Where to Go Solo

Some of us have played around with traveling alone for one reason or another. This is especially true in the post-pandemic environment where we all want to make up for lost time on the road. Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be completely on your own. The best way to travel solo, especially if it is for the first time, is to travel with a small group tour. This experience allows plenty of time to explore on your own without the worry of logistics. If you are not sure traveling solo is for you, try a day trip first. If you like the experience, then it might be time to book a longer trip to a destination on your bucket list.

Solo Travel in a small group allows you to experience things at your own pace

In 2022, 16% of Americans took a solo trip and, in 2023, 25% of Americans (83 million people) are considering taking a solo trip. According to Solo Traveler World, 70% of solo travelers take a tour to destinations that they are not confident in going to themselves. Moreover, 66% take a group tour because the tour manager handles all the details, and the tour company takes care of all the planning. More than 40% of those surveyed take a group tour because some adventures are only available on an organized tour. And, when it comes to safety 41% take a tour when traveling alone because they feel safer. Google data shows that post-pandemic solo travel has risen by 761.15%. Not surprisingly, 85% of women 55+ continue to travel solo.

Just like out of a storybook - Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

“Over the past few weeks, 25% of our small tour group bookings have come from those traveling alone,” says Tyler Zajacz, President of Tours of Distinction, an exclusive group tour operator for 51 years in Connecticut. “Our tours are curated to allow solo travelers plenty of time to explore on their own; knowing that all the logistics are taken care of. We always send a Group Tour Leader on our trips to keep things running smoothly and to point folks in the right direction. Going in a group is a great way for solo travelers to see the world in a way that won’t break their budget.”

Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes

According to Tours of Distinction, some of the most popular destinations booked by solo travelers include a smattering of intriguing destinations. One favorite is Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes where visitors get around by horse and carriage as no cars are allowed. “Solo travelers feel safe here because this destination is like stepping back in time to the Victorian era,” says Zajacz. “It is known as one of the “world’s friendliest islands” according to Travel and Leisure making it easy for solo travelers to explore.”

 

According to Tours of Distinction, another hot destination for solo travelers is Nova Scotia. “This island experience offers an extraordinary coastal getaway that is close to home with the added benefit of dining on some of the best seafood around,” says Zajacz.

Spot Eagles in West Virginia 

For those that want to get off the beaten track, Zajacz notes that West Virginia is a trending destination. “We offer an amazing scenic railroad ride along the Southern Bend of the Potomac River that is one of the best places to spot the American Bald Eagle. It seems to have attracted people that are in search of a soft eco-adventure.”

Visit the home of "the King" in Memphis

Known for their friendly people and southern charm, other popular solo destinations include Charleston and Savannah. “This past week our music cities tour that includes Memphis and Nashville has generated a lot of interest. A highlight of this trip is an exclusive tour of Graceland. It has always been popular, but it is in demand right now because of the new movie Elvis and the untimely and tragic death of Lisa Marie,” Zajacz notes.

The Palace Theater launches Annual Raffle

 

The Palace Theater’s Annual Raffle will launch today, Tuesday, January 24th at My Fair Lady. Patrons attending the hit Broadway musical will be among the first to be able to purchase 2023 Raffle tickets. 

The Raffle’s lucky first-prize winner will receive $3,000 in cash. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office at 100 E. Main St. The drawing will take place Monday, June 22, 2023, at 10:00 PM. 

 This year, participants who purchase or sell a book of tickets will be entered to win three (3)22kt yellow gold, diamond-cut bracelets appraised at $6,900. The bracelets were donated by Selim and Linda Noujaim. Tickets are $25 each and books of 10 are available for $250. Each month, raffle ticket purchasers will be entered into a drawing for a $25 LaBonne gift card. 

RAFFLE PRIZES 

Six (6) prizes are to be awarded Only 2,000 raffle tickets printed Proceeds will benefit the Palace Theater Annual Fund 

First Prize: $3,000 Cash Prize 

Second Prize: $1,500 Cash Prize 

Third Prize: $500 Gift Card Redeemable at Amazon.com 

Fourth Prize: $500 Gift Certificate Redeemable at LaBonne’s Market 

Fifth Prize: $500 Gift Card Redeemable at Home Depot 

Sixth Prize: $250 Gift Card Redeemable at Adam Broderick Salon & Spa 

About the Palace Theater 

 Located in Downtown Waterbury, Connecticut, the Palace Theater is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit performing arts center with a mission “to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences.” The Palace Theater gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support by Webster Bank, Post University, ION Bank, Savings Bank of Danbury, CT, Xfinity, Powerstation Events, Bank of America, City of Waterbury, CT DECD Office of Tourism, Republican-American and WATR Radio.

