Fall into Connecticut Campaign

Exciting news for Connecticut residents like me who look forward to exploring the state during fall foliage. Yesterday, Governor Rell announced the extension of her "Staycation" program through November. Hundreds of businesses and attractions are taking part by offering discounts for lodging and restaurants and reduced admission fees to attractions throughout the state.

I am happy to join this campaign by offering a 25% discount on web orders for my book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket. This book will guide you to attractions that are also taking part in the "Fall into Connecticut" Campaign, such as Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, Mystic Aquarium and Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, both in Mystic, Old New-Gate Prison in East Granby, Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Stamford, and Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston.

In addition to the above destinations, Cruising Connecticut has thirty-three other exciting day trips, all with picnicking facilities and a suggested menu, plus one or two recipes suitable for each destination. Even if you're not a cool-weather picnicker, you will find many of the recipes comforting when served at home during a blistering wind or snowstorm, such as White Bean Chicken Chili, Jambalaya, Carousel Chili, Sandwiched Meat Loaf, and Wild Mushroom and Oyster Chowder. And, all the bread and dessert recipes!

Check out the "Fall into Connecticut" participants at http://www.ctvisit.com/. Cruising Connecticut is listed under the Town of Glastonbury, the location of my publishing company, or simply go straight to my website for my offer, http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/.

The most important thing is to get outside and enjoy the beauty of autumn in Connecticut. I love the quote chosen by the sponsors of the Campaign: I cannot endure to waste anything precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house." Who could have said it better than Nathaniel Hawthorne?

More Vineyard News

This is a great time to visit the wineries featured in Cruising Connecticut 2nd Edition. And, don't forget your picnic basket!

A recent email from Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield brings news that the grapes are on the vines. This means of course, that they are in the midst of their busy wine-making season. Still, they have an ambitious Events Calendar, with exciting happenings almost every weekend through 2008.

Choose from a range of different wine Classes to Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Pairings, to a Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour & Bounty Lunch. Autumn features a Harvest Festival and an exciting Harvest Rail Vineyard Express. Check it all out at http://www.haightvineyards.com/.

In New Preston, Hopkins Vineyard, http://www.hopkinsvineyard.com/ announces a brand new wine, Lady Rose.

Their annual Harvest Festival Celebration, which takes place September 20th & 21st features Wine Tasting with Complimentary Wine Glass, Live Music, and Artisan Cheese, Pate and Fresh Fruit Sampling. Or, bring along the awesome Sandwiched Meat Loaf recipe paired with this day trip in Cruising Connecticut. *

Gouveia Vineyard in Wallingford, http://www.gouveiavineyards.com/ has live entertainment every Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

Their awesome picnic facilities, both inside and out, include a large comfortable room that was built especially to encourage visitors to "come visit us for a spell."

Each of these vineyards consistently produce award winning wines. Check their website often for a list of wines, as well as updates on future events.

* If you do not have Cruising Connecticut send me an email and I will be happy to forward recipe. (jan@cruisingconnecticut.com)