2023 Best of Summer

by Alyssa Seidman

Summer and seafood go hand in hand. This is especially true in Connecticut given its miles of shoreline that abut Long Island Sound. Here, some of the best seafood in the country perhaps the world is fresh-caught daily to the delight of hungry Nutmeggers.

CAPTAIN SERVICE:

• BOAT & DOCKING LESSONS

• BEGINNER - ADVANCED WATER SPORTS LESSONS ON YOUR PERSONAL BOAT

BOAT SESSIONS:

• LAKE PICKUP FROM DOCK OR BEACH

• MASTERCRAFT BOATS 24 NXT

• BOAT DRIVER & SPOTTER

• ALL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED

• UP TO 10 PEOPLE!

ICE CREAMYOUSCREAM

Beat the Summer Heat with a Sweet Treat at These CT Spots

by Alyssa Seidman

When the blazing summer sun becomes unbearable, there’s no better way to beat the heat than with a sweet treat. Luckily, Connecticut has a thriving dairy industry that churns out a favorite seasonal food: ice cream! CONTINUE Ice Cream ONPAGE4

This cool, creamy dessert is being served up in a variety of ways across the Nutmeg State. Many local purveyors use the best homegrown ingredients to cure sweet tooths and inspire smiles on their customers’ faces.

Whether it comes in a cup or a cone, we’ve got the scoop on all the creative (and cold) concoctions you can find in CT this summer

Ashley’s Ice Cream

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Ashley’sIceCreamwasfoundedonCollegeStreetinNew Havenin1979 NamedforAshleyWhippet,thefamous frisbee-catchingdog,thispopularparloriswellknownfor thepicturesofpupsandfrisbeesthatadornitswalls.

ThebusinessnowhasfivelocationsinNewHaven County,whicheachsellbuckets-worthofbutterfatice creaminavarietyoffunflavors Allofthebatchesare hand-mixedandspuninAshley’skitcheninGuilford, accordingtoCo-OwnerBrianAnderson

“Ashley’sicecreamismadewiththehighestbutterfat possibletoproducearicher,creamiertastingicecream,” hesaid.“Wesourceasmanylocalingredientsaspossible andareconstantlytryingnewflavorcombinations.”

Morethan150flavorvarietiesrotatethroughAshley’s freezersyear-round;someevencomefromthemindsof loyalcustomers,Andersonsaid Thisseasontheyre scoopinguptraditionalsummerfavoriteslikePeach, LemonRaspberryCake,andSmores,andperfectingthe recipesforMargaritaSorbet(lightlysalted,ofcourse) andKeyLimePie

Forthosewhohaveeyesthatarebiggerthantheir stomachs orderAshleyssignatureDownsideWatson sundae Twobananasaretoppedwithsevenscoopsof icecreamandsprinkledwithninedifferenttoppings

Thesundaeisservedinafrisbee justasAshley wouldvewanted

“It’sanimmenseamountofworkduringthebusy summermonths,butthesorewristsandbacksinstantly feelbetterwhenweseecustomerslineuptogeta cone,”Andersonsaid “We’rebelieversthatlifeisalways betterwithicecream,andwegettoseethateveryday atAshley’s”

CONTINUE Ice Cream ONPAGE6

Take a trip back in time and explore New England through living history Plan your summer visit to Old Sturbridge Village.

Independence Celebration, Kids Free! | July 1-4

Experience fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations, games a parade and play a game of baseball by the 19th-century rules Up to three kids ages 17 and under are admitted for FREE per adult paying full price

Taste of New England Summer | July 21-23

Join in the celebration of all the favorite New England summertime traditions of yesterday and today The Village will transform into an evening festival filled with tasty food, regional beverages, and live music

Redcoats and Rebels | August 5-6

See the largest military re-enactment in New England with hundreds of costumed Revolutionary War reenactors Tour the camps, witness recreated skirmishes and battles, and so much more

Photo by Ashley s Ice Cream

Dave’s Gourmet Paletas

FAIRFIELD

Ificepopsareyourpoison headovertoDave’sGourmet PaletasonPostRoadinFairfield Openedatthetailendofthepandemic,thiscozy,colorfulspotservesup artisanalpaletas,whicharepopularinMexico,Brazil, andotherpartsofCentralAmerica

Dozensofdifferent-flavoredpopsarehand-crafted dailybyDave’sin-housechef,whoholdsaculinary degreefromJohnson&WalesUniversity Thecoolpart aboutorderingyourpaletasisyoucancustomizeitto yourspecifictastethroughathree-stepprocess:choose yourpaletaflavor;selectahomemadedip;andgarnish itwithfuntoppingssuchascrushedpretzels,shredded coconut,andtoffeebits

Bestofall,thosewithallergies,nutritionallimitations, orspecialdietaryneedscanfindapaletathatssweetto lick Davehimselfisoftenon-sitetoanswercustomers questions,orhelpthemconstructtheicepopoftheir

dreams

Forthesummer tantalizeyourtastebudswitha MangoChamoypaletathatssweetandslightlyspicy;

topaRaspberryLimeadepaletawithFruityPebbles cerealforadeliciouslycitrusytreat;orsatiateyour sweettoothwithaBlueberryLemonadepaletadipped (ordrizzled)inwhitechocolateandtoppedwithcrushed grahamcrackers Thechoiceisyours

Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe

RIDGEFIELD

DeborahAnn’shasbeenafixtureofRidgefield’sMain Streetfor10years,butthissummerthestaffissellingall thehomemadegoodiesinanewlocation Lastfall,the SweetShoppere-openeditsdoorsat409MainSt Guestscanfindtheicecreamparloronthefirstfloorof thenewly-renovatedspace

Wemakeouricecreamonpremisesusingfresh dairyfromUpstateFarms,acooperativeoffamilyfarms inupstateNewYorkthatpledgenottotreattheircows withgrowthhormones, thewebsitereads

AdobeStock

NOWONVIEW

SummerattheWadsworth

SECONDSATURDAYSFORFAMILIES

July8,August12,September9 Freefamilyartmaking,activities,andfun.

ADULTARTCLASSES

August8&15

FigureDrawingwithPeterCusack Explorecapturingthehumanforminthegalleries.

September10

TintypeWorkshopwithMaureenFeely andDaveCaramello Sitforyourportraitanddevelopthe one-of-a-kindphotographonsite.

FILM

June23–25|Close Aportraitoftheintersectionoffriendshipandlove, identityandindependence,andheartbreakandhealing.

July14|SummerofSoul AcademyAward-winningdocumentarycapturesthe magicofthe1969HarlemCulturalFestival.

July20–23|FrederickDouglass: InFiveSpeeches AvividportraitofoneofAmerica’smostinspiringand influentialfigureshostedbyHenryLouisGatesJr., co-curatorofIAmSeen…

NOWONVIEW

LisaAlvarado

MATRIX192/SpinningEcho

Checkthefulllineupofsummerfilmandeventsatthewadsworth.org

600MainStreet | Hartford,CT | thewadsworthorg

IAmSeen…Therefore,IAm: IsaacJulienandFrederickDouglass

VISIT

Ashley’sIceCream

WWWASHLEYSICECREAMNET

1016MainSt.,Branford (203)481-5558

942BostonPostRoad,Guilford (203)458-3040

2100DixwellAve.,Hamden (203)287-7566

724BostonPostRoad,Madison (203)245-1113

280YorkSt.,NewHaven (203)776-7744

Dave’sGourmetPaletas

WWWDAVESGOURMETPALETASCOM

1492PostRoad Fairfield (203)520-8346

DeborahAnn’sSweetShoppe

WWWDEBORAHANNSCOM

409MainSt.,Ridgefield (203)438-0065

GoodyBassett’sIceCream

2404MainSt.,Stratford (203)612-8075

Plasko’sFarmCreamery

WWWPLASKOFARMCOM

670DanielsFarmRoad,Trumbull (203)268-2716

SugarRush

WWWSUGARRUSHUSACOM

901BridgeportAve.,Shelton (203)513-8810

Customerscanchoosefromsoftserve orhand-dippedicecream,aswellas dairy-freeoptions Flavorsincludethe classicslikechocolate,vanilla,andstrawberry,buttherearealsovarietiesthatare off-the-beaten-path

TheseincludeGummiBear(naturally-coloredbluecottoncandyicecream withminigummibears);PurpleCow(black raspberryicecreamwithdarkandwhite chocolatechunks);andSwamp(vanillaice creamwithOreos M&Ms chocolatechunks andcaramel)

Goody Bassett’s Ice Cream

STRATFORD

TravelbackintimewithatriptoGoody Bassett’s,whichservesupasideofhistory withyourcuporcone This“oldefashioned icecreamshoppe”wasnamedafterthe locallegendGoodyBassett,acolonial womanwhowassentencedtodeathfor committingwitchcraftin1651

TheStratfordHistoricalSocietyrecently proposedaresolutiontoexonerateBassett forherallegedcrime Untilthen,customers canlearnofthelorewhilesamplingsome icecreammadefreshlyonpremises GoodyBassettscanturnanyflavorinto anicecreamsoda,float,milkshake,or malt FortheDisneyfans,theymaketheir ownversionofdolewhip(pineapplesoft serve) Andforthosewithfurryfriends they serve PupCups

Plasko’s Farm Creamery

TRUMBULL

Since2017,Plasko’sFarmCreameryhas churnedouthigh-qualityicecreammade fromthebestlocalingredients Theresultis acreamy,deliciousproductthatyouwon’t findanywhereelse,accordingtoGeneral ManagerKaylinCardozo “Allofouricecreamismadeinhouse dailyusingultra-premiumingredients,”she said “Ouraward-winningapplecider donutsareincludedintheAppleCider DonutSundae,whichistodiefor

Thissummer,Plaskosisdebutingtwo excitingnewflavors:FiresideSmoresand Stars&StripesCheesecake SaltedCaramel Pretzel,afavoritethatsavailableyearround,isalsoincludedintheflavorrotation

Theresalwaysanexcitementinthe linesofcustomersthatpatientlyawaitour frozentreatsonwarmsummerdays

Cardozoadded

Customerscanevensiponicecream shouldtheysochoose AtPlaskosCafé you cantryanicecream/coffeeconcoction whichblendshotorcoldbeverageswith anyflavorofyourchoosing

Sugar Rush

SHELTON

Whatifyoucouldwatchyouricecreamget whippeduprightbeforeyoureyes?At SugarRush,thescientificmethodisusedto createuniquely-texturedscoops,whichare servedinbetweencookies,ontopoftasty crepes,orstuffedinsideadonut

Apremiumcreambaseispouredintoa bowlandflashfrozenwithliquidnitrogen, transformingthemixtureintoaluxurious, scoopableicecream Andwith40different toppingstochoosefrom youcanmake yourtreatunique

Thenitrogenicecreamflavorsinclude apple bluecookiebutter chocolate Madagascarvanilla strawberry andtoasted almondmocha SugarRushalsohasa menuofbubblewafflesundaes,includinga CampfireS’moresconcoctionperfectly suitedforsummer l

June2023

Top: Plasko’s Farm Creamery has churned out high-quality ice cream since 2017 l Bottom: Plasko’s Farm Creamery in Trumbull serves up ice cream classics like the banana split Photos by Plasko s Farm Creamery

It’s easy to take these salty-sweet bites for granted, however, since there seems to be selfless amounts of shellfish to go around. But for the local merchants who make a living feeding the masses, supplying enough seafood to satiate their appetites is shucking hard work.

