Tag: #MysticCT

F is for Festivals!

Today is Friday, September 22nd, or as my good friend and News 8 Chief Meteorologist Gil Simmons would say,  it is the “Autumnal Equinox.”   Fancy!  And really just another way of saying Fall (smile).   Fall in Connecticut means it’s that time when folks can truly enjoy festivals, fairs, carnivals and outdoor expos.

Speaking of festivals, on Saturday, September 16th I had the distinct pleasure of attending the 10th annual Garlic Festival at Olde Mistick Village in Mystic, CT.

Free admission and free parking so I expected it was going to be crazy busy and I was  so-ooooooo right…

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I must admit I’ve always had a fondness  for Mystic…you see I grew up in Groton, CT (right next door to Mystic) so I spent a lot of time in that town (especially while in high school) visiting friends, eating Mystic Pizza, working after school at the ABC Film Lab, hanging out at “The Village,” as we called Olde Mistick Village back in the day,  walking downtown during the annual Mystic Arts and Crafts Fair, chilling out at the marina, visiting the Seaport, watching my sister Casandra conduct tours during her kick a– Summer job at the Mystic Aquarium, etc…

So I was looking forward to spending time at The Village once again, albeit now through the eyes of my middle-aged self…

On that particular Saturday, as luck would have it, the weather was sunny and delightful – – perfect for walking around and enjoying the sights and sounds.

Folks (couples, singles, families, dogs, and babies) came from all over Connecticut and beyond.

One of the first things I did was head over to the duck pond.  I was not disappointed…

Love seeing the ducks!
Especially when they dive underwater!

Sampled the wide varieties of olive oil and artisanal honey at Sticky Situations, which was jam-packed with folk!

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Bought a souvenir gift from Sophia’s Magical Christmas Shop.

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Hung out at Franklin’s General Store for free samples of delish fudge and the experience of a trip back in time…

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Spent time at Garden Store Specialties to check out the whimsical gifts for the lawn and garden.

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Even made time for lunch with my client Joyce at my new fave, Pink Basil…delish!

Enjoyed a ‘cold one’ at Jealous Monk, a social hall and beer garden.

Garlic galore!

You don’t even need to like the taste of garlic to attend this annual festival as there is truly something for everyone.   There’s live entertainment, farm fresh goodies, specialty food carts, vendors, crafters, artists and even authors.  And it all takes place at the coolest Village in Connecticut!

Enjoy the season!

 

 

 

 

 

Fun things to do in Connecticut (besides fidget!)

There are plenty of fun things to do in Connecticut this Summer (or next Summer if you missed one or two here) and lucky for you they are all within driving distance.  For now here are just a few (in alphabetical order):

 

Bluff Point State Park, Groton, CT

This state park in Connecticut is not so easy to find by car but once you do locate it, you are in for a pleasant surprise…You will discover that it is a fantastic place to take the family for a picnic, to go for a swim at the beach, to go on a long hike, to clam, to fish, to go jogging…

 

Bluff Point State Park

 

Captain’s Cove Seaport, Bridgeport, CT

This Seaport is, in my opinion, one of Bridgeport’s best kept secrets!

It’s cute, it’s quaint and it’s a great way to while away an afternoon.  The outdoor shops, the fresh seafood, the live bands, the livelier crowds, most definitely a must-see in the Park City!

 

Captain’s Cove Seaport

 

Catamaran Lighthouse Cruises, New London, CT

My sister Casandra and her husband Alfredo went on one of these lighthouse cruises last Summer and had such a good time, they convinced me to try one (smile).  I love catamarans and travelling on water and educational tours so I’m looking forward to the good time I know I’ll have (smile).

 

Lighthouse Cruise

 

International Festival of Arts and Ideas, New Haven, CT

The arts become alive in New Haven the first 3 1/2 weeks in June and, as they say, there is truly something for everyone.  And most events are free and open to the public.  This year (2017) there were over 200 events(!)  from walking tours to workshops to master classes to concerts on the Green to film festivals…This is by far one of the best ways to learn about the arts and culture in the city of New Haven without breaking the bank.

 

International Festival of Arts and Ideas

 

Jonathan Edwards Winery, North Stonington, CT

I’ve heard nothing but good things about this CT Wine Trail winery and vineyard which is nestled in the hills of Stonington, CT.   I’m looking forward to going for a taste or two this Summer…

 

Jonathan Edwards Winery

 

Olde Mistick Village, Mystic, CT

I grew up in Southeastern, CT so Olde Mistick Village or “The Village,” as it was affectionately known, was the destination for shopping, for movies, for hanging out with friends, for enjoying ice cream or candy or fudge…

As an adult I find it’s an even better place to make memories – the movie theater now sells alcoholic beverages and snacks, there’s even a Brewport on premises!   The Village itself is dog friendly(!); the one-of-a-kind shops feature a variety of authentic, unique wares; there are a good number of restaurants serving breakfast or lunch and/or dinner.  There’s even a Sushi restaurant – Pink Basil – Yay!   And Franklin’s General Store is the place to go for unique gift items and free samples of “America’s Best Fudge.”  Yummy!

 

Olde Mistick Village

 

Travelers Championship, Cromwell, CT

The 3rd week of June is special in Connecticut because Travelers Championship (part of the PGA tour) takes place right at nearby TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT.   I love seeing live sports up close and personal because I find it is such a great way to connect to the sport as well as to its individual players.  And you don’t necessarily need to be a golf fan to enjoy Travelers as there is a Fan Zone with lots of unique booths, a Kids Zone for the children, plenty of food booths, ice cream trucks, beer tents and even live entertainment.  It’s truly a happening time~

 

Travelers Championship

 

That’s it for now – enjoy your Summer!