November 20, 2009

The Magic is All Around in Connecticut

With Thanksgiving and Christmas quickly approaching, get into the spirit of the season by enjoying the great events offered in Connecticut. Gather some tree decorating ideas at the Festival of Trees held at the historic Lounsbury House in Ridgefield. For more than a decade this event has been a holiday tradition. Once home to the governor of Connecticut, Phineas C. Lounsbury, this stunning mansion is transformed for four days into a magical holiday wonderland with more than fifty decorative trees, gingerbread houses, a holiday boutique and a not-to-be-missed Teddy Bear Tea Party. More ideas can be found at The Magic of Christmas: A Holiday Celebration at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. Enjoy the lavishly decorated trees, the iconic Miss Florence’s Artist Tree decorated by the works of more than 100 artists from around the country and their new addition, Handmade for the Holidays, trees decorated by four Connecticut artists. This exhibit starts on Saturday and runs through January 4, 2010. Or take the family to the Giant Balloon Inflation Party on Saturday afternoon in Stamford. This backstage look has turned into a full party, complete with food and entertainment. Look on while they inflate the giant helium character balloons in preparation for Sunday’s award winning UBS Parade Spectacular. Plan an overnight to be sure to get a good seat for the parade. Noted as one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, this annual event features not only everyone’s favorite giant balloon characters but award-winning marching bands and fabulous floats.

Enjoy the unique mix of urban energy and New England charm at the Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa right in the heart of downtown Stamford. Their recent guests’ room renovations showcase elegantly appointed bedding, furniture and luxurious new bathrooms. After relaxing, indulge in their new Agora Spa. Convenient to I-95 and across the street from the Stamford Town Center Mall, this location provides easy access to all area attractions and restaurants. Or relax at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic. This award-winning shoreline bed and breakfast overlooks the marina docks and offers views of the Niantic River out to Niantic Bay and Long Island Sound. Their nine guests’ rooms, some with private balconies and fireplaces, all have private bath and water views. Stroll or jog the mile long Niantic Bay Boardwalk. Take a short walk to Niantic Village, enjoy restaurants, shops or take in a movie at the cinema.

For more values on lodging and visit packages around the state, click on Specials.

More ways to be part of the magical season:

Fantasy of Lights , New Haven (203) 777-2000
Take a leisurely drive through Lighthouse Point (in your own vehicle) through an enchanted fantasyland of enormous holiday light displays. There are two new displays this year and the Ice Tunnel has returned! Around every bend, the 12th Annual Fantasy of Lights will delight children and adults of all ages. You will have plenty of time to enjoy this event more than once, since the light display will be open every night including holidays. Sun – Thurs.5 – 9 p.m.; Fri and Sat 5 – 10 p.m. Vehicle $10, Mini-bus $25, bus ($50)

Holiday Train Show Exhibit , Essex (860) 767-8269
Enjoy this family-friendly, locomotive extravaganza held at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, starting on Friday and running through Sunday, February 14. The event features a fully operational H0 scale layout with interactive components. Designed by train artist Steve Cryan, the exhibit features new models, new structures on a twenty six foot layout featuring an engine mounted camera that takes visitors down the track for a ground level view. It’s a perfect outing for train fans and all who are young at heart.

These highlights represent just a sampling of the many exciting events taking place across Connecticut this weekend. For more information about these and other entertaining activities, click on Events.

This Weekend in Connecticut
November 20, 2009

NEW HAVEN
November 21-22 – Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studio Weekend, various studios in Branford, Guildford, Madison. Maps are available at each participating studio, each town library and the Guilford Art Center. Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Let the yellow “Open Studio” signs lead the way to forty artists who will be opening their doors. Admission: Free (203) 481-3505

NEW LONDON
November 22 – United States Coast Guard Band in Concert, Coast Guard Academy, Leamy Hall Auditorium, New London, CT 06320 Time: 2 p.m. The USCGB is recognized as one of the finest professional concert bands in the world; offering music of great variety and appeal. This concert program will include music by Wagner, Adam Gorb (Yiddish Dances), Joseph Schwantner and the Ingolf Daho Saxophone Concerto performed by Chief Musician Joshua Thomas. Admission: Free – no tickets required (860) 701-6826

WARREN
November 21 – Holiday Open House, Angevine Farm, 40 Angevine Road, Warren, CT 06754. Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The annual open house features children's craft tables, gingerbread decorating, a nature hike, short theatre pipe organ concerts throughout the day, refreshments and more. Their Christmas Barn opens this weekend with a large selection of holiday gifts and decorations. Admission: Free (860) 868-7226

WETHERSFIELD
November 20-21 – Antique Show, Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109. Time: Friday 6:30 – 9 p.m. Preview Party with Early Buying, Saturday10 a.m.-4 p.m. The 9th annual show will have a selection of the area's finest antique dealers, displayed in room settings of furniture, fine art, silver, brass, oriental rugs and accessories. Admission: $7. (860) 529-7656