Registration is Open for the Human Dog Sled Team @ JumpFest & the U.S. Eastern Ski Championships in Salisbury, CT

 

Organized by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association, 97th JumpFest & the Eastern Ski Jumping Championships, are taking place this year on Friday, February 3, Saturday, February 4, and Sunday, February 5 @ Satre Hill. This prestigious event isn’t just about the aspiring Olympic ski jumpers, it also offers loads of fun, and one of the quirkiest competitions found anywhere… the Human Dog Sled Race! 

The good news is that registration is now open for the Human Dog Sled Race, which is taking place on Friday, February 3. The Human Dog Sled Race begins just after the Target Jumps scheduled for 7 p.m. end. This is the chance for you and five of your friends to get together and be creative with the added bonus of entertaining others. It is easy and fun to do and worth at least a year of bragging rights and Instagram photos! 

At Friday’s February 3rd Human Dog Sled Race your team will compete for trophies in men's, women's, and mixed categories as well as a people's choice award for best costume/sled. This evening event is professionally announced and a crowd favorite. To register for this entertaining and unforgettable event contact Brian @ info@jumpfest.org and tell them that you want to register. The Association will respond with all the documentation and rules. Registration is just $25 per team and is used to help sustain the mission of the Association. 

Participating is easy. All you have to do is to gather up a kennel of friends who are at least 18 years old and have a moderate level of fitness because this course is not without peril! The course is just over .3 miles in the snow. The teams consist of six people that include five pulling and one riding. Many contestants dress for the occasion to raise team camaraderie. 

Next, and this is when the fun really starts, you will design your own sled that can be anything from elaborate, whimsical, or techy, to something as simple as an inner tube. The point is to have fun for a good cause because proceeds go to help sustain the mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. 

 Also, keep in mind that Friday night of Jumpfest is a great time! An eighth of a mile of luminaries guide you to the site where there are two roaring bonfires to keep you toasty, and plenty of food and beverages to snack on. The target ski jumping and the Human Dog Sled Races are held under the lights!  

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION 

The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross–country, and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut, and the Eastern United States.

A Full Moon Walk on January 6, 2023 @ The Institute for American Indian Studies

 

If you are looking for a fun and refreshing way to celebrate the New Year, take a walk through the beautiful Connecticut woodlands on January 6 @ 6 p.m. with the Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington. There is something rejuvenating and primeval about taking a walk under the first full moon of the year with the educators of the Institute as your guides. 

Get ready to walk along the beautifully wooded trails on the grounds of the Institute where you will experience the serenity of nature under the bright nighttime sky that Eastern Woodland Native Americans have celebrated for centuries. Many Native American communities call the January full moon the “Moon of the Crackling Trees,” because it is so cold out, so make sure you dress appropriately! 

The highlight of this easy walk is to experience, firsthand, the beauty of the January full moon from a Native American perspective. 

After this walk, you will look up at the full moon with a new appreciation and knowledge, passed down by Native Americans through the centuries. The woodland walk ends at the newly restored 16th-century Algonkian village where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and stories will greet participants. 

Space on this walk is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org to reserve a spot. The price for participation is $10 for non-members and $5 for members of the Institute. Remember to dress for the weather, wear proper footwear, and bring along a flashlight. 

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 the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Work of Award Winning Artist, Tina Puckett On Display @ Four Locations

 

Tina Puckett, owner of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art has been awarded nationally and internationally is displaying her work at four locations this holiday season. At the heart of all of Puckett’s baskets, sculptures, wall hangings, and “Dymentional Weaves” is the bittersweet vine that she forages throughout northwest Connecticut. Her work comes at a variety of price points and is highly sought, making her work a special holiday gift.

Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating in the prestigious Artists Collective of Westport’s “Small Works Holiday Show” on December 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and December 15 – 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gallery at the Westport Playhouse located on 25 Powers Drive in Westport. The Artists Collective of Westport is a group of creative individuals that display their work at a variety of galleries and pop-up shows that draws visitors in because it is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Beginning on December 22, 2022 and running through, February 14, 2023, Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating at the Brice S. Kershner Art Gallery, in a show titled, “New Beginnings After the Pause,” at the Fairfield Public Library at 1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield, CT. There will be a reception on December 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. where guests can meet the artists to find out what inspires their work. The Gallery is open Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and Sun. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Branching out of Connecticut, into New York, Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will be participating in the Spencertown Academy Art Center show, “Crafts by Any Other Name,” on Saturdays and Sundays through December 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a fine selection of baskets, bowls, and wall hangers available. In addition to Tina Puckett, other participating artists include ceramicist, JoAnn Axford, artist, Shaari Horowitz, woodworker Alistair Jones, quilter, Katharina Litchman, and metal artist, Munya Avigail Upin. Spencertown Academy is known as a hive of creative activity that offers a variety of signature events and gallery shows, including this show that offers a variety of superlative work. Spencertown Academy is located at 790 Rte. 203, in Spencertown, New York. The holiday merriment continues, year-round at Tina’s studio located at #305 Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted on Saturdays and Sundays through December 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. A visit to Tina’s atmospheric studio gives folks the chance to chat with the artist to find out what inspires her work and watching her weave her wondrous wares.

About Tina's Baskets Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in her studio #305/ Tina's Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and as well at her own gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

New Exhibit Nebizun: Water is Life @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 

The Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut, has just unveiled a new traveling exhibition, “Nebizun: Water is Life.” This exhibition is a collaboration of artwork by Abenaki artists of the Champlain Valley and the Connecticut River Valley. Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Elnu Abenaki, and founding director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association curates the exhibition. 

“Water is Life “ by Francine Poitras Jones. Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe.

Sheehan will be giving a gallery talk on Saturday, December 10 at 1 p.m. that is free and open to the public. Sheehan serves as an Executive Board Member for the Vermont Humanities Council, on the Vermont Arts Council’s IDEA Committee, and is a core member of the Education Justice Coalition of Vermont. She formerly worked at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Her curatorial work reflects her deep knowledge of Indigenous history and culture in the northeast. The exhibit will be on view at the Institute through March 2023. 

 “Nebizun: Water is Life”, draws visitors into the Native American worldview of water from the very first word Nebizun which means medicine, and the root word, Nebi, the Abenaki word for water. Water is one of the four sacred elements of life, along with air, earth, and light/fire. As stewards of the environment, Native American people know the importance of clean water. Water is essential for life, it is important to fish and other wildlife, it is essential for the growth of crops, and it is an important component in medicine and healing. 

The Abenaki community, among many others, knows how important clean water is to everyday activities that some take for granted. During the recent controversial construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline through the homelands of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the anthem, “Water is Life, was born by Water Protectors and, this traveling exhibit recognizes this controversy through its name and some of its artwork. 

 “Nebizun: Water is Life” reflects awareness of both traditional values and contemporary issues. This exhibit draws inspiration from Native American grandmothers who have been doing water walks to pray for the water and the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. We hope this exhibition inspires everyone to be a Water Protector. 

About Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape Room, 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.

BETHLEHEM (CT) OFFERS A FESTIVE START TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON

They call this little town in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut “Christmas Town” with good reason. Bethlehem’s Christmas Town Festival is scheduled for December 2 and 3, celebrating its 42nd birthday this year as one of New England’s favorite ways to kick off the season. Wherever you turn, special treats are waiting, from the town green to the post office to the Abbey of Regina Laudis and the 1754 Bellamy-Ferriday House. Some of the unique attractions continue when the festival is over. The opening ceremony and Tree Lighting on the Green will take place on Friday, December 2 @ 6 p.m. with Honorary Emcee WFSB TV3 News personality, Irene O'Connor. On Saturday only there is a Santa Made Me Do It 5K road race that begins at 10 a.m. For details click here.

Vendors and More On the Green

The quaint town green, centered with a giant tree, is home to over 70 vendors with unique gift items, wreaths, and delicious foods for sale. Strolling carolers and musicians help keep things lively, Santa will be waiting at the firehouse to pose for pictures with young friends, and everyone is invited to climb aboard for hayrides offered in front of First Church. Collectors can garner this year’s unique limited edition Christmas Town pewter ornament, sold only during the Festival. 

Bethlehem’s beautiful eighteenth-century Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will be festively decorated and open for tours and holiday cheer during festival hours. Guides will offer house tours and there will be hot cider and a scavenger hunt for children. The home is located at 9 Main Street North, information can be found at www.ctlandmarks.org

Hours for the Christmas Town Festival are Friday, December 2 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, see www.christmastownfestival.com or phone 203-266-7510, ext. 300.

