Friday Night Swallow Cruise on the Becky Thatcher

In September and October, take the Becky Thatcher to a spectacular natural phenomenon as hundreds of thousands of Tree Swallows converge on the lower Connecticut River and swarm as a beautifully choreographed flock over Goose Island before settling in on a giant communal roost each evening at sunset. The birds come from as far as 30 miles away and in such number that they show up on weather radar.

September 9 – 30

• Board the train at Essex Station for a 5:00 pm departure
• 3-hour cruise down the Connecticut River aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat
• Train brings you back to Essex Station between 8:30 and 9:00 pm (depending upon time of Swallow event)
• Food and beverage service are available at the fully stocked bar
  (Due to their liquor permit, no BYOB permitted)
• Due to the time of day and duration of the cruise, Swallow Cruise is not recommended for children under 10
• Tickets are $35, advanced tickets recommended 

October 7 & 14

• Board the train at Essex Station for a 3:30 pm departure
• 3-hour cruise down the Connecticut River aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat
• Train brings you back to Essex Station between 7:30 and 8:00 pm (depending upon time of Swallow event)
• Food and beverage service are available at the fully stocked bar
  (Due to their liquor permit, no BYOB permitted)
• Due to the time of day and duration of the cruise, Swallow Cruise is not recommended for children under 10
• Tickets are $35, advanced tickets recommended – purchase online

Tang Asia Bistro East Hampton

Located in the restaurant space next to the Verizon store in the Stop and Shop Plaza, this is a breath of fresh air in town. Several other restaurants have occupied the space but you won't recognize them in the new decor, it is bright and fresh. 

We have eaten here twice and been very pleased both times. On our first visit I had Island Scrimp, it has a light tempura batter on jumbo shrimp with a delicious sweet coconut sauce and melon balls, what a refreshing summer dish. 

The second visit I had them create a meal for me, chicken and green beans with peanut sauce. OMG it is one of the best things I have ever eaten. I enjoyed my leftovers as much as the original meal.

Al had General Tso's chicken and Alex had beef and broccoli with garlic sauce. Al said he would order it again and if you know Al, that is high praise indeed when it comes to Chinese food. 

The thing is, it isn't just Chinese here. They have lots of Japanese choices with sushi rolls and hibachi. 

If you haven't tried them yet, I suggest that you do. You won't be disappointed.

Penzey Spice in West Hartford is a feast for the senses

If you are someone who really enjoys cooking or even if you are a novice cook, a visit to Penzeys Spices in West Hartford, Connecticut is a must. You would expect your senses to be assaulted walking into a spice store and they are but not your sense of smell. Your eyes will be the ones that are overwhelmed. There are just so many wonderful jars to look at, it is almost impossible to know where to start. Just go for it, there is no wrong way to browse here.

One suggestion, grab a shopping basket; you are going to want to start filling it with all the amazing spices that you are going to see. You will be able to check out the aroma as well, there are samples of everything for you to smell. Go easy, you don’t want to overwhelm your olfactory glands. There is no wrong way here, coming in from LaSalle Road, you will be in the baking spices area. You will find cinnamon, nutmeg, cake spice, cinnamon sugar and chocolate just to name a few. The hardest part will be to limit yourself; you will want to buy everything. The good news is you really can buy everything because they sell the spices in a variety of sizes from quite small to quite large.

When it comes to savory or spicy spices, there are combinations here that you probably haven’t ever even imagined. Savory spices are arranged by nationality so if you are looking for Indian spices, they will be all in the same area. There are so many different countries and areas represented, sunny Spain, Tuscany, Bavaria, Paris, Singapore, Greece and Mexico just to name a few. There are chilies in a wide variety of heats from mild to scorching.

There are gift boxes in a wide selection of areas, a salad lover’s box, extracts gift box, grill and broil gift box and a hot chocolate gift set. These are just a few of the many gift combinations that they offer. Even better, if they don’t have exactly the combination that you want, they sell the gift box so that you can choose the individual jars yourself.

