New Year's Eve at Powder Ridge Middlefield

Powder Ridge New Year’s Eve Celebration and Torchlight Parade

Ring in the New Year at Powder Ridge! Join us on Dec. 31 for an evening of skiing, riding and our New Years Eve Torch Run. the tavern and Beer & wine garden will be open.

Torchlight Parade

Everyone with a lift pass can join the Torchlight Parade.

• Please bring your own flashlight or headlamps as the mountain lights will be turned off. (Headlamps are strongly suggested for the kids.)
• The Torchlight Parade kicks off at 8 p.m., but you must be at the top at 7:45 p.m. to participate.

Of course, the event is dependent of the weather cooperating. 

Winterfest Hartford Bushnell Park

The Winterfest Hartford rink is open for free ice skating and skate rentals from November 25, 2016 through January 8, 2017.  The rink is located next to the Pump House in Bushnell Park. Regular rink hours are 11 am to 8 pm with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas, when rink hours are noon to 4 pm and New Year's Eve, when the rink will be open from noon until midnight in celebration of First Night Hartford.  Free Learn to Skate classes will be offered from 10 - 11 am on Saturday, December 3, 10, 17, and 31.  

Lots of other events at Winterfest, check their website for details. 

Festival of Lights Olde Mistick Village

Festival of Lights

Friday, December 09, 2016 5:30 p.m.

Walk through our winter wonderland from dusk until 9:30 p.m. when over 6,000 luminaries light the walkway of Olde Mistick Village and the surrounding area. This is a family friendly event with FREE parking and admission. Come stroll 23 acres and enjoy holiday decorations and festivities. Find a gift for that special someone in over 40 unique stores, dine in one of several restaurants, or catch a movie at our luxury cinema. 

There will be complimentary refreshments in the Meeting House as you listen to Ragtime Too! perform holiday songs in a variety of musical styles. Outdoor entertainment will include Fly-by-Night Comedy Jugglers and the Festive Brass Ensemble who will perform in the Gazebo. Carolers from Ledyard and Stonington High Schools and Tyl Middle School will be singing holiday classics as they roam the village. 

Santa & Mrs. Claus will see children of all ages from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in front of Sophia’s Magical Christmas located near the Village Green. 

Goods and services auction at Zion Lutheran Church Portland

On December 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m., Zion Lutheran Church will host a Goods and Services Holiday Auction.

Both a live auction and a silent auction will feature a wide range of items, including an African trip, a boat cruise, a classic car ride, antiques, professional landscape design services, artwork, and theme baskets.

There will be certificates to restaurants, golf, sporting events, theater, and local businesses. In addition, jewelry, baked goods, and Christmas wreaths will be offered for sale, and there will also be a 50-50 raffle. Refreshments will be available.

 

Joe Engel of Thomas Barrows & Sons Auctioneers will be the auctioneer. Doors open at 6 p.m. and admission is $5. 

Credit Cards, cash and checks will be accepted.

Zion's auction is a major fundraising event that will help to grow its ministry, provide enriching education and musical programs for its members as well as the greater community, maintain its facilities, and make it possible to offer outreach programs to others. Zion's church facility is used by organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Alcoholics Anonymous, New England Chamber Choir, and Sunny Hill Preschool.

Craft Fair East Hampton

The VFW Post 5095 Auxilary is having their annual Craft Fair on Saturday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the post home on 20 N.Maple Street across from the High School. 

You will find 16 craft tables featuring a variety of crafts. Food will be served from 7:30 to 2:30 with breakfast sandwiches available from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., lunch starts at 11 a.m. 

Drawings will take place at 3 p.m. for a selection of themed baskets, seasonal items as well as two turkey dinners. 

Victorian Christmas Tea

The Portland Fireworks Committee will offer a special Victorian Christmas Tea at the Waverly Center on Sunday, December 4 from 2-4 p.m. Donna and Ron Lasko will tell attendees how the Victorians blended traditions of both mankind and religion into the celebration of Christmas. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Town Clerk's Office or at Bordenaro's Pharmacy. You can also get tickets through Jill Deane at 860-301-4345. 

Finger sandwiches, the Laskos special blend of tea and mini-desserts will be served. 

