Here’s a wonderful opportunity for a family day trip to introduce your children to a bit of history!  While you’re visiting, take in the local charm of Old Wethersfield’s antique shoppes, restaurants, bistros, the Town Green, the serene boats in the Wethersfield Cove!

Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum and Buttolph-Williams House To Celebrate Statewide Connecticut Open House Day June 13

Festivities Designed to Build Awareness of State’s Cultural and Tourism Assets Among Residents
[Wethersfield, Conn., April 27, 2009] – The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum in Wethersfield today announced plans to participate in the Fifth Annual Connecticut Open House Day — a unified celebration of the state’s fascinating world of art, history, film and tourism — on June 13, 2009.

During this one-day event, the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, along with approximately 250 other organizations and attractions throughout the state, will open its doors to visitors. The first floor of the Deane House will be open from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., the first floor of the Stevens House will be open from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. and the first floor of the Webb House will be open from 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Also, the first floor of the Buttolph-Williams House will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Connecticut residents and their guests receive free admission to each house during the times listed above. Visitors should check in at the Webb House gift shop.

This exciting statewide event, sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT), is designed to broaden awareness among residents of Connecticut’s exceptional cultural and tourism assets and encourage them to become ambassadors who share their newfound discoveries with visiting family and friends.

To qualify for any Open House Day special, at least one person in each visiting group must show a valid Connecticut driver’s license. Connecticut Open House Day also includes opportunities to become a Connecticut Ambassador as part of CCT’s Ambassador Program, an ongoing initiative designed to cultivate pride among residents in the state’s many diverse historic, arts, tourism and entertainment treasures. For more information about Connecticut Open House Day, visit www.CTvisit.com or call 1-888-CTvisit.

About the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
Located in the heart of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the museum, which consists of three authentically restored 18th-century homes, brings Wethersfield’s rich history to life, from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. The museum includes the 1752 Joseph Webb House, which served as George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters in May 1781, when he met with French General le Comte de Rochambeau; the 1770 Silas Deane House, built for America’s first diplomat to France; and the 1788 Isaac Stevens House, which depicts life in the 18th and 19th centuries through original family objects and includes a new display of early American toys and a restored bedroom that would have been able to accommodate all five children that lived in the house.

The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, located at 211 Main St., Wethersfield, is open daily – with the exception of Tuesday – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May through October, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 1 through April 30. Three-house tours cost $8 for adults and $4 for students and children ages 5 to 18. The museum also offers a variety of classes for school and community groups. For information about current exhibits, upcoming events or Museum School classes, call (860) 529-0612 or Visit www.webb-deane-stevens.org

Cindi is the author of various blogs at Moomettesgram’s Musings for WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, or Mama Mentor for personal musings and observations of a Baby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England. She is also the Editor of 50-Something Moms at Type-A Mom.

The majestic Bald Eagle has been returning from Canada and Maine to nest in the Connecticut River Valley.  For several years, the historic Town of Essex has been the hot scene for the gathering of viewing of the eagles at the Annual Eagle Festival.

Given the state of the current economic climate, The Festival, under it’s previous corporate sponsorship, was in jeopardy of becoming extinct.

Fortunately through a concerted grass-roots effort, the locals came to the rescue and established a new Festival that will take place over the course of several weeks during February and March.

What: Essex Winter Festival and Eagle Watch

When: February & March, 2009

Where: Essex, Connecticut

There will be events throughout the area during school vacation week; rides along the Essex Steam Train; River Quest Eagle Cruises along the Connecticut River and much more!

Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars, and dress warmly!

For a schedule of events, visit:

http://www.essexct.com

http://www.essexct.gov

http://www.essexsteamtrain.com

http://www.ctrivermuseum.org

Cindi is the author of various blogs at Moomettesgram’s Musings for WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, or Mama Mentor for personal musings and observations of a Baby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England. She is also the Editor of the Timeless Bliss channel at Blissfully Domestic.

Follow Moomettesgram on Twitter

Winterfest ~ Food Expo ~ Snow & Ice Sculptures at Lyman Orchards

We New Englanders really enjoy making the most of a long winter season, especially when we have no control over the elements!

After everyone’s done celebrating Groundhog Day, keep those hats, mittens and scarfs at hand; mark your calendar and plug in the coordinates on the GPS for Winterfest Weekend at Lyman Orchards!

My family has always enjoyed visiting Lyman Orchards since our daughters were babies, and now we have the opportunity to bring along our charming son-in-law, and of course, the grandkiddos!

Sat. & Sun., February 21 and 22,  2009

Come celebrate the fun side of winter! Hours of indoor and outdoor family fun include our annual Food Expo, Snow & Sculptures provided by Bill Covitz, Rail Jam by Ski Sundown, Pony Rides, and more!

Watch as the Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club performs mushing demonstrations!

If you’re still hungry after all the free samples, feast on a great sandwich or salad from our Deli, or warm up with a good cup of our homemade soup.

Lyman Orchards is at the junction of Routes 147 and 157, Middlefield, CT.

The family orchards date back to 1741 and cover approximately 1,100 acres, harvesting acres of apples, berries, peaches, pears and pumpkins.