From the shores of Sheffield Island to the boardwalks of Harbor Point to the shimmering Shoreline towns of Madison and Westbrook, Connecticut’s maritime merchants ensure locals can feast on the freshest seafood this side of the Sound.

Meet the Merchants

StratfordnativeBethMacoisthegirlbehindThisGirl Shucks,LLC AfterworkingatanoysterfarminWestporta fewsummersago,herdevotionforseafooddeepened. SheestablishedThisGirlShucks amobilerawbarand cateringcompany atthebeginningof2022. Macocuratescustomizedrawbarexperiencesforall typesofevents,andevenoffersshuckinglessons.From

intimategatheringstoBridgeport’sSoundonSound MusicFestival,Maco’ssmallbusinesshasalreadymade asplash.

ClydeRipka’sresidencehasalwaysbeenonthewater. FromLongIslandtoMauiandnowNorwalk,theskilled restaurateursaidhegreatlyrespectstheocean’sabundance.Histeamfeedshundredsofbeachcomberseach

Our promise to each and every customer: only the finest & freshest

Crustacean

summerthroughRipka'sBeachCafeandweekly clambakesonSheffieldIsland.

HostedbytheNorwalkSeaportAssociation, thesefamousclambakesgivevisitorsand residentsafrontrowseattoquintessentialNew England.Climbaboardtheferrytobeshuttled toSheffieldIsland,whereyou’llenjoyclams, lobsters,andotherdeep-seadelicaciescooked upbyRipkahimself

Lenny&JoesFishTaleisafavoriteamong foodieswhofrequenttheConnecticutShoreline Foundedin1979bybrothersLennyandJoe Goldberg thisonceseasonalshackthatonce solelyservedfriedseafoodhassinceblossomed

FishTale’soriginallocationinMadisonboasts anoutdoorpicnicpavilionformorecasual dining.ItsWestbrookrestaurantopenedin1986, addingagreatervarietyofseafooddishestoits famouslyfriedmenu ItisconsistentlyrecognizedastheBestSeafoodRestaurantwiththe BestLobsterRollontheShoreline

Service with a Smile

MacosourcesheroystersfromStellaMarOyster Co.inGreenwichandothershellfishproducts fromGulfShrimpCompanyinPlantsville.When itcomestocateringevents,sheenjoyschatting withcustomers,sharingknowledgeaboutthe oysterindustry,andofferingfunshellfishfacts andbadseafoodpuns.

“Publiceventstendtobefast-pacedenvironmentswherelargequantitiesofshellfishare consumedatahighrateoveraspanofsixto eighthours,”shesaid “Forthesetypesofevents, ThisGirlShuckshasadevotedteamofshuckers,allofwhomworkintheshellfishindustryin oneformoranother.”

CONTINUE Crustacean ONPAGE22

Top: Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale was founded by the Goldberg brothers, pictured, in 1979 l

Bottom: Residents and visitors pack the patio at Lenny & Joe s Fish Tale in Madison to get a taste of the brothers famous fried seafood Photos by Joe Goldberg Lenny & Joe s Fish Tale

Wildly Fun

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS IS FULL OF FAMILY FUN

Take a walk on the wild side when you visit this summer

For upcoming events, outdoor experiences, family-friendly attractions, and so much more, consider us your local guide to the best of the region VISITOR TIPS FOR SUMMER:

Wild Cat Station to the hands-on otter encounters, Ecotarium boasts 45 acres of exploration for all ages Worcester, MA

sheep run down the circa 1830 Common at Old Sturbridge Village Sturbridge, MA

UP CLOSE

WITHANIMALS

Spend Your Summer with Connecticut’s Furry and Fishy Friends

Withevenmoresunnyandwarmdaysontheway, observingConnecticut’snaturalbeautyisamust foryoursummerbucketlist.Includedinthiscategoryare alltheanimals,insects,andothercreaturesthatinhabit thewoodlandsandwatersoftheNutmegState.

Forthenatureloverinyourfamily Connecticuthas manyplaceswhereyoucangetupclosewithanimals

WhetheryousendyourkiddotopatrolBeardsley ZooinBridgeport cruisewithThe MaritimeAquarium ortraverse thehabitatsoftheWoodcockNatureCenter,an appreciationforthe environmentwill accompanyall thefuninstore

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

by Alyssa Seidman

Formorethan100years,Connecticut’sBeardsleyZoohas committeditselftopreservingendangeredanimal speciesbydevelopingstrategiestoprotectandpreserve theirhabitats,accordingtothewebsite.Itsexhibits,plantings,andprogramsgivevisitorsasenseofawareness andconcernfortheintricatebeautyandfragilityof MotherEarth.

Childrenandtweensages7-13cangetan up-closelookatalltheanimalsthissummer throughBeardsley’sZooPatrolprogram.These weeklongsessionsallowyourchildtoexplorea differentareaofthezooeachday.Theguided experienceswillteachthemhowthezoo’sinhabitantsarecaredforthroughpresentationsand projectsonenrichment,training,diet,habitatcare, andmore.

ZooPatrolsessionsrunthroughtheweekofAug.7 from9a.m.to12:30p.m.Childrenmustbesignedinby anadultattheResearchStationupondrop-offand shouldpackasnack,water,andsunscreentobeatthe heat.Sessionsarealmostsoldout,sosignupsoon!

Connecticut’sBeardsleyZooislocatedat1875 NobleAve.inBridgeport.Formoreinformation,call 203-394-6565orvisitwww.beardsleyzoo.org

The Maritime Aquarium

Withmorethan7,000animalsswimmingaboutinhouse, TheMaritimeAquariuminNorwalkisabastionforenvironmentaleducationandconservation.Itslivingexhibits andmarinescienceofferingshaveinspiredconnections betweenvisitorsandLongIslandSoundfor35years.

TheShark&RayTouchPool,JiggleAJellystation,and IntertidalTouchTankallowchildrentogetupcloseand personalwithsomeoftheAquarium’sinhabitants.Ifyou haveafutureJacquesCousteauonyourhands,sign themuptoboardaMarineLifeEncounterCruise.

“ThisexperiencerevealsthebiodiversityoftheSound withwatersamplesthatcompriseplankton,fish,crabs, mollusks,andmore,”AssociateDirectorofCommunica-

tionsEmilyLavinsaid.“Passengerswillassistwithrecordingdataontheirfindings,andsmallerorganismslike planktonareexaminedwithavideo-microscope.”

Forsummertimefun,theAquariumhostsavarietyof campsforchildrenofallages Sessionsareoffered throughAug 18andincludethefollowingfavorites: AnimalInvestigatorsandSharkSafari(ages6-8);Jr FieldScientistandFin-Fluencers(ages9-12);andTeen Apprenticeshipsthatfeaturehands-onlearningwith thestaff

TheMaritimeAquariumislocatedat10N.WaterSt.in Norwalk.Formoreinformation,call203-852-0700orvisit www.maritimeaquarium.org

Providingchildren opportunitiesto interactwithanimals throughaneducational lenscreatesa personalconnection betweenthemand LongIslandSound. Wehopethisconnection willfosteralifelong commitmenttoenvironmentalstewardship andadvocacy.

EMILYLAVIN Associate Director of Communications, Maritime Aquarium

•

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Classes for all skill levels and all ages are available. Shop fine craft creations from over 150 artists in our retail gallery.

FIELD PLAYHOUSE RIDGEFIELD

At The Ridgefield Playhouse, ‘Decades Concert’ offers nostalgic evening to benefit cancer research

by Susan Shultz

Whetheryou’reachildofthe‘80sor‘90sorjustappreciategoodmusicandagreatcause,theCandlewoodLakeFoundationisofferinganightofthe bestofbothworlds

OnFriday,July7,“TGIF ADecadesConcert”willtakeover TheRidgefieldPlayhousetobenefitcancerresearch.NationallycelebratedretrobandsRubixKubeandSavedbythe 90swilltakeconcert-goersthroughthehitsofthesenostalgicdecadeswhileraisingmoneyfortheVFoundationfor CancerResearch

Thedoorsopenat6pm andthedoublebilledconcert startsat7 Thevenueissuchthatnoseatisabadseat,and thecozyenvironmentturnsaconcerteveningintoonebig partywithfriends

TheVFoundationforCancerResearchwasfoundedby ESPNandlegendarybasketballcoachJimValvanoto achieve victoryovercancer Thefoundationwasformedin 1993andhassinceawardedmorethan$310millionincancerresearchgrantsnationwide Duetodonors thefoundationhasanendowmentthatcoversadminexpenses

About the Organizer

TheCandlewoodLakeFoundationisaBrookfield-based nonprofitdedicatedtoengagingthelocalcommunityin fundraisingforvariouscauseslocallyandnationally The namereferstothepicturesquelakelocatedinthecenter oftheBrookfieldcommunity ExecutiveDirectorMichaelSylvestersaidthenonprofit beganasasmallgroupoffriendswhoorganizedaToysfor Totsdrive ithasbecomethelargestprivateToysforTots driveinthestateinthepastfiveyears.Eachyear,theCandlewoodLakeFoundationholdsaDecemberbanquetto benefitToysforTots

Thegrouprecentlyupdateditschartertoincludefundraisingforadditionalcauses,Sylvestersaid.Thefirstofthese isthepartnershipwiththeVFoundation.

About the Concert

TheeventwillbeheldatTheRidgefieldPlayhouse,oneofthe mostpopularconcertvenuesinFairfieldCounty.Thevenue’sbarwillbeopen,andtherewillberafflesandotherfun itemsinthelobbybeforeandduringtheshow.Eachband willhavea90-minuteset.

RubixKube,whichhasplayedtogetherforoveradecade, offersaninteractive“TheEightsStrikeBack”show.Theband isledbya“maleandfemaledynamicduoofkarmachameleons,”accordingtoRubixKube.

Theseperformersareableto“transform”intoallyour favoritestarsofthe‘80s,singingcoversongsbyMadonna, MichaelJackson,BoyGeorge,BonJovi,PaulaAbdul,GunsN’ Rosesandmore.Themusicrangesfrom‘80spop,rock,new wave,dance,andhairmetalhits.

RubixKubecelebrityfansincludeKellyRipa,KatieCouric, JennaBush,andmore.

