Coventry Farmers Market at the Hale Homestead

The Coventry Farmers Market will be returning to the Hale Homestead on Sunday June 5, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Every week at least 75 vendors will be offering locally grown produce and a whole lot more. In addition to the scheduled vendors, guest vendors are always featured.  Local artists and artisans will be selling a variety of handmade wares. 

Food trucks will be available as well as other food vendors. 

Plan to make the Coventry Farmers Market part of your Sunday every week this summer and into early fall. 

Colchester Land Trust Hike

Nature is even more enjoyable in the early morning.  Come on Sunday June 5  to take part in bird watching at Babcock Pond with Ernie Harris​ as part of CT. Trails Day.  

Birding is best at an earlier hour than the normal hike: meet at 7:30 am. This is a great opportunity for you early birds. 

For future hikes check out their website. 

Victorian Inspirations Portland Makes Big Move

If you have driven down Main Street in Portland lately you may have noticed that Victorian Inspirations has a  sign saying that they are moving. The move is just down the street less than 2 blocks. 

The store will reopen in their new space at 162 Main Street. The new store front is three times the size of the current building but even more importantly has plenty of free parking behind the building. You can enter the rear parking from White Dog Cafe or from Dunkin Donuts. 

The new and improved Victorian Inspirations will have beach cover ups, leggings and tops, hats, Brazilian flip flops, insulated wine totes, beautiful picnic and summertime bags for beach/vacation,  new line of Simply Noelle handbags, a larger collection of serving items, all new jewelry (including watches), huge selection of Kitras glass and of course The Sandra Soucy handpainted glassware collections (all new for Spring/Summer).  New line of children's books, stuffed animals, christening and confirmation gifts, more bridal, house warming and hostess gifts and more.  An entire collection for MEN.  Hand lotions, soaps, after shaves, wallets, bracelets, watches.

The store will open the first week of June with the official Grand Opening taking place the weekend of June 17-19. 

Check for updates on their Facebook account. 

City Seed Farmers Market Events

City Seed Farmers Markets have four locations in New Haven:

• Wooster Square Russo Park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 
  
• Edgewood Park Whalley and West Rock Ave.  Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 
  
• Downtown on Church Street  Wednesday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 
  
• Fair Haven Quinnipiac River Park Thursday 3-6 p.m.

Here are some special festivals that are worth attending.

• Strawberry Fest June 25 & 26
• Pickle Palooza July 23 & 24
• Apple Fest October  1 & 2
• Squash Everything November 5 & 6

Biscotti and Beyond 2016 Farmer's Market schedule

Simonne Messina Mularski is the baker behind Biscotti and Beyond. Now that the weather is getting warmer she will be visiting the local Farmers Markets. Here is the current places and dates, more will be added. 

Key Lime Biscotti

Old Saybrook 

June 25-October 22nd
Wednesday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Saturday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Clinton

June 23-September 29th

Every Thursday  4-7 p.m.

Higganum

June 10-October 21st
Every Friday 3-6 p.m.

English Toffee

Chester

June 12-October 9th
Every Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Killingworth 

Saturday 10 a.m -1 p.m.

• June 11 
• July 9
• August 13
• Sept 10



The newest favorite "chocolate"

Flavors

Almond and Anise
Pecan and dried cranberries
Hazelnut and dried cranberries
Coconut with macadamia nuts
Peanut butter with strawberry jammy bits
Sweet and salty caramel
Lemon pistachio
Chocolate
Key
lime dipped in white chocolate
English toffee dipped in milk chocolate

Gluten free

Chocolate
Sweet and salty caramel
Coconut with macadamia


I will admit I have my favorites, the key lime is delectable, the scent of the lime zest is apparent as soon as you open the wrapper. Sweet and Salty caramel is another personal favorite, two of the best taste sensations in one yummy bite. Honestly I love them all and so will you!!! 

Coast Guard Band Memorial Day Concert

The Coast Guard Band will do a Memorial Day tribute: Honoring the Troops of the Centuries at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on Sunday May 29 2016 at 1:00 p.m. 

Everyone is welcome to attend and it is suggested that those who attend bring chairs and/or a blanket. Rain date is May 30. 

Johnny's Snak Shak East Hampton

Business permanently closed, Dollar General on this location. 