Pie Craft and Tag Sale in Marlborough

American Legion 197 Auxiliary of Marlborough will have its annual pie sale on Saturday, November 19, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the post on Route 66. 

The pies are homemade by the ladies of the Auxiliary. 

The craft and tag sale will happen at the same time at the same locations. 

A Christmas Carol Musical coming to Colchester

St Andrew Church in Colchester will present Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol on Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 3 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call Jeannine Gilbert for tickets at 860-977-9416.  Fr. Richard Breton and Deacon Michael Puscas will both have parts and the cast includes a 60 voice choir. 

Come to Portland Saturday November 19, 2016

Save the date, Saturday, November 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the annual St Mary Church Holiday Fair. The fair will feature a tag sale, huge raffle, handmade crafts, a bake sale and food gifts and pre-loved jewelry.

Breakfast and lunch will be offered at the cafe. Breakfast sandwiches will be made to order starting at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will include hamburgers, hotdogs, chili, and soup. 

While you are in Portland check out the Portland High School Vendor and Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. . Admission is free and many unique crafters and vendor offering art, crafts, quilts, jewelry, holiday gifts, crocheted and knitted items. food, techie items, clothing, soap and bake sale. sponsored by the Project Graduation Comittee.  

Colchester Holiday Farmers Market

Colchester farmers market will host its fourth annual Holiday Market at St Andrews Church on Saturday, November 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A variety of local artisans and crafters will participate as well as many of the vendors from the summer market. 

Upcoming Holiday/Fall Fairs November 12, 2016

It is that time of year again when you can plan your Christmas shopping by attending some of these great holiday fairs. 

St Francis Church Oak Street in Middletown will hold their Festival of Angels Holiday Fair November 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Come to enjoy the fair vendors, religious table, arts and crafts, farmer's market and Grandma's attic. Plan to have lunch at their Angel's Cafe. 


First Lutheran Church 232 Bristol Street Southington 
6th Annual Craft Fair
Saturday,  November 12  8:30 to 3 p.m.
Raffles, Bake Sale, Vendors

Grace Lutheran Church Randolph Rd Middletown
Christmas Fair and Christmas Tag Sale Novermber 12 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  craft booth, food and drink, kids activities, homemade crafts, candy, baked goods and more

First Methodist Church Middletown 221 Ridge Rd Fall Harvest Fair November 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
  

• Bake Shoppe, Sweet Shoppe, Country Cheese,
• Sew 'n' Sew, Hand Crafted items, Jewelry,
• Silent Auction,
• Christmas Corner and more

Lunch at Waves in East Hampton

Restaurant permanently closed.

Waves is a new venture for Angelico's owner Paul Angelico. He has reopened the former Governor's Tavern building on Route 66 in East Hampton. We decided to try it for lunch this past Monday. I was surprised to see the parking lot almost filled at 1 p.m. on a Monday.

Inside, nothing much has changed. Yes, there are oars on the wall and a wave mural but the booths are the same ones that were here previously. We were seated rather quickly but had to wait a long time to get water and place our orders.

We ordered the fried Brussels sprouts as an appetizer and I decided to try the fried fish sandwich and Al had a hamburger.

Our two sandwiches were brought out but no appetizer and when I mentioned it, the pan with them came out so we got all of our food at the same time, not ideal to say the least.

The idea of fried Brussels sprouts sounded so good but in reality it wasn't. They were greasy and hard to chew. The bacon and crispy leaves that had come off, however, were very tasty. It was served with a sauce that was too spicy to use.

The fish was tasty but also a little greasy. The French fries are frozen so nothing special. Al's burger was perfectly cooked but impossible to eat. With all the toppings, including very tasty pickled onions and bbq sauce it was difficult to hold, we ended up removing the lettuce and tomatoes and the bun. The bun was a nice brioche one in both cases.

So what did we think?  Service was slow but our waitress was very friendly which made it more tolerable. The food is served in metal baking pans which are very cute and it certainly had potential. I will definitely go back and try a few more things. They have only been open a week and a half and obviously,  they are still ironing things out.

The menu has some things that looked worth trying. People sitting near us were raving about the chopped salad and the portobello burger. I also saw the quesadillas and they looked quite good.

We will go back and I will write another review to give them a fair chance to get things right.