Savedbythe90sisanationalsensationthatisbringing backthedecadewithhugeinteractivepartiesfeaturinglive 90scoverbands

WithlivebandsstationedallovertheU.S.,Savedbythe 90sputsonpartiesregularlyattheatersandclubs,where anybodycanjumpinandjointheparty.Thebandsalsoplay weddings,corporateparties andotherprivateevents The songlistisendlessandincludesanyfavoritesongfromthe erathatonecouldthinkof. l

SinceRipkaandhisteampreparealltheclambake makingsontheislandweekafterweek,hesaidhavinga checklistandseveralsetsofattentiveeyesiscriticalto pullingoffasuccessfulevent.

“Ifyouforgetalemon,it’sgoingtotakeaminimumof oneandahalfhourstogetitoutthere,”headded.“One timeIforgotalighterforthegrillandhadtouseaninevoltbatterywithsteelwooltostartaflame.”

Today,theGoldbergbrothersworkwithmanyofthe samevendorswhostartedwiththembackin1979.Their fishfillets,seascallops,andclamstripsareallsourced fromNewEnglandwaters.

“Weworkwithbrokersandcompaniesthatbuythe productdirectlyonthedocks,”JoeGoldbergsaid.“When ouroriginal‘road-sideclamstand’openedwithjustfour picnictables,wepostedaveryimportantpromiseto eachandeveryoneofourcustomers:toserveonlythe finest,freshestseafoodavailable.”

Compliments to the Chef

Maco’saestheticseafooddisplaysareoftencausefor amazement;eachoysterandclamisshuckedbeautifully andwiththehighestregardforfoodsafety.ThisGirl

Shucksalsousesbiodegradablegoodsandpackagingto helpcultivateazero-wasteculture.

“Globalwarmingishavingasignificantnegative impactontheshellfishindustry,andwe’redoingourpart tohelpcombatsomeoftheseoutcomesbyreducingour carbonfootprintandpurchasingoystersdirectlyfrom localfarmers,”Macosaid.

ThisGirlShucksisavailablemostweekendsatCisco BrewersatTheVillageinStamford.

Whileit’snoeasyfeattopulloffaclambake,letalone onanisland,Ripkasaidtheexperienceisunlikeanyother

“Whentheguestsgetofftheboatanddigintooysters ‘fromrightoutthere’anddineonsteakandlobsterwith 360-degreeviews,asacatereryouhaveaprettygood cover,”headded.“IwouldloveforNorwalkersandvisitors toenjoythefruitsofthewatershere getonaferry,see

somesights,andlearnsomethingnew.”

FortheGoldbergs,feedingthemassesisafamilyaffair thattheyhopetocontinueforanother40-plusyears.

“Wehavebuiltaveryloyalfollowingofappreciative customersfromalloverNewEngland,”Joesaid.“Wehave familiesthathavebeencomingfaithfullyforyearswho arenowbringingtheirchildrenandgrandchildren.Weare sofortunate.” l

Clyde Ripka pictured pulls some fresh lobsters from the fire to be served to hungry customers

Photo by Clyde Ripka

Woodcock Nature Center

SituatedontheWilton-RidgefieldborderistheWoodcock NatureCenter,whoseprogramshaveconnectedvisitors tothegreatoutdoorsforoverhalfacentury.Everysummer,childrenareencouragedtogettheirhandsdirtyas theyexplorethepreserve’swoodlandsandwetlands.

“Allofourprogramshaveahands-oncomponent,” ExecutiveDirectorLenoreHerbstsaid.“Weuse20resident teachinganimalstoengagestudents,andmanyprogramsincludeimmersiveinvestigationsofour150acres.”

AtWoodcock,childrenlookunderlogsforsalamanders andinvertebrates,usemagnifyingglassestoinvestigate aninsect’sbodyinthefield,anddonwaderstoexplore waterbodiesonsite.

Theteachinganimalsincludefrogs,turtles,lizards,

andsnakes Herbstsaidtheirstoriesofinjuryandrecoveryreflecttheeffectsthathumanscanhaveonwildlife andpromptstudentstothinkmoredeeplyabouttheir ownroleinnatureandtheirresponsibilitytoprotect animalhabitats

Althoughnaturecampiscurrentlyfullforsummer2023, registrationforsummer2024opensinFebruary.Interestedfamiliesshouldsignuptoreceivenotificationsfrom thecenter’smailinglist.Herbstalsoencouragednewcomerstoattendthecenter’s“FamilyS’mores&More” eventsthissummertoseewhatWoodcockisallabout. WoodcockNatureCenterislocatedat54DeerRun RoadinWilton.Formoreinformation,call203-762-7280 orvisitwww.woodcocknaturecenter.org l

Left: Campers wear waders as they explore the waters of the Woodcock Nature Center l Right: A camper gets up close and personal with one of Woodcock Nature Center s 20 teaching animals Photos by Woodcock Nature Center

by Susan Shultz

ThoughtheGardedoesnotspecializeinmusicalor dramatictheater itoffersmoviescreenings,livemusic performances,andmore it’sashiningexampleofthevaried theaterexperiencesthatonecanfindinConnecticut

Fromlarge-scaleproductionstoindependentone-actor shows,there’ssomethingforeverytypeoftheaterloverall overthestate.

Fairfield County

ACONTEMPORARYTHEATREOFCONNECTICUT(ACTofCT) inRidgefieldisanonprofitprofessionaltheatrecompany. Foundedin2018byKatieDiamond DanielC.Levine,and BryanPerri,ACTofCTpresentslimitedengagementrunsof well-knownmusicals,aswellasworld-premiereproductionsbythenextgenerationofwritersandcomposers. Visitwww.actofct.org

SACREDHEARTUNIVERSITYCOMMUNITYTHEATREinFairfield offersliveconcertsandtheatricalperformancesaswellas filmscreenings,authortalks,andhands-oneducational activitiesforpatrons.Visitwww.shucommunitytheatre.org

THEWESTPORTCOUNTRYPLAYHOUSEinWestportisa nonprofitthatproducesworkfromplaywrights,actors, directors,anddesignersofallbackgrounds,entertaining audiencesandexploringissuesalongtheway Visit wwwwestportplayhouseorg

THEPALACETHEATREinStamfordwasrestoredandreopenedin1983forlivetheatre,opera,dance,comedy,and concertexperiences.Italsoholdsartexhibitionsinthe Gallery.ThevenueishometotheBalletSchoolofStamford, theConnecticutBallet,theLuminaStringQuartetsChamber MusicInstitute andmore Visitwww.palacestamford.org

THROWNSTONETHEATRECOMPANYinRidgefieldoffersnew andreimaginedtheatreinintimatesettings,creatinga bodyofwork“thatmoves,connects,andchallengesallwho jointheconversation,”accordingtotheirmissionstatement. Visitwww.thrownstone.org

© Kyle Norton

© Kyle Norton

© Kyle Norton

© Kyle Norton

New Haven County

Openedin1914,THESHUBERTinNewHavenearnedthe title“birthplaceofthenation’sgreatesthits”bystaging morethan300showsthatlateropenedinNewYork. Visit www.shubert.com

LONGWHARFTHEATREinNewHavenisdedicatedto producingboundary-breakingtheatrewithandforits many,kaleidoscopiccommunities.Itoffersplayreadings, fullproductions,communityevents,andmore.Visitwww. longwharf.org

NewHaven’sYALEREPERTORYTHEATREistheprofessional theatre-in-residenceatDavidGeffenSchoolofDrama.It haschampionednewworksince1966,producingwell over100premieres includingtwoPulitzerPrize-winners byemergingandestablishedplaywrights.Visitwww. yalerep.org

THEPALACETHEATREinWaterburyisacenturyoldand showcasesaperformanceschedulethatboastsprofessionalBroadwaytours,rockconcerts,educationalprograms,familyentertainment,andmuchmore.Visitwww. palacetheatrect.org

SEVENANGELSTHEATREisGreaterWaterbury’sonly professionalEquitycompany,offeringMainStageproductions,communitystageproductions,spotlightstage events(concertsandcomedynights),kid’sstageperformances,andmore.Visitwww.sevenangelstheatre.org

Litchfield County

THESHARONPLAYHOUSEinSharonisaregional,nonprofit theaterproducinghigh-qualityperformanceswith Broadway-caliberactorsaswellastalentedlocalcommunitymembers.Visitwww.sharonplayhouse.org

THEBROOKFIELDTHEATREFORTHEARTSinBrookfieldisan all-volunteer,nonprofitdedicatedtoprovidingqualitylive performancesandcreativeopportunitiestotheregion. Visitwww.brookfieldtheatre.org

Formorethan50years THEATREWORKSinNewMilford hasfocusedonpresentingprofessionallyproduced dramas,musicals,andcomediesinwesternConnecticut. Visitwww.theatreworks.us

Hartford County

THEBUSHNELLinHartfordisanonprofitthatpresentsthe bestintheperformingarts Itistoutedasthelargestarts organizationinthestate.Visitwww.bushnell.org

TherepertoryatTHEATERWORKSinHartfordincludesthe hottest,mostcurrentplaysusuallysold-outinNewYork, Chicago,andLondon,presentedinagem-like,191-seat theaterwherethefarthestviewisonlyeightrowsfromthe stage.Thecompanypresentsfiveproductionseach season,whichrunforfourtosixweeks,plusanadditional holidayshow.Visitwww.twhartford.org

Middlesex County

THEIVORYTONPLAYHOUSEFOUNDATIONisanonprofit thatwasformedforthepurposeofowning,restoring,and operatingthe100-year-oldplayhouse.Theorganizationis committedtoprovidingexceptionaltheatreexperiences intheIvorytonarea.Visitwww.ivorytonplayhouse.org

GOODSPEEDMUSICALSpresentsnewandnewly-revived musicalseachyearonthemainstageattheOperaHouse (EastHaddam)andonasecondstageinChester Intotal, thecompanyproducesmorethan400performances fromApriltoDecember,attracting130,000patronstothe ConnecticutRiverValley Visitwwwgoodspeedorg

New London County

TheEUGENEO’NEILLTHEATERCENTERinWaterford,named fortheAmericanplaywright,isthecountry’spreeminent organizationdedicatedtothedevelopmentofnewworks andnewvoicesfortheAmericantheater.Visitwww. theoneill.org

Family fun and outdoor adventures await you across our 2,600 acres Explore wooded trails on foot or bike, play 18-holes of disc golf, take a tour to learn about the von Trapp family history, how we brew our lagers, or discover how we make the best maple sugar! Enjoy Austrian-inspired food at the Bierhall or in our main dining room and enjoy handmade pastries at the Kaffeehaus!

