November 6, 2009

The Many Colors of Connecticut!

The leaves aren’t the only ever-changing and vibrant part of Connecticut. There’s always something different and exciting going on and this weekend is no exception. Start on Friday by attending the First Friday at New Britain Museum of American Art. Listen to the live Jazz music by Walter Gwardyak, Director of the New England Jazz Ensemble while viewing the Museum’s premier permanent collection of 300 years of American Art, hearing gallery talks, participating in art activities while savoring the light hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Travel to Norwich for the First Friday Live Sounds at the Donald L. Oat Theatre to hear the music of Horizon Blue, best described as Contemporary Americana, a pop blend of country, blues and a dash of rock. Take the family to the First-Friday-Free Family Night at the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut in Niantic for a host of family activities. Or listen to Cheryl Wheeler, on Friday night, at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook. Cheryl is a gifted songwriter whose songs have been covered by everyone from Suzy Boggus to Bette Midler. A gifted voice and a savagely funny social critic is a great combination for a memorable evening. Watch the Friday night’s performance of the Evidence Dance Company at the Quick Center for the Arts, at Fairfield University in Fairfield. Combining elements of dances from West Africa and the Caribbean creates a theatrical dance experience. There newest work, Two-Year-Old Gentlemen is the highlight of the evening.

Plan an overnight stay at the Wallingford Victorian B&B. Built in 1891, this 6600 square foot Queen Anne Victorian mansion is nestled in a well established quiet neighborhood. Distinguished by its unique and historical architecture the house features a large front porch, balconies and three story conical tower. Winding stairs lead past stained glass windows to guests’ rooms offering queen or king sized beds, some with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. A full breakfast is included. If you do not have time to enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the B&B, you can take it with you. Conveniently located, this B& B is just two blocks from shops and restaurants and an easy access to both interstate I-91 and historic Rt.15- Merritt Parkway.

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

More ways to rake in more fun this weekend.

Fall Hikers Hike , Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden (203) 272.7841
Take park in this strenuous hike over rough terrain at the Sleeping Giant State Park. Hike will leave from the bulletin board at Sleeping Giant State Park entrance on the north side of Mt. Carmel Avenue in Hamden. Be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes and bring snacks and water. This hike is suggested for experienced hikers only. Saturday 11 a.m.

Introduction to Herbal Medicine: Family Immune for Winter Months, Washington, (860) 868-0518
Join herbalists and Flower Essence Practitioner, Lupo Passero at the Institute for American Indian Studiies to discuss a variety of safe and natural remedies to help support your family’s immune system for the upcoming winter months. Many of the remedies shared are items you can find in your pantry and everyday kitchen items such as garlic, onions and ginger. Saturday 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Connecticut Veterans Day Parade , Hartford, CT (860) 986-7254
Join the 40 Veterans groups, 25 bands and over 3,500 marchers from 96 units representing 49 towns in honoring those who serve at the 10th Annual CT Veterans Day Parade. This is the largest Veterans Day Parade in New England and one of the largest in the country. The parade includes a Moment of Silence with a tolling of the Center Church bell and a stirring rendition of the national anthem. Sunday at 1:00 p.m. downtown Hartford (kick-off at Buckingham & Washington Streets).

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 6, 2009

NEW HAVEN
November 8 – 13 – New Haven Restaurant Week, various locations in New Haven, CT. More than 25 restaurants are participating in restaurant week. They will offer a three-course, prix fixe menu consisting of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Prix fixe menus will be priced at $16.38 for lunch (priced at the year New Haven was found) and $29 for dinner. (203) 777-8550 or (800) 332-7829

HARTFORD
November 7 - New England Film and Television Expo, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, in the Autorino Great Hall, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This all day event is designed for those who always wanted to work behind the scenes in Film or TV. Presenters will include Industry Experts from NY & Boston Talent Agents, Casting Directors, Film Directors, Voice Over Producers and Radio & TV Broadcasters. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet and hear from these industry experts assembled in Hartford for the first time. Admission: $116.00 (860) 987.5900

CANTERBURY
November 8 - Tea with Prudence & Sarah, Prudence Crandall Museum, Rtes. 14 & 169, Canterbury, CT 06331. Time: 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. sittings – Pre-registration required. At the Prudence Crandall Museum actors Donna Dufresne and Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti becomes Prudence Crandall and Sarah Harris Fayerweather in this compelling dialogue based on historical facts. After the performance enjoy tea, scones, tea sandwiches and cookies. Admission $20. (860) 546-7800

OLD GREENWICH
November 7 & 8 – Gem, Mineral, Jewelry & Fossil Show, Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Road. Old Greenwich, CT 06870. Time: Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. -4:30 p.m. This is hosted by the Stamford Mineralogical Society with exhibitors of gems, minerals, fossils and jewelry demonstrations, hourly door prizes. Admission: $6. Adults, $1 Children under 12. (914) 935-8893

WINDSOR LOCKS
November 8 – Women Take Flight, New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Road (Rte. 75), Windsor Locks, CT 06096. Time: 10 a.m – 5 p.m. The sixth annual program features extraordinary women who have pioneered new careers for women in aviation and aerospace. Amongst some of the twenty women expected are: Nina Anderson, corporate pilot and author of Flying Above the Glass Ceiling, Anne Baddour, experimental research pilot for MIT Lincoln Laboratory Flight Test Facility 1977-1997; and Heather Howley, a 26 year old helicopter pilot/instructor, owner and operator of a helicopter flight school in New York. Admission: $10 Adults, $9 seniors, $5 children 4-11 and free for children 3 and under. (860) 623-3305.