February 12, 2010

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Connecticut

From sweet treats to family activities and great date ideas, Connecticut offers an array of events this weekend to bring you together with loved ones. Start the weekend off by taking a ride on the Sweetheart Trains at the Danbury Railway Museum in Danbury. Trains will operate on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday evening visit Seven Angels Threatre in Waterbury on Saturday evening for their Comic Valentine Comedy Night. Four hilarious New York City comedians take the stage and spread the love on this great date night out. Chocolates and champagne are included. If you’re more in the mood for music, the popular Maureen Hamill will be performing her cabaret revue “Love Me Tonight” for one night only at the Darien Arts Center’s Cabaret stage in Darien. Spend Sunday with the family at Creamery Brook Bison in Brooklyn for their Valentine’s Day event. Bring a blanket and enjoy a wagon ride to the bison. Warm up after with hot chocolate while the children make a Valentine frame. Or travel to Mystic and participate in Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center’sValentine’s Hike & Dessert program. This guided hike travels through Haley Farm and Mumford Cove to the Fisherman restaurant where sweets and treats will be waiting for you. End the weekend with the evening performance of the legendary Tony Bennett at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville.

Relax, unwind and escape for the weekend at one of the romantic getaway packages listed under Connecticut’s Top Ten on the left-hand side of this page. These specials offer couples a night or two of dining, relaxation and of course romance.

More ways to share the love this weekend!

“Love Letters” , Stratford (203) 375-8778
Celebrate this weekend with a show. Watch this funny and poignant play which explores the passion of youth, the cynicism of age and all that comes between in what is described as romantic, evocative and bittersweet. The story covers a lifetime of letters between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways but continue to share confidences. Performances take place at Square One Theatre Company on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Stratford Shell Station Restaurant and other nearby venues are offering special “Sweetheart Dinners” for theatre ticket holders.

MADI GRAS MAMBO! The Neville Brothers with Dr John & The Lower 911 , Ridgefield (203) 438-5795
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day then to go to the Ridgefield Playhouse and dance to the music of the Neville Brothers, the first family of music in New Orleans as well as Dr. John and his band The Lower 911, universally celebrated as the living embodiment of the rich musical heritage exclusive to New Orleans. This fun packed evening starts at 6:30 p.m. and not only includes the concert but hors d’oeuvres, a chocolate fountain, a free glass of champagne prior to the performance and of course Mardi Gras beads.

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.

Weekend in Connecticut
February 12, 2010

OLD SAYBROOK
February 12–14 - “Best of the Fest” and “CT Grown” - Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Time: Call for schedule of events and ticket information. The Connecticut Film Festival is bringing a new collection of CT-made firms and its “Best of the Fest” award winning movies to be viewed on Valentine’s weekend. Saturday night features “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee” written and directed by Connecticut Native Rebecca Miller, daughter of American playwright Arthur Miller. This feature was shot in Connecticut and boasts of a star studded cast. The three day festival will also feature educational seminars. Tickets: 877 503.1286.

CLINTON
February 12-15 - Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets Presidents Day Sale - Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, 20-A Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413. Time: Friday, Saturday and Monday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.. Don’t miss the annual Presidents’ Day Sale. Stroll through the charming village like setting, featuring 70 designer and name brand outlets, while enjoying extra discounts on top of the already low outlet prices. Admission: Free (860) 664.0700.

BRIDGEPORT
February 13 - Asian New Year Celebration - Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610. Time: 12 noon – 3 p.m.. Join your zoo friends in celebrating the Year of the Tiger with special stories and crafts for all ages. Also included will be a children’s parade and marital art demonstrations. Snow date is February 20th. Admission: $12 Adults (12+), $11 Children (3-11), $9 Seniors (62+), Free children under 3. (203) 394-6565.

HARTFORD
February 12–14 (last day) - The Lion King - The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. Time: Friday, Saturday 2 & 8 p.m., Sunday 1 & 6:30 p.m. Experience the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life”. Let your imagination run wild at the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment”, Admission: $20.50 - $128.50 (860) 987-5900

MIDDLETOWN
February 12–15 (through March 5) -“Splendid Details: Textiles from East Asia” - Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, Wesleyan University, 343 Washington Terrace, Middletown, CT 06459. Time: Call for schedule. Culturally distinct and stylistically varied, the textiles in this exhibit revel in decadent detail and rich colors. The collection celebrates the indulgent spirit of East Asian artistry and the careful craftsmanship of needle, thread and dye. Admission: Free (860) 685-2330.