Lyman's Orchard Sunflower Maze

Lyman Orchards Dinosaur Sunflower Maze - Middlefield, CT

Aug 1, 2015 - Aug 23, 2015 Lyman Orchards, 52 South Street Middlefield, CT 

The Sunflower Maze is located where the pick your own peaches and blueberries are. This year the design is a dinosaur, ala Jurrasic Park. You really can't see that from the ground but that in no way decreases the enjoyment of the field of 350,000 sunflowers. 

Time: daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: $10; $5 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 & younger  

Telephone: 860-349-6010

Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival Hartford

Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival 2015 - Hartford, CT

Aug 1, 2015 Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Boulevard Hartford, CT

Taste of the Caribbean brings authentic cuisine, spectacular costumes and dance, and island rhythms to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza. Riverfront and CAYASCO team up to offer a full day of music, dance, Caribbean games, and children’s activities.  

If you are looking for the taste, sound and feel of the Caribbean, Riverfront Plaza is the place to be. 

Time: 1-11 p.m.

Admission: Free

Sadler's Restaurant and Bakery Marlborough

Everyone has a go-to restaurant. One where you can always count on good food and good service. For us that is Sadler. We have been going here for years and I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal. Have I had things I didn't like, yes but that was a choice I made. When I want to have a meal I love, I know I can choose my old favorites.

On Thursday evening July 23, 2015 we went to Sadler's for an early dinner. I called ahead to see if we needed reservations and yes had we wanted to arrive later we would have but at 5:00 p.m. it wasn't necessary.

I decided to try a special soup the cold rhubarb and watermelon gazpacho. It was on the tart side and I tasted no watermelon but on a hot day it was refreshing. It was served with a dollop of either sour cream or creme fresh.

For my entree I had leg of lamb. I love lamb and they always have mint jelly here. It came with a nice selection of veggies (cauliflower, green beans, carrots zucchini and butternut squash) and mashed potatoes. The bread basket has the usual sunflower seed bread and raisin bread. 

Al had one of the specials, a pork cutlet with arugula and shaved Parmesan cheese on top, the veggies and mashed potatoes. Al asked for applesauce with his pork and received a small bowl.

Both portions were generous and as always perfectly cooked.

For dessert we shared a tapioca pudding. It is served cold with whipped cream. I had a cappuccino to finish up and went home feeling very satisfied. Service as always was flawless.

The only thing I haven't tried in a while is their Sunday brunch and I plan to do that really soon. For delicious, creative homemade style cooking, I highly recommend Sadler's .

Mi Argentina Middletown

When you are in the mood for something different for lunch or dinner, you don't have to look any farther than Main Street in Middletown. Mi Argentina opened in February and brought something totally unique to the Main Street dining scene, Argentinian cuisine.

Owner Graciela Russo does her own cooking and baking and brings a great deal of enthusiasm to the experience. We have never had Argentinian food before but I was intrigued. We stopped in Friday July 24, 2015 at about 12:45 to have lunch. Graciela explained the different types of empanadas to us. I have eaten Mexican empanadas before and was anxious to see if they were similar.

I order 4 beef and two mozzarella, tomato and basil. Al had a coke and I tried a traditional Yerba Matte green tea. The empanadas are baked fresh so there is a short wait but it gives you plenty of time to look at all the delicious sweets they sell as well as traditional foods from Argentina.

The empanadas arrive piping hot and it was love at first bite. The beef is ground and I could see small pieces of boiled egg in the filling. They are not spicy but far from bland. It is quite delicious and the crust is so cute it has Mi Argentina impressed in it.

The mozzarella, tomato and basil tastes like a mini marguerita pizza. They do have more American flavors such as pulled pork.

For dessert we had two sweet facturas, one with pastry cream and quince and the other with dulce de leche. They had very crispy flaky pastry. It is very sweet, maybe a little sweet for our taste but I think with some black coffee it would have been even better.

It was a very tasty lunch and one that we will do again. I have been looking for someplace different to dine and Mi Argentina is unique and delicious.

Hale at the Homestead

Revolutionary War military encampment, tactical demonstrations, craft demonstrations, children’s activities & more. Hosted by the Nathan Hale Ancient Fife & Drum Corps. Suggested donation of $5. 

 

Date: 

Sat, Jul 25th, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

 

 

Musical Muster: Fife & Drum Muster

Over a dozen Fife & Drum Corps from Southern New England will attend this muster & present a parade featuring an assortment of fifes & wooden rope tension snare & bass drums.  Hosted by the Nathan Hale Ancient Fife & Drum Corps. Free, donations welcome.