FLOCKTHEATRE inNewLondon foundedin1989 isone oftheneweradditionstothestatestheaterworld WhetherworkingwiththetimelesswordsofShakespeareormodernclassicslikeO’Neill teachingin schools,orconductingtheirannualBurningofBenedict ArnoldFestival,theFlockisdedicatedtocreating original,collaborative,andeducationaltheatre Visit wwwflocktheatreorg

THEGARDEARTSCENTERissoutheasternConnecticut’s non-profithomefortheperformingarts,cinemaand education.Itwasfoundedin1985tosave,restoreand operateintheheartofdowntownNewLondonthehistoric(1926)GardeTheater Visitwww.gardearts.org

Windham County

THEWINDHAMTHEATREGUILDinWillimanticisanonprofit volunteerorganizationthathasproducedqualitycommunitytheatreataffordablepricessince1985.TheGuild currentlyproduceseightto10theatricalproductions eachyear,aBroadwayChorusConcert,andmore.Visit www.windhamtheatreguild.org

Tolland County

THECONNECTICUTREPERTORYTHEATREoncampusat

UCONN Storrsistheproducingarmoftheuniversity’s DepartmentofDramaticArts.CRTproducesundera year-roundcontractwiththeActors’EquityAssociation andservesasaculturalcenterforConnecticutandthe NewEnglandregion.Visitwww.crt.uconn.edu

THECOLCHESTERCOMMUNITYTHEATREinColchester aimstoproduceanddevelopperformingartsinthe areaatanaffordablecost Suchofferingsincludedrama,musicals,andrelatedculturalevents Visitwww colchestercommunitytheatrecom l

FORTHELATESTINUPCOMINGEVENTSANDA FULLCONNECTICUTCALENDAR,STAYINTHEKNOW ATWWW.CTPOST.COM/EVENTS-CALENDAR

“IF YOU DON’T CATCH A FISH, YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY!”

- CAPTAIN WAYNE GOLDSMITH

ROAD TRIP

Booking a last-minute trip but don’t want to deal with the hassle of airline travel? Since Connecticut is centrally located in the northeast, there are plenty of places you can visit by car Whether you ’ re looking for a tri-state escape or want to explore more of New England, a regional road trip will fit perfectly into your summer plans.

Vacation at the Hottest Destinations in the Northeast TRI-STATE

Dunkin’ Park

HARTFORD CT

Nothingsayssummerlikeatriptotheballpark,andCT justsohappenstohaveitsownminorleaguebaseball team.HeadtoDunkin’ParktocheerontheHartfordYard Goats,theDouble-AAffiliateoftheColoradoRockies. TheparkwillhosthomegamesthroughSept 10and offerupdifferentpromotionseachnight.Theseincludea bobbleheadgiveawayofYardGoatsmanagerChris

DenorfiaonJuly5,akid’sjerseygiveawayonAug.1,Pride NightonSept.8,andsomuchmore.

Checkoutwwwgoatsfoodfindercombeforeheading toagametofindoutwheretogetthebestbiteinthe ballpark Indulgencesincludebacon-wrappedmunchkins,adonutchickensandwich,andadeep-friedPB&J, amongothereats

Dunkin’Parkislocatedat1214MainSt.inHartford,Conn. Formoreinformation,visitwww.milb.com/hartford

by Alyssa Seidman

Life on Long Island, N.Y.

Withmorethan1,000milesofshorelineanddozensof seasonalattractions,there’snoshortageofthingstodoon LongIslandthisseason.Thissummertimestrongholdhas entertainedvacationersofallagesforgenerations,andit’s timeyouandyourfamilygotatasteofislandlife

Pickupabaconeggandcheesebeforeheadingdown toanyoneofLongIsland’sbelovedbeaches Jones BeachisafavoriteinNassauCounty,whileRobertMosesis thego-toinSuffolk.Stopbyacoastalcommunityfordinner withasideofsummernightlife NassauCountyhasLong BeachandSuffolkhasBayShore.

Ifyou’relookingforsomefestivalfun,LongIslandishome toatonofseasonalevents.HighlightsincludetheJones BeachFireworksExtravaganza(July4),theHampton ClassicHorseShow(Aug.27-Sept.3),theLongIsland MaritimeFestival(Sept 23-24),andmore.

Forafull-fledgedguideofthingstodoandsee,visit www.discoverlongisland.com

American Dream

EAST RUTHERFORD NJ

AmericanDreamisaretail/entertainmentcomplexinthe MeadowlandsoftheGardenState.Iftheforecastcallsfor rain,theindoorattractionsatthislarger-than-lifemallwill giveyouandyourfamilythrillstolastallsummerlong.

RidecoastersatNickelodeonUniverseThemePark;slip andslidethroughDreamWorksWaterPark;takeasurf lessonintheindoorwavepool;skateorskithroughthe year-roundsnowresort;put-putonthemedminigolfcourses;andmaneuverthroughMirrorMazeortheTILTMuseum

Ifyourkidhasasummerbirthday,recruittheDream Teamtohelpplanthepartyoftheirdreams Visitwww. americandream.com/youth-programstolearnmore.

AmericanDreamislocatedat1AmericanDreamWay inEastRutherford,N.J.Formoreinformation,visitwww. americandream.com

NEWENGLAND

Ogunquit, Maine

JustovertheNewHampshire-Maineborderisthe charmingseasidetownofOgunquit.Itsfour-squaremileshavenoshortageoffunthingstodo,makingita greatdestinationforaquickweekendgetaway.

AttheheartofOgunquitisPerkinsCove,aquaint fishingvillagethatboastsamanualdrawbridge,seasideshops,andoceanviews.MainStreetisdottedwith everytypeofeateryyoucanthinkof,whichyoucan easilyaccessviathetown’strolleysystem

OtherattractionsincludeOgunquitHeritageMuseum, DonGorvettGallery,avarietyofsceniccruisesand boattours,OgunquitPlayhouse,an8,000-square-foot antiqueshop,andBeachPlumFarm

Formoreinformation,visitwww.ogunquit.com

Gloucester, Mass.

Gloucester,acoastalenclaveonCapeAnn,iscelebratingits400thanniversarythisyear Aseriesof programsandeventswillbeheldthroughout2023to highlightthecitysrichheritage historybuffswont beabletogetenough

TheGloucester400™grouphasafun-filledlineup planforFourthofJulyweekend.Catchaproductionof TheImportanceofBeingEarnest”byLanesCoven TheatreCo.;takeawalkthroughtheSargentHouse Museumproperty;orfeastyoureyesontheFishtown HorriblesParade.

FromAug.10-13 theAnnisquamVillagePlayerswill presentfree,open-airperformancesof“AGloucester Story”forthepublictoenjoy Alsothatweekisthe Gloucester400™FisheriesHeritageFestival.

Formoreinformation,visitwwwgloucesterma400org

The Gloucester Fisherman s Memorial honors the thousands of fishermen who were lost at sea in the first three centuries of the city’s history

Photo by Shutterstock

1983 – 2023

Portsmouth, N.H

Portsmouthalsocelebratesits400thanniversarythis year,featuringmanyopportunitiestocelebrateitsstories throughprograms,events,exhibits,andlegacyprojects. SignatureeventsincludetheLittleItalyCarnivalonAug.6 andthestreet.life!400dinnerpartyonAug.15.

Ifyouaren’tahistorybuff,thecityhasanimpressive lineupofconcertsandfestivalsontapforthesummer, andofferstopicaltourstosuitallkindsofinterests.The city’stourismwebsitehascurateditinerariesforevery typeoftrip,bethatagirls-onlygetawayorafamily-friendlyvacation

Foraplacetorestyourhead checkintoTheSailmakersHouse HotelThaxter orTheWaterStreetInn (rightovertheNewHampshire-Maineborder) These accommodationsarelocatedjuststepsawayfromthe PiscataquaRiver,wherewaterfrontdiningisavailableat everyturn

Formoreinformation,visitwww.goportsmouthnh.com

Providence, R.I.

Ifcultureisyourcupoftea,headtoProvidence,R.I.Asthe OceanState’smostpopulouscity,activityabounds whereveryoumayroam Forthearts,dining,diversity, andmore,Providenceisyourplace.

Onceyoutraversethestreetsofthecity’seclectic neighborhoods,you’llunderstandwhythey’vemade headlinesin“GQ”and“Travel+Leisure.”Headdowntown onJuly22toexperienceasignatureProvidenceevent, WaterFire.Thisstunningmultisensoryshowfeatures flickeringbonfiresdancingonthesurfaceoftheriver.

OtherattractionsincludetheGovernorHenryLippitt HouseMuseum NarragansettBrewingCompany,The ProvidenceFlea,theRISDMuseum,andtheRogerWilliamsParkZoo

Formoreinformation,visitwww.goprovidence.com

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour

WATERBURY, VT

AsweetescapeawaitsyouinWaterbury,Vt.,whereBen& Jerry’schurnsoutitsiconicicecream.Forabehind-thesceneslookathowthesweetstuffgetsmade,takea guidedfactorytour.Here,nearly350,000pintsare pumpedoutperday.

Watchashortmoo-vieaboutthecompanyshistory asyouglazeovertheproductionroomfloor,sampling someofthebatchesasyougo Thetastetestscontinue attheendofthetourwhenyouencountertheFlavor Room Andtoreallykick-startasugarrush visitthe on-siteScoopShop

Ascoopofhistorycanbefoundoutsidethefactory,too, atBen&Jerry’sFlavorGraveyard.Hereyoucanfindpints thathavepassedtheirexpirationdate,includingones youmayhaveenjoyedasakid.

Formoreinformationortobookyourtrip,visitwww. benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours l

WaterFire a signature Providence event features flickering bonfires that dance on the surface of the river

Photo by Shutterstock

outdoor summer concerts in katonah, ny

6.17

Opening Night with Audra McDonald

6.22

The Harlem Gospel Travelers Presented in Collaboration with City Winery

6.23

Brooklyn Rider

6.24

AmericanRootsMusic Festival:BrandyClark, and more!

Presented in Collaboration with City Winery

Tessa Lark, violin & Michael Thurber, double bass Plena Libre

7.6

Miró Quartet

7.13

Davóne Tines, bass-baritone John Bitoy, piano

7.20

Conrad Tao, piano & Caleb Teicher, dancer

7.27

Pekka Kuusisto, violin & Nico Muhly, piano

8.3

Tengyue Zhang

Guitar in the Garden

7.7

For Little Ones: Musiquita

Ruckus feat. Emi Ferguson, flute Rachell Ellen Wong, violin

7.14

For Little Ones: Alexander Davis & Friends DakhaBrakha

7.21

For Little Ones: Alphonso Horne & Friends

Dover Quartet Steven Banks, saxophone

7.28

The Knights with Pekka Kuusisto, violin

8.4

Samara Joy Presented in Collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center

7.8

Alexander Hersh, cello; Christopher Goodpasture, piano

Over the Rainbow: The Songs of Harold Arlen

7.15

Maeve Gilchrist, Celtic harp

7.22

Jazz Festival: Cécile McLorin Salvant, and more!

Presented in Collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center

7.29

Harlem Chamber Players

Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily

8.5

Zhu Wang, piano MaryChapin Carpenter

6.18

Family Concert: Gotta Swing!