The shop is bright, super clean and well organized. The staff is knowledgeable and will offer any help you may want but they won’t hover, you can browse to your heart’s content. Prices are very reasonable especially since this is West Hartford which can tend to be a bit pricey. There is a parking lot in back of the building and plenty of on street parking with parking meters.

Penzeys is a chain, so if you don’t happen to live in Connecticut, there are other shops around. They also have a catalog and a thriving online business. A visit to the shop can be quite addictive; you will want to come back again and again. Feel free to tell everyone there that you read this article, they will be delighted to know how appreciated their shop is.

Celtic Thunder Legacy Tour at Toyota Oakdale

Celtic Thunder will be doing one show at the Toyota Oakdale Theater Sunday August 28 at 7:30 p.m. 

I will be going to this show with my daughter and friend. There are still plenty of seats available so if you have always wanted to see these five guys, here is your chance. Tickets can be had for $35 with a $12.50 service fee. These are for the balcony but I am fine with that. 

This is the only stop in Connecticut of their 75 city, 36 state and 5 province tour. 

32nd Annual Plainville Hot Air Balloon Fest

What: Plainville Hot Air Balloon Fest

When: August 26-28

Where: Norton Park

One of the biggest and best-remaining balloon festivals in the northeast.

 Friday:

- Food booths and craft show, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

- Nashville Drive performs at 6 p.m.
- Balloon Glow, 7 p.m.
- Fireworks, 9:15 p.m.

Saturday:
- Balloon launch, 6 a.m. & 6 p.m.
- Food booths, craft show, live entertainment, car show.

Sunday:
- Balloon launch, 6 a.m. 

Parking:

All parking on these days will be at the Robertson Airport, Carlingswitch, Plainville High School and the GE Parking Lot. Shuttle buses will run from these parking areas. Parking will be allowed at the park on Saturday, August 27th from 5:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. for the balloon launch.

New England Food Truck Festival

When:  September 3 & 4
Where: Mohegan Sun Resort Casino Winter Parking               Lot
Time:   Saturday noon to 10 p.m.
           Sunday: noon to 6 p.m.

More than 30 food truck will be on hand offering a wide selection of cuisine and desserts. Live entertainment, fireworks and family fun will be offered. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. 

Tickets are $5 for one day, $8 for both days. 

Schemitzun at the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation

Schemitzun is the feast of green corn and dance and it will take place on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation  August 27-28, 2016

The event is open to the public but there is no onsite parking. You must take a shuttle bus which will run ever half hour  the Fox Tower valet, Grand Pequot Tower bus loop, Great Cedar bus loop, Two Trees, and MPTN Museum. Shuttle Service Hours: Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday - 10:00am to 6:00pm.

It’s All About The Dance! Join our social dances. Watch our exhibition dancers and contestants move with skill to the ancient rhythms of the drum, which is the heartbeat of our people! Competitive Dancing will be on the Cultural grounds at the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation. 

GATES OPEN: Saturday, August 27th: 10am-10pm 
 Sunday, August 28th: 10am-6:00pm

ADMISSION FEE: $8 Adults - $5 Seniors & Children (Children 5 and under free) 

DAILY DANCE SCHEDULE: Saturday: 10am-11:30am
Entertainment 12pm-10pm 
Intertribal, Eastern Social and Competition Dancing Sunday: 10am-11:30am 
Entertainment 12pm-6pm Intertribal, Eastern Social and Competition Dancing 

Authentic Arts and Crafts: Fine Native American arts & crafts will be offered including beadwork, baskets, soaps, wampum, paintings, tee shirts, herbal teas, books, prints & more! 

Visit our 17th Century Eastern Woodland Village Exhibit: There will be demonstrations of wampum making, net making, and open fire cooking. Come listen to the stories of our ancestors and experience rich heritage in this unique, living exhibit. 

Share in our Native Cuisine: Vendors will be preparing traditional and contemporary Native foods such as Native Tacos, Fried Bread, Buffalo Burgers and much, much more! 

A great experience for the whole family.

Information provided by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. 

