First Night in Hartford 2017

For 28 years, Hartford has been offering a great day and evening of entertainment and much more to celebrate the coming and arrival of the New Year. In their own words "The day is a multicultural, artistically unique, alcohol-free New Year’s experience with countless professional musicians, artists, performance groups and exhibits that inspire thousands of people of all ages to attend each year.  It’s also an affordable way for everyone to ring in the New Year." 2 p.m. through midnight. 

If you are looking for fireworks, there will be two presentations at Bushnell Park, one at 6 p.m. and one a midnight. 

Events are located all over the city. You can purchase your wristbands online if you have 3-5 days for them to be delivered (they must be ordered in 2016 by December 27) or you can purchase them at one of these locations

PRE-EVENT SALES OUTLET LOCATIONS

Wristbands on sale Tuesday, December 1 – Thursday, December 31, 2016

AAA – West Hartford, Avon, Cromwell, Enfield, Manchester, Plainville, Old Saybrook, Waterford
CBT/Berkshire Bank – Downtown Hartford, Glastonbury, Newington, Rocky Hill, Vernon, West Hartford, Windsor 
CT Transit Information Booth – Downtown Hartford, State House Square
Highland Park Markets – Farmington, Glastonbury, Manchester, South Windsor, Suffield, Coventry
Old State House – 800 Main Street, Hartford CT

Radisson Hotel Hartford – 50 Morgan Street, Downtown Hartford
Whole Foods Markets – West Hartford Center, Bishops Corner, Glastonbury

Adult tickets are $12 and children $3

To find about where the events will be taking places, times and information check out the First Night website or their Facebook Account. 

Antiques and Collectibles Show New Year's Day Glastonbury 2017

35th Annual New Year’s Day Antique and Collectibles Show,  Sponsored by the Glastonbury Exchange Club                                                                            

Glastonbury High School, 330 Hubbard St. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.                                               

138 Booths with quality dealers from throughout New England and New York.
 
General Admission $8 per person, with a copy of Discount Coupon $7.00. (Click on discount coupon

This is a B&S Auction Show and one that I have enjoyed myself many times. It is very popular so be prepared for crowds of antique and collectible lovers.  

PC Savior Portland CT

I have to admit, for me, Michael Lopez was indeed my savior. My Laptop suffered a catastrophic malfunction. It was a hardware issue,not a software issue and I was desperate for a fix. I brought it into the shop which is on Main Street in the old Coffee Pot building and was assured that it was fixable. 

Michael and his son Michael in the shop

My problem was that in order to see the screen I had to leave my cover at a 45 percent angle. If I opened the cover all the way, the screen went black. Apparently, this is not an uncommon issue with this model. I have had it before on one of my older laptops. 

Within a couple of days, the wire had been ordered and installed and I was back in business and I didn't have to mortgage my home either. The price of $90 seemed quite fair to me since hourly rates are $65. The laptop is only 3 years old and cost over $600 new so I felt was well worth the investment especially since it has Window 7 and also holds a ton of my photos. 

I was very pleased with the professionalism displayed and I would not hesitate to bring my other computers in for service here. It is always nice to know that there are local businesses you can trust. The business gets an A+ rating from the BBB. 

Victorian Inspirations Portland Ct

The shop has permanently closed!!


Victorian Inspirations is an adorable shop on Main Street in Portland. They moved down the street earlier this year, they are now closer to the bridge, between White Dog and Dunkin Donuts. 

To have an idea of some of the wonderful things that she carries, check out their website.  I definitely did some shopping and saw several more things that I would enjoy. I will be back. 

I picked up two glass mugs as gifts. They are hand painted right here in Connecticut. I also bought what I will call a winter decoration that I plan to bring with me to Florida to bring a little piece of the north along. 

The store will be open 7 days a week until Christmas so if you are looking for something special and unique, I suggest you stop in and have a look. 

Lunch on the Connecticut Shore: Lenny and Joe's Fishtail

We have been having unseasonably warm weather here in Connecticut. December is not usually time to be out and around without a winter jacket. Signs of Christmas are in the air and we decided we wanted to enjoy the sunshine in Westbrook at Lenny and Joe's. 

