Enjoy the Holiday Season

The newspapers and magazines are chock-full of things to do in Connecticut during the holiday season and I'd like to join with all the other revelers out there and share some of my own favorites:

Florence Griswold Museum: "The Magic of Christmas, A Holiday Tradition." www.flogris.org
Gillette Castle: The castle has been transformed to reflect "The Nutcracker Suite." www/ct/gov/dep/site. Click Outdoor Recreation. Click State Parks & Forests.
Mark Twain House & Museum: Variety of Christmas functions are being offered. www.marktwainhouse.org
Mystic Seaport: Check out the popular "Annual Lantern Light Tours." www.mysticseaport.org
Mystic Aquarium: "Breakfast with Santa" and "Winter Waterland." www.mysticaquarium.org
Connecticut Trolley Museum: "Winterfest." www.ct-trolley.org
Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Various Christmas exhibits and displays. www.stamfordmuseum.org

In addition, many of Connecticut's vineyards have organized special events and extended hours for the holidays: A sampling worth checking out:
Gouveia Vineyard (www.gouveiavineyards.com)
Haight-Brown Vineyard (www.haightvineyards.com)
Hopkins Vineyard (www.hopkinsvineyard.com)

For complete information on these destinations and others, check out the special price of $8.00 (half off retail) for Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket purchased during the holiday season. And, remember, a personalized and autographed book is the perfect holiday gift for all your favorite people. www.cruisingconnecticut.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Greetings from Sunny Florida!

I decided to finish the last of my edits for Cruising Connecticut's 2nd Edition while vacationing in Florida. The fact that I could be outdoors during the winter months and picnic has inspired me.

Picnicking at beaches and parks is universal of course, but I found distinct differences between my home state of Connecticut and my vacation state of Florida. For example, at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, I talk about fending off the ducks looking for a free handout; at Lido Park in Sarasota, it is the seagulls, and the squirrels, and even raccoons, whose normal nocturnal nature has been turned upside down from being fed by visitors. And, instead of the shells and stones I collect at Hammonasset Beach State Park, at Casperson Beach in Venice, I join the folks who are collecting shark's teeth.

Whatever the setting, an ideal picnic is still the same: delicious food eaten outdoors, preferably combined with good company and a fun activity. And, although I may have had a head state on the picnic season, everyone will soon be able to catch up. March 20th is the first day of spring; with its promise for new growth and new beginnings, more relaxing times and outdoor fun, it's the perfect time to dust off your picnic basket and get ready for picnicking in Connecticut.

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