What is Happening This Weekend

It is the first weekend in May in Connecticut and there are lots of things to do.

Saturday

Middletown is the place to be on Saturday May 2 for the annual May Day Festival at Long Lane Farm. The doors open at noon and it continues until 5 p.m. Live music, face painting, crafts and activities as well as food will be offered. It will also include a farmers market and bake sale. A yoga class will be offered at 2 p.m. and a contra dance at 3 p.m. Long Lane Farm is located at 281 Long Lane in Middletown at the corner of Long Lane and Wadsworth Street.

Walnut Beach in Milford is the site of the Kite Fly from noon to 3 p.m. This is for the children but families may want to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach at this free event.

Sunday

The Prudence Crandall Museum in Canterbury will open for the season with Lives and Legacies: Prudence Crandall's African American Students. The museum is open on Sunday's from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October.  Admission is charged. 



Friday-Sunday

It's Spring Weekend  in East Haddam. Events will be taking place all over town on all three days. Some highlights include Cinco de Mayo at the Free Public Library from 5:30--7:30 p.m.on Friday and Taste of East Haddam on Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a full list of events with times and places, check out their brochure.

The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford is the site of the 34th annual Fine Arts and Flowers. Floral works of art inspired by works from the permanent collection will be on display beginning at 11 am on Friday. There will also be a marketplace with local vendors. Admission is $13.

Saturday and Sunday

Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry will open for the season this weekend. They are open May through October.  During May, beginning this weekend end, they are open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Hours are extended during the summer months. 

Farrell's Restaurant Portland, Conn.

Farrell's is a Portland institution, it has been around for about a hundred years. It has grown under the current owners from a tavern to a full-service restaurant and caterer. It is where groups meet for their luncheons and where friends and family go to dine any day of the week. Both the menu and the restaurant are kid friendly.

We are regular patrons and have been for years. I am quite in love with their honey mustard salad dressing. One of their most popular menu items is their steamed cheeseburger and it a whopper for sure. Another popular item is the fajitas which come with the option of several different proteins. The last time I was there I had the shrimp fajitas 

Al is very fond of their prime rib so that is what he chose and it was perfect, cooked just the way he wanted and well seasoned. 

The decor is casual with a decided Irish feel. The menu, however, is American with a few Italian and Tex-Mex items thrown in. I love their wings, quiche, French onion soup, chicken salad and of course a salad with their honey mustard dressing. The menu has enough choices for everyone in the family to have a favorite or two. 

Specials are offered daily and there is no place more popular on St. Patrick's Day than Farrell's. I am more inclined to try the day after and hope for leftovers.

If you are going to be passing through Portland, stop by Farrell's for a cold one and a snack or a delicious sandwich, lunch  or dinner. In the warmer weather, outdoor dining is also offered. People come here for the warm neighborhood vibe, not just the good food but both contribute to the overall experience

What's Happening This Weekend in Connecticut

Its time to start looking for things to do this weekend and her is just a short recap of some of the things that Connecticut has to offer.

Saturday

If Classic Cars are what interests you, on Saturday head to Wethersfield where the parking lots of the Connecticut Department of Labor will be the site of the 3rd Classic Car Show. Spectators enter for free but there is a $10 fee to show off your classic car.


Sunday

New Haven's Wooster Square will be the site of the  Cherry Blossom Festival on April 26. If you can't make it to Washington DC to see the cherry blossoms, you can enjoy the more than 70 that were planted in New Haven in 1973.  For your entertainment there will be live jazz, salsa, steel band and big band music. The whole family will enjoy the activities and great selection of food. Pets are welcome at their own pet friendly area. Come and enjoy the festival from noon until 5pm.


Saturday and Sunday

One of Connecticut's most popular events has finally arrive,d the Meriden Daffodil Festival with 650,000 daffodils in bloom. The whole family will enjoy the arts and crafts, live music, fireworks, carnival rides, a parade and much more. A food tent will be available to help keep up your energy for all the activities. Souvenirs will be offered at the Daffodil Festival boutique.  Parking will be provided at the following locations.