Dinner Theater at the Yantic River Inn

If you are ready to take a humorous look at the upcoming election, Electile Dysfunction Can Be Fatal is a great opportunity to do just that. Presented at the Yantic River Inn by the Norwich Arts Center, the Murder Mystery begins with a delicious dinner and ends with your guesses about who actually did the killing.

Yes, there is a murder, I won't spoil the fun but let's just say that one of the important characters does die!!

No matter who you support, Donald Rump of the Tighty Righty Party or Stillary Rodman of the Lefty Loosey Party you will see the farce in it all!! A popular favorite Sandy Burners also makes an appearance much to the crowd's approval!! This is a Whodunit that anyone who has had enough of politics in 2016 will enjoy.

The show will be offered Saturday evening November 5, 2016, at 8 p.m. with the meal beginning at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, November 6 at 3 p.m. with the meal beginning at 2.p.m.  Call the Yantic River Inn and pray that there are still some tickets available.

Winchester Cafe Portland

Winchester Cafe is as close to Cheers as you can get in the town of Portland. It is a place where everybody knows you name or at the very least, what you like to drink and eat. For years we ate here every Thursday night with our friends. Once in a while on a whim we just drop in on a Saturday, Sunday or Tuesday. 

The owner and the bartender will notice. Donna will ask us what we are doing here, it isn't Thursday!! lol We just like to keep them on their toes. 

Winchester Cafe is a bar, there is no question about that but it is also a place that serves very good food and where I never hesitate to bring the grandkids. So much so that it is their place of choice for their birthday meals 9 times out of 10. 

Prime rib is a specialty here and Al loves it as well as the prime rib sandwich which the boys also love. I will tell you honestly that the best patty melt ever is made right here. It is always juicy, plenty of onions and delicious rye bread. The coleslaw is the best as well.  Another favorite is their chili, it is excellent. 

On our latest visit, Al had Swedish Meatballs and I had a chef salad. It was a very good chef salad. 

They had special that day as well, it was a Friday and there are more specials on the weekend than during the week. They had steak bruschetta, the Swedish Meatballs,  and eggplant rollatini. 

Of course, since this is a bar you will be glad to know they have an excellent selection of mixed drinks and beer. Alex has gotten a Jameson's here and he found the price better than most places.

Live entertainment is offered as well. So if you are looking for a new place to try, I highly recommend that you give Winchester Cafe a try, you won't be disappointed unless you come on a Monday when they are closed. 

Three Christmas Fairs this Weekend

Can you believe that it is time again for local Christmas fairs to begin? Well yes, it is and here are some for this weekend. 

St Pius X Sleigh Bells Ring Fair will take place in their church hall on Saturday, November 4, 2016 ,from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lunch will be served and desserts will be available all day. Crafts, White elephant,general store,teacup raffle and more will all be offered. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the fun and get into the holiday spirit. 

Christmas Bazaar Notre Dame Church in Durham Saturday November 49 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday November 6 9 a.m. to noon. Get an early start on your Christmas shopping and your holiday cheer. 

Nutmeg Fair First Congregational Church Cromwell Saturday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Basket raffles, tag sale, flea market, bake sale, vendors and a snack bar with chili and corn chowder. 

Illiano's South Main Street Middletown

Illiano's is a small Connecticut-based chain of Italian restaurants. They are known for their pizza, salads, and grinders but they also have delicious appetizers, soup, and entrees. If only they served cappuccino, in my eyes they would be near perfect. They do have a limited wine and beer menu. 

You can get pizza by the slice and they have lots of choices, we use them frequently for family get-togethers. The Grandma's is a particular favorite. 

The South Main Street location right down the street from the Middletown Senior Center where we exercise on Tuesday. Most weeks we have lunch there after class. You will get a small piece of pizza to sample when you come in. 

Sometimes we get two appetizers, our most recent choices are Caprese and bruschetta. The servings are generous enough that while we clean the plates, we don't need anything else. The last two weeks we have ordered the Caprese and a hot ham grinder. Again, it is plenty of food for the two if us. 

About once a month we order an entree. I love the make my own pasta, you pick the sauce and the pasta and then add up to three items from the free list. For an additional $3 you can add sausage, which I usually do. I love pink sauce. penne, sausage, spinach, and caramelized onions. The entrees come with a salad and bread. Al likes penne with meat sauce. 