I don't know about you, but I often think about stopping at places that I pass on a regular basis but often don't stop. I have been curious about Johnny's Snak Shak for a while. 

They have an enticing sign that says that they offer whole belly clams. While I am not a fan of whole belly clams I figure the fact that they offer them is interesting enough for me to stop and visit. 

Today we stopped, not for lunch however. We stopped to get an ice cream. They sell Herseys. While they don't have all the flavors, they had a nice selection. I had no idea what the inside would looked like but it has quite a few tables and it is very clean. They also have outdoor picnic table seating. 

The menu board has lots of really interesting sounding food and I do know that I want to stop again and actually eat lunch. 

In search of a perfect lobster roll

I have eaten three lobster rolls in the last week. I love lobster rolls and am always on the lookout for that perfect one. I prefer a hot lobster roll but I may just have to reconsider after having eaten a delicious cold one. 

One Monday we stopped at The Tavern on 66 in East Hampton. One of the offerings on their summer menu is a hot lobster roll. It is served with coleslaw. I love their homemade French fries so I was willing to add the $3.95 to the already slightly pricey $18 price. It was delicious. If I have a complaint it might be that I would like a little more butter but it was delicious. 

On Thursday we were looking for lunch and after a stop at The Dublin Pub, where they had no electricity and therefore no food, we headed to Loco Parro. Normally Mexican is not our first choice but we were looking for something different. What we got was different but in a very delicious way. 

Imagine my surprise when I saw lobster tacos on the board in the bar. Our waitress assured me that they were delicious, how could I resist? What I didn't do was ask if they were hot. It is probably a good thing I didn't, if I knew they were cold I probably wouldn't have ordered them and that would have been a mistake. 

The order is two tacos, a crispy one inside of a soft one. It is served with fries and coleslaw. Oh my, it  was an amazing feast. The tacos are so amazing, the lobster has a minimal amount of mayonnaise and were just so tasty. My only complaint would be the coleslaw, it was very wet and not really tasty. 

On Saturday Kasey and I went to Cypress Grill and low and behold what did we find on the menu but a hot buttered lobster rolls. 

Of course we needed to try them out. Usually we have chili or grilled cheese but we are still craving lobster so we ordered lobster rolls. 

The roll was nicely grilled, the French fries were good and I do like their coleslaw a lot. It was a very good lobster roll. 

 So after a week's time and three lobster rolls have I found the perfect one?  I would have to say that all three of them were very good and provided a satisfactory dining experience. I would certainly not hesitate to eat any of them again. 

Town-wide Tag Sale East Hampton

Saturday June 18, 20016 is this year's date for the Chatham Historical Society's annual town-wide tag sale. Applications are still being accepted to be included. Applications are available at the town clerks office and the public library. 

More information for shoppers will be coming after all the applications are in. Plan to be in East Hampton on June 18th to find some great deals. 

Carmela's on the Extension Middletown

One of my friends mention this restaurant to me last week and on Friday after Al's blood test we were in the area so decided to stop in. 

They have a good sized parking lot on the side of the building. Not surprising since at one time this was the Amazing Grace Food Pantry as well as the former Lamplighter Restaurant. Still I was surprised at how spacious the inside was. The building looks so small from the road. 

We seated ourselves and in just a few minutes were greeted and had our menus. They do have a lot to choose from. If pancakes are your thing, they have more choices than I have ever seen except at International House of Pancakes. 

They also have French toast, scrambles, omelets, eggs and more. I thought that the offerings were extensive and the cantaloupe with yogurt sounded great. We opted for egg sandwiches and homefries. 

Was I blown away?  No, it was fine, two eggs, bacon and melted American cheese. The hard roll was fresh and the home fries were well cooked. Coffee is from Baronet and we did get a refill. What I thought was adorable was the orange juice served in a mini milk bottle.

If was a good experience, our waitress was friendly and the restaurant is attractive and clean. Certainly if pancakes are your thing, they have what you want. What I found disappointing is they do not offer the option to pay for real maple syrup. I won't be getting anything but eggs there until that changes unless I bring in my own syrup. 

Sixpence Pie Company Southington, Conn. CLOSED

I first found the Sixpence Pie Company at the Coventry Farmers Market. I couldn't believe my eyes, I was seeing what looked like a Cornish Pasty here in Connecticut. I brought my first ones home and loved them even though the flavors that they incorporate into their pies are not a traditional pasty at all. 