 

Date: 

Sun, Jul 26th, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

 

House Category: 

Nathan Hale Homestead

 

House: 

Nathan Hale Homestead

Connecticut Wine Festival

Annual CT Wine Festival at Goshen Fairgrounds

July 25th & 26th, 2015

Taste the best of Connecticut’s wineries. Sample locally produced specialty foods. Enjoy live music. Browse for handicrafts. And more. It’s all happening at the Connecticut Wine Festival!

Hours: Saturday, July 25th from 12pm-7pm and Sunday, July 26th from 12pm-6pm.

Location: The Goshen Fairgrounds are located approximately 1/2 mile south of Goshen center on Route 63. For directions visit: www.goshenfair.org/directions.

Tickets: To buy tickets to the festival, click here.
  
Designated Driver and under 21 tickets are $10 and Children 6 and under are free.  After July 19th and at the Festival tickets are $32.

Tickets can also be purchased at:
Jones Winery
Sunset Meadow Vineyards
Hopkins Vineyard
Taylor Brooke Winery
Miranda Vineyard
Adams/Better Valu Hometown Markets
Admission includes a commemorative festival wine glass (tasting ticket only) and tote bag, specialty food samples, entertainment and the opportunity to purchase bottles/cases of wine, food and artisan crafts.  Designated Driver and under 21 tickets include a complimentary tote bag and 1 free water.

Participating Wineries at the festival

Bishop’s Orchards Winery
DiGraziaVineyards
Hopkins Vineyard
Jonathan Edwards Winery
Jones Winery
Miranda Vineyard
Paradise Hills Vineyard
Priam Vineyards
Sharpe Hill Vineyard
Sunset Meadow Vineyards
Taylor Brooke Winery
White Silo Winery

The Cast of Beatlemania will be performing Saturday July 25th from 6pm to 8pm. Free with any Saturday admission ticket to the festival. Check out their website www.moptops.com

On Sunday July 26th we will be holding our second annual Grape Stomp from 2:00-3:00 under the Green/White Tent.  Spaces are limited so sign up early.

 

Live Music on the Main Stage

Saturday, July 25th
12:00-1:30 – Vince Thompson
2:00-3:30 – The Goods
6:00-8:00 – The Cast of Beatlemania
Sunday, July 26th
12:00-1:30 – Hummingbirds
2:00-3:30 – Thomas Angelo
4:00-6:00 – The Groove

Wine Seminars under the Green and White Tent
July 26th from 3:00-4:00 with Renee Allen
July 27th from 3:30-4:30 with Laureen Gueirriero

Festival FAQ:
• CT Wine Festival has a page in the 2015 Passport to Connecticut Farm Wineries. Please bring your Passport so you can get it stamped!
• Wineries will NOT be stamping their individual pages at the festival.
• No pets are allowed at the fairgrounds.
• No outside food or beverages are allowed.
• Be sure to BRING YOUR ID!

Cedar Hill Cemetery Tour- Mark Twain's Companions and Cohorts

Mark Twain’s Companions & Cohorts  

Saturday, July 25, 10:00 am  

Admission: $5.00; CHCF Members, Mark Twain 

Museum & Let’s Go Arts Members: Free
 
While Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, is laid to rest in Elmira, New York, many of his Hartford companions and cohorts are interred at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Learn about Twain’s life and his many Nook Farm friends, neighbors and colleagues during this tour led by popular guide Steve Courtney. Featured residents will include Reverend Joseph Hopkins Twichell, Charles Dudley Warner and Isabella Beecher Hooker.

Just a Few Local Connecticut Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets are one of the joys of the summer. Here are just a small sample of what Connecticut has to offer. 

 

Hartford has 7 farmers markets please check out this link for more information.  

 

New Haven has 5 farmers markets please check out this link for more information.

 

Monday

Putnam  2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Stratford  2.p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Tuesday

Middletown 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seymour noon to 6 p.m. 

 

Wednesday

Brookyn  4 p.m to 6 p.m.

New London 3 p.m  to 6 p.m.

 

Thursday

Bridgeport 11 a.m to 4 p.m.

Clinton   4-7 p.m. 

Middletown 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wethersfield  3-6 p.m.

Westport  10 a.m to 2 p.m.

 

Friday

Cromwell 4-7 p.m.

Danbury 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Higganum Farmers Market  3-6 pm

Middletown North End  10 a.m to 2 p.m.

New London 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

 

Saturday

Killingworth    10 a.m to 1 p.m.

Litchfield Hills   10 a.m to 1 p.m.

Danielson  9 a.m to noon 

 

Sunday

Chester  10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Coventry  11.am. to 2 p.m.