I usually eat my salad and bread and a few bites of pasta and bring the rest home. I get at least two more meals from this. 

Is this the best Italian food you will ever eat? Probably not but the food is consistently good and service is usually quite attentive. Now as I said, if they only had cappuccino......

Taino Smokehouse Middletown

Finding good BBQ is not so easy in our neck of the woods. Taino offers delicious smoked meat and all the fresh sides you could want. They also offer some unexpected things but everything can pretty much be classified as comfort food. 

I personally am a big fan of their wings. I usually order them but today I decided to try the bacon pops for an appetizer to share with Al. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, the description in the menu says deep fried squares of bacon. It isn't coated with anything and it is crispy and chewy at  the same time. It comes with dill ranch dressing and is interesting but not my favorite, a little too much chew for me. But I am glad I tried them.

I had the fried chicken for my entree. It is as close to good old fashioned Southern fried chicken as I have found up here in the north. The coating is thick, crunchy and best of all well flavored. You get to choose two sides and I chose the smoky mac and cheese and the coleslaw and a side of cornbread. The coleslaw has no horseradish but it is always crispy and fresh. The mac and cheese is everything you would want in a decadent side, luscious and creamy and in mine a little smoky. 

The meat definitely was not burned I am not sure why the picture looks so dark

Al had the half rack of St Louis ribs, the Alfredo mac and cheese and baked beans. The ribs fall off the bone, just as you would expect. Good flavor, huge portions. 

We always end up taking home enough for another meal. 

The staff is friendly and service is efficient. The decor is simple and a huge TV dominates the wall. They do serve a limited selection of wine and beer. 

The building is small, to the point of being tiny. In the summer this doesn't matter as much since they have picnic tables outside. In the winter, coming at an off time or getting takeout might be preferred. Be patient, however, they have acquired the old Jacoby's restaurant in Meriden and are planning to open a new restaurant there in addition to the one they have now in New York state. 

So small, but so packed with flavor. If you haven't tried Taino Smokehouse, what are you waiting for? 

Hobgoblin Fair Canton

Hobgoblin Fair
Saturday October 29, 2016
10 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Rain or Shine 
Roaring Brook Nature Center

What "critters" will appear on our trails this Halloween? Join us for our annual Hobgoblin Fair held the Saturday before Halloween. The Fair features the 'Track & Treat' Walk, children's crafts, cupcake decorating, face painting, a Country Kitchen of yummy homemade items, and a delicious lunch of homemade soup, bread and apple cider. Children are encouraged to wear costumes IF suitable for walking in the woods and participating in the craft activities. Parents should plan to stay with their children. Please note that there are no refunds and participants should attend the session for which they register. Cost: $8.00 children; $4 adults Fee includes our featured 'Track & Treat' walk, all crafts, and face painting. Other activities available for an additional charge. Suitable for children ages 3 - 8. Click here for registration form. Pre-registration with payment is required. Register in by phone, in person, or by mail. Please specify am or pm session.

Haunted River- Ghostly Tales & Valley Lore

October 28 @ 6:00 pm - October 29 @ 8:40 pm

$9 - $13

At the Connecticut River Museum in Essex

Phantoms, Captain Kidd, and unexplainable phenomena are just a few of the things lurking in the shadows at the Connecticut River Museum this October. Haunted River is a theatrical production that will take place over two nights on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, 2016.

 A ‘River Spirit’ will be called upon to guide visitors safely from scene to scene while sharing its own dark and mysterious tale. A highlight of the tour will be a special shadow puppet show designed and performed by New London’s Flock Theatre Company. This unique event has been made possible through a generous grant from Connecticut Humanities. Tours leave every twenty minutes between 6 and 8:40pm on both evenings. For tickets please visit the Museum’s online shopfront.

$13, $9 kids ages 7-12

Please note: the Museum parking lot will be closed for this event, parking will be available in town for visitors.

If someone in your party has mobility issues, please let us know so we can make arrangements to accommodate them!

Connecticut Renaissance Faire and Halloween Knights

One weekend is left to enjoy Ye Olde England in New England at the North Haven Fair Grounds, October 29-30, 2016. The Connecticut Renaissance Faire brings a 16th Century Harvest Faire to the 21st Century, Put on your medieval garb, or not and enjoy knights, jousting, royal parades and loads of entertainment suitable for the entire family. 