Nothing beats walking in on a sunny afternoon when there are hardly any patrons in the restaurant. It was 2 p.m. which explains the lack of crowds. The restaurant is decorated for the season and service as usual was fast and friendly.

We were soon seated in our booth and laying into a warm loaf of bread with butter. We both ordered a lunch combination that offered a choice of two fried seafood options and two sides. 

I choose the scrod and calamari and Al had the scrod and shrimp. We both chose the boiled potatoes and coleslaw. 

Faster than you can imagine we had generous portions in front of us with cocktail and tartar sauce to round out the meal. 

They have the best boiled potatoes and coleslaw, not to mention the scrod. It was snow white inside and cooked to perfection. The calamari and the shrimp were good but not as good as the scrod. Usually I like to get the crab casserole which is divine but I was taking advantage of what I thought was a great deal, $12.99. 

By the way, if you need any gift cards, from now until Christmas they are 20 percent off.  We took advantage to get a grab bag gift. 

If you are looking a relaxed and delicious seafood meal on Route 1, I highly recommend Lenny and Joe's.

Festival of Silver Lights Meriden

Hubbard Park is shining brightly during the holiday season with more than 350,000 lights and 200 characters throughout the park. Entrance to the display is free. 

You don't have to wait until dark to visit, the display is available 24 hours a day from November 22, 2016 to January 3, 2017.

Fantasy of Lights New Haven 2016

If you are looking for something to do with the kids this holiday season,  why not head to New Haven. 

November 18, 2016 to January 1, 2017  from 5-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 5-9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, Lighthouse Point Park will feature Fantasy of Lights. More than 100,000 lights will shine in over 60 animated light displays 

All the proceeds will benefit the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries. You can have an enjoyable evening while helping out. The cost is $10 per car.

Holiday Lunch at Farrell's in Portland

We stopped by Farrell's today for lunch and I have to say that I was impressed. I know it is one of our favorite places in the area but it seems that it is a favorite with another well known couple as well. You just never know who you will bump into at Farrell's. 

Festival of Lights Olde Mistick Village

Festival of Lights

Friday, December 11, 2015 5:30 PM

From dusk until 9:30p.m. over 4,000 luminaries will light the walkways of Olde Mistick Village. Complimentary refreshments will be available in the Meeting House.  Music will also be offered so come and stroll through the village.

Old Saybrook Torch Light Parade

Torchlight Parade 2015

Date: December 12, 2015

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST

More than 20 different fife and drum corps hailing from as far away as Pennsylvania and Vermont will march along Main Street to the Town Green. Leading the musician groups will once again be the 2nd Company Governor's Foot Guard marching unit.

The marching musicians, dressed in period costumes, will play musical selections that their counterparts might have played more than 100 to 200 years ago. Alongside each corps will be parade volunteers who will carry torches to light the way. In addition to the musicians, more than 20 floats and other marching units plan to participate in this annual parade.

Visit the Hurlbut Dunham House for the Holidays

A big thank-you to guest blogger Meg Furtado for her great post. 

Old Wethersfield, CT, boasts many beautiful and historic houses, and one to visit is definitely the Hurlbut-Dunham House, owned by the Wethersfield Historical Society. The house is located 212 Main St. in Wethersfield (next to the Keeney Center) and will be open every Saturday and Sunday afternoon in December for holiday tours.
 
The house was built in 1790 and changed hands several times before it was purchased by Silas Robbins in 1875. Silas’s son Elisha and his wife Ida moved in in 1879 and lived here with their daughter Jane for many years. The house is furnished in the late Victorian/early Edwardian style, and the majority of the artifacts within are originals belonging to the family.
 
The Wethersfield Historical Society offers free tours of the Hurlbut-Dunham House from May to October every year, on Saturdays and Sundays. However, the house is open for tours during the holiday season to give guests an idea of the splendor and elegance of Victorian Christmases. The house is decorated as Elisha and Ida might have arranged it in the late 1800’s, complete with a Victorian Christmas tree, a relatively new concept at the time. The later addition to the house, the 1930’s kitchen, is styled to represent later Christmases, where an adult Jane would have baked cookies with her elderly mother Ida.
 
