Wednesday, September 8, 2021
New Juried Art Show @ Lockwood Mathews Mansion in Norwalk
Thursday, September 2, 2021
Competition, Concours, Porsche Celebrations Set to Highlight Lime Rock Park Historic Festival
Lime Rock Park will renew a cherished tradition this Labor Day weekend with the 39th staging of the Historic Festival. The four-day event will launch on Thursday afternoon with the Vintage Race Car and Sports Car Parade, with the action moving to the track on Friday for practice ahead of races on Saturday and Monday. Sunday we will shift gears as Lime Rock Park’s esteemed Concours event will be staged along with the Gathering of the Marques ahead of the final day of racing on Monday. Porsche is the Celebrated Marque for the event, which will be highlighted by a special selection of rare Porsche machines from the Steven Harris Collection. There will also be a strong contingent of air-cooled Porsche 911 machines in competition, with nearly 30 entries in Group 6 that also celebrates the 50th anniversary of IMSA GTU competition.
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Best Small Towns in New England
From Maine to Rhode Island, New England has an amazing number of small towns that have huge appeal! If you are looking for a guided group tour that includes more than big city lights and a crowded shoulder-to-shoulder vibe, check out the new trips to quintessential New England towns that Tours of Distinction is offering.
Tours of Distinction, in business for 50 years, is a Connecticut Tour operator that offers single-day, multi-day trips, and small river cruises, domestically and internationally. If you are looking for a new destination with lots to do, fewer visitors, a small population, and lots of elbow room we hope that this list will make your trip planning a little easier.
There is a lot more to Mystic than pizza! This seaside town, located on the North Atlantic has a nostalgic nautical ambiance with museums, forts, and lighthouses that celebrate the maritime heritage of Connecticut. It was once the center of a shipbuilding industry that brought fame to the town in the 19th century. The must-see attraction, Mystic Seaport, is an authentically replicated New England village that has tradesmen demonstrations representing what life would have been like here two hundred years ago. Visitors can watch craftsmen make candles, see blacksmithing and shipbuilding, and even explore the oldest wooden whaling vessel in the world. Mystic's waterfront Main Street is charming with shop after shop of unique items from paintings and pottery to apparel and eateries including the famous, Mystic Pizza. The boardwalk and Mystic River Bascule Bridge that stops road traffic when it goes up so boats can pass by adds to the charm of the town. To round out a "mystic" experience take a cruise along the calm waters of the Mystic River that passes historic homes known as "Captain's Row," tall ships, and lighthouses. For tour information https://www.toursofdistinction.net/tours/day-trips/sail-away-argia
Litchfield, Connecticut
This stately village in the northwest corner of the state with its long village green-lined with lovely homes, shops, and the most photographed church in New England is like stepping back in time. A drive through Litchfield's designated historic district on Rte. 63 North and South is a treasure trove of Americana. You will pass homes where George Washington stayed, the site of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, and the site of the Pierce Academy, the first school for girls in America. Not to be missed is the Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, the first of its kind in the country. Just beyond the Green is White Flower Farm, a nationally known nursery with beautiful display gardens. For nature lovers, there is White Memorial Foundation, the largest nature sanctuary in the state with 40 miles of hiking trails and an informative Natural History Museum. Close by is the Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy with one of the largest collections of birds in North America. Here visitors will find more than 80 species totaling 400 birds from around the world. To cap off the day in Litchfield, head to Haight Brown Vineyard, the first farm winery in the state for a wine tasting and tour.