• Westfield Shopping Mall – J.C. Penney/Sears Deck

• Platt High School – Coe Avenue

• Lincoln Middle School – Centennial Avenue

• Meriden Enterprise Center – 290 Pratt Street

Shuttle Bus Schedule Saturday 8 a.m-9 p.m.  Sunday 8 a.m. -5 p.m.

Hartford's XL Center is the location of the American Fine Craft Show where 125 juried artisans will have their work on display and for sale. 

It has been a long winter. If the kids are ready for a day at the amusement park, load up the car, up to 10 people, and head to Quassy Amusement Park where that carload can get in this weekend for $40. 

For additional information on what is happening this weekend, of to Visitct.com. 

#Connecticutnow  #thisweekendinConnecticut

What is happening this weekend in Connecticut

Spring is in full swing across Connecticut for this middle weekend of the month of April.


Saturday
 
Vicki Lawrence will be at Waterbury's Palace Theater on Saturday April 18th at 8 p.m.  for her show Vicki Lawrence & Mama A Two Woman Show.  If you love the wit and humor of Mama from the Carol Burnett Show then this is a performance you won't want to miss. 

And the place where my grandson will be on Saturday, The Bushnell in Hartford for Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train LIVE! Buddy;s Big Adventure. The show will be presented at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Go to the Bushnell website to purchase tickets.


Saturday and Sunday

Essex will be the site of a Day Out With Thomas. The kids will participate in a variety of Thomas themed activities and get to meet Sir Tophan Hatt. Ticket price includes as many rides as you want on 5 carnival rides. Thomas will be here for three weekends so don't worry if you can't make it this weekend.

St. Michael's Church in Litchfield will be having an Antique, Vintage and Tag Sale at their Community House this weekend. If you want an early peek, you can pay $35 and get in Friday night at 6 p.m. You will also enjoy food and jazz with first dibs on the sale items.  The sale officially opens at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and there is no entrance fee.

This is the weekend before the Daffodil Festival weekend in Meriden  and the Pre-Festival has a lot to offer on its own. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the festival tent is the site of Connecticut's largest tag sale. At 10 a.m. on Sunday there is a charity 5K run. Food Truck Fest with  25+ food trucks & vendors will be offered both days both days, Carnival rides will be offered both days weather permitting. Bring the kids for face painting and a fishing derby from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday. A DJ will provide entertainment both days.  

This is just a sampling of all the great things that Connecticut has to offer this weekend.

Lunch at Governor's Tavern in East Hampton

UPDATE: July 4, 2015 restaurant has closed!!
Governor's Tavern has a new owner and a new menu. The atmosphere has been updated but this location is still a piece of East Hampton History.  Older residents of the area will remember that this was O'Neill's Tavern, owned by the former Governor Bill O'Neill.

We have eaten here several times but only for lunch to date. Their hand-cut French fries are really cut from potatoes in house and they are worth coming here on their own. We love them. On our most recent visit, I had a delicious wrap of crispy chicken, ham and pineapple. The chef was worried that I didn't have enough pineapple since our waitress let him know I love it so he brought me out a little bowl with extra pineapple. It was very thoughtful and delicious.

On other occasions, we or people we were dining with have ordered the wings and the potato skins and as you can see in the picture, they are generous. You can get your wings spicy or sweet, dry rub or saucy, it is up to you.

They make a very overstuffed Reuben and they will cook your burger exactly the way you want it. Al is very fussy about the rareness of his burgers and they never disappoint. I am confident if they ever did make it not to his satisfaction, they would correct the problem. They are also happy to do things your way. Al wanted his burger on rye bread, no problem. If they have what you want they will provide it.

Another dish that we have tried with great success is their mac and cheese. OMG it is delicious. On the occasion when this picture was taken Al added the steak to his order. I ordered a pasta special that they offered that day. Both of them were excellent.

At lunch there is always a soup of the day, a flatbread special, a sandwich special an an appetizer special. I had their potato leek soup one day and it was delicious. The onion soup we found a little sweet tasting for our personal taste but it had plenty of excellent melted cheese.

