Ladies Aid Strawberry Festival June 15, 2017

The Third Congregational Church on Miner Street in Middletown will be having their annual Strawberry Festival on Thursday June 16, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have never gone to this festival you are missing the best strawberry shortcake in the world.

I try to never miss getting here to enjoy this special treat. 

Cruise on Main Middletown

June 15, 2016 is the 19th year that the Cruise on Main has taken place in downtown Middletown. It is will be happening from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If you are coming to the event as a spectator, you can park in Melilli Plaza Parking Lot (access it on Washington or Court Streets), or Middle Oak Parking Garage (access it on College St.) or Municipal  Lot A or B (access them on Broad Street).  Parking is free during the event!

Plan to make an evening of it by dining at one of the many restaurants on Main Street. 

Taste of Mystic June 9-11, 2017

Olde Mistick Village will come alive with the Taste of Mystic event next weekend. More than 20 restaurants will participate.   

Last year's event welcomed over 45,000 people and even more are expected this year.  

For a complete list of entertainment and eateries who will be present check out the Taste of Mystic website. 

Strawberry Festival St Mary Church Middletown

St Mary Church of Middletown will be holding its annual Strawberry Festival on Tuesday June 14, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Parish Center. Large portions are $8 and small are $6.

All berries are native Connecticut berries and the whipped cream is freshly whipped. They are served on a warm biscuit. A beverage is also included. 

Advance orders can be called in 860-347-7638 or 860-301-0054. Proceeds go to the St. Mary Scholarship Fund. 

Strawberry Fest June 10th at Lyman's Orchard

Lyman's Orchard offers event almost all year long. Usually their are associated with some of the fruits that are currently available at the Apple Barrel. 

The annual Strawberry Fest kicks off Lyman's summer season, celebrating family fun, Lyman's fresh grown strawberries, and sweet strawberry treats.

Fun activities include: 

• Breakfast on the Deck
• Strawberry picking in the orchard
• Live music
• Complementary food tastings and demos
• Pie eating contests
• Pony rides
• Interactive activities for children throughout the day

Enjoy the musical journey of Ian Biggs, a New Haven-born singer/songwriter, who will take you from the quiet depths of a weathered soul to the heart-pounding, rug-cutting thrill of being alive.

Go to Lyman's Website for complete details. 

Pathways and Blooms 2016 A South Windsor garden tour and plant sale

Have you ever wanted to get into some of the most gorgeous gardens in South Windsor. Here is your chance. On Sunday June 12, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The tour and sale is presented by the Down To Earth Garden Club and Wood Memorial Library. Eight beautiful gardens will be featured on the tour and it  includes two on historic Main Street. Each garden features its own unique design and character reflecting the natural terrain of the landscape as well as the interests and creativity of the garden owners.  Home-grown plants from members’ own gardens will be on sale on the grounds of Wood Memorial Library on Main Street.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 or $20 on the day of the tour. The tour ticket book has the history, address and map for each of the locations. 

Tickets may also be purchased in advance at these locations:

i                     

• Agway of Ellington             74 West Road, Ellington
• Broad Brook Gardens         938 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor
• Crandall & Daughter          544 Buckland Road, South Windsor
• Foster Family Farm            90 Foster Street, South Windsor
• Garden Sales                       308 Oakland Street, Rt. 83, Manchester
• Mitchell Fuel Co.                1209 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor
• Wood Memorial Library      783 Main Street, South Windsor

If you go to the garden club website you can pre-order a box lunch that you can pick up at the library on the day of the tour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Connecticut Open House Saturday June 11

If there are museums around Connecticut that you have always wanted to visit, here is your chance to do it for free or at a discounted price. 

The Connecticut Office of Tourism is sponsoring the 13^th annual Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 10^th.  The one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s diverse world of history, art, and tourism.  It is a terrific way for residents to discover or rediscover all that is wonderful in our state.  

Once Connecticut residents learn about the treasures in their own backyard, they will share their newly gained love and excitment with visiting family and friends.  

To find out all the amazing places you can visit for free or a  discounted price please check out this website. 

Here is a small sample. 

Ansonia

• General David Humphrey's House
  Free admission from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., along with a plant sale, gift shop and handcrafted items available for purchase.

Greenwich

• Bruce Museum
  Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Middletown

• Wesleyan Potters
  From 12 noon until 4 p.m. the center will have free tours and demonstrations, including pottery wheel throwing and fun children activity.

Stonington

• Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House
  Free admission from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
   
• Old Lighthouse Museum
  Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Last year I visited the New Britain Museum of Art and the Daniel Webster House. I can't wait for this year to try more.