For This Years Gift - Give An Experience – Wigwam Escape

Why give just a gift when you can give an experience...one that will take participants back centuries in the award-winning escape room – Wigwam Escape at the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

In an immersive woodland setting with no locks, keys, cell phones, computers, or clocks. Wigwam Escape's thematic puzzles challenge game players to hunt and gather, find water and prepare food similar to how Native people did hundreds of years ago. 

This highly acclaimed escape room was a feature pick for Yankee Magazine’s Travel Summer Guide and awarded  “2019 Best Escape Room” by Connecticut Magazine. This extraordinary escape room was also a recipient of the prestigious Award of Merit, 2019 from the Connecticut League of History Organizations.

Wigwam Escape is the perfect gift for people that enjoy an adventure that challenges and educates at the same time. Best of all it provides a chance to bond with friends and family while using your puzzle-solving skills to beat the clock and escape the room.

Wigwam Escape Room gift certificates are available online at https://wigwamescape.org/book-now. For questions and any additional details call 860-868-0518. This is one gift that friends and family will be talking about for years to come!

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Ho Ho Ho – The Joy of Gifting with the Seaport Association

With just two weeks to go until Christmas Day, the Seaport Association in Norwalk Connecticut has made sure there is no “Claus” for alarm come December 25 by offering a collection of extraordinary gifts. The Seaport Association has just opened an online store making shopping for friends and family super easy. All gift certificates are available by calling 203-838-9444 or online at https://www.seaport.org/store

There is no time like the present to shop the Seaport’s collection of wonderful gift certificates that are sure to please foodies and those that enjoy on the water cruises with the added bonus of songs, sunset, and a historic lighthouse.

A gift honoring the past with a special Seaport Legacy Brick is always appreciated. The Seaport’s Legacy Brick program allows families and friends to etch their name into the history of Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Legacy bricks can be customized and commemorate a treasured individual, a milestone, or immortalize your family name by being part of the walkway entrance to the Lighthouse. Legacy Bricks come in two sizes 4x4 @ $100 and 8x8 @ $199.

For foodies there are certificates for clambakes that take place in the newly constructed timber pavilion during the months of July and August. This gift certificate includes a cruise to Sheffield Island, and an authentic New England clambake set against the backdrop of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse on our private island. Clambakes are $79 per person a $65 option is also available. The clambakes take every Thursday night, July –August.

If you have a music lover on your gift list, check out the Acoustic Cruise gift certificate and for those that enjoy sunset on the water the Friday and Saturday night sunset cruises are the ideal way to enjoy a summer weekend. There is also a family four-pack being offered that includes a cruise to Sheffield Island and tour of the Lighthouse and Light keepers’ cottage for two adults and two children for $70.

If you are looking for the truly extraordinary, book the entire island and ferry for your next soiree, corporate outing, or wedding. New this year the Seaport Association is offering a four-hour rental of Sheffield Island including transportation for 49 people at $2,500! If you want to do something truly remarkable, this is it! The Seaport’s staff is happy to assist you with all your catering needs. Why rent a room or banquet hall when you can rent your own private island and boat! https://www.seaport.org/store

Christmas Cheer @ the Derby Historical Society December 14

On Saturday, December 14 from 10 am - 2 pm the Derby Historical Society located on 37 Elm Street in Ansonia is hosting its annual Holiday Fair and Cookie Walk. 

Join the historical society staff for a cup of hot mulled cider at the David Humphreys House! Visit their gift shop for unique Christmas gifts such as doll clothes, kids toys, and books. Heather’s Korner, Coon Hollow Farm, Owl’s Nest Crafts, Doreen's Crafty Designs, and Wandering Lydia will have their handmade items for purchase as well.

Also at the Cookie Walk this year, the society will be raffling off an American Girl Wellie Wisher, and a wreath with quilted placemats, courtesy of Designs by Debbie.
SANTA CLAUS will be here from 12-2 pm, so bring your camera! Cookies are baked fresh and cost $5.00 per 13 cookies. Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit our website www.derbyhistorical.org

Holiday in the Depot

Washington Depot is a village within the township of Washington in the Litchfield Hills and the bucolic business center that consists of many interesting and unusual shops. On December 13 from 6 pm to 8 pm the Village welcomes visitors and residents alike to join in the celebrations.

Photo Credit: Stacie C. Lynch Photography

The public is invited take part in the town’s annual Holiday in the Depot hosted by Washington Parks and Recreation! The festivities will get started with a brief speech by Washington’s First Selectman. Then enjoy the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and carols sung by the Washington Primary School Chorus. Shortly after, Santa will arrive by a horse-drawn wagon. Then follow Santa inside to tell him your wishes and take a picture. While you’re waiting, make a holiday craft with the help of the Gunn Memorial Junior Library or write a letter to Santa with the WVFD Auxiliary.

Be sure to explore the shops around the Depot for tasty treats and goodies while you browse unique sale items. There will also be hayrides around the Depot! Plus lots more to do and see!

Washington will be glowing bright with holiday lights and cheer. You won’t want to miss this wonderful event!

Also, enjoy Holiday in the Depot @ Judy Black Memorial Parks and Garden
Experience the magic of Holiday in the Depot @ the park on December 13. Presented by Averill Farm, Ericson Insurance Advisors, National Iron Bank, and the Mayflower Inn and Spa, with Sharon Ruchman on piano, playing holiday favorites. Come enjoy music,
entertainment, s’mores and more.