Each season features a unique celebration.

Lyman Orchards also boasts a golf course and club, along with the state’s largest indoor farm market, the “Apple Barrel Farm Market” which is open year-round.  Tempting cider, cider doughnuts, freshly baked pies, bakery goods, preserves, vinegars, salsas, apple sauce and condiments will keep you salivating!

Check out their continually changing Calendar for other special events:  Easter apple hunt; summer music festival; food expo; baking contests, and of course, the upcoming Winterfest Celebration:

For More Information:

(800) 349-6015 or (860) 349-1798

http://www.lymanorchards.com

http://www.lymanorchards.com/events/winter.shtml

Cindi is the author of Moomettesgram’s Musings for WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, and Mama Mentor for personal musings and observations of a Baby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England. She is also the Editor of Timeless Bliss.  Follow Moomettesgram on Twitter.

Happy New Year Everyone & Welcome to 2009 !

It’s going to be an exciting year here at Roxy’s Best of…Hartford, Connecticut ~ I have many great tips, day trips and notices of happenings planned for you!

We’ve made it through the major holidays and hopefully won’t get hammered by too many Nor’easters.

Before you know it, February will be here.  That means Groundhog Day will be right around the corner.

Essex Ed Groundhog Day Parade

I’d like you to find your calendar and Save The Date ~ Sunday, February 8, 2009.

Gas prices are going down and it’ll be a perfect opportunity for the whole family to attend a parade (did I say Parade, in winter?) in historic Essex, Connecticut!

The charming village of Essex has celebrated  Groundhog Day by hosting a parade with the center of attraction being Essex Ed, an almost 8-foot tall, 200 pound foam and fiberglass character known for his infamous weather predictions!

Not to be outdone by Punxsutawney Phil, of Pennsylvania ~ Connecticut Yankees have come up with their own lovable winter rodent.

Essex Ed is known for his ever-changing colorful costumes, which at times have included him being a firefighter, Professor Hill from the musical The Music Man and the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block.

So put on those home-made winter wooley caps, mittens and scarves that Grandma made, and visit Essex Village.  Don’t forget to bring your pots and pans to bang on ~ which is the thing to do and is meant to symbolize “waking Essex Ed up” so we can bid goodbye to the snow and ice & herald the welcoming of Spring!

Essex Ed’s normal parade route is down Main Street.

While you’re there ~ plenty of opportunities will be available for you to stop and warm up while enjoying the local fare at restaurants and bistros.  We’ve enjoyed some wonderful grub and grog at The Black Seal ~ and you’ll love the atmosphere!

For more information visit: http://www.essexct.gov/index.html

Cindi is the author of Moomettesgram’s Musings for WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, and Mama Mentor for personal musings and observations of a Baby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England. She is also the Editor of Timeless Bliss.  Follow Moomettesgram on Twitter.

Eagles have returned to the Connecticut River Valley to nest. There’s plenty of viewing points to see them soaring as well as hunting in the wild along the Connecticut River.

Because of the Endangered Species Act, the American eagle population is now increasing its numbers.

Eagles can also be found in other areas of Connecticut.  In the past, we always enjoyed attending the Connecticut Audubon Society Eagle Festival in Essex, but unfortunately that event was canceled this year due to lack of corporate sponsors.

In Southbury, a short drive from Hartford along I-84, you’ll be able to view Eagles at the Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area, run by Northeast Utilities.

What: The Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area

When: Last weekend of December through mid-March on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. (Reservations Required) (800) 368-8954

Where: Southbury, Connecticut

We enjoyed a nice visit several years ago with my daughters and her cousins to view the Eagles. If you’re looking for a great family outdoors adventure that will be both educational and something that everyone will remember, check this out! They’re celebrating their 24th season!

Plan ahead, as Reservations far in advance are a must. In order to protect the eagles and maintain the integrity of their their habitat, details about the site won’t be released until you make your reservation.

Don’t forget to dress warmly and bring your camera!

For more information, visit: http://www.shepaugeagles.info/

Trivia:

Eagles aren’t really bald ~ they have white feathers. The name cames from piebald, which means “white”

Cindi is the author of Moomettesgram’s Musings for WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, and Mama Mentor for personal musings and observations of aBaby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England. She is also the Editor of Timeless Bliss.  Follow Moomettesgram on Twitter.

Essex Steam Train North Pole Express

Yea, we finally have snow on the ground for the holidays!  Last night parts of Connecticut received almost one foot of snow.  It’s always nice to have some on the ground to get everyone in the holiday mood.

Many children will be on school break until after the New Year.  If you’re looking for a great family event, check out the Essex Steam Train North Pole Express.

Just a short drive down Route 9 from Hartford, as well as not to far from I-95, there’s plenty of things to do in the historic village of Essex.

When my daughters were younger, we all enjoyed this scenic trip.

What:  Essex Steam Train and Riverboat (North Pole Express)

Where: 1 Railroad Avenue off Route 154.

For Information: http://www.essexsteamtrain.com/northpole.html

Board our locomotive-powered sleigh…for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Every coach becomes a stage for a live, musical performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies.

