The Big E

 

The Big E, the largest Fair in the Northeast, takes place in West Springfield, Mass. from September 12 though the 28th.

Visit the Midway for daily parades, attend concerts, go on thrilling rides, shop at Craft Common, and so much more. Check out all the options at www.thebige.com. And, don't forget to visit my favorite area, The Avenue of the States.

Each of the 6 New England State buildings is a scaled-down version of the original State House, and you'll want to experience all the exhibits and goodies unique to each state. In the Connecticut building, don't miss "Love to Read Connecticut Authors", a book store sponsored by Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA.) Every day there will be different Connecticut authors signing books in a variety of genres. As much as we don't want to think about December, it is after all, only three months away, and autographed books make great gifts.

Make sure you go to the Big E on an empty stomach because you will find yourself in the midst of vendors that sell every kind of food imaginable. And, don't forget to check out the food specialties in each of the state buildings. What a picnic!!

Enjoy this once in a year experience!

 

 

Good News for Book Lovers

The Connecticut Author Trail (http://sites.google.com/site/connecticutauthortrail), a consortium of libraries in Eastern Connecticut, will host 16 local authors as they showcase their books and share their stories. I was pleased to be invited by the Lebanon Library to talk about my book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket on July 21st and had an amazing experience. The event runs to September 24 when the finale takes place at The Mohegan Sun.

After my talk, the librarian gave me a packet of materials about Lebanon's beautiful and historic mile-long green, one of the largest in New England. The green is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its rich agricultural and Revolutionary War Heritage.

I heard about this green prior to my visit and intended to arrive one hour early so I could walk the path around the green and have a picnic supper, however, the weather did not cooperate. (What else is new!) So, it is now on my list of "Things to Do." I plan to start at The Lebanon Historical Society Museum and Visitors Center where there is an orientation video, library, shop and visitor information, and then visit any of six historic buildings clustered at the southerly end. In addition, many other buildings can be viewed along the trail.

Lebanon is a member of the Northeast Connecticut Visitors District known as the "Quiet Corner", and residents and visitors enjoy community activities on the green year-round. Check out this special place on http://www.historyoflebanon.org/.

I am constantly amazed that even with all my fervent Connecticut day tripping through the years, there are still so many exciting places I have yet to visit. But, first I will take a hiatus from Cruising Connecticut to cruise cross-country.

More about this upcoming adventure next week!