Christmas Town Mailings at the Post Office

 

 

The Bethlehem post office is busy in December serving the many who come every year to mail holiday cards with their unique postmarks.  Visitors can select favorites among the “Christmas Cachet” designs, hand-stamp, and mail these unique greetings to friends and family. The idea of the special stamps dates to 1938, when a local Postmaster, the late Earl Johnson, designed a “cachet,” a special rubber stamp featuring a tree and lettering that said, “From the Little Town of Bethlehem, Christmas Greetings.” New cachets have been added almost every year since. Over 70 designs are now available and nearly 200,000 cards are mailed each year from this small post office.  Located at 34 East Street, the post office will have extended hours during the festival, Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Precious Crèches at the Abbey

One of Bethlehem’s not-to-be-missed jewels is open all month for visitors. The museum-quality eighteenth-century Neapolitan crèche on view in a vintage barn at the Abbey of Regina Laudis includes hundreds of beautiful hand-carved figures. Made of wood, terra cotta, and porcelain, the figures portray the Holy Family, angels, the Three Kings, merchants and peddlers, children, peasants, and farm animals.  This fabulous gift from artist and philanthropist Loretta Hines Howard is similar to the one Howard donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is prominently displayed every Christmas. 

A second Crèche, The Lauren Ford Crèche, created by a favorite Connecticut artist, is displayed in a farm shed near the Lower Abbey Chapel. This charming rustic Nativity scene displays figures of Jesus, Mary and Joseph dressed in typical New England garb.

The Monastic Art Shop on the property offers crafts, cheeses, jams, herbal teas, flavored vinegar, herbs, and honey, all created on-site by Abbey’s residents.

The Abbey of Regina Laudis, located at 249 Flanders Road, is open to visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.abbeyofreginalaudis.org

Indigenous Artists & More Holiday Market @ Institute for American Indian Studies November 26 & 27, December 3 & 4, 10 & 11

 

Once again this year, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington is hosting a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience that celebrates Native American culture. What makes this Holiday Market unique is that it pays tribute to indigenous people across the United States and provides a spectacular opportunity to see Native American-inspired work that is handmade, artfully displayed, and sold. 

The Holiday Market located in one of the Institute’s impressive exhibition galleries takes place on Saturday, November 26, and Sunday, November 27, and Saturday, December 3, and Sunday, December 4. The final weekend for the holiday market is on Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11. The market is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. 

A tour of the museum is an insightful experience that compliments this unique shopping experience. Entrance to the museum is a nominal fee ($12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for children; members of the museum are free), and includes the newly installed national traveling exhibit, “Nebizun: Water is Life, “curated by Vera Longtoe Sheehan (Elnu Abenaki) of the Abenaki Arts and Education Center. 

The Holiday Market has so many gifts to choose from including Native American jewelry, paintings, photography, and unusual ornaments perfect for Christmas trees to decorative gourds, pottery, rattles, flutes, and more at a variety of price points. The chance to talk with the artists that have created these one-of-a-kind objects and to learn about the culture that inspired them makes your gift purchase even more meaningful. 

For music lovers, musicians, and collectors, the magical-sounding authentic Woodland Native American flutes handcrafted by Allan Madahbee are truly unique. Madahbee is an Anishnawbe, born on Manitoulin Island, and is a registered Native American in Canada and the United States. In addition to the one-of-a-kind flutes, Madahbee is offering handmade beaded moccasins, woodcarvings, rock sculptures, and original paintings inspired by his ancestors and experiences. 

Another vendor, Kim Lewis from Native Visions will be offering an astounding array of Native American Art from Oklahoma and the Southwest including a fine selection of original paintings and prints, Zuni Fetishes, silver jewelry, pottery by Mel Cornshucker, plus Hopi, and Navajo Kachinas. 

A long-time favorite of the Holiday Market is Primitive Technologies, a nationally known small business that has worked with everyone from filmmakers to museum curators to recreate the material culture of prehistoric Native American life. They offer exquisite wood-fired replica pottery, hand constructed from local river clay, hand-carved flint arrowheads and flint animal necklaces, carved stone art, traditional stone tools, containers made out of natural materials, unusual jewelry, and decorative gourds. 

Jessie Rose, from the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, and owner of Rooted in Alchemy will have an array of herbal mixtures including sage, sweetgrass, cedar, and more. Brandy Sawyer, of Cherokee descent, will also be at the holiday market with a wonderful selection of contemporary Native American-inspired art. 