Tours at the Hurlbut-Dunham house begin at 1 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20. A grand Christmas opening will be held during the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce’s Holidays on Main celebration on Thursday, December 3rd, from 5-8 PM. No photography is permitted inside the house. There is no charge for a tour; however, a goodwill donation to benefit the Historical Society is greatly appreciated.

The Farmers Cow Cafe and Creamery Mansfield

Located in Mansfield, across the street from East Brook Mall and in the same plaza as The Hoot, which is on of my favorite shops, is a cute little cafe. But I digress. 

After a performance at the Connecticut Repertory Company this past summer, we stopped at The Farmers Cow. I have to say, it was a  delicious decision. 

We were there is the late afternoon so it was strictly an ice cream stop but they do offer breakfast, sandwiches, salads and paninis. One unusual offering is The Ploughman's Lunch which is traditional in England but seldom seen in this area. 

If you are in the area, stop by, you won't be disappointed. 

My ice cream

A Victorian Christmas at Roseland Cottage

 Saturday, December 5, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

 Sunday, December 6, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Roseland Cottage, 556 Route 169, Woodstock, Con..

Step back in time and see Roseland Cottage decorated for the holidays, based on the Bowen family's memoir The Christmas of 1887. Costumed guides lead free tours.

 

Wadsworth Atheneum Festival of Trees

The most wonderful time of year will be here before we know it!

Celebrate the holiday season with the Wadsworth Atheneum at the 42nd Annual Festival of Trees & Traditions! Enjoy musical entertainment and festive family activities while surrounded by decorative trees and wreaths.

Every year community members, artists and organizations decorate holiday trees and wreaths to be displayed in the galleries throughout the week. All items are for sale, and profits help fund the museum’s special exhibitions, educational programs, and operating expenses. Purchase a tree or wreath for your home or donate it to a local charity.

A $3 fundraising surcharge is added to ALL regular admissions during Festival of Trees & Traditions.

FOTT is a fundraising event presented by the Women’s Committee of the Wadsworth Atheneum. All proceeds fund the museum’s special exhibitions, educational programs, and operating expenses.

**Please note that the museum is closed on Monday, December 7 and Tuesday, December 8**

December 4-13

Holidays on Main Wethersfield, Conn. 2015

Thursday December 3, 2015

5-9 p.m.

Come to Holidays on Main to enjoy crafters, a silent auction, street  vendors, wine tasting, tree lighting a of course Santa.

Located on Main Street in Wethersfield between Church and Garden Streets.

Visit the Hurlbut-Dunham House decorated for the holidays and visit the Keeney Center free of charge. There will be light refreshments and you will be entertained by balladeer Linda Russell and fiddler Hallie Stotler. Holiday tunes will be played and there will be stories told and a carol sing along.

The Wethersfield Farmers Market will be part of Holidays on Main and stage an outdoor Farmers' Market that evening. Fall/Winter vegetables, gourmet breads, apple cider doughnuts, pies, holiday wreaths, jams/jellies, honey, maple syrup, gifts and more.

Public parking is available at the Keeney Center. 

Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival

A Time to Give & Receive

December 3 - 6, 2015
All events held at the historic Burr Homestead, 

739 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT
Friday, 10am — 7pm

Saturday, 10am — 5pm
Sunday, 10am — 4pm

Admission pricing: $10 adults / $5 children and seniors

All proceeds of the 2015 Festival benefit Norwalk Grassroots Tennis.

Each year hundreds of dedicated volunteers magically transform the historic Burr Homestead in Fairfield, Connecticut into a celebration of the Christmas season.
 
Enjoy a free cup of hot cider as you walk through the mansion and view the rooms which have been decorated by local artists and interior decorators. Gorgeous decorative items are located throughout the house and are for sale. Bring home custom designed live wreaths, no one will have one like yours. The Holiday Boutique is a favorite, offering gifts and ornaments. The kids can have their photo taken with Santa.  