Get into the Holiday Spirit @ the Historic Merwinsville Hotel

The historic Merwinsville Hotel Museum located in the quaint town of Gaylordsville that is part of  New Milford is hosting its annual Christmas Shoppe on December 6,7,8.  The weekend hours are 10-5 pm.

The Merwinsville Hotel and Museum is transformed into a winter wonderland every year for Christmas in Gaylordsville, a world of snow villages, model trains around the Christmas tree, caroler’s displays of snow globes, nutcrackers, and music boxes.

Art, crafts, jewelry, weavings, birdhouses, and photography by local artists are among the tempting items for sale.  Pick up a fresh Christmas tree and browse through a large assortment of home-made baked goods for sale.

A highlight is the extensive collections of  Dickens Villages, World's Fair Amusement Park Miniatures, the model train, and over 100 wooden nutcrackers.  Kids will enjoy the storytime every Saturday at noon.  Coffee, tea, and the best hot chocolate south of the North Pole are complimentary.

The Merwinsville Hotel is conveniently located 15 minutes from New Milford, Kent, Sherman and the Harlem Valley Railroad Station. For more info click here or call 860-355-3531.

The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory presents THE NUTCRACKER at the Warner Theatre December 7 & 8, 2019

It would not feel like the holidays without the timeless joy of THE NUTCRACKER, and as part of The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory’s 50th Anniversary season, the prestigious Torrington institution will unveil an exciting new production of THE NUTCRACKER this year. Presented on the Warner Theatre’s Main Stage December 7 and 8, audiences will be dazzled by this reimagined full-length ballet, complete with new sets, costumes, and choreography.

 All dance roles will feature trainees of The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, along with cameo roles performed by children from The Torrington School of Ballet. These aspiring artists come from all over the country to hone their craft and develop their artistry at The Nutmeg. The mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer will once again be played by accomplished European stage actor Thomas Evertz. Originally conceived by Sharon Dante, this production will feature choreography by The Nutmeg's faculty, led by Artistic Director Victoria Mazzarelli, and is set to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s musical masterpiece. Additional coaching is provided by Timothy Melady, Susan Szabo, Eleanor D’Antuono, Denise Warner Limoli, Joan Kunsch, and Alexei Tchernichov. 

Melady, The Nutmeg's Ballet Master, has led the production team responsible for bringing to reality the vision of Mazzarelli and scenic designer Roger LaVoie. Additional members of the design team include costume designers Susan Fazzino, Janessa Urwin, and Susan Aziz; lighting designer Brian Sciarra; set construction by American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA; and painting by Roger LaVoie Designs/TSDesigns. Performances of THE NUTCRACKER at the Warner are Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 pm. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

Cranberry Pond Walk @ White Memorial Foundation Nov. 30

On Saturday, November 30 join Geri Griswold at White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield in the 10th annual walk to Cranberry Pond. This is the perfect activity to work off Thanksgiving Day dinner and enjoy the fresh Connecticut air and the beauty of the White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield.

Nothing could cap off a wonderful “on the cusp of winter” stroll along the spectacular trail Cranberry Pond Trail better than a cup of hot coffee and a thick wedge of Crimson Pie swimming in a pool of thick ginger crème anglaise! 

Meet in the Museum. 2:00 P.M., We’ll drive over to the trailhead together. Please pre-register for this pie-enhanced stroll by calling 860-567-0857 or by registering online: www.whitememorialcc.org

After your stroll head to the Nature Museum that interprets the natural history of the White Memorial Foundation property, and is the focal point of White Memorial’s environmental education program. The museum building was once the summer home of Alain and May White. 

Today you will find hints of the original architecture interspersed with wall-to-wall exhibits that engage and educate all age groups. The grounds surrounding the Museum, historically known as Whitehall, include 2 bird-feeding areas, picnic tables nestled in picturesque settings, and multiple trailheads. A rich variety of habitats are unveiled in this small area. A quick trip down the hill behind the Museum leads you to and around Ongley Pond, where wildlife abounds.

Photos - White Memorial Foundation

TREAT YOUR THANKSGIVING VISITORS TO THE 7th ANNUAL KENT HOLIDAY CHAMPAGNE STROLL

Skip the mall and head to Kent for a weekend of shopping, dining and champagne sipping.  The 7^th Annual Kent Holiday Champagne Stroll takes place Friday and Saturday, November 29 and 30 from 4:00 to 7:30 PM. The event is sponsored by the Kent Chamber of Commerce. 

Considered the benchmark for all holiday strolls, the town of Kent will play host to over 25 distinctive shops, galleries & restaurants set to serve delicious champagnes and other bubblies, poured alongside special promotions, exclusive sales, and a few outstanding events. Event strollers will find everything from stylish clothing, one-of-a-kind antiques, artwork, books, toys for kids, delicious teas and coffees, gifts, amazing jewelry to trendy western boots.

The Kent Champagne Stroll also coincides with “Small Business Saturday” — a nationwide marketing campaign sponsored by American Express — which celebrates and recognizes small retail businesses as being the backbone of local economies.

Once you have strolled, shopped and tasted, head to one of Kent’s fine restaurants for dinner where you will find unique menu items to compliment the weekend as well as more champagne.  As Sex in the City author and local resident Candace Bushnell wrote, "Champagne – it’s just beer for girls”, although men will enjoy this, too.

Advance tickets $22/person (must be 21 years or older to attend); day of event tickets $25/person (must be 21 years or older to attend).  To purchase tickets please visit www.kentstroll.com

To learn more about this great event go to www.kentct.com  or call 860-592-0061