The Museum's Gift Shop will be open and brimming with gifts large and small in many price ranges. Highlights of the gift shop include a distinctive collection of Native American jewelry, including wampum jewelry crafted by Annawon Weeden, Mashpee Wampanoag, and Pequot artist Dan Simonds, head of the Wampum Wear Collective. There are decorative gourds and ornaments created by Jeanne Morningstar Kent, a member of the Nulhegan Coosuk-Abenaki of Vermont, and Native American food from Sweet Grass Trading Company from the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Let your holiday merriment begin at the Institute’s Holiday Market signature event which offers unusual gift items and an immersive cultural experience that celebrates contemporary and traditional Native American-inspired art. 

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 the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Open Holiday Weekends @ Tina's Baskets - Studio of a Award Winning Weaver

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Studio #305, Tina's Baskets and Woven Arts, at Whiting Mills, Winsted, Connecticut. Master weaver, Tina Puckett is a national and international award-winning artist known for her woven arts and dimensional weaving. The studio is open on weekends this holiday season giving folks the chance to shop in a highly acclaimed artist's studio with the added bonus of meeting Tina, watching her weave, and learning what inspires her sought-after woven pieces, which are available at a variety of affordable price points. 

Finding the perfect present can be a tricky business - and yet a local artist Tina Puckett weaves baskets, bowls, wall hangers, and sculptures that are pieces of art. Tina's Baskets & Woven Art is sure to satisfy even the most discerning on your holiday list. Visiting her rustic art studio is an adventure in itself, especially if you are on the hunt for something special that is sustainable, ready to be used time and time again, and loved for years to come. 

Many things make Tina's Baskets and Woven Arts, unusual. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and the natural beauty of bittersweet vines that she weaves into the dynamic shapes with hand-dyed reeds that create a mélange of colors that will not be found anywhere else. What enhances the character of each piece is the addition of the bittersweet vine that is foraged by Tina in the woods near her studio in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut. 

Tina's atmospheric studio # 305 is located in Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted, Connecticut, and will be open and welcoming the public on Friday, November 25, Saturday, November 26, and Sunday, November 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

On the following weekend, Tina's Baskets & Woven Art will be participating in the highly anticipated Whiting Mills Holiday Open Studios on Saturday, December 3, and Sunday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to Tina's studio, visitors will also have the opportunity to visit other studios that are not normally open. 

The holiday merriment at Tina's Baskets & Woven Arts continues for two more weekends on Saturday, December 10 & 17, and Sunday, December 11 & 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information please email tina@tinasbaskets.com or visit the website. 

About Tina's Baskets & Woven Art 

Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in her studio #305/ Tina's Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and as well at her own gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

Learn about the beautiful parks of Bristol

 Bristol, Connecticut has some of the most undiscovered parks in the state whose history is not well known. To learn more, join the Bristol Historical Society on Thursday, November 17 @ 7 p.m. The Historical Society is located at 98 Summer Street in a classic brick building.

Join Sarah Larson, Deputy Superintendent of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services, as she discusses the history of Bristol’s park system, the role that Rockwell and Page Park played in shaping Bristol during the 20th century, and future park projects. There will also be a display of old park maps, postcards, and more for the guest’s viewing pleasure.

Doors will open at 6:30. Seating is limited to the first hundred that enter. Admission is free for BHS members; a $5 donation is requested for non-members. Parking is available behind the building. Refreshments will be served. For more information click here.

It’s All About the Meat – Terra Gaucha Now Open in Stamford

Terra Gaucha, Connecticut’s only authentic Churrascaria or Brazilian Steakhouse located at Stamford Town Center, 280 Tresser Blvd. in Stamford is now open. The new restaurant will occupy the former space of the Cheesecake Factory in the heart of downtown Stamford. This prime location is easily accessible with plenty of parking. A special introductory price for lunch and dinner will run through the end of October.

Experience Brazilian hospitality and food in Stamford, CT @ Terra Gaucha

Stamford’s new churrasco-styled restaurant, Terra Gaucha, offering authentic Brazilian food is like going to the land of the gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) and more! One of the things to know about this extraordinary dining experience is that churrasco refers to a style of cooking that was invented in the 1800s by the gauchos, of Brazil. They found that slow-roasting meat flavored only with rock salt over open flames brought out the natural flavor of meat and made it more succulent. Today, the churrascaria-style steakhouse is popular all over Brazil and is now trending in the United States. On October 22 this time-honored tradition of fire-roasting meat – beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and seafood on skewers with a dash of salt arrived in Stamford, Connecticut. “Although Stamford is part of a large metropolitan area, I think that it is a very close-knit and welcoming community that we want to be a part of. Stamford has a unique identity and we are looking forward to bringing a taste of southern Brazilian hospitality and cuisine to this dynamic area,” said owner, Rodolfo Melo. “It is our third location and we couldn’t be more excited about introducing our gaucho chefs to the folks that live here.”