Hot Jazz Age Frolic with the Eyal Vilner Big Band

6.25

Francesca

Caccini’s Alcina Boston Early Music Festival

7.2

Pops & Patriots

7.9

FREE EVENT

FARMING

By Ted Hearne

Performed by The Crossing

7.16

Orchestra of St Luke’s with Hélène Grimaud, piano

7.23

Handel’s Acis and Galatea Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra

7.30

Garrick Ohlsson, piano

8.6

Orchestra of St. Luke’s with Alisa Weilerstein, cello

Oumou Sangaré

811 Balún 816 Michael Olatuja: Lagos Pepper Soup

818 Neal Francis Presented in Collaboration with City Winery

$

INEXPENSIVE $50-$150/NIGHT Pricesmayvary

Circle Hotel Fairfield

417 POST ROAD FAIRFIELD

Thisquaint award-winninghotelofferseasyaccessto Fairfield’slocalbeaches Eachguestroomisdeckedout incoastal-inspireddecor,andthosewithexteriorentrancesaregoodforguestswithpets Complimentary amenitiesincludein-roomWiFi,seasonalbeachpasses, anoutdoorpool,andanon-siterestaurant Phone: 203-255-0491 Website:wwwcirclehotelfairfieldcom

Pier Blue Inn

1430 BOSTON POST ROAD, OLD SAYBROOK

Thisbudget-friendlyaccommodationisconveniently locatednearsomeoftheshorelinesmostsought-after attractions YoucanexperiencethePrattHouseMuseum,ConnecticutRiverMuseum,GreatIslandWildlife

Area EssexSteamTrain&Riverboat FlorenceGriswold Museum andFerryLandingStatePark allwithina five-mileradius Phone:860-388-3453 Website:www pierblueoldsaybrook-clintonus

Owenego Inn

40 LINDEN AVE, BRANFORD

Thisfamily-ownedandoperatedestablishmenthas welcomedgueststoConnecticut’scoastsince1847 Your quintessentialNewEngland-styleroomwillfeellikeyour ownprivatecottageasyouunplugfromtheoutside world Whetheryou’relookingtokickthingsuporkick backthissummer,TheOswarmandwelcomingstaff canassistyouinplanningyourdreamstaycation Phone:203-488-3805 Website:wwwowenegocom/ the-inn

Shore Thing

The Surfside Hotel

10 WASHINGTON PKWY, STRATFORD

Paradiseisseeminglyfoundatthisbreathtakingbeachfronthotel ManyoftheroomsofferviewsofLongIsland SoundandfeatureTuftandNeedlebeds,curatedamenities andbeachtowelsforsomefuninthesun During yourstayyoucanexploretheareasmanyattractions or healyourmind body andsoulwithavarietyofwellness offeringsonsite Phone:475-476-7873 Website:www. thesurfside.com

The Taber Inne

66 WILLIAMS AVE MYSTIC

Mysticwasrecentlynamedatop10summervacation destinationbyUSAToday,somakesuretobookyour stayatTheTaberInnesoon Locatedinthetown’s

historicvillagedistrictjuststepsawayfromWilliams Beach whichoverlooksMysticHarboranditsmany seafaringamenities thisboutiqueinnhasstandard, suite,andtownhouselodgingaccommodations Phone: 860-536-4904 Website:wwwtaberinnecom

Water’s Edge Resort and Spa

1525 BOSTON POST ROAD WESTBROOK

A relaxing getaway awaits you at Waters Edge Lounge on the private white-sand beach; indulge in a decadent spa day; enjoy dinner with a view and a little night music the choice is yours The resort encompasses nearly 100 guest rooms and suites, a historic colonial residence, two beachfront cottages, and 20 luxury villas by the sea Phone: 860-399-5901 Website: www watersedgeresortandspa com

Coastal-inspireddecor, historicattractions, andviewsoftheLong IslandSound.

Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook boasts a private, white-sand beach Photo by Shutterstock

DELAMAR

500 STEAMBOAT ROAD GREENWICH & 275 OLD POST ROAD SOUTHPORT

LiveinthelapofluxurythissummeratDELAMAR,which boaststwohotelsonConnecticut’sshoreline InGreenwichyou’llbegreetedwithaglassofbubblybefore headinguptoyourelegantly-styledguestroom,where continentalfurnishingsandBulgariamenitiesawait The SouthportlocationexudesNewEnglandhospitality, featuringintimateaccommodationswithadistinctive charm Website:wwwdelamarcom

Madison Beach Hotel

94 WEST WHARF ROAD, MADISON

Thissound-sidesparesortispartoftheCurioCollectionbyHilton Selectaroomwithaview eitherof theMadisonShorelineorLongIslandSound and

spendadayattheprivatebeach whichhostsopenairconcertsduringthesummer Alsoonsiteisthe SoundoftheSeaSpaforunwindingandTheWharfand Porchrestaurantsfordining Phone:203-245-1404

Website: wwwhiltoncom/en/hotels/mpecuqqmadison-beach-hotel

Saybrook Point Resort & Marina

2 BRIDGE ST, OLD SAYBROOK

AtSaybrookPoint,wheretherivermeetsthesound, old-worldglamourmeetsmodernluxury AccommodationsincludetheunforgettableLighthouseSuite,spaciousguesthouses,andluxuryvillas Afteradayofseafaring,parkyourboatattheaward-winningmarina beforediningatTheChooChooLounge,whichofferslive musiconThursdaynights Phone:860-395-2000 Website:wwwsaybrookcom

JAZZFEST

WHITE PLAINS SEPT. 6–10, 2023

JOHN SCOFIELD & JOE LOVANO QUARTET

CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT & SULLIVAN FORTNER

MIKE PHILLIPS

HELEN SUNG

ENDEA OWENS & THE COOKOUT

AARON SEEBER QUARTET

THE MCW JAZZ FACULTY ENSEMBLE

EDMAR CASTAÑEDA

RICHIE GOODS & CHIEN CHIEN LU

MIKE FREEMAN ZONAVIBE

THE WESTCHESTER CENTER FOR JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

For Tickets & Concert Details Visit: artsw.org/jazzfest

The Inn at Stonington

60 WATER ST STONINGTON

Thisintimateinnfeatures18individually-decorated roomsthatoverlookFishersIslandSound Someofthe guestbathroomshavesoakingjacuzzitubssetinnatural stone,creatingaspa-likeatmosphere Strollintotownto patronizeaward-winningrestaurants,shops,andgalleries,orstayinandsocializeduringthenightlywineandcheesereception Phone:860-535-2000 Website:www innatstoningtoncom

The J House

1114 EAST PUTNAM AVE, GREENWICH

JusteastoftheMianusRiveristhisboutiquehotel,where contemporarytravelerslive TheJLife Enjoyhigh-tech accommodations,world-classdining,andattentive serviceeverydayyoustay Relaxwithavarietyofrejuvenatingspatreatments orsiponsumptuouswinevarietalsatTonys whichboastsabrand-newCruvinet preservationsystem Phone:203-698-6980 Website: wwwjhousegreenwichcom

Thimble Islands Bed & Breakfast

28 WEST POINT ROAD BRANFORD

Foraromanticgetawaywiththatspecialsomeone,head tothissecludedspotinthecoastalvillageofStonyCreek SelecttheEgretRoomorHeronSuiteforyourstay,and

UN“WINED”

ATCT’SLOCALWINERIES

What is a better way to spend a summer evening than enjoying a crisp glass of wine in a bucolic setting with a locally produced charcuterie board and listening to some live music?

by Susan Shultz

CTwineriesaresetonlavishgreenery,nestledin lushmountainsandoverlookingtranquil lakes.WhileConnecticutdoeshaveanofficial“WineTrail,” thewineryofferingsarenotlimitedtothoseoptions.

Thewineriespopupthroughoutthestatesowherever youlive,youarentfarfromarelaxingafternoonatone oftheseConnecticutgems Thesearejustthebeginning

CONTINUE Un“wined” ONPAGE50

Saltwater Farm Vineyard

349 ELM STREET STONINGTON CT

Thisvineyardhasauniquehistory.It’stastingroomisin themezzanineofarestoredWorldWarII-eraairplane hangar.Itoverlooksacresofvineyardandthegrasslandingstripdatingbacktothe1930’s Wineisavailablebythe glassorbottleonly,andaselectionofstatecraftbeer andciderisalsoavailable.Visitorsareallowedtobring theirownfood EveryThursdaythroughAugustofferslive music,afoodtruckandpop-uprawbar Visitwww. saltwaterfarmvineyard.com

Gouveia Vineyards

1339 WHIRLDWIND HILL ROAD, WALLINGFORD, CT

GouveiaVineyards,begunbyPortuguesenatives, producesnearly90,000bottlesayearinthetraditionof Portuguesewinemaking Theoriginalvineswereplantedbyhand Wineandcheeseareavailableforpurchaseandvisitorsarewelcometopicnic Howeverno outsidebeveragesarepermitted Nearly20different kindsofwinesareproducedtherefromred towhite to dessert ThereareneweventseachweekendthissummeratGouveiasofollowonFacebookorvisitwww gouveiavineyards.com

Sharpe Hill Vineyard

108 WADE ROAD POMFRET

SharpeHillVineyardisanaward-winningwineryofConnecticut’sQuietCorner!SharpeHillVineyardhasreceived over450medalsininternationaltastingsandislocated inthetownofPomfret-justminutesfromscenicRoute 169.Theyofferwine-tastings,andthepurchaseofFruit& Cheeseboxes,andwine.Visitwww.sharpehill.com

Sunset Meadow

599 OLD MIDDLE STREET GOSHEN CT

SunsetMeadow,whichalsohasalocationintheBerkshires,isthelargestwineryinConnecticutandhasbeen namedtop101BestWineriesinAmerica. Itisafamily-ownedandoperatedwinery&vineyardislocatedon 160acresintheLitchfieldHillsproducingaward-winning wines.CurbsideandOnlineOrderingavailableandthe tastingroomandoutdoorpatioareopen Visitsunset www.meadowvineyards.com

Jones Winery

JONES FAMILY FARM, 606 WALNUT TREE HILL ROAD, SHELTON ThewineryofferstastingsinascenicsettingintheWhite HillsofShelton Thetastingareaisinaneclecticgiftshop. Nearby,dependingontheseason,gostrawberryor blueberrypicking.Outsidefoodisnotpermittedbutthe farmoffersregionalcheesesfromNewEnglandfarm, crackersandsnacks.Visitwww.jonesfamilyfarms.com

Aquila’s Nest

56 POLE BRIDGE ROAD NEWTOWN

AquilasNestVineyardsisaninnovative family-owned winery tastingroomandeventvenue Aquila Latinfor “eagle”isappropriatelyperchedonahilltopinNewtown Aquila’sNestVineyardsisanexperiencedrivenvineyard thatincorporatesmythologyandartalongwithitswine Theyoftenfeaturefoodtrucksandofferavarietyofexperiencesthatincludefoodtrucksandawinetastingflight Aquila’sNestVineyardsisClimateNeutralCertifiedwhich meansithasmeasured,reduced,andcompensatedfor allofitsemissionsfrommakinganddeliveringitsproductsandservices Visitwwwaquilasnestvineyardscom

Aquila’sNestVineyardsisanexperience-drivenvineyard thatincorporatesmythologyandartalongwithitswine.