Essex, Connecticut
This quaint riverside village has a Main Street that is lined with early Federal and Colonial-era homes that are meticulously maintained making it no surprise that this town is on the list of "The 100 Best Small Towns in America." Essex exemplifies the feeling of what a small town should feel like with 14 miles of tree-shaded sidewalks lined with historic homes, shops, eateries, picture-perfect marinas, and parks. A local favorite is the Old Griswold Inn that has been serving visitors and locals alike since 1776. The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat ride take visitors through idyllic countryside that is picture-perfect. The Connecticut River Museum tells the story of the Connecticut River and its people through three floors of displays and exhibits that include a replica of the Turtle submarine piloted during the Revolutionary War. The museum also offers a cruise aboard a re-created vessel Adriaen Block constructed in 1614. For tour information https://www.toursofdistinction.net/tours/day-trips/connecticut-rail-sail
Norwich, Vermont
A picturesque village located on the Connecticut River, Norwich has large stately homes and a quintessential village green with a classic Congregational Church. Surprisingly, Norwich is also a foodies paradise! To the delight of beer drinkers, Norwich is home to Jasper Murdock Ales, the longest-standing brewery on the Vermont beer trail. Visitors to the historic Norwich Inn can sample a selection of traditional English -style ales accompanied by a fine cheddar cheese made with Jasper Murdock Whistling Pig Ale in an atmospheric pub. A highlight of any trip to Norwich and a baker's delight is a visit to the King Arthur Flour Company. This is the country's oldest flour company that now offers classes in its Baking Education Center taught by professional bakers. The classes range from Beauty and the Baguette, Do The Twist: Pretzels, to Creme Puffs & Eclairs, Sticky Fingers: Breakfast Buns, and many more! The Norwich Farmers Market is a foodie extravaganza that runs year-round with vendors galore. Hundreds of fresh veggies, smoked meats, artisanal cheeses, heavenly soaps, beeswax candles, baked goods, sandwiches, and much more are offered. A visit to Dan and Whit's General Store opened in 1930 is like stepping into a time machine where you will find a wide array of unique and thoughtfully selected merchandise that runs the gamut!
Waterbury, Vermont
Nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains Waterbury offers a wide range of recreational delights and is considered to be one of the best bike towns in the state with acclaimed trail networks including Perry Hill, the finest trail in the state. The historic downtown offers award-winning farm-to-table dining, local craft breweries, and great independent shops offering merchandise that you won't find anywhere else. If you work up a thirst head to the rustic Tasting Room at Cold Hollow Cider Mill and sample their hard cider while relaxing on seats made from their old wooden cider pressing racks. Waterbury is also home to Ben and Jerry's and a factory tour and visit to the ice cream tasting room is the perfect way to end the day in this charming community. A special VIP highlight is the hands-on, private ice-cream-making class with one of Ben and Jerry's flavor gurus!
Nestled on the southwest coast of Maine, Kennebunkport is most commonly known as being the summer home of President George H.W. Bush. Originally, an agricultural and shipbuilding settlement, today, Kennebunkport with its lovely beaches, sweeping coastal views, and excellent amenities make it an ideal small-town getaway. While enjoying the cool Atlantic breeze, you can walk past mansions belonging to Sea Captains on Summer Street, explore the historic neighborhood of Dock Square, take a leisurely walk down Ocean Avenue where sailboats and fishing vessels are moored, and walk along the granite Rockland Breakwater to a historic lighthouse The downtown area is noted for its variety of interesting shops and eateries. For a change of pace, visit the Seashore Trolly Museum and take a ride on a tram that dates to the early 1900s. There are also many opportunities for an on-the-water adventure with the most popular being whale watching and lobstering excursions. If you enjoy history, pop into the frilly Gothic-inspired yellow "Wedding Cake" house, once the home of a prominent 19th-century shipbuilder. It is considered to be the most photographed house in Maine. For foodies, don't miss the chance to try the local brews that are best washed down with a luscious Maine lobster roll made with fresh lobster, mayo, and celery. For tour information https://www.toursofdistinction.net/tours/day-trips/for-the-love-of-lobster
Rockport, Maine
Situated between Rockland and Camden, Rockport, Maine, named "One of America's Prettiest Towns," by Forbes shouldn't be missed. Considered the hidden gem of mid-coast Maine, visitors will find a beguiling mix of shops, dining, outdoor recreation, and a picture-perfect harbor. The downtown area is best explored on foot and is filled with art and craft galleries, whimsical street art, and restaurants serving up traditional lobster rolls and blueberry pie. One of the highlights is a scenic day or sunset excursion aboard a traditional schooner or windjammer that offers magnificent views of Penobscot Bay and Indian Island Lighthouse. To meet some of Rockland's most famous four-legged residents head to Aldermere Farm, home of the Belted Galloway cattle, more commonly known as "Oreo cookie cows," because of their black and white stripes. No visit here is complete without a photo op with the statue of Andre the Seal who wintered at the New England Aquarium in Boston and summered in Rockport Harbor, entertaining visitors with Harry Goodrich for 25 years until his death in 1986. A blockbuster movie and book were written by Goodridge about Andre the Seal.