Fire roasted meat - a house specialty

Terra Gaucha “gaucho chefs” are experts in the art of fire-roasting meats. They hand select, butcher, and season each fire-roasted skewer that is served, elevating this centuries-old cooking technique. At Terra Gaucha a red carpet cultural experience is rolled out for diners with delectable meat and seafood brought on long skewers and expertly carved, tableside. Part of the fun is watching servers slicing meat right into your dish instead of having it plated in the kitchen. To add to the experience, each guest receives a card, one side is red and says “No Thanks” and the other side is green and says “Yes Please.” This ensures you will always get the juiciest meats cooked to your liking with the added benefit of pacing yourself by indicating when you are ready to eat and when you want to stop. This signature experience is the price-fixed all-you-can-eat “Rodizio” consisting of unlimited trips to the gourmet salad bar and unlimited tableside service of fire-roasted meats and seafood. The waiters keep bringing meat until you tell them to stop! 

Experience tableside service!

Simply seasoned, fire-roasted meats are the heart of the Rodizio experience at Terra Gaucha where diners discover a variety of flavors. The most prized cut of meat is called Picanha, a savory crescent-shaped prime cut of top sirloin with a carefully crafted fat cap that flavors the entire cut. Since it is the prime part of top sirloin flavored only with a dash of rock salt, it’s extremely tender and utterly delicious. The meat offerings in this cathedral of churrasco doesn’t stop there – bacon-wrapped chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks marinated in bourbon and beer, grilled salmon, grilled shrimp with a passion fruit and mango glaze, lamb in a special mint marinade and lightly wine-marinated pork are also part of the meat parade. Mainstays of the extensive salad bar include smoked salmon, lobster bisque, shrimp salad, and much more. Traditional dessert like a Brazilian Flan or something decadent like a Petite Gateau-Molten Lava cake.

Dinner also includes a bountiful salad bar 

Terra Gaucha offers a full-service bar and a restaurant with 200 seats inside, three private dining rooms for groups and special occasions, and an outside patio that seats 40. The restaurant is open for Lunch Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is offered Monday – Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The last seating is 30 minutes before closing. For more information call 475-977-3522 or visit terragaucha.net.

Save room for a traditional dessert

About Terra Gaucha

This Brazilian-style steakhouse offers an authentic cultural churrasco dining experience that allows diners to experience the best of southern Brazilian hospitality and cuisine. There are three locations including Stamford, Connecticut, Tampa, Florida, and Jacksonville, Florida. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner and has private rooms for group or special occasion dining.

Artifact Identification Day @ Institute For American Indian Studies October 22

 

Do you have any stone artifacts or Northeastern Native American cultural items that you would like to have identified? Do you want to know about the, who, what, how, and when of your mystery items? If you do, then register to participate in Artifact ID Day at the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut on Saturday, October 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

As part of Connecticut’s statewide Archeology Awareness Month and International Archeology Day, this program conducted by the Institute’s Research Department provides a chance to uncover the past and discover more about an artifact in your possession that you have always been curious about. The cost to participate is $15 for non-members and $5 for members. To register click here and if you have questions please call 860-868-0518. 

This event gives participants the opportunity to learn about the objects that they have questions about with an expert in the field of archaeological and cultural study. The Research Department archeologists and staff will provide interesting insights and commentary on your items but will not appraise or speculate about the value of an object. 

To better identify your object, you should have some information available. If a family member gave it to you, ask them for any details they might remember. It is also helpful to know the general location of where your artifact was found. If you are bringing a cultural artifact, it is helpful to know approximately when it was found. This program features a mix of commentary and methods of stone and cultural artifact identification in a manner that is useful to newcomers, hobbyists, collectors, the curious, archaeologists, and researchers. 

About Institute for American Indian Studies 

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

About International Archeology 

Archeology and the thrill of discovery are celebrated during the entire month of October. Every October the AIA and archaeological organizations around the world present archaeological programs and activities for people of all ages and interests. Whether it is a family-friendly archaeology fair, a guided tour of a local archaeological site, a simulated dig, a lecture or a classroom visit from an archaeologist, the interactive, hands-on International Archaeology Day programs provide participants with the chance to be an archaeologist for a day. International Archeology Day is held on the third Saturday of every October.