Enjoy great food and music as well as crafts and lots of shopping. The Faire will be open Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. followed by Halloween Knights until 9 p.m. 

Getting away to Hartford, Conn.

Hartford, Conn. is a city with very deep roots. It has an amazing amount of history and organizers are making a real attempt to be current and relevant. If you are looking into getting away to Hartford, Conn for a couple of days of art, arts, literature and science you will be very well pleased with what you will find. I actually got to be a tourist while attending a genealogy conference at the Marriott.

Where to stay

Hartford does not have a great selection of hotels. With the demise of the Goodwin Hotel in 2009 the last of the historic hotels has bitten the dust. However, there are some new and modern hotels. I am a big fan of the Marriott. It is attached to the Convention Center and has a great location for walking to many of the downtown attractions. Other hotels in or near downtown include The Crown Plaza, The Hartford Hilton, The Holiday Inn Express and the Residence Inn.

What to see

Wadsworth Atheneum- this museum is a Connecticut treasure. Founded in 1842 it is the oldest public art museum in the United States. Their collection of Hudson River Painting is one of the finest in the world. The most recognizable work in their collection is the Alexander Calder sculpture of a stegosaurus which is outside the museum. They also have old masters, Impressionists,and fabulous furniture.

Mark Twain House- At the time that Samuel Clemens was in Hartford, it was an enclave of artists. He wrote most of his great works while he lived here. The house can be visited on a tour and it takes you through what was above all, a family home. He loved to hang out on the third floor where he had his billiard table and a porch where he could step out to have a smoke and escape from visiting guests.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center- Harriet Beecher Stowe is primarily remembered for her book Uncle Tom's Cabin. While this was quite an achievement is was far from being her only achievement. One thing that you will take away from the Center is the fact that she was a multi-talented and many faceted woman, who was born ahead of her time.

Old State House- 200 years old. This lovely building has been restored to its former glory and is open for visit Monday-Friday year round. You are on your own to tour but just walking in this historic building will give you a sense of the history that was made here.

Connecticut Science Center- The Science Center is Hartford's newest attraction. It offers interactive exhibits that will fascinate children of every age and even those who are only young at heart. Learn about motion, sound and a wide variety of other areas of science. Come and enjoy the fantastic new addition to Hartford's downtown attractions.

Entertainment

Hartford Stage-For almost 50 years the Hartford Stage Company has been bringing music and drama to Hartford. From the works of Shakespeare to cutting-edge productions, the stage has seen it all. There is almost never a time when something won't be playing. Parking is conveniently located right next door.

The Bushnell-When it comes to performing arts center it is hard to beat the Bushnell. Whether it is their Broadway Series, family or children series or visiting artists you can be sure that you will fall in love with this venerable theater. Free parking is available right across the street.

Where to eat

When it comes to food, Hartford is a great place to eat. There are some top-notch Italian restaurants on Franklin Avenue in the South End, excellent pubs and ethnic restaurants of every sort. Among my personal favorites is the Arch Street Tavern where the all American food is taken to new heights and even a simple dish is done so well it is exceptional.

If you are staying in downtown, use the Dash Shuttle to get you from your hotel to almost any restaurant in downtown Hartford.

I hope that this has given you a few ideas for spending your next getaway in the Hartford, New England's Rising Star.

Atticus Bookstore and Cafe New Haven

In 2003, Atticus Bookstore and Cafe left Middletown which was in my opinion a tragedy. The cafe had been a favorite spot of mine for the 25 years it was in Middletown. So when I realized that Atticus Cafe was across the street from the Yale Art Museum, I knew exactly where I was going to have lunch. 

One thing I need to say, the menu was familiar to me, not much has changed in twelve years. Wonderful pastries were on display and the sandwiches are served on bread to die for. They still have their signature black bean soup which was always a favorite. 

 It was amazing to get the little loaf of their bread with the butter that was served with Al's meal. That bread is worth the price of admission. 

 Al had the mac and cheese which is served with a side salad. It was truffle mac and cheese with panko bread crumbs on top. 

I got the Atticus Classic, black forest ham. gruyere and dijon mustard. It was delicious. I didn't remember how big it was, I added a side salad. 

