  regular museum admission of: $8 Adults; $6 Seniors; $5 Children; IAIS Members Free.

To sign up for a monthly newsletter on Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County visit www.litchfieldhills.com

Take a chance to win a Harley!

Have you ever wanted to win a Harley -- and to cruise the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut amid the beautiful firecolors of fall?  If this is a dream of yours then take a chance with the clever raffle offered by the New England Carousel Museum (http://www.thecarouselmuseum.org) in Bristol.

The New England Carousel Museum draws the winning ticket for the lucky winner of its annual raffle on November 19,2016 at 7 pm! The 2500 tickets that benefit  the Carousel Museum are running out, fast ---  to avoid disappointment  buy your tickets today...it might be your lucky day!

For only $20.00 per ticket, you have a chance at this year's first prize,a splendid 2016 Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide motorcycle.  The second prize is a 5' x 8' trailer, and the third prize is a $100.00 gift certificate redeemable at Yankee Harley Davidson in Bristol. Everyone is welcome to join them for the drawing but the winner need not be present. The winner is called immediately upon completion of the drawing.

Tickets can be purchased on line by visiting their homepage (http://www.thecarouselmuseum.org), just scroll down the page and download the raffle form.  Fill out the form and send it along with your check for $20 to: The New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010 to receive your ticket and a chance to win a Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide motorcycle! Make sure to make your check payable to the Carousel Museum!

The Museum is located at 95 Riverside Avenue, Route 72 in Bristol. For more information, call the Carousel Museum at (860) 585-5411. Fax: 860-314-0483, E-mail: info@thecarouselmuseum.org, Web site: www.thecarouselmuseum.org.

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

About the New England Carousel Museum

The New England Carousel Museum was founded as a nonprofit educational organization in 1990, in Bristol, Connecticut. Visitors to the Museum will tour two floors of fascinating displays, exhibits and galleries including: The New England Carousel Museum, The Museum of Fire History, The Fine Art Gallery and The Greek Museum of Art and History. In season the New England Carousel Museum also manages the historic Bushnell Park Carousel in Hartford CT.

Story Barn: Lost in Translation @ Greenwich Historical Society

In connection with its current exhibition An Eye to the East: The Inspiration of Japan, the Greenwich Historical Society's fall Story Barn will revolve around the theme "Lost in Translation," featuring stories based on the concept that even our simplest attempts at communications can sometimes go awry. This event is taking place on November 17; doors open at 7 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. 

One of the Historical Society's most popular programs, Story Barn offers an evening of true personal stories served up in a cabaret-like setting without benefit of notes or screens. Emceed by Moth story coach, Nantucket Comedy Festival cofounder and comedienne Bonnie Levison, the progam offers fun, thought-provoking entertainment that puts a decidedly contemporary spin on oral history.

Like life, storytellers offer up a variety of experiences based on a given theme, many with a decidedly Greenwich twist. In the past, topics have run the gamut from youthful misadventure, to a dastardly bridegroom, a grand dame's after-hours Christmas shopping expedition and a preteen's 1960s quest for tight chinos (think 'West Side Story') at some of Greenwich's toniest emporiums. Protagonists need not be human: Stories have also featured a very ungrateful chipmunk, a supernatural parrot and a law-breaking woodchuck.

The cost of this event is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers and reservation by contacting 203-869-6899 Ext. is strongly encouraged. Beer, wine and light refreshments are included in the price of admission.

Annual Sundown Ski Patrol SKI SWAP, November 4-6, 2016

As the weather turns colder, December and Ski season will be here before you know it. To be prepared to hit the slopes this year, check out the annual Sundown Ski Patrol Ski Swap that is taking place on November 4 (Friday) through November 6 (Sunday), at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, CT located at 126 Ratlum Road, off Routes 44 and 219. This swap is the longest running and one of the largest in New England.

Sell your outgrown ski/snowboard jackets and pants, skis, snowboards, and boots! Buy new and gently used clothing and equipment! There are great deals to be had on Kids, Youth and Adult items.

Swap Hours are Friday, November 4 from 4pm-9pm, Saturday, November 5 from 10am – 8pm, and Sunday, November 6 from 10am-4pm.

Area ski shops will also be bringing inventory for sale.

Cash and Checks will be accepted (no credit cards). An ATM is available in the lodge.

The Ski Sundown Ski Patrol is a non-profit organization dedicated to the medical care for the skiing public at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, Ct. The annual Ski Swap is the primary fund raising event for the year to provide funds for medical supplies and training.

For more information visit the Ski Sundown Ski Patrol website: www.skisundownnsp.org. To sign up for an monthly newsletter on what to see and do in Litchfield Hills visit www.litchfieldhills.com