Weekend Workshops @ Wilton Historical Society for Indigenous People’s Day

 

On October 8, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. proclaimed October 11 of that year Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The holiday has arisen in the United States in the last three decades as an alternative to Columbus Day and was first celebrated in Berkeley, California in 1992. On October 8, from 11:00-12:00, Wilton Historical will be offering an Indigenous Peoples’ Day workshop for kids. 

The morning’s activities at the Wilton Historical Society located on 224 Danbury Road will include a discussion of the Siwanoy Indigenous Americans of Wilton and Norwalk and coastal Long Island Sound, followed by a wampum-inspired beading activity, and a basket-making craft. A traditional spice cake will be served as an acknowledgment of the formerly celebrated Columbus Day, and the significance of Christopher Columbus in the colonial spice trade. 

The event promises to be a festive and timely way to learn about the Indigenous peoples who called Wilton home for thousands of years. Suggested for ages 6 – 10. Members: $10 per child; Non-members $15 per child. Please email info@wiltonhistorical.org to register 

Did You Know? 

The indigenous people encountered by English colonists in the 1700’s referred to the area north of today’s Wilton Center as Pimpewaug. The exact translation of Pimpewaug is unclear, but name refers to the Norwalk River and the surrounding Norwalk River valley. Today’s Pimpewaug Road is a reminder of the original name that Wilton’s first residents used.

The 44th Norwalk Oyster Festival Fri., Sept. 09, Sat., Sept. 10, and Sun. Sept. 11 @ Veterans Park, Norwalk

 

One of New England's favorite events, the Norwalk Oyster Festival presented by First County Bank is back in full swing in 2022. There is no better way to say goodbye to summer, than at the three-day festival-taking place from Friday, September 9th through Sunday, September 11th at Veterans Park, adjacent to Norwalk’s historic harbor. “Performances by nationally known musicians, incredible family entertainment, and “Kids Cove” activities are free with admission, making it fun for the whole family,” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association, and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “For 15 years First County Bank has supported us, helping to make the Norwalk Oyster Festival a longtime Fairfield County tradition." “As the official end of summer celebration, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is something that First County Bank and the Fairfield County community looks forward to year after year,” said Robert Granata Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First County Bank. 

 For the Whole Family 

There are so many ways for families to have fun this year. Nationally enjoyed professional entertainment will be taking place throughout the day at various locations on the festival grounds. If you are feeling lucky, head to the midway where you will find a variety of exciting games of chance. Don’t miss the mind-boggling act called Big Bee the Transforming Robot Car. Kids are thrilled to watch a regular car turn itself into a 15- foot action robot and, then get their photo taken with it! There is always something around the next corner that amazes and delights young and old alike. Here is a partial list of some of the acts you can catch, free of charge with the price of admission. 

Ready Go Dog Show 

This year the whole family will enjoy the Ready Go Dog Show that packs plenty of oohs and aahhs with its combination of comedy, family fun, and amazing high-flying canine athletes. The show consists of rescued dogs and features champion Frisbee dogs, thrill-seeking diving dogs, and the highest box jump dog in the world! A highlight for the audience is the chance to meet and greet the four-legged stars of this thrilling show after their riveting performance. The Ready Go Dog Show has been seen on the FOX game show, Game of Talents, ESPN, the Today Show and Friends, and many others!

Sheffield Island Circus 

Pink cotton candy, the smell of popcorn, glittering costumes, and the astounding feats of daredevils make the Sheffield Island Circus something magical. Show favorites include clowns whose laugh-out-loud antics will have children rolling with non-stop laughter! The circus fun doesn’t stop there. For thrill-seekers, there is the terrifying Globe of Death motorcycle performance that keeps spectators at the edge of their seats. The performers have been amazing audiences around the world, as two or more motorcycles run together in the large steel globe known as the “Globe of Death.” This energetic act is perfect for all ages because it always delivers the “wow” factor. Other acts include the performance of elegant aerial tricks from more than 20 feet up in the air and the colorful and fast-moving hula-hoop show. 

Sunday is Family Day Plus Rides and Wristbands 

Sunday, September 11th is Family Day all day when all kids get in Free with one paid adult admission. Carnival rides are one of the most exciting and thrilling things you can do at the Norwalk Oyster Festival. One of the best deals around on Saturday and Sunday is the specially priced wristband @ $30 each which is available for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for everyone. 