Open Air Market at Wadsworth Mansion

OPEN AIR MARKET & FESTIVAL

August 28, 2016,  10:00am – 4:00pm

The historic Mansion will transform its 700-foot vista into a marketplace and festival where a variety of vendors will gather to sell their Connecticut-grown or made products. One can stroll from tent to tent purchasing fresh produce, fruit, cheese, breads, and prepared foods. Local artisans such as potters, painters and jewelers have been invited to sell their work.

Visitors will be encouraged to lounge on the lawn with lunch and listen to live music performed on the patio. Families can bring their children and spend the day. It will be a day to discover the Wadsworth Mansion, enjoy music and art, and experience the tradition of shopping at an open-air market.

Parking will be at the Mansion, Wilbert Snow School, Mercy High School, and Vinal High School. The most convenient parking is at Mercy High School.

**A shuttle will run between adjacent Snow School and the Mansion**

Higgies Higganum, Conn.

There are some places that you just need to go every summer. One of them is Higgies.  They are open seasonally since 1945  and are a fixture in the town of Higganum. There is something about eating at a picnic table under an umbrella that just screams summer in Central Connecticut. 

Al and I were craving hotdogs. It had been a while since wee had been to Higgies so this week we headed there to satisfy our craving. 

I ordered a hotdog with mustard, relish, and grilled onions, Al had two kraut dogs with spicy mustard and onions. We got an order of French fries to share and a strawberry milkshake. 

You order at the window, pay, and then take a seat at one of the picnic tables, the food is delivered. 

Service was great and the food was exactly what we were craving. The French fries I could live without, they are nothing special but the hotdogs were excellent. The rolls were grilled and the dogs had a nice snap to them. They give you plenty of topping too. We had more than we could easily eat. 

If you are craving a tasty hotdog or a lobster roll, fried clams, or a pepper burger, Higgies is the place to head. They also serve ice cream. 

Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park Portland, Conn.

Portland, Conn. was settled in 1652, it was at one time a thriving port with a variety of boatyards. Today, it still has several marinas to provide docking and storage for water crafts on the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. This, however, is not Portland’s claim to fame. That honor goes to the brownstone quarries that provided most of the brownstone to build the famous brownstone townhouses in Boston and New York. Even the Cathedral in Charleston, S.C. was built with brownstone from Portland, Conn. The flood of 1936 ended this phase in the quarries existence.

For many years the quarries sat abandoned, used to dispose of stolen and unwanted vehicles and appliances and as a place to fish and swim without supervision. Times have changed and the quarries are again a very good reason to come to Portland. With the opening of Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park the town is back on the map.

One of the first attractions to open was the scuba diving center. 

Caves and other interesting things to explore in the north quarry make this a popular destination for divers. At the main water park, you can enjoy rock climbing, zip lines and a variety of inflatable floats. Life jackets are required for everyone. Much of the park is geared toward adventure seekers with cliff jumping, zip lines, rope swing, wake boarding, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. Areas that are designated for the younger children are also offered.

Food and bathrooms are available onsite. On a hot summer day expect the park to be crowded. Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park opens in mid-May each year and remains open on weekends until the end of September. Check their website for details including opening times and prices.

Fairs this weekend in Connecticut

It's that time of year here in Connecticut when we have a fair just about every weekend. The weekend of August 19-21 there will be two fairs, one in Bridgewater and one in Wolcott. Here is a little more information. 

Bridgewater Country Fair

The fair kicks off with a parade at 6:45 p.m. on Friday evening. Volunteer fire departments from Connecticut and New York will be featured. 

Bridgewater Country Fair is a good old fashioned fair with farmers and country folk bringing their animals, veggies and fruits and craft to compete with their neighbors. Come and enjoy the live entertainment, rides, shows and great food. 

• Friday 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Saturday 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
• Sunday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wolcott Country Fair

This popular fair has been happening in Wolcott since 1979 and attracts around 30,000 people over its three-day run. 

Come and enjoy the judging, entertainment, rides,  and food. 

Friday 4-11 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday   10 a.m to 10 p.m.