In spite of the temptation to get some pastries to go, we didn't. I couldn't  finish my sandwich and Al took some of his mac and cheese home with us too. I did, however, get a large cappuccino to go and enjoyed it on the bus. 

It was very nostalgic to go to Atticus Cafe again and I was in no way disappointed with what we ate. I just wish they were not in New Haven. 

Halloween Fall Festival and Downtown Trick or Treat Middletown

Come to downtown Middletown on October 22, 2016, for an afternoon of fun. 

Plan to trick or treat at all participating business downtown. Those that do participate will be displaying a poster. Put on your best costumes and bring your candy bags to fill. Noon to 3 p.m. Children must be accompanied by their parents. You can get a map at the gazebo on the South Green , at the police station or at the city website.

Before or after, plan to attend the Fall Festival on the South Green: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Petting Zoo, Pony rides, bounce houses, games, food, vendors, face painting, costume parade, temporary tattoos, henna painting, music, 
and more. 


A costume parade and contest will take place at 4:30 p.m. on the showmobile.

Contest categories for kids: 
Funniest, Scariest, Cutest, Most Original, Best Theme, 
Best Disney Characters, Best Superhero, and Best Witch
Contest categories for adults: Funniest, Scariest, Most Original, and Best Duo.
Contest categories for pets: Best Pet Costume

Come and have a great time with your family in Downtown Middletown!!

Halloween Trick or Treat Downtown Portland Conn.

Friday, October 28th from 4-7:30 p.m. Trick or Treat Downtown will take place. Business throughout the downtown as well as those on Route 66 to the Dairy Queen,  will participate. 

Air Line Trail Ghost Run

Save the date: November 5, 2016

The Ghost Run is a 13.1-mile certified half marathon that will pass through three towns, East Hampton, Colchester, and Hebron. The race will begin at 9 a.m. at Hebron Elementary School  and end at Center Elementary School in East Hampton. 

The first 375 people to register will receive a long sleeved tee shirt. The cost is $34 until October 21 and then the price goes up to $40. Mail registration to Hebron Parks and Recreation , 15 Gilead Street, Hebron CT 06248. 

Life of Revolutionary War Soldiers Tour in Wethersfield Conn.

"Soldier's Life Digging Deeper Tours" are being offered at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield on November 12, 216 at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.  Admission will be charged and space is limited to purchasing your tickets in advance is recommended. 

The tours will offer an in-depth look at the life of a typical soldier during the Revolutionary War. It will also offer special information about the former residents of the three houses that make up the museum. For more information, check out their website.  

Haunted Trail Tour Portland

For the fourth year in a row,  Riverfront Park will be the site of the Haunted Trail Tour in Portland on Saturday, October 15 from 4-10 p.m. The event which is a fundraiser for the park is co-hosted by the Brownstone Quorum and the Park and Recreation Department. 

Two versions of the tour are offered, the fun "before dark" from 4-6 p.m. which is designed for kids 10 and under. The "after dark" version, which begins at 6:30 p.m.  will appeal to those 11 and older. Expect to see spooks, vampires, and monsters at the later version.  

Food vendors will be on hand, Gotta's farm will offer seasonal goodies and Sarah's on Main will offer specialty sandwiches. Entrance is $6 and a repeat visit is $2. 

Spooky Cemetery Tours Colchester

If you like cemetery tours and adore spooky ones, save the dates, Friday,  October 21 and  Sunday, October 23. The tour was such a success last year that it is being repeated this year with new  ghosts characters added to tell their stories along with favorites from Colchester's historic past. 

Tours will be offered in the afternoon and in the evening. The afternoon tours will give gravestone aficionados the opportunity to visit the Old Buying Ground behind bacon Academy. Sunday tours will begin at 3 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m.  Friday evenings tour will begin at 6 p.m. and contine until 8 p.m. 

If yu are coming to the evening tour, bring a flashlight. Wear comfortable shoes, the cemetery has unevn ground and dress for the weather. 

Warm drinks and refreshments will be available for sale. Tickets are $5 per person or $10 for a family of 4. The Colchester History Museum and The Colchester Hayward Fire Company Museum will be open during the cemetery tours. 

Guida's Restaurant Middlefield

Guida's is a fixture on Route 66 in Middlefield. For most of us from the area, it has fond childhood memories. Dining outside on their picnic tables was something that parents in the 50 and 60s counted on. It was casual, affordable and most important delicious. Not much has changed. The picnic tables are still there and so are the affordable and delicious food. 

