A Potpourri of "stuff" to Share

--In my 2nd Edition of Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket I added a note to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre chapter to the effect that musicals were expected to be offered only intermittently during the year.

So, I was particularly pleased to receive a mailing announcing that 42nd Street "Direct from the Tropicana in Atlantic City" will be playing from November 21st to January 4th. Personally, I am looking forward to this production and wanted to share the information with my readers.

Check their website for other scheduled shows during the coming months. http://www.downtowncabaret.org/.

--There is a new website that showcases products grown in Connecticut. Check out http://www.buyctgrown.com/ for a list of fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, seafood and much more. They are all listed with easy access to the farms (including maps) where these items can be found.

I was curious about the season for broccoli, but it seemed to be the only vegetable not on the list. Although there is a "Chart of Seasonality" it wasn't coming up, so I simply telephoned the farm. I was told that broccoli should be available in a couple of weeks, which will be in time to make my Bleu Broccoli for an upcoming picnic. (If you do not have my book but would like a great new broccoli salad recipe, email me and I'll send it to you. (jan@cruisingconnecticut.com)

The other information on this site wasn't as impressive. For example, when I clicked on Events, there was only one listed, for October 11, 2008. And the exciting Topics on this page, like Farmers' Markets, Farm Tour, Cooking Demonstrations and the like all brought up the same message, "No events. Sorry. Please choose another category." I guess because the site is new, they do not have all the information posted yet.

--Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic (http://www.dpnc.org/) always has a lot of special activities planned. One in particular, a July 22nd trip to Garden in the Woods, home of the New England Wildflower Society in Framingham, Mass. caused me to reflect on my six week Connecticut Spring Wildflower Hunt back in 1973. That adventure turned my day tripping into a passion, which in turn led to writing Cruising Connecticut. Isn't it fascinating that just one step out of our normal routine or comfort zone can lead us to the most wonderful places!

Testimonials

“You may know that Connecticut has a Clocktower Museum, but did you know we have one because two packrat brothers couldn’t stop collecting, so they started buying museums in which to house their stuff? And you may know that the state is loaded with nice little picnic spots, but did you know how to find them? Connecticut is full of such little gems, and Jan Mann has gone out to find them. Plus, she’s sweetened the pot with some quick though tasty recipes. Now, why didn’t I think of that?”

Susan Campell, Columnist, The Hartford Courant,

Author of Connecticut Curiosities.

“From the moment I park the car and step outside, I know it is going to be a memorable day. The sun is shining and the resident mocking bird greets and serenades me all the way to the Carriage House. Inside, friendly staff members are welcoming, and the Bowen’s 'company drink', pink lemonade, has been prepared for thirsty visitors."
~ Roseland Cottage

“Even during the short walk from the parking area to Heckscher Farm, we imagine we could be in Puddlyby-on-the-Marsh, the town where Doctor Dolittle’s practice became so successful after his parrot, Polynesia, taught him animal language. It is fascinating to watch the interaction between visitors and the animals and, yes, the animals do talk back.”
~ Stamford Museum & Nature Center

“One hour after game time—I finished my research almost one hour ago and want to go home. I am still looking for my car. That “Tips from Tailgaters” suggestion on Joe’s website, the one about tying a helium-filled balloon to the antenna—it’s a good one.”
~ Football tailgating Party

“After lunch, the ambience of this country setting causes us to linger—but not for long. There is more shopping to do!”
~ Marlborough Barn

“No one else is outside on this September weekday afternoon, and only the unpacking of our picnic basket and the melodious river flowing amidst the rocks interrupts the quiet.”
~ Brookfield Craft Center

“The first picnic option is next to a large pond to the immediate left after entering the park. On this day in mid-summer, it is covered almost entirely by variegated shades of pink, fuchsia, and white water lilies, and on closer inspection we see a frog hopping from one green lily pad to another. Really!”
~ Gillette Castle

What are some of the things you carry in your picnic basket? Jan Mann