Biscotti and Beyond at "Shoreline Chefs" fundraiser

Come and support Simonne as she is showcased at the "Shoreline Chefs" fundraiser September 25, 2016 from 3-6 p.m. at Water's Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook. This charity event will benefit Meals on Wheels.

Biscotti and Beyond

Bidwell Tavern Coventry

Can I say it, I love Bidwell Tavern. We go there pretty regularly, whenever I am hankering for wings. They have the best wings in tons of flavors and if you go for the gusto and order the large size, you get to choose three different flavors. I love the hickory horseradish and Al likes the mild Buffalo. Until recently, we have changed up the third choice. I now have a new favorite, the sweet chili which is a little sweet and a little spicy. 

We introduced the grandsons to this place years ago and now it is their go to place when it is a birthday meal or when they have done chores for us and we are paying them in food. 

Bidwell Tavern serves Hosner's soda and the boys love the rootbeer. Al ordered lemonade today and got a Hosner's pink lemonade which he liked very much. 

Usually, we start with onion rings which are served with a horseradish sauce but today we tried the nachos. The previous time we were here, the men at the next table got an order and they looked yummy. Guess what, they were yummy!!

We always order more wings than we can eat so that we can bring some home. They warm up beautifully and make a great second meal. 

You have three choices of dining here, the traditional dining room which wasn't open today, the bar, and out on the terrace. We opted for the bar and sat at one of the booths which is made with church pews. 

If wings aren't your thing, not to worry, they have lots of sandwiches, salads, apps, and meals. I did order the Reuben once and it was very good. I am, however, a creature of habit and when I come here, I want to eat wings. 

A Country Fair in Lebanon

This weekend, August 12-14 is the time to head to Lebanon for their Country Fair. After 56 years, they know how to do it right. 

Here is just a sample of what will be offered. 

Saturday
11:00am – Little Miss Lebanon Fair Contest
12:00pm – Horseshoe Tournament
4:30pm – Demolition Derby: Redneck Pre-Show
5:00pm – Demolition Derby
9:00pm – King Cake
9:00pm – Laser Light Show

Sunday
11:00am – Doodlebug Pull
1:00pm – Painted Pony Rodeo
4:00pm – Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood

Come and enjoy great food, rides, games  and plenty of entertainment. Gates open Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Sunday. 

Photos from the Nathan Hale Homestead

Last week we visited the Nathan Hale Homestead. I included quite a few photos but I took a lot so  I thought I would share a few more.

My car through the wavy glass

Nathan's gun

Statue on the green near town center

Portland Catfish Tournament

Portland Riverside Marina’s 14th

Annual Connecticut River Catfish Tournament

Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21

Portland Riverside Marina

37 Riverview Street, Portland, CT  06480

(860) 342-1911

portlandriversidemarina@comcast.net

www.portlandriversidemarina.com

PRIZES

(heaviest fish)

1st Prize................$300.00

2nd Prize...............$200.00

3rd Prize...............$150.00

WEIGH-IN TIMES

Friday 

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m to 6 p.m.

Sunday
8 a.m. to noon

Sunday’s picnic (noon to 8 p.m.) will feature great

Food, music and all the stories about the ones that got away!

REGISTRATION FEES

Single - $25.00         Family - $50.00 

Spectator only (includes picnic) - $20.00 per person

Picnic Noon to 7 p.m.

Florence Griswold Museum special exhibition

The Florence Griswold Museum is the only New England venue for the exhibition,The Artist’s Garden: American Impressionism and the Garden Movement, 1887–1920. Organized by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, The Artist’s Garden tells the story of American Impressionists and the growing popularity of gardening as a leisure pursuit at the turn of the 20th century. 

Paintings and stained glass from the Pennsylvania Academy are blended with paintings, sculpture, prints, books, and photographs from the Florence Griswold Museum’s permanent collection, as well as selected private loans. 

Drawing on new scholarship, The Artist’s Garden considers the role of artists and designers in defining a cultivated landscape in an era of new attitudes toward leisure, labor, and a burgeoning environmentalism.