Wolfboro is the quieter side of Lake Winnipesaukee that has attracted the rich and famous for centuries. The sign that welcomes visitors to town claims that Wolfeboro is "the oldest summer resort in America." They stake this claim on the fact that the first mansion was built here in 1770 by Governor John Wentworth on what is known today as Lake Wentworth. Wolfboro is nestled on the banks of this cool, calm, unspoiled lake that is surrounded by mountains. Stately homes, lovely neighborhoods, and a downtown boasting an interesting mix of arts and crafts shops and galleries, bookstores, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants add to the ambiance of this seemingly timeless town. If you like history don't miss the Wright Museum of WWII with its extensive collection of 1939-1945 historically significant WWII items and memorabilia that represent both the home front and battlefield. The New Hampshire Boat Museum has displays of boats, motors, and boating items documenting this area's love of boating. A highlight here is the chance to go for a ride on a replica 1928 style Hacker-Craft. At the end of the day, the lake is a big attraction; one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of the lake and watch the boats go by is at Cate Park.
This walkable, vibrant, coastal city was originally settled as a seaport, where merchant ships traveled up and down the Piscataqua River. Today Portsmouth, one of the oldest working ports in the United States sees more than five million tons of cargo on import and export ships from trading partners worldwide in addition to pleasure boats and fishing vessels. Called "one of the most culturally rich destinations in the country," by the National Trust, Portsmouth offers visitors a unique melange of historic buildings, museums, historic sites, cultural centers, restaurants, clubs, cafes, and distinctive artisans boutiques. The best way to understand the cultural heritage of this small city is to take a harbor cruise. Get ready to be transported through 400 years of history from the settlement of the region in 1623 to the harbor's modern-day role in the economy of the town and the safety of the nation. A historic must-see is the Strawberry Banke Museum located on the original site of the town's seaport. This site is now an indoor-outdoor living history museum that depicts local life from the 1600s until the 1950s. A visit to Governor John Langdon House takes visitors back to post- Revolutionary America, and the early days of this country and, a visit to the Warner House allows visitors to experience a sea captain's house that was built in 1716 and stayed in the same family for six generations. For art lovers, don't miss the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which is associated with two of America's oldest art colonies that directly contributed to the rise of American modernism. For tour information https://www.toursofdistinction.net/tours/day-trips/picture-perfect-portsmouth
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Celebrate the Music of Billy Joel with Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot and More @Norwalk Oyster Festival 2021 September 10, 11, and 12
Three days of fun, food, and dazzling free entertainment on multiple stages, plus a myriad of special events for families and friends, from nine to ninety marks just some of the activities planned for the 2021 Norwalk Oyster Festival hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association on Friday, September 10, Saturday, September 11, and Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the 35-acre Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk.
Thursday, August 12, 2021
Hollywood Actress Gidget Born Today, August 12 in Bridgeport!
Today in Connecticut history, actress Deborah Walley was born in Bridgeport in 1941. With nationally famous ice skaters and choreographers Edith and Nathan Walley as her parents, young Deborah caught the show business bug at an early age, performing on the ice with her parents for the first time at the age of three. She soon expressed a preference for acting over choreography and enrolled in New York City’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts as a teenager.