Since then, I have become a Sixpence stalker. I follow them around. I search them out at the Wednesday Wethersfield Farmers Market, at the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown at the Open Air Market and even at their location on North Main Street in Southington. 

What they offer are delicious pies, some of them sweet and some of them savory. The savory ones are hand-held and stuffed with a variety of meats, veggies and spices. Some have cheese but not all. 

A Cornish Pasty is a savory English meat pie with basically stew inside that miners would take with them into the mines for lunch. It could be beef or lamb but it would have potatoes and carrots. In England I have also had lamb and apricot. To me having a Sixpence Pie is like being in England. 

I stopped by today and bought 2 sweet pies, one mixed berry and one apple. I also bought two shepherd pie savory pies. I did find out that the pies are freezable and that is good to know. I also now know that if I want a traditional pasty I can call up and order them. The minimum order is a dozen but with the ability to freeze, I see lots of pasty eating in my future!!

Made in Connecticut Expo May 14 &15

If you are someone who loves to buy local, here is the opportunity to see what is being created right here in the Nutmeg State. 

Over 300 outstanding vendors all from right here in Connecticut in every category under the sun will be setting up May 14th and 15th at the gorgeous Farmington Polo Grounds in Farmington, Conn. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

You will find:

• Handmade crafts
• food companies
• drink makers
• apparel and fashion designers
• artists and artisans
• farm producers
• local authors doing book signings
• health and beauty product companies
• pet companies
• top local gourmet food trucks
• furniture makers
• upcyclers
• and so much more!!!

Also offered will be: 

Live demonstrations from a local acrobatic studio
Free face paining
Bounce houses for the children
Wood working demos
Chain saw art
Other wood working demos
Live painting from local artists

If you want to support local business this is a great opportunity. 

Beer and wine selections will be available from local Connecticut breweries and wineries. 

Admission is only$6 for adults children under 12 are free admission and parking at the grounds is $3 per car.

St. Sebastian 95th Annual Feast

For 95 years the town of Middletown has come alive for a long weekend in May as the Parish of St. Sebastian celebrates their feast. 

2016 St. Sebastian Feast Program 

Friday, May 13 5:00 p.m. Feast Officially Opens 5:00—10:00 p.m.

• Music
• Rides
• Refreshments 
• Carnival 

Saturday, May 14 Family Day, 12:00 (Noon) - 10:00 p.m.

• Music
• Rides
• Refreshments
• Carnival
• 5:00 p.m. Unveiling of the Statue of St. Sebastian followed by a Solemn Mass with Nuri Wardrobe blessing
• 6:00—10:00 p.m. Music on the Grand Stage 

Sunday, May 15 

• 8:00 a.m. Mass in Italian 
• 1:00 a.m. Solemn Pontifical Mass in honor of St. Sebastian Celebrant: The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich 
• 12:15 p.m. NURI arrival at St. Sebastian Church to pay homage to our Patron Saint followed by the Solemn Procession of the Statue of St. Sebastian through the City of Middletown With the Relic of Saint Sebastian and The Sam Vinci Marching Band. 
• Veneration of the Relic of St. Sebastian 2:00—7:00 p.m.
• 2:00 p.m. Auction of the Grand Stage 
• 5:00 p.m. Solemn Mass 
• 6:00—8:00 p.m. Music on the Grand Stage
• Refreshments
• Rides
• Carnival, Amusements from 12:00—8:00 p.m.
•  The closing of the Statue of St. Sebastian will be at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Sunday, May 22 

I am a big fan of their sausage and pepper sandwiches and the fried dough. Food is a very big part of this festival. 

Riverfront Music and Arts Festival Portland

On Saturday May 14th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Portland's Riverfront Park will come alive with the Portland Old Time Music and Arts Festival. 

The festival will feature continental bluegrass and Americana music as well as craft booths and food vendors. Admission is $10. 

The lineup includes regional bands Still Pickin, Gale Wade, Grass Routes and Seat of Our Pants. The song and dance team of Larry Ruhl and Ellen Lovino known as We got Rythm! will present a special folksong set as a new duo called Stompin Grapes. Additionally folk singer Rick Johnson will be on hand and John Guilmette's children Clara and Even collectively called G2 will also perform.. 