We stopped by with our grandson Brandon to introduce the next generation to some of the best hotdogs in the area. One thing to keep in mind here, only cash is accepted. They do have a portable ATM but well, I leave that to you, come prepared. 

Al loves his dogs with sauerkraut, Brandon and I have them more simply dressed. I like mustard, relish and onions. If you liked them grilled there is an upcharge here. I also found the large order of French fries smaller than I expected, we needed two for the three of us. We decided to share a strawberry milkshake and Brandon had one too. Total price for 2 milkshakes, 3 hotdogs and two large French fries, $31. 

We enjoyed our meal but found the prices a little high compared to other places we eat hotdogs. Our meal was at least $5-7 more expensive than we feel it should be. That being said, this place is a tradition that none of us is willing to give up and if you can come on Monday night, it is buy one get one free on the dogs. 

Haunted Happenings Hebron

Friday October 11^th Hebron Lion’s Fair Grounds (rain date October 12^th

Trunk or Treat

 Trunk or Treat is a spook-tacular Halloween event that provides a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween with the whole family. Children will enjoy going from trunk to trunk to receive pre-packaged candy from costumed car owners. All cars are welcome. The spooky evening event includes trick-or-treating, entertainment and much more!Time: 5:30pm-6:15pmCost: Free to all

Haunted Happenings

Come check out Halloween Happenings at the Hebron Lions Fairground, in collaboration with RHAM Middle School Drama Department. Haunted Happenings will have scares, laughs, and more.

Participants will be able to play Halloween games, walk through the Trail of Terror, hop on a hayride for Halloween family fun, and remember the night by taking photos in our photo booth! The entrance will be through Gate 4 at the Fairgrounds. Don’t forget to wear your favorite Halloween attire. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, feel free to contact the Parks and Recreation department. Time: 6:15pm – 8:30pm   Cost: Free to all

A trip to the Buttolph Williams House

The Buttolph-Williams House in Wethersfield was built in 1711. The house is open May-October because it isn't heated. If you happen to visit during October, the stories that you hear during your tour are centered on the prosecution of witches in Connecticut as well as the history of the house. It adds a very entertaining touch.

Many people, especially women, from all parts of the United States, know Wethersfield, Conn. as the setting for the Newberry Award winning book The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. While Connecticut never got into the whole witch hunt frenzy that gripped Salem, Mass. the state does have its own shameful past when it comes to persecuting witches, or should we say suspected witches, because really no one was safe. Connecticut's witch hysteria began in the 1660s through the last trial was in the 1720s.

During that time 43 people were accused and 11 were executed. All you had to be was a widow who had something that someone else lusted after, and usually, that would be your land. A simple accusation could be enough to get you railroaded out of town or much worse. Being a pretty serving girl could also make you a target.

The Buttolph-Williams House is more than three hundred years old and has been restored and maintained beautifully. The second owner was glove maker David Buttolph, and the style of the house has the feeling of old England about it. The diamond panel casement windows and the wood siding that has become almost black with age, gives it all the atmosphere you could possibly want when visiting a colonial period home. It is the finest home of its kind in Connecticut.

In order to visit the Buttolph-Williams House you must sign up for a tour at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum. and there is the option of doing all four houses or just the one. Because of time constraints on this visit we just did the Buttolph-Williams House. We took the 2:30 tour.

Tours meet in the courtyard at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum. You must be able to walk easily on a path through the woods. No parking is provided at the Buttolph-Williams House, you need to find public parking in downtown historic Wethersfield. It is not too difficult and parking is free. However, a fee is charged for the tour.

The house itself is not handicapped accessible and you need to be able to climb very tight circular stairs to visit the second floor. It is worthwhile to do so, however. The house has been lovingly furnished with period antiques and it has a very authentic feel. From the open hearth in the kitchen to the bedroom on the second floor, it is all very much in keeping with the time period of the home. None of the items in the home are original to the family but there is certainly enough authenticity to make a visit here very enjoyable.

On the walk back to the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, take the time to walk through the cemetery. Many of the important people from the history of Wethersfield are buried here and even more interestingly there are four marked slave graves, which is very unusual.