Holiday Tours Governor's Residence 2016

Come to the Governor's Residence the weekend of December 2-4, 2016. Located at 990 Prospect Avenue in Hartford, the historic home will be decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths and seasonal plants and Santa is scheduled to be on hand.  Entrance is free, however, donations will be accepted for Operation E.L.F., an annual initiative of the Connecticut Military Department that assists military families during the holidays and throughout the year. In addition to monetary gifts, suggested donations include grocery store gift cards, gas gift cards, department store gift cards, and gift cards for home essential services, such as heating oil, maintenance services, and snow removal Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wadsworth Mansion Holiday Bazaar Middletown

Holiday Bazaar

Sunday, December 6, 2015,  10:00am – 3:00pm, $2.00 Donation
Save the date. Come to the mansion to find unique holiday gifts for your family and friends.  Handmade products will be offered by a wide selection of vendors many of whom are from the open air market. Come and shop for the holidays! Enjoy lunch and hot beverages in the bar provided by David Alan Catering.

 List of 2015 participating vendors

• Accents in Bloom
• Beach House Glass
• Cider Mill Designs
• Cold Goats Farm
• Flash & Fire
• Hartford Prints!
• Hometown Bakery
• Jamie’s Organic Candles
• Meriano’s Bake Shoppe
• Middletown Garden Club
• Norm’s Best
• Now and Then
• Purseabilities
• Quilibet
• Savor
• Simpson Design Stained Glass
• Still Passions
• Sugar Maple Farms
• The Olive Oil Factory
• Walk by Faith Bakery
• Whole Harmony
• Why a Spoon?
• Winding Drive
• With Heart by Hand
• Woolen It Be Nice
• Wadsworth Mansion
• Wraps With a Twist

Holiday on Main Middletown, Conn.

HOLIDAY ON MAIN STREET 2015

Holiday on Main Street is an annual Downtown Middletown event which begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues Saturday, November 28th, Saturday, December 5th, Saturday, December 12th and Saturday, December 19th. 

For over 25 years this event has brought families to downtown and has become a tradition that the whole family can enjoy. 


Every weekend offers free entertainment, including hayrides to Santa Claus.  Holiday on Main Street is a great opportunity to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family.  

Santa Special Essex Steam Train

All aboard the Santa Special for a one-of-a-kind, daytime holiday experience. Make sure you’re camera-ready for that “special moment” when Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each child! Enjoy the spirit of the season as you relax with family and friends aboard festive railway cars adorned with vintage decorations. Rudolph and Pablo the Penguin will be on board to spread holiday cheer. Plus, each child will receive a small holiday gift from Santa’s Elves!

Ride length is approximately 60 minutes.

Tickets are very limited. Available dates are Sunday November 29 at 11:30, 1:00 and 2:30 , Sunday December 6 at 1:00 and 2:30;  Sunday December 20 at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday December 23 at 11:30, 1:00 and 2:30; Saturday and Sunday December 27 and 28 at 1:00 and 2:30. 

Book your tickets now online.

Breakfast with Santa in Middletown December 5

Bring the entire family for this popular event. Santa will be present to visit with the children and everyone can enjoy a delicious breakfast for a reasonable charge. 

Breakfast service will begin at 8:00 a.m and conclude at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome. Third Congregational Church at 94 Miner Street in Middletown December 5, 2015.

Middletown Holiday Fairs

Holiday Fair - Festival of Angels

Saturday, November 14, 2015
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

On Saturday, November 14, enjoy shopping the various Fair vendors, Arts & Crafts, Religious Table, Farmer's Market, Grandma's Attic then stop by the Angel's Cafe' for lunch.

St Francis Church

10 Elm St

Middletown


Holiday Fair  Saturday November 14 
9 a.m to 2 p.m. 

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the cookie sale, cookies by the pound, Santa's Workshop, white elephant, craft table, basket raffles and much more. 

Faith Lutheran Church
300 Washington St