The park is located on Brownstone Avenue near the historic brownstone quarries. Don't forget to being you blanket or chair. 

East Hampton Historical Society Walk

On Sunday May 15, Debbie Day of the Chatham Historical Society will offer a walk on Wells Avenue. Wells Avenue was once one of the most desirable streets to live on in East Hampton. It got its name from Lyman Wells who built three Empire style homes there in the later part of the 19th century. 

East Hampton was once a tourist destination with the completion of the Air-Line Railroad and hotels and casinos spring up along the lake. A casino in this time was a dance hall. Strongs Pavillion at the end of Wells Avenue was one of them. 

The walk will begin at the corner of Wells Avenue and North Main Street at 1 p.m. Parking is available at Stop and Shop. Adults and children are welcome.  For further information contact Marty Podskoch at 860-267-2442 or podskoch@comcast.net

Therapeutic Exercise Middletown Senior Center

As some of you may know my husband Al has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. We are always looking for ways to help with some of the symptoms of the disease, Exercise is one way to do that. 

We have found a class taught by Kitsch at the Senior Center on Tuesday's at 1:00 p.m. We have only attended one class so far but we can tell we are going to enjoy it and the participants. It is based on the Big and Loud program which focus' on balance and speech. With Parkinson's the volume  of the voice decreases and this program helps suffers get their voice back. 

The program uses a chair, weights, tennis balls and stretchy bands. It exercises just about every inch of the body and is an hour of almost constant motion. I highly recommend this class to anyone over 60 who is in need of help with their balance. 

The class takes place at the Middletown Senior Center at 61 Durant Terrace. 

A quick lunch at O'Rourke's Diner in Middletown

You have to admit, when a place has been named one of Playboy's Best in America 101 breakfasts it must have something special and as everyone who was born and raised in Middletown knows, O'Rourke's Diner does. 

O'Rourke's has been a staple on Main Street for 70 years, that alone is an accomplishment. Normally breakfast is the meal that we stop in to eat, never on the weekends however, when it is nearly impossible to get a seat without a long wait. I usually choose an off time when we can sit and relax and usually Brian O'Rourke the owner will stop by to chat and drop off a sample of something he is baking or cooking. 

Monday we decided to stop by for lunch, After our class at the Y we are usually starving and it seemed like a good place to stop. 

Our first sampling of baked goods.

Aside from their breakfast, probably the most well known menu item is the steamed cheeseburger. I decided that is what I wanted but the Kronenberger version with the slice of onion and Kathy had the same thing. It is served with coleslaw and a pickle spear I added French fries.The hard rolls are homemade which makes them extra special. 

Al had kielbasa with sauerkraut and melted cheese with French fries. 

Everyone gets to taste the baked goods of the day with a little sample plate. Brian however did drop off larger pieces. It was really delicious, one was almond and the other was a spice cake. I had to stop myself before I totally ruined my appetite. 

Our lunch was perfect. It is a great steamed cheeseburger loaded with melted cheddar cheese and the fries really don't need any ketchup, the flavor is too good to hide. 

The food was certainly a bargain, three of us ate for just over $21. Service was efficient and we left very well satisfied. 

I love eating at O'Rourkes, it is a piece of Middletown history and always takes me back to my childhood!! 

Upcoming Cedar Hill Cemetery Tours

Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford offers a wide selection of tours covering many interests. These are just a few of the tours that are being offered in the next three months. To see all the upcoming tours check out their website. 

Feathered Friends Walk


Saturday, May 14, 6:30 am
Free for All


Join Jay Kaplan from Roaring Brook Nature Center for his annual bird walk at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Jay will lead participants through our ornamental foreground in search of resident birds. Appropriate hiking shoes and binoculars are strongly recommended. Meet near the bridge along the entrance drive.

Researching Your Civil War Ancestor


Thursday, June 9, at 6:30 pm


Admission: $5.00; CHCF & Let’s Go Arts Members: 
Free


During this walking tour, Mary Falvey will share resources and tips about researching Civil War veterans while also highlighting some of the illustrious veterans buried at Cedar Hill.

Mark Twain’s Companions & Cohorts


Saturday, July 9, 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 Steve Courtney. Featured residents will include Reverend Joseph Hopkins Twichell, Charles Dudley Warner and Isabella Beecher Hooker.