Hopkins Vineyard

25 HOPKINS ROAD NEW PRESTON HopkinsVineyardisaNationalBicentennialfarmowned andrunbytheHopkinsFamilyforover225years.Visitors canadmirethebeautyofLakeWaramaug,allwhile enjoyingaglassofwineinthewinebar,locatedinthe Hayloftofthe19thCenturybarn.Visitthegiftshoporhave apicnicontheproperty Throughoutthesummer,Hopkinswillofferlivemusiceveryweekendaswellasother specialevents.Visitwww.hopkinsvineyard.com

Haight-Brown Vineyard

29 CHESTNUT HILL ROAD, LITCHFIELD

Undernewownership,Haight-BrownVineyard’swinery andvineyardsspanover20acres.Openedin1975,itis Connecticut’sfirstestablishedwinery.HBVproduces qualitywhite,redandfruitwines.Itofferslivemusicand partnerswithlocaleateries.Italsooffersamenuoffood andcocktailsonsite.Visitwww.haightbrownwine.com

Paradise Hills Vineyard and Winery

15 WINDSWEPT HILL ROAD WALLINGFORD

OpenedtothepublicbytheRuggierofamilyin2011,this stunning65-acrefarmoffersatastingroomwithan intimateTuscanstylewithahand-craftedcopperbar andmahoganytables.Itoffersavarietyofaward-winningwinesandspecialeventsincludingfoodtrucks,wine pairingsandlivemusicthroughoutthesummer.Visit www.ctwinecom

Preston Ridge Vineyard

100 MILLER ROAD, PRESTON

Situatedon60bucolicacres,PrestonRidgeVineyardis just15milesfromtheLongIslandSound Itslocationatthe peakofaridgeprovidesbreathtakingviewsoftheConnecticutcountrysideforover20miles Itssixplantedacres currentlyincludeChardonnay,CabernetFranc,Riesling, Triaminette,VidalBlancandBacoNoir

FRENZY FOODTRUCK

Some of the Best Food in Connecticut Starts on a Cart

by Alyssa Seidman

With so much to see in the Nutmeg State during the summer months, it can be easy to forget to fill your tank that, of course, means your stomach. But if your day is scheduled down to the second and all the surrounding restaurants are booked up, fear not! There are plenty of alternatives waiting for you on the side of I-95

Although the trend is not necessarily new, the novelty of the food truck is forever In many cases, self-trained chefs turned entrepreneurs or classically-trained chefs staying out of professional kitchens make their delicious dreams come true by feeding the masses something they’ve never tasted before. And that creativity is alive and well in CT.

SOAK UP SUMMER

Summerfunisrightaroundthecorner,andboatingistheperfect additiontoyourbucketlist.Noboat?Noproblem.Thereare plentyofwaystogetonthewaterandenjoytheuniqueadventures onlyboatingprovides,inadditiontoitsmanywellnessbenefits. Studiesshowbeingonthewaterboostscreativity,happiness,relaxationandmentalhealth.

“Americanstodayprioritizeexperiences work-lifebalanceand outdoorrecreation.There’snobetterwaytodothatthanspending timeonthewaterwithlovedones,”saidEllenBradley,DiscoverBoating SeniorVicePresident.“Boatingdeliversfun,freedomandrelaxationin aspecialwayyoucan’tgetonland andwe’reseeingmorepeople givingitatrythaneverbeforeastheylearnabouttheprovenbenefits oftimeonthewater.”

Whetheryou’reintofishing,watersports,ridingpersonalwatercraft, sailingorsimplycruisingaroundtheopenwaters,boatingoffers somethingforeveryone,andit’smoreaccessiblethanyoumaythink. Boaterscomefromallwalksoflife,backgroundsandareasofthe country,withanestimated100millionAmericansgoingboatingeach year,accordingtotheNationalMarineManufacturersAssociation. DiscoverBoating,theleadingresourceforallthingsboating,helps peoplefindeasywaystogetonthewaterandprovidestoolsand articlestogetstarted Checkoutthesetipstostartplanningyournext on-wateradventureandmakethememoriesofalifetimethissummer RENT OR SHARE A BOAT.

Rentaloptionsareavailableonmostwaterwaysandprovidehourly, dailyorweeklyaccesstoavarietyofboattypes.Rentaloutfitters shouldprovidetutorialsonoperatingaboat,sharesafetyinstructions andoffersuggestionsondestinations.Anotheroptionispeer-to-peer boatsharing,whichallowsyoutorentboatsnearyoudirectlythrough theboatownersandoffersthechoicetohireacaptain.

JOIN A BOAT CLUB.

Boatclubsofferaccesstoavarietyofboats Youllpayamonthlyfee andbeabletobookyourtimeonthewateronline Mostboatclubstake careofdocking,cleaning,maintenanceandboattrainingcourses

TAKE A CLASS.

Takethehelmandbecomeaconfidentboater Signupforaboating lessontohoneyourpowerboating sailingorwatersportsskillsby masteringthebasicswhilehavingfunalongtheway On-water trainingcourses,watersportscamps,youthboatingprogramsand moreareofferedacrosstheUS

FIND YOUR DREAM BOAT

Chartyourowncoursetoboatownershipbyvisitingwww.discoverboating.com whereyou’llfindresourcessuchastheboatfinderand loancalculatortohelpyoufindaboatthatfitsyourbudget,lifestyle andinterests. l

Food Trucks

We rounded up a few local festivals taking place in the coming weeks that truly encompass the food truck frenzy occurring from coast to coast. From Stamford to New Haven, upstate or down the shoreline, you can find food trucks almost anywhere.

Guilford

Tacoloverswillbeabletosatiatetheircravingsthis summerduringthethirdannual NEWENGLANDTACO FESTIVALatGuilfordsfairgrounds(111LoversLane Guilford)onSaturday July29 andSunday July30 The festivalgrowsbiggerandbettereachyear aseven moretacotrucksareslatedtojointhe2023lineup

Guestswillbetransportedtotheculture-richcountry ofMexicobytastingdifferenttypesoftacosthatwill

tantalizetheirtastebuds Tobeatthesummerheat, pairyourtacoswithacrispmargarita(ortwo) On-site activitiesincludeluchalibrewrestlers donkeyrides mechanicalbullrides mariachibands bouncyhouses

craftvendors carnivalgames andmore

Admission is $15 but free for children 12 and under To purchase tickets visit www eventbrite com and plug “3rd Annual New England Taco Festival” into the search bar

Taco lovers will be able to satiate their cravings this summer during the third annual New England Taco Festival at Guilford s fairgrounds (111 Lovers Lane Guilford) on Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30

Photo by iStock

CONTINUE Food Trucks ONPAGE58

Hartford

Thestate’scapitalwillalsoserveasthefoodtruck

capitalduringthe RIVERFRONTFOODTRUCKFESTIVAL

nextmonth

FromThursday,July20,throughSaturday, July22,MortensenRiverfrontPlaza(300ColumbusBlvd, Hartford)willbepackedwithaplethoraofoutdoor diningoptions

LastyearseventfeaturedfoodfromBloomKitchen &Co,Chompers,ClydesCupcakes,CousinsMaine Lobster,Craftbird,HolySmokezBBQ,MackensSliders, MauiWowiHawaiianCoffees&Smoothies,Poutine Gourmet,SoulFullyVegan,TwistedPhilly,andVilla ofLebanon

Musicfanswillalsoenjoythisfood-filledfestival aseachdayboastsalineupofmorethanahalfdozen

musicalacts

Formoreinformation visit wwwriverfrontorg

Naugatuck

Forfoodloverswhowanttofeelgoodastheyfillup, headtothethirdannual NAUGATUCKFOODTRUCK FESTIVALonTheGreen(21MapleSt,Naugatuck)Saturday,Aug 26(raindate:Sunday,Aug 27)

Eachyeartheeventsorganizersselectlocalgroups todonateto ThisyearsbeneficiaryistheNaugatuck EcumenicalOutreachNetwork,orNEON,whichsponsors amonthlycommunitydinneratStMichaelsEpiscopal Church,includinganannualThanksgivingdinner

Admissiontothefestivalisfree,butguestsareasked tobringnon-perishablefooditemstodonatetoNEON andtheNaugatuckValleySoupKitchen

Formoreinformation visit wwwfacebookcom/ NaugatuckFoodTruck

Itshardtoignorethisnextfoodtruckstrongholdif you’retravelingonI-95inNewHaven Thecolorful flagsthatadornthedozensoftrucksparkedoff exit46seemtowaveyouoffthehighway,a temptingmotiontotrysomethingnew Whentrafficisslow-moving,speedoverto FOODTRUCKPARADISE(351LongWharfDrive,New Haven)tosinkyourteethintodishesfromallover theworld VendorsincludeAntojosCriollos(Puerto Rico),ClaypotChef(India),Dre’sBurgers&More (America),LaHacienda(MexicoandGuatemala), SandwichesElCubano(Cuba),ThaiTaste(Thailand),andsomuchmore Formoreinformation,visit wwwvisitnewhaven com/dining/new-haven-food-trucks

Stamford

Summerwillbehotterthaneverwhenthe HEYSTAMFORD! FOODFESTIVALtakesoverMillRiverParkfornotonebut twoweekends(Aug 11-13andAug 18-20)

Theregion’slargestfoodandmusicfestivalreturnsin 2023foritssixthyear,offeringculinarydemonstrationsfrom celebritychefs,morethan50foodvendors,andworld-class performancesfrommajortouringacts.Pastperformers includeFloRida,DJPaulyD,VanillaIce,andNelly.

Forthefulllineupofactivitiestocome,visit wwwheystamfordfoodfestcom l

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ROCK N’ ROLLALITTLEBIT

Donny Osmond celebrates six decades of music in Waterbury this summer

Inthelate1980s,whenhair bandslikeWhitesnakeand DefLeppardweretoppingthe charts,anaddictive,flirty,danceablepoptunesuddenlywiggled itswayintotheheartsandearsof radioaudiences

“SoldierofLove”wasintroduced tolistenersinauniqueway promotedasarecordbya “mystery”artistwhofanstriedto identify.Asthesongclimbedthe charts,eventuallythepopsinger wasidentifiedtothesurpriseof many:DonnyOsmond.

Wait,DonnyOsmond?The DonnyOsmond?Nottheadorablelittlevoicebehind“Puppy Love,”whichherecordedwith hisbrothers Notthegoofy comedicvarietyshowperformer whoperformedwithhissister Marie Surelythisborderlinebad boysingercouldntbethat

DonnyOsmond

Yet,itwas,andthebreakouthit wasfollowedbyanequallygritty andhard-edgedvideo,giving Osmondthechancetodancehis

wayintoawholenewgenre.He scrappedthepurplesocksand polyesterbellbottomsfora motorcyclejacketandtightjeans.

Osmond,whoishighlighting hisnearlysix-decadecareerat anupcomingshowatthePalace TheaterinWaterburyonJuly18, saidreleasing SoldierofLove” anonymouslywasn’tanintentionalstrategy.However,his longtimestraightlacedimage alongwiththatofhisfamilyof performers,washardtoshed.