 

Music at the Wadsworth Mansion

Middletown, Connecticut is home to the stunning Wadsworth Mansion. In the summer, the grounds become the  site of music concerts that are free to the public.

• July 22: Jeff Pitchell with Texas Flood and the Jeffettes
• July 29: Avenue Groove

All of the concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m. The grounds will be open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m. Parking will be at the Mansion, at the Wilbert Snow School, 299 Wadsworth Street and at Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Road. Concerts will be held in light rain, or the threat of showers, but cancelled with the proximity of electrical storms that may endanger both guests and musicians.

Truck Pull in Portland on Saturday July 18

It that time again for the 8th Annual Truck Pull at the Portland Exchange Club Fairgrounds. The event was postponed from June 27th and will begin at 5 pm on July 18th. I suggest coming early to assure that you get a great spot to view the trucks.

See you at the Cromwell Farmers Market Friday

Cromwell Farmers Market

Date: Fridays June through October
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Where: Riverport Park 

 Vendors:

• Anastasia's Coffee
• Aleia's Fluten Free Food
• Broad Brook Beef’
• Chet's Italian Ice
• Cinder and Salt
• Connecticut Gourmet
• Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm
• Forest Hill Farm
• Gourm Avian Farm
• Granny’s Pie Factory
• Higganum Candle Company
• La La Bliss Artisan Jewelry
• Meadow Stone Farm
• NoRA Cupcake Company
• Pan De Oro
• Phoenix Farm
• Russo’s Roots
• Solstice Handcrafts
• Sweet Madeline’s
• Thompson Street Farm
• The Whey Station
• Woof n’ Wheels
•  
• Guest Vendors will also be featured as well as live entertainment. Come and see your neighbors and friends while supporting local artisans, farmers and businesses. 

Update: Biscotti and Beyond is now at the Cromwell Farmers Market

#biscottiandbeyond

Art Farm Shakespeare in the Grove Middletown

The 2015 Shakespeare in the Grove production will be
A Midsummer Night's Dream

July 15 - 19 & 22 - 26, 2015

6 pm Live Music; 7 pm A Midsummer Night's Dream

in the Grove at Middlesex Community College.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

Check the website to purchase tickets. 

3rd Thursday in Willimantic July 16

Every 3rd Thursday from May to September, thousands of people from far and wide stroll along Main Street, Willimantic amid a background of musical, theatrical, visual, gastronomic, and olfactory delights.

Five stages simultaneously host a wide variety of music and entertainment while over 100 vendors showcase a variety of handcrafted goods and services. Willimantic's diversity really shines through in the delicious authentic international cuisine. Enjoy locally produced artwork, beer, music, and soda. Street performers and free children's activities abound!


Free Parking   Free Admission   6 - 9pm

Westport Fine Arts Festival July 18-19

 

The Westport Fine Arts Festival is held in lovely, historic downtown Westport, CT, which was voted “Best Shopping Destination” by Connecticut Magazine. Our downtown is a unique blend of quaint authenticity and urban sophistication and is home to local, regional, and national businesses; and fine dining and casual eateries.

The Westport Fine Arts Festival is situated along the lovely Saugatuck River and remains a highlight on the calendars of thousands of art lovers and art collectors throughout New York and New England.

Visitors are invited to experience more than just the visual arts at the Westport Fine Arts Festival: there will be unique street performances, live music, hands-on art activities, and delicious food from our local restaurateurs.

For a list of vendors, check their website  

Saturday, July 18, 10am - 6pm 

Sunday, July 19, 10am - 5pm

Parker Harding Plaza & Gorham Island ,Westport , CT

Glastonbury Riverfront Music July 15

 Name: Glastonbury Riverfront Music Series

• Date: July 15, 2015
• Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT
• Event Description: Gong Tuff - a Bob Marley Tribute Band
• Riverfront park 300 Wells Street
• Bring a picnic or buy food from the vendors
• Free for everyone

Avon Free Public Library Farmer's Market

Welcome to a new season! 

July 6, 2015 to August 31, 2015

Mondays, 4pm-7pm, in the library parking lot!

An indoor holiday market is planned for Monday, November 16, 2015.

Enjoy Music on the library's patio after the Market: 

Monday, 7/13 at 7:00 pm,  Bluesgrass Acoustic Duo featuring Jon Swift and Mark White.

Monday, 8/10 at 7:00 pm, local guitarist Jeff Howard joins singer/songwriter Krizta Moon for a summer evening of folk/rock.  Concerts are free; all ages welcome!