Governor's Tavern has become our new go to place for lunch. Their menu is varied, the service is friendly and the French fries are superb. We have not run out of new things to try yet so I envision a long term relationship.

Springtime Festivals in Connecticut

Spring is in the air and that means its festival time in Connecticut. Here are a few that will be upcoming in the next few weeks. 

What is more indicative of spring than daffodils. Meriden's Hubbard Park is the site of the 
Meriden Daffodil Festival where 650,000 daffodils will be in bloom April 25 – 26. The whole family will enjoy the arts and crafts, live music, fireworks, carnival rides, a parade and much more. Be sire to stop by the food tent to keep up your strength for all the activities. Souvenirs will be offered at the Daffodil Festival boutique.  Parking will be available at the following locations.

• Westfield Shopping Mall – J.C. Penney/Sears Deck

• Platt High School – Coe Avenue

• Lincoln Middle School – Centennial Avenue

• Meriden Enterprise Center – 290 Pratt Street

Shuttle Bus Schedule Saturday 8 a.m,-9 p.m.  Sunday 8 a.m. -5 p.m.


New Haven's Wooster Square will be the site of the  Cherry Blossom Festival on April 26. If you can't make it to Washington DC to see the cherry blossoms, you can enjoy the more than 70 that were planted in New Haven in 1973.  For your entertainment there will be live jazz, salsa, steel band and big band music. The whole family will be entertained with activities and a great selection of food. There will even be pet friendly areas. Come and enjoy the festival from noon until 5pm. 

If dogwoods are your passion, Fairfield is the place to be from May1-3. The festivities include a 2 mile run as well as a mini dash for the little ones. It starts with a luncheon on Friday and includes a Saturday evening barbecue and dance. A walking tour, juried craft show, art show, plant and garden boutique and concerts round out the offerings. This year marks 80 years that the Dogwood Festival has been sponsored by the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church with the proceeds going to charitable causes.

 #Daffodil Festival #Dogwood Festival #Cherry Blossom Festival

What's happening this weekend in Connecticut

Connecticut always has a wide selection of things to do on the weekend. April 11-12 is no exception. 

Saturday

Enjoy the Taste of Wethersfield - Wethersfield Museum at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 East Main St.. Patrons will be admitted 6 p.m.-9 p.m. with general admission from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Food will be provided by the best restaurants and caterers in the Greater Hartford area. Great wines and beers will also be offered. A silent auction and entertainment will also be provided. Admission: $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $55 patron tickets. (860) 529-7656

Come Party with the Playhouse in Westport. Westport Country Playhouse will sponsor a block party at 25 Powers Court from  4 p.m.-7 p.m. Food trucks, games and activities for adults and children, prizes, special ticket offers, and a look at the Playhouse's "backstage experience will be offered.  Admission is free. 

Sunday

The Victory Parade, to celebrate the 10th National Campionship and the 3rd in a row for the UConn Women's Basketball Team,  will leave the Capital Building in Hartford at 3:00 p.m. and will conclude with a Victory Rally at the XL Center at 3:30 p.m. Go Huskies!!

Elephant's Trunk Country Flea Market in New Milford. Antique, collectables, food and plenty of parking. Leave the pets at home. Regular admission is $2, early buyer $20.  Regular hours are 7 a.m. to 2 .p.m. Early buyers welcome at 5:45 a.m. Parking is free. If you have ever watched the HGTV Show Flea Market Flip, you will be familiar with this flea market where many of the shows begin and even end. For more information, visit their website. This flea market takes place every Sunday until the end of November. 

Saturday and Sunday

The Cactus and Succulent Show & Sale will take place at  Naugatuck Valley Community College, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, 06708. Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. One of the largest shows of its kind with over one thousand visitors each year. The judged show has more than 100 categories with over 500 entries. In addition, there will be at approximately 14 vendors with a huge selection of cactus and succulent plants, pots, soils, and books. Admission: Free.

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport will offer Willy Wonka on Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. The children's show run 75 to 80 minutes with a 10 minute intermission. The show will run through May 17. 

For other ideas of what to do this weekend go to ctvisit.com