Totrytocrackthecode,Osmondturnedtohislongtime friend,fellowchildstarandpop iconMichaelJackson.

“IplayedthesongforMike andwhilehelikedit,hetoldme theonlywaytogetontheradio wastochangemyname He said, Yournameispoison, Osmondsaid

“Ithought,‘Wellthat’salittle insulting,’”hesaid,laughing.“But hewasright.”

Thatsonlyonechapterof Osmondsincrediblecareer

by Susan Shultz

Donny Osmond will perform at the Palace Theater in Waterbury on July 18

Photo courtesy Lee Cherry

acareerthatremainsasrelevant todayasitwasathisstartinthe late1960s

“PeoplewonderhowIcansayI’ve gotasix-decadecareerinmy mid-60sandI’mlike,IstartedwhenI wasfive,”hesaid.

PartofOsmond’scontinued successishisabilitytopivotand reinventhimself.

Beginnings

Osmond’srisetofamebeganwhen hegueststarredon“TheAndy WilliamsShow”alongwithhisbrothers,whoperformedontheshow regularly EventuallytheOsmond Brothersbeganperformingasa band,withtheyoungestOsmond doingthesopranohookonhitslike OneBadApple Osmondalsohadhitswithhis sisterMarie,theonlygirlofnine children Eventually,theirpopularity ledtoavarietyshowproducedby theirbrothersinthelate 70s Osmondsboyishgoodlooksledhim tobeateenidolthroughoutmost ofthe1970s Followingthecancellationoftheshow Osmondperformedinvariousmusicalendeavorsuntilhistriumphantcomeback “SoldierofLove,”whichopened manyotherdoors

Competition Television

Everindulgentinself-deprecation, Osmondjumpedatthechanceto

beoneofthefirstcastmembers ontheshow TheMaskedSinger

“Igotthecallandtheconceptwas explainedtome.Isaid,‘Igetthejoke. I’minonit.I’min,’”hesaid,laughing. Performingasthemysterious Peacockin2019 Osmondnearlywon thefirstseason,butwasfinally identifiedasthesecond-to-last maskstanding.Osmondsaidappearingonshowslikethatbroadens hisgenerationalaudience.

“OnedayIwasinastoreandalittle girlwasstaringatme Finally,shesaid, inawe,‘You’rethepeacock!’”hesaid, laughing “Nowoneofmygrandsons justcallsmepeacock”

Beyondbeingjustacelebrated singer,Osmondwontheninth seasonof DancingwiththeStars in2009 HissisterMariealsocompetedontheshow Osmondjoked afterwinningthathecelebrated placinghigherthanhissister,who earnedthirdplaceontheshow beforehisappearance

His Strength

Inmanycases thosewhoshootto famesoearlyinlifeunsuccessfully beartheburdensandpressures thatcomealongwithit Astohow Osmondhaskepthislifeandhead togetherthroughouthislong career,hesaid“Imarriedawonderfulwoman”

Attheheightofhisfame, OsmondmarriedhiswifeDebrain

May1978 Theyhavefivesonsand 13grandchildren

SheandIhavealwaysbeena team Showbusinesshasalotof upsanddowns andshesbeen thereformethroughthickandthin She’sgottenmethroughsome disasters,”hesaid

Musical Theater

Oneofthosedisastersthathitshim stillishisfirstBroadwaypremiere— heopenedandclosed“LittleJohnny Jones”onthesamedayin1982.

“Thatwasreallyhard.Imadea promisetomyselfthatI’dcome backanddoitagain,”Osmondsaid.

Osmondkeptthatpromisewith atriumphantturnthroughoutthe 1990sintheleadroleofAndrew LloydWebbers Josephandthe AmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat inChicago,whichreceivedrave reviews Webberhimselfchose OsmondtoplayJosephinthe movieversion Healsoearned accoladesplayingGastonin Broadways BeautyandtheBeast in2006

Osmondalsojoinedhissister Mariewithwhattheybelievedtobe alimitedengagementinLasVegas in2008 butthepopulardemand wassogreatthattheycontinued for11years Osmondhassince begunhisownVegasresidencyat Harrah’s,whichhasbeenextended through2023

“

I’mtheretotakepeopleonajourney,sothatthey forgetwheretheyare,andthetimegoesbysofast.

The Show

Intermsofwhatfanscanexpectfromhistouringconcert inWaterbury,Osmondsaidit’s“pureentertainment.”

“It’salotofsinginganddancing.Whenyouwin‘DancingwiththeStars,’you’dexpectalotofdancing,”hesaid.

“Bytheendoftheshow,it’safulldanceparty,”headded Osmondsaidtheshow’sdirector,notesthatwatching ashowis“dreaminginpublic,”andwhenyou’reonstage “you’reinchargeofthatdreamfortheaudience.”“I’m theretotakepeopleonajourney—sothattheyforget wheretheyare,andthetimegoesbysofast,”hesaid.

Inordertorecaphisdecades-longcareer,Osmond willsurprisehisaudienceyetagain.

“Haveyouheardabouttherap?”heasked Yes,rap.Duringtheshow,Osmondperformsanautobiographicalrap,completewithphotoandvideo,which highlightshiscareerfromstarttofinish

Anotherfunandinteractivepartoftheshowisthe requestsegment,whichallowstheaudiencetoshoutout theirfavoritesfromhis65albums oneforeachyear he’sbeenalive.Osmond’slatestalbum,“StartAgain,” debutedinthefallof2021.

“It’sprobablyoneofthehighlightsoftheshow,”hesaid. “There’sahugescreenbehindmewithallofmysongs scrolling,andyoucanpickanysong.”

Insomecases thisisnttheeasiestfeatforOsmond becausewhilegivingoffthevibeofasuperhuman evenhe can’tremembereverysinglesong’slyrics Insomecases, ashetellsofrecently,hecan’trememberthesongperiod “ThiswomanrequestedasongthatnotonlycouldInot remembersinging,butIalsocouldn’trememberrecordingitatall,”Osmondsaid,laughing…

Anotherhighlightoftheshowisthetransformationof thestagetoappearasascenefromDisney’s“Mulan.” Osmondperformedthesong“I’llMakeaManOutofYou” forthemovie,whichhesaidmanypeopledon’trealize untilheperformsit.Duringthepandemic,Osmondand hisgrandchildrenperformedthesongtogether,with eachgrandchildsingingdifferentparts,duringatelecastedDisneysing-a-long.

Osmondnotedthatitbroughtmuchjoytoviewers,and heloveddoingit especiallyatatimewhenjoywas elusiveandneeded

Withthoseclamoringforhisextended,award-winning Vegasresidencyandhisnationaltourdates,aDonny Osmondshowshouldbeonethatdelightsthoseage8to 80,andeveryoneinbetween.

At65,itseemstheonlythingthatwouldbesurprising aboutDonnyOsmondisifheranoutofwaystosurprise us.Onething’sforsure,aseventhdecadeofhiscareer certainlyseemstobeonthehorizon.

DonnyOsmondwillperformatthePalaceTheaterin WaterburyonJuly18;doorsopenat6:30p.m.Formore informationandtickets visitwww.palacetheaterct.org l

CT ROCKS, SWINGS, & STRUMS

by Susan Shultz

A Look at this Season’s Outdoor Music Events

Connecticut has one of the most beautiful summer shorelines in New England, but you don’t need to be by the sea to see some great musical acts. Whether you fancy folk, would rather rock, or jam to jazz, the state offers a variety of music genres throughout its varied cities and towns.

Whether you fancy folk, would rather rock, or jam to jazz, Connecticut offers a variety of music genres throughout its varied cities and towns

Photo by Shutterstock

Herearesomeoptionsforyoutospendanightor evenafullweekendofmusicalfun.

AttheWadsworthMansioninMiddlesex,enjoythis summer’sMUSICATTHEMANSION Theseriesreturns

yourowninstrumenttodosome“pickin.”Moreinformationisavailableatwww.podunkbluegrass.com

beginningJune28

Thegroundsopenat5:30pm andthe showsbeginat6:30pm Theseriesishostedbythe

FriendsofLongHillEstateandtheLongHillEstate Bringa picnicorenjoyfoodfromavarietyoffoodtrucks The entireconcertseriesisfree,butattendeesareencouragedtomakeadonation Formoreinformation,visit wwwwadsworthmansioncom

Stamfordspopularannualsummermusicalfestival, ALIVEATFIVE,sponsoredbyStamfordDowntown,returns Thursday,July13 Ticketsrangefrom$25forgeneral admissionto$100foraVIPexperience Seasonpasses forallfourshowsstartat$80 Theconcertsareheld atMillRiverPark ActsthisyearincludeLilJon,AllTime Low,FitzandTheTantrums,andAshanti Attendeesmust be21orolder Formoreinformation visitwwwstamforddowntowncom

InDarien theCorbinDistrictsponsorsDARIENSUMMER NIGHTS withweeklyconcertsbylocalrockandroll bluegrass andcountryartists beginningFriday June23

at6pm TheconcertsarefreeandattendeesarewelcometopatronizeGroveStreetPlaza’sfoodanddrink establishmentsbefore,during,andaftertheshows Visit wwwthecorbindistrictcomforthecompletelineupand moreinformation

Speakingofbluegrass,ifthatisyour“jam,”don’tmiss the26thannualPODUNKBLUEGRASSMUSICFESTIVALat GoshenFairGrounds.Thisfestivalisheldeveryyear duringthesecondweekendinAugust.Thisyearitwillbe heldAug.10-13 Morethanjustconcerts,theeventincludestheopportunitytocamp,crafts,food,vendors,free workshops,kids’activities,andmore.Ifyouplay,bring

ArtsyenclaveLitchfieldhasoffereditssummerLITCHFIELDJAZZFESTIVALsince1996 ThebucolicareaofCT offerstwodaysofjazzperformancesandajazzcamp thissummerbeginningFriday,July28 Themissionofthe jazzcampistobringjazzeducationtoall Thefestivalis heldatTheThomasPerakosPerformingArtsCenterat TheFrederickGunnSchoolinWashington,CT Thefestivalconcludeswithajazzbrunchintheschool’sgarden onSunday,July30 Formoreinformation,visitwww litchfieldjazzfestcom

Lestthefolkmusicfansfeelleftout,NewHavenhasjust thefestforyou TheCTFOLKFESTANDGREENEXPOwillbe heldonSaturday,Sept.9,atEdgertonParkinNewHaven Thoughtheeventisfree,thereisasuggested$20donation.Itrunsfrom11a.m.to10p.m.EventorganizerCTFolk isanonprofitdedicatedtothefurtheranceoffolkmusic inallitsforms.Alldonationsaretaxdeductible.Visitwww. ctfolk.orgformoreinformation.