Rollin on the River Car Show July 11 Haddam Meadows

Event Dates: July 11, 2015 - July 11, 2015 Location: Haddam, Connecticut

Event Date: July 11, 2014 Location: Haddam Meadows State Park, Connecticut The Haddam Lions Rollin' on the River Car Show is having our 20th Annual Event at the beautiful Haddam Meadows State Park. We will have lots of awesome cars and trucks, good live music, food available. Dash Plaques to first 200 vehicles. Trophies for multiple categories. $10 donation for entry of vehicles - $3 per person or $10 carload donation for spectators

Music on the River Haddam Conn. 2015 Line-up

All free concerts are held on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the green of the Goodspeed Opera House.  If it rains, the concerts will be moved to the Hale-Ray High School Auditorium (please call the Recreation Office 860-873-5058, check www.easthaddamrec.com or our Facebook page if weather is questionable). Great food and drinks will be available to purchase at the Gelston House or bring a picnic dinner.  Free parking is available in the Goodspeed Opera House parking lot, behind the Gelston House with additional parking and a shuttle bus from Eagle Landing in Haddam if needed. The Music on the River site is made possible through the generous support of Goodspeed Musicals.  All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  No dogs, smoking, vendors or soliciting at the concerts and no parking on residential streets are allowed.


July 13, 2015 Bluesberry Jam
It’s a family affair with Bluesberry Jam.  Brothers Jeff (drums) and Chris (harp/vocals) Bauer;
Sister Sue (vocals), Brother Ken (guitar) and Son Evan (drums) Tosi, are joined by Cary Burns (keys), Matt White (guitar), and Pete Govert (bass). Bluesberry Jam is cut from the same cloth that the Great Musical Tailor used to create The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic and numerous other Jam Bands - both known and unknown.

July 20, 2015 Red Molly
Americana powerhouse vocal trio, Red Molly, is known for their soaring crystalline three part harmonies, crisp musicianship, infectious songwriting, and warm, engaging stage presence.  Laurie MacAllister (bass), Abbie Gardner (dobro), and Molly Venter (guitar), weave together the threads of American music; from folk roots to bluegrass styles and adding the contrast of heartwarming ballads and barn-burning honky-tonk.

July 27, 2015 Occidental Gypsy
Occidental Gypsy play an exhilarating blend of gypsy swing, jazz, and world music; with riff rich roaring acoustic sound and sultry vocals reminiscent of the first era of swing. This Globe Trotting band has shared the stage with virtuosos too numerous to mention receiving accolades from their peers and audiences around the world.

August 3, 2015 River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs
River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs bring the exuberant sounds of the steamy bayous of southwestern Louisiana to the hills of New England. The Zydeco Hogs cook up a spicy musical gumbo that combines the traditional sounds of the button accordion and washboard with a driving, syncopated beat. The Hogs turn every venue they play into a rockin' Louisiana dance party!

August 10, 2015 Last Fair Deal
Last Fair Deal continues to redraw the map of American Roots music with energy and creativity. Their eclectic repertoire reflects influences in bluegrass, jazz, acoustic rock and features their own original material as well unique interpretations of artists as diverse as Bill Monroe, Dylan, and the Beatles. Last Fair Deal is Paul Howard, Phil Zimmerman, and Tom Hagymasi.

August 17, 2015 Souls on Fire
Our Season Finale, Souls on Fire delivers a power house of musical styles and features East Haddam’s own, Geoff Cox.  The superb musicianship is equal to their taste in bands. You will hear selections from Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Tower of Power, Motown, Beatles, along with funk, blues, and good old rock and roll.  This high energy band features a tight rhythm and driving horn section.

East Hampton Old Home Days Glorious Celebration July 11-13 2019

For the 41st year, East Hampton will be celebrating Old Home Days Glorious Celebration in July this year. The idea for Old Homes Days goes back to the 19th century and the first festival here in East Hampton happened in 1910. They were held regularly until 1950 when they were discontinued until 1978 when the current Old Homes Days came into being.

The three-day event will begin on Thursday at 6 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. on Saturday.

• Thursday, 7/11/2019 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday, 7/12/2019 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, 7/13/2019 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Parking will be offered at East Hampton High School and shuttles will make drop-offs near the action. 

Carnival rides, vendors, food and lots of live entertainment will be featured. Thursday night is Kid's Night and they can get a bracelet for ride discounts.

Glorious Gallop

Friday at 7:15  The Glorious Gallop is a point to point 5K race that starts at Seven Hills Crossing.  The race continues down Mott Hill and around Lake Pocotopaug and finishes at Center School. Check the website to register and for details. 

Parade

The theme of this year's parade is Superheros and will take off from the high school at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning. Local bands, around 70 floats, antique vehicles and other marching units will make the 1.5 march. This is a popular event, expect thousands to line the streets so stake out your favorite spot early.