The exhibit will be on display through September 18, 2016

Nathan Hale Homestead, Coventry

Located in Coventry, Conn. The Nathan Hale Homestead is in reality the Richard Hale Homestead. The home that is located here was never Nathan’s home, he had already died when the family actually occupied the house. He would likely have visited here during the construction and may well have helped with some building chores but he didn’t live in this house.

The foundation of the original house has been discovered and that is the house where Nathan and his 11 siblings were born.

The Nathan Hale Homestead is now owned by Connecticut Landmarks and is open for tours seasonally. We arrived just a little before the noon time opening on a Thursday which gave us time to wander a little in the grounds. We have been here before but always while visiting the Coventry Farmers Market on a Sunday and it is always crazy crowded. It was nice to have the grounds to ourselves for 15 minutes.

As soon as the open flag came out, we entered the house. We were soon joined by another couple and the four of us paid our entrance fee and were taken on a guided tour by Jaelyn.

The tour took about an hour and 15 minutes and covers the two floors of the house. It begins however outside where a memorial marks the place where the former foundation of the original house was found. It is not a grave site for Nathan, his remains have never been found.

Some of the items in the house belonged to members of the Hale family, a couple of them to Nathan specifically. The silver buckles that he had on his shoes when he was getting ready to go on his mission are here, his Lieutenants chest,  as well as a chair that he used in his New London schoolhouse. 

The tour is a fascinating trip through the history of the house during the time of the Hale family and also the man responsible for saving it, George Dudley Seymour.  Be sure to visit the folly he created in the grounds, it is the burial site of his horse, Thomas Hooker Bones.

Nathan Hale was a very young man when he gave his life for his country, only 21. He was the first spy recruited in the American Revolution. He was bright and brave but unfortunately not a very good spy. He was discovered and hung by the British the day before the Battle of Manhattan. He was dressed in civilian clothes rather than his captain’s uniform which didn’t give him the right accorded to soldiers.

The Nathan Hale Homestead does have one very special treasure that is unique to this site. I am not going to tell you what it is, I want you to visit here and see it for yourself. Rest assured, it is well worth visiting to see.

Visit their website to find out the dates and times of openings and the price of entrance. 

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Nathan Hale

Water ski show in East Hampton

Sears Park will be the location to view the free water ski show sponsored by East Hampton Park and Rec . The Coventry Lake Water Ski Club will present the show and it is open to the public. 

The event starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 11. 

The band Flux will be playing at the O'Neill Gazebo from 6-9 p.m. and the Lions Club will be serving food and other refreshments. 

Sunflower Maze at Lyman's Orchard Middlefield

It is that time again to enjoy the sunflower maze at Lyman's Orchard in Middlefield. It is open daily July 30-August 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

This year's theme is the railroad in celebration of their 275th anniversary and the founding of the Airline Railroad built by David Lyman. Come and see the 350,000 red and yellow sunflowers. 

East Hampton Farmers Market

Head to downtown East Hampton's Congregational Church parking lot on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon to enjoy local farmers, crafters, and home-based vendors.

 The farmers market takes place every Saturday through September 24. 

Among the home-based vendors is Luxuria by Sage which offers kid-friendly bath products. 

Middletown Music Festival

This music festival celebrates local music and will feature 30 local bands on two stages over three days, August 5-7, 2016.

It takes place at Middlesex Community College and will open at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 5. On Saturday the first performance will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunday the performances begin at 10 a.m.  

A vendors village will offer locally crafted works. Healing and workshops will also be offered this year. 

On Saturday from 3-7 p,m. there will be a local beer tasting and food vendors will also be available. 

This is a not to be missed weekend of music and fun. 

Motorcycle Mania in Middletown

11th Annual Middletown Motorcycle Mania In Memory of Dan Hunter, a Founding Sponsor of Middletown Motorcycle Mania will be held on : Wednesday, August 10, 2016 Main Street, Middletown, CT 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Rain Date: Wednesday, August 17. 2016)