Essex, a historical town, was famous for manufacturing piano keys, and the nearby town of Ivoryton was known as a center of the ivory trade.  Also nearby  is the Ivoryton Playhouse.

After the trip, visit the Village of Essex for  many fine dining restaurants and shoppes.  Be sure to check out the 1776 vintage Griswold Inn, (known locally as the “Gris”).

Local Trivia: David Bushnell, designer of the American Turtle, coined the word submarine to describe his invention.

Check back near spring for more information on the upcoming Riverboat Cruises!

Cindi is the author of Moomettesgram’s Musings for WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, and Mama Mentor for personal musings and observations of aBaby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England. She is also the Editor of Timeless Bliss.  Follow Moomettesgram on Twitter.

I’ve always enjoyed ice skating on glistening frozen winter ponds here in Connecticut.  When older, the Winter Olympic ice skaters always fascinated me.

If you’re looking for a great fun-filled family event to take the children or grandchildren to ~ check this out and secure your seats now before the shows become sold out:

What: Disney On Ice: Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey

When: Wednesday January 7, 2009  plus 8 Additional Show Dates

7:00 PM -

Where: XL Center, Hartford, Connecticut

Box Office :(860) 525-4500

Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/237575/877083?

Take a trip on Mickey & Minnie’s Magnical Journey.  The figure-skating extravaganza features Disney characters from 101 Dalmations, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid and Lilo & Stitch.

Block Island ~ Photograph courtesy of C. Matthews 2008

As everyone knows, gas prices were through the roof this past summer.  Many of us did quite a bit of day-tripping, taking in the local scenery and staying close to home.

Connecticut has a gorgeous and vibrant shoreline.  It’s easy to take a drive and enjoy the local clam shacks and down-east lobster dinners.

What many folks may not know is that there’s now High Speed Ferry Service leaving directly from New London, Connecticut to Block Island, Rhode Island.  Travel in comfort and leave the car at the dock.  The whole trip takes approximately one-hour!

If you arrive at the ticket office early enough, you can park in the parking lot (although parking is limited), or there’s plenty of parking in the downtown garages ~ easily within walking distance.

Treat someone to a day-trip to “The Block” ~  Give a gift of Tickets ~ they’ll make the perfect stocking stuffers!  Enjoy family time together; a special annivesary day trip; or Girls Time Only daytrip ~  it’s something everyone will remember!

Order your tickets online at https://www.longislandferry.com/bif/home.htm

or http://goblockisland.com

For More Information Contact: CT (860) 444-4624

Cindi is the author of Moomette’s Magnificents for WAHM tips, Product Reviews and musings and observations of a Baby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England.  Follow Cindi on Twitter.

Photograph courtesy of C. Matthews, 2008

Hi everyone ~ I’m Cindi, and I’m delighted as well as excited to have been invited to be a Contributing Editor on Roxy’s Best of Hartford, CT.

I’m a lifelong native of Connecticut ~ which as many of you know, is one of the smallest states in the union. If there’s an event going on here I’ll try to let you know in advance ~ it really doesn’t take that long to drive across any part of the state ~ unless, of course, the traffic isn’t cooperating!

I’d like to share  a special event that my family attended Sunday with our two grandchildren.  It’s the 27th Annual Santa’s Workshop, being held at Wickham Park, Manchester, Connecticut.

What:  A free event sponsored by Wickham Park. Children of all ages enjoy visits with Santa and his elves and refreshments with Mrs. Claus. Santa’s Workshop provides a chance for children to enjoy an uncommercialized Christmas experience.

When: December 13th through 23rd; Hours are 3-6pm weekdays and 1-5pm on weekends.

Where: 1329 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester, Connecticut 06040 (860) 528-0856.

We brought my daughter, charming son-in-law & the two grandkiddos, ‘Lil Moomette (2) and Slugger (4 months).  Santa’s Workshop is staged high atop a hill in a delightful, quintessential New England log-cabin, with a tremendous wrap-around porch, overlooking the City of Hartford.  Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by friendly elves writing down names of small children and their wishes for the Holiday. The main room contains a roaring, massive field-stone fireplace and chimney decked out with wreaths, stockings and a Moose head.  On the other side of the room is the largest decorated Christmas tree from a ‘forest’ that one could imagine!

Jolly Ole’ St. Nick was very patient as he listened to all the childrens’ hopes & dreams, dispensing fresh apples when the visit was over, while Mrs. Claus was serving refreshments to all ~ hot chocolate & cookies!

Santa's Workshop ~ Wickham Park ~ Manchester, CT ~ Photograph courtesy of C. Matthews, 2008

Elves were silently painting wooden toys in anticipation of the big night.  Holiday music to set the scene, was merrily playing, and at dusk, Holiday display lights lit up the beautiful 250 acre park.

Come start a new family tradition ~ it’s Free!~ (donations are graciously accepted, to which we happily contributed so as to continue this wonderful event that has been taking place since 1981.)

Visit: http://wickhampark.org/ for more information.

Cindi is the author of Moomette’s Magnificents for WAHM tips, Reviews, Giveaways, personal musings and observations of a Baby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England.  Follow Moomettes on Twitter.