Walley’s first big film breakthrough was the 1961 summer hit Gidget Goes Hawaiian, a sequel to the popular 1959 film Gidget starring teen sensation Sandra Dee. The film’s producers were originally concerned that the film might bomb owing to Dee being replaced with a relatively unknown actress, but audiences loved Walley and the film was a smash hit at the box office. Walley was even named Photoplay magazine’s Most Popular Actress of 1961.Gidget Goes Hawaiian launched Walley’s career as an actress who specialized in ingenue-style roles, and she went on to star in a number of comedies and beach-themed films over the next few decades. In addition to starring opposite Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello in Beach Blanket Bingo and Elvis Presley in Spinout, Walley starred in the hit 1974 film Benji — one of many Disney-related roles she held throughout her show-business career. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she also enjoyed several high-profile cameos in popular TV shows like Wagon Train, The Virginian, and Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. Even as Walley’s on-screen presence diminished in the 1980s, she maintained a productive relationship with Disney, where she occasionally worked as a writer and voice actor. In 2001, she passed away at the age of 59 from esophageal cancer.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Walk with Along the Shepaug River on August 22 with the Institute for American Indian Studies
Have you ever wanted to go on a nature walk that explains so many of the hidden things going on around you? If this appeals to you and your children, don't miss the chance to take a walk with the Institute for American Indian Studies on August 22, from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. with IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf. Participants will learn about the ecology of the Shepaug River and the way plants and animals live in the Eastern Woodlands.
Monday, August 9, 2021
Farm to Flanders – The Ultimate Gourmet Picnic & Auction
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Kids are Free @ CT's Beardsley Zoo
There is still time to visit Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. The Zoo is participating in Connecticut's Kids are Free Program that welcomes kids and an accompanying adult to enjoy the zoo for free. New tickets are released at beardsleyzoo.org every Saturday evening for the following week. We want everyone to have a chance to visit this summer!
A highlight of any visit is to catch a glimpse of the Zoo's newest resident, the Giant Anteater's pup that was born June 15! Giant anteaters are listed as vulnerable to extinction, due to habitat destruction, hunting and road kills. The Beardsley Zoo is proud to be one of the AZA-accredited zoos working to increase their numbers through the Species Survival Plan.
Don't forget your camera as the Zoo is also hosting its third annual photography contest. "Photography Goes Wild," sponsored by Milford Photo, will be a hybrid event this year, combining digital submissions with an in-person exhibition. Photo submissions are due by September 12. You can find rules and information on how to submit your photos on the Zoo's website.
Friday, July 30, 2021
Summer Fun Abounds @ Weekend in Norfolk July 30, 31 and August 1
Summer brings family road trips, ice cream sundaes, and playing water tag. One of the best warm-weather activities for families that want to bond and have fun at the same time is to attend a festival like Weekend in Norfolk (WIN). This town-wide celebration was created to offer something for everyone, with activities that won't break the bank, because all are free!
Native American Green Corn Festival August 15 in Washington Connecticut
Corn is an integral part of the annual lifecycle of Native American people. Traditionally, corn was an important source of food, as well as a significant element of religious and ceremonial life that brought communities together. For generations, many Native American communities have welcomed the season when corn ripens with a celebration. In recognition of this time-honored tradition, the Institute for American Indian Studies, located in Washington, CT, is holding their 16th annual Green Corn Festival on August 15 from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Riverwalk Pavilion, 11a School Street, in Washington, CT.
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Experience a New England Clam Bake On Sheffield Island Every Tuesday in August
New England clambakes are one of the pleasures of summer with their classic combination of lobster and clams fresh from the ocean, corn on the cob, and potatoes. The Norwalk Seaport Association's New England Clambake on Sheffield Island is one of the best places to experience this time-honored seafood feast!