Whilemoretowardthebeginningoffall oneofthe biggestandmostanticipatedoutdoormusicfestivals thisseasonisSOUNDONSOUNDatBridgeportsSeaside Park TakingplaceSept 30andOct 1 thisevent backdroppedbystrikingviewsoftheCTcoastline,includes blockbusterstarslikedRedHotChiliPeppers,JohnMayer, AlanisMorrisette,andmanymore Attendeeswillgeta treatforalltheirsensesastheypartakeintop-notch foodanddrinkofferingsandothervendors Visitwww soundonsoundctcomformoreinformation l

YOUDON’TNEEDTOWAITFORAFESTIVALTOSEEOUTDOOR MUSIC;CTHASATONOFOUTDOORVENUESOFFERING SHOWSALLYEARROUND VISITWWWCTPOSTCOM/EVENTSCALENDAR FORMOREINFORMATION

Summer Sets the Perfect Stage for

by Susan Shultz

Valley Shakespeare Festival

Thisyear,theValleyShakespeareFestivalisoffering“The ImportanceofBeingEarnest”byOscarWilde.Asatirical comedyofmannersisoneofOscarWilde’smostpopular plays,andforgoodreason.

Thecharactersareridiculous,theplotisfullofmisunderstandingsandmistakenidentities,andthroughitall, AlgernonandJacktrytofindtruelovewhileshooting barbsatthepompousandrigidVictoriansocietyinwhich theyfindthemselves.

TheValleyShakespeareFestivalwillbeperformed July13-16inSheltonatVeteransMemorialPark(38 CanalStreetE)andJuly20-23inOxfordatQuarryWalk (300OxfordRoad) Theperformancesarefreewitha $10suggesteddonation Visitwwwvsfestivalorgfor moreinformation

Musicals at Richter

MusicalsatRichter,aDanburytheatercompany,has beenofferingmusicaltheaterunderthestars,nextto RichterParkGolfCourse,since1985.MusicalsatRichteris anon-profitorganizationwhichcitesitsmissionas Provideaffordablequalityfamilyentertainmenttothe greaterDanburyareaintheformofmusicaltheater, operettas,musicalrevues,andchildren’stheater.

Theupcomingseasonsincludes “TheAddamsFamily,”beginning onJuly7andrunningthroughJuly 22,and“TheMusicMan,”running July28throughAug.12.Thecompany’s“FairyTaleTheater,”with performancesbyyoungpeople, foryoungpeople,runsevery SaturdayinJulywithadifferent fairytaleperformance.Visitwww. musicalsatrichter.orgformore informationandticketprices.

PARADISE FOUND

Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival

CapitalClassicsTheaterCompanyreturnswiththe GreaterHartfordShakespeareFestivalthisJuly,offering “Macbeth,”oneofthemostsignificantandImpactful Shakespeareplaysofalltime.Thefestivaltakesplaceon thestunninggroundsoftheUniversityofSt.Josephin WestHartfordandrunsJuly13throughJuly30

Picnicsandgatheringsareencouragedandmusical entertainmentaswellasfeaturedscholarswithinsight intotheplayareoffered.

TheGreaterHartfordShakespeareFestivalisheld outdoors(indoorsincaseofrain)attheUniversityof SaintJoseph,1678AsylumAvenueinWestHartford, Connecticut.Ticketsare$20foradultsand$14forstudents,seniors,andgroupsof10ormore.Visitwww. capitalclassics.orgformoreinfo.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

AboutanhourfromDanbury CTistheiconicHudson ValleyShakespeareFestival acriticallyacclaimed professional non-profittheatercompanybasedin Garrison,NY

Thefestivalhasestablishedareputationforlucid, engaging,andhighlyinventiveproductionsstaged underaniconic,open-airTheaterTentoverlookingthe HudsonRiver Thissummer,thecompanywillproduce“Love’sLaborLost,”runningfrom July15throughAug.27.

Director Amanda Dehnert infuses Shakespeare’sdelightfulcomedywith an original pop/rock score (by Dehnert and Andre Pleuss) that gives full voice to the heart-pounding experienceofbeingyoungandinlove. Visitwww.hvshakespeare.orgfor moreinformation. l

AdobeStock

Withprivatebalconiesofferingspectacularviews,fitnessandfamilyactivities,seasidepools, restaurantsandbars,theHeavenlySpa,andnearbyPortRoyalGolf&RacquetClub,everything youneedisjuststepsfromthesand

masteringtheartofrelaxation you’llfindyournewfavoriteplacetorenewandreconnectatTheWestinHiltonHeadIslandResort&Spa Introducingnewly-renovatedOceanViewroomsandsuites,availableforbookingnow!

While Connecticut’s summer weather will draw many to its beautiful shoreline and stunning parks and nature preserves, the state also has many other points of interest. Some of them are not on the average visitor’s list, but still worth the checking out.

by Susan Shultz

Holy Land

Accordingtowwwholylandwaterburyorg,itis seatedatopPineHillinWaterbury HolyLandUSA wasoriginallydevelopedbylocalattorneyJohn BaptistGreco Withvariousattractionsinspired bypassagesintheBible,thisparkismeantto provideapeacefulplaceforthecommunityto cometogether andhasbeenahistoricsiteof theareafordecades Itisnowpartoftheefforts torevitalizeWaterbury Itconsistsofachapel StationsoftheCross replicasofcatacombs andmore

VisitorsarewelcometowalkaroundHolyLand duringdaylighthours Visitwwwholylandwaterbury orgformoreinformation

Gillette Castle

Don’tmissthechancetotourGilletteCastle thissummer Itisonlyopenfortoursdaily 10am -4pm,May27–Sept 4 Advanceticket purchasesarehighlyrecommendedasweekendsfrequentlysellout Groundsareopendaily, year-round,from8am untilsunset

LocatedinGilletteCastleStatePark,which straddlesthetownsofEastHaddamandLyme, thecastlewasdesignedandbuiltbyWilliam Gillette(1853–1937),anAmericanactormost famousforhisportrayalofSherlockHolmes onstage.

Gillette,aHartford native,namedhis 24-roommansionthe

“Seventh Sister.”

Somerumorthat thereisaroom dedicatedto Gillette’salterego withinthecastle.

AdobeStock

The Glass House

LocatedinNewCanaan,TheGlassHouse,builtbetween 1949and1995byarchitectPhilipJohnson,isaNational TrustHistoricSite. Theproperty’s49-acrelandscape comprisesfourteenstructures,includingtheGlassHouse (1949),andfeaturesapermanentcollectionof20th-centurypaintingandsculpture,alongwithtemporaryexhibitions.ToursofthesiteareavailableinAprilthrough Novemberandadvancereservationsarerecommended. Thepropertyiscurrentlyopenforthesummerseason. Visitwww.theglasshouse.orgtoplanyourvisit

The Button Museum

LocatedinWaterbury’sMattatuckMuseum thebutton museumwasinspiredbyWaterbury’shighlyimpactful buttonmanufacturingindustrysincethe18thcentury. Accordingtothemuseum’swebsite,morethan

10,000

buttons

areonpermanentdisplayintheButtonGallery,inan exhibitthatincludescarvedcinnabarfromAsia, Japanesenetsuke,colorfulBakelitebuttonsfromthe 1930s,floralbouquetsmadeofhumanhairplaced underglass,militarybuttons,blackglassandmarquisettebuttonspopularizedbyQueenVictoria,habitat buttonsmadeinFrancetopreserveplantorinsects underglass,andfourengravedbuttonstakenfrom GeneralGeorgeWashingtonscoat,amongothers

TheButtonMuseumwasoriginallycurated morethan60yearsagobyWarrenF Kaynorfor TheWaterburyCompany TheMattatuck Museumoffersadditionalexhibitsaswell Visit wwwmattmuseumorg

The Witch’s Dungeon

TheWitch’sDungeonClassicMovieMuseuminBristol,CT originallyopenedin1966 TodayitisonlyopenSaturday eveningsbyappointment.EntertainmentTonightcalled themuseumthelongestrunningoneofitstypewhile coveringits30thanniversaryin1996.Themuseumwas createdbyartisticmembersoftheHullfamily,whowere abletoaccuratelycreatelife-sizefiguresofclassichorror moviesandmore.

Themuseumbegantogetnationalattentionalongthe wayincludingformNationalGeographicandRipley’s believeornot HollywoodroyaltysuchasVincentPrice andMarkHamillhavelenttheirvoicestothemuseum’s figures.Inthepast,relativesofclassichorrormovieactors suchasSaraKarloff,daughterofBorisKarloff,havevisited andgreetedattendees

Formoreinformationonthisquirkymuseumortoscheduleatrip,visitwww.preservehollywood.org

Museum of Puppetry

PartoftheUniversityofConnecticut’sSchoolofFineArts, theBallardInstituteandtheMuseumofPuppetrycomplementstheschool’spuppetartsprogram.Themuseum currentlyhasover3,000puppets

CurrentexhibitsincludethemasksandpuppetsofRalph Lee.Leehadcreatedmasksandpuppetsfortheaterand danceprojectsandfromLee’spartnershipswiththeater companies.Alsoincludedaremasksandgiantfigures thatappearedintheGreenwichVillageHalloweenparade,co-foundedbyLee.

Italsoincludesapermanentexhibitofpuppetsaround theworld.ThemuseumisopenWednesdaythrough Sunday.Forhoursandtickets visitwww.bimp.uconn.edu

Left: Located in New Canaan, The Glass House, built between 1949 and 1995 by architect Philip Johnson, is a National Trust Historic Site

Photo by Michael Biondo l Right: The Creature from the Black Lagoon Each of these replicas of famous movie monsters was created by Cortlandt Hull with the help of his late father Robert on the background sets The Witch s Dungeon was granted rights in 1992 for the use of the monsters likenesses from Universal Studios with the help of Vincent Price Mark Hamill and the family of Boris Karloff Photo by Cortlandt Hull/The Witch s Dungeon

The Dinosaur Place

TheDinosaurPlace,locatedinMontville,isthe largestdinosaur-themedparkinNewEngland. The60-acrepark,whichoffersover60life-sized dinosaurs,asplashpad,aT-Rextower(atwo storyplayscape),A-Maze-asaurus,amazewith aslidethroughthemouthofagiantTyrannosaurusRex,andmore,isopensevendaysa week Therearealsoshopsonthepropertyand minigolf

Visitwww.naturesartvillage.com/experience/ the-dinosaur-placeformoreinfo

The World’s Oldest Bowling Alley

LocatedinthehistoricVictorianhomeRoseland CottageinWoodstock thehomesbowlingalley wasreportedlybuiltin1846asperthehomeswebsite Tenpinbowlingbecameverypopularinthe 1840safterninepinwasbannedduetoitsassociationwithgamblinganddrinking Asperthesite

“ withalittle

Thebowlingalleyisonlyonefascinating aspectofthecottage Thecottage,named forthefamilywhobuiltitsfavoriteflower, isavailablefortoursseasonallyfromJune throughmid-October Italsooffersevents suchasbirdwatchingandanextensiveestate gardentoroam Visit wwwroselandcottage orgformoreinfo l