 The Music 

The 2022 has live music from dozens of bands on multiple stages throughout the weekend and features a variety of crowd-pleasing entertainment. 

On Friday night, September 9, the Norwalk Oyster Festival kicks off with Jana Kramer direct from Nashville. Kramer is an actress, an AMC award-winning country music singer, and a New York Times best-selling author. Known for her role as Alex Dupre in the television series One Tree Hill, she started her music career in 2012, seven of her singles charted on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including the top 10 platinum-selling hits "Why Ya Wanna" and "I Got the Boy." Kramer went on to win ‘New Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards and, in 2015, she was nominated for ‘Best Female Vocalist of the Year at the ACMs. 

To get Saturday night rocking, Alex Shillo takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with his eclectic brand of rock and country music with a nod to his favorite, Bruce Springsteen. Shillo's band is composed of top-notch musicians, that have performed with such artists as Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Gloria Gaynor, and John Cafferty, to name a few. 

When Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, take the stage on Saturday @ 8:30 p.m. the party really gets started. Mike DelGuidice, a multi-instrumentalist, dynamic vocalist, singer, songwriter, and recording artist is currently on tour with Rock N Roll Legend Billy Joel. Mike DelGuidice and his band, Big Shot is known nationwide for performing a show of astonishing renditions of Billy Joel’s songbook, in addition to songs by Elton John, Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Marc Cohn, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, John Denver, James Taylor, Chicago, and a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more. DelGuidice is a world-class vocalist and can sing just about anything. “We are delighted to bring this world-class entertainer and his band to the 44th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. 

This year on Sunday, September 11, the Norwalk Oyster Festival wraps up with the high-energy music of Get the Led Out, a band that has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin. Hailing from Philly, this band of six accomplished musicians brings Led Zeppelin to the Main Stage in all its mythic glory. Their two energy-driven heart pulsing set spans the career of the legendary “Zep” in all its depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed live. Whether you like blues-soaked groove-driven rock anthems or more intimate acoustic sounds, by the end of the performance, you will understand why Get the Led Out has been hailed as “The American Led Zeppelin” nationally. 

New This Year - Sheffield Island Laser Lightshow 

New this year, the Sheffield Island Laser Lightshow promises to take you on a phantasmagorical journey. This 22- minute 3-D laser beam light show will be projected over the heads of the entire audience at the festival. The show is set to the music of Pink Floyd which is sure to carry the audience away with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and tons of smoke and haze effects. The show features bright colorful laser beams that sweep and move thru the sky at night along with animated artwork projected all over the stage. This professionally produced award-winning laser show will take place on Friday and Saturday night at the conclusion of the Main Stage entertainment to keep the party going just a little bit longer. 

Arts and Crafts Galore 

If you like to shop, head to the Arts and Crafts area where there’re more than 100 fine artists and crafters that display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, clothing, home décor, and wearable art are just some of the treasures to be found here. At the Seaport Tent, learn about Norwalk’s oyster history, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and browse specialty items on sale celebrating the island and lighthouse. 

For the Foodies

Whether you are craving a salty or savory meal, a sugary treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, or an afternoon or evening snack, you’re guaranteed to find a favorite fair food at the Norwalk Oyster Festival and much more. After exploring the fairgrounds head to the International Food Court that dishes up everything from Mexican, Columbian, Greek, Jamaican, and Italian to funnel cakes, cotton candy, and, popcorn to name just a few goodies. New England favorites include fresh oysters shucked before your eyes, authentic New England lobster dinners, and fresh melt-in-your-mouth lobster rolls. Some of this culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise funds for their charitable causes. And, if you work up a thirst there are plenty of choices from lemonade, fruit, and soft drinks to our popular craft beer tent offering more than forty beers. 

Where 

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission This year pricing is Adults -$14, seniors - $10, Children - 5 to 12 years old $6 on Friday and Saturday, and Children under 5 are free. Sunday is Family Day and all children are free! To avoid the wait, tickets can be purchased online at http://www.seaport.org. 

Hours: 

Friday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 10, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 11 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Parking & Shuttles 

Free parking and shuttle buses are available at these locations: 9/10 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach 5:30– 11:30 p.m. 9/11 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. 9/12 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. 

Fee Parking 

Webster and Haviland Street parking lot, and the Maritime and Iron Works garage. All are within walking distance of the festival. 

About First County Bank  

Presenting Sponsor First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $1.7 billion, and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com

About the Norwalk Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage. The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival. In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse; its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit http://www.seaport.org or call (203) 838-9444.