See Mystic Country CT

Gardens rule this summer. GardenFest at Florence Griswold Museum.

Liz — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:56:45 +0000

Historic gardens are always something to celebrate, and that’s especially true in June. The Florence Griswold Museum is celebrating its amazing gardens with 10 days worth of events the whole family can appreciate.

GardenFest offers plant sales, artistic debuts, flower pot decorating and dance classes, complemented by garden walks, history discussions and even a tree hugger’s tour, to name a few. Our American Impressionism experts know how to make everything fun! Most events are free with museum admission. The series of events runs through June 16. Then on June 23, in honor of Connecticut Historic Gardens Day there will be free access to the museum grounds.

The museum is a local favorite, chronicling the life of the artist Florence Griswold and her colony of artists. Take advantage of this opportunity to spend some time among the beauty of her impeccably cared for gardens. It’s a jewel of a summer garden, we promise.

CT Open House Day: Discover everything great about our state. Especially Mystic Country.

Liz — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:49:28 +0000

This Saturday, June 8, experience an “open house” to top all open houses. It’s Connecticut Open House Day, a statewide celebration showcasing the best in art, history and tourism we have to offer. It’s one day only, and you’ll find discounts, specials and incentives to visit so many awesome places from the Quiet Corner all the way down to the coast.

Here’s just a sampling of what we have to offer on Saturday:

Free admission and special activities at a number of historical sites around the state, including the Prudence Crandall Museum in Canterbury, Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, Fort Trumbull State Park, Custom House Maritime Museum, Nathan Hale Schoolhouse and Hempsted Houses in New London; discounts available at Mystic Aquarium and the Spa at Norwich Inn and special activities with admission at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. And many more! Check the website for specific discounts and offers.

The schedule lists the most up to date offers across the state. Check it out and plan to spend your Saturday at our Open House!

“Blast from the Bayou” rocks Strawberry Park, June 6-9 at the Cajun/Zydeco Festival.

Liz — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:16:31 +0000

Even though I’m a tried and true New Englander, there’s a little piece of me that adores New Orleans. So I’m extremely grateful for this time of year, when a little piece of New Orleans comes to New England. June 6-9, the 17th Annual Cajun Zydeco Festival, Blast from the Bayou, takes over Strawberry Park in Preston with food, music and dancing straight from Cajun country. It’s heaven on earth for anyone who can taste the fried catfish and hear the sound of the bayous. Cajun and Creole cuisine will be sold, so you can really feel like you’re down south.

There are two separate dance areas so everyone can move to the mix of Cajun and Zydeco dance bands, which include a mix of traditional favorites and new artists debuting at this popular event. Camping is available at Strawberry Park, so you don’t have to worry about finding your way back to a hotel – just hunker down and enjoy the weekend!

Check out the website for camping options and rates, as well as a list of performers. You can also buy a day pass. However you choose to listen, it’s going to be awesome!

Photo of Geno Delafose courtesy of strawberrypark.net

Music, song and the sea come together at the Annual Sea Music Festival, June 6-9 at Mystic Seaport.

Liz — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:14:37 +0000

The history of the sea, told in music. Could anything be more magical in the summer months? From June 6-9, it’s the 34th Annual Sea Music Festival at Mystic Seaport, a premier sea music event we’re proud to have in our own backyard. The Mystic Seaport’s Chantey Staff performs, and music from many maritime cultures across the globe is featured. Last year’s popular debuts are also returning: The Sea Music Storytelling Stage and the Sea Music Contra Dance are both back due to popular demand.

A complete list of performers can be found on the website.

The event runs through Sunday and includes concerts, workshops, performances for kids, workshops, and even a jaunt aboard the Seaport’s historic boats.

There’s also a two-day symposium exploring the connections between sea, music and song.

We think this is a pretty awesome event at a pretty awesome place. If you’ve never heard sea music, well, now’s your chance.

International food and fun. Second Annual International Food Festival, June 8-9.

Liz — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 23:01:32 +0000

The Second Annual International Food Festival takes over Olde Mistick Village this weekend. On June 8-9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., come check out the great chefs we’re lucky enough to have in our area! Some of the restaurants providing food include Johnny’s Peking Tokyo, Portuguese Fisherman, Ricebox and A Taste of India, in addition to everyone’s favorite Irish pub food, pizza, sweets from some hot bakeries and other delights. Bring your appetite!

Bring the family too, because there is a full slate of cultural entertainment for the festival. Balloon creations, face painting, Tibetan singers and dancers, drumming, yoga, Japanese Samurai and much more. There’s a full schedule available on the website, but trust us – there’s plenty to do for everyone. And after the festival, walk it off by strolling around Mystic or head over to the Mystic Aquarium next door. There’s always lots to see here, and it’s the best time of year to be by the water.

Romantic. Victorian. Willimantic has it all. The 15th annual Victorian Days event begins May 31.

Liz — Mon, 27 May 2013 19:13:53 +0000

Romantic Willimantic shows off its best architecture and history next weekend at the 15th annual Victorian Days in Willimantic event. Visitors to town can immerse themselves in 19th century life by visiting the 600+ Victorian style homes, along with others in Windham Center and North and South Windham.

The whole weekend is a blast, with concerts, walking tours, museums and gardens open to the public and Victorian Tea events. There will also be train rides at the Northeast Connecticut Railroad Museum.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with a walking tour of historic North Windham, followed by a free concert by the British-style Classic Brass Band at one of the local churches.

Guided tours of the homes and historic sites will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will love walking around our town checking out art shows, the Windham Textile & History Museum, which will have a Latino Migration Exhibit, and visiting the Garden on the Bridge. Willimantic is full of history, culture – and frogs. You’ll see by the Frog Bridge and some of the green characters around town – make sure you visit the Windham Historical Society and find out why.

And when you’re toured out, stop by Cafemantic for a cup of joe, or visit the Willimantic Brewing Company & Main St. Cafe for a great meal and a beer.

A weekend of bluegrass. The 2013 Bluegrass Festival rocks Strawberry Park, May 30-June 2.

Liz — Mon, 27 May 2013 19:08:27 +0000

Bluegrass rules next weekend! The 2013 Bluegrass Festival comes to Strawberry Park in Preston, May 30 – June 2 with a list of performers guaranteed to rock your socks off. The Greencards, The Kruger Brothers, Dry Branch Fire Squad and many more are coming to town to perform for loyal fans who have this festival at the top of their list every year.

Along with all the great performers, instrumental, vocal and songwriting workshops are part of the weekend. If you have an interest in making music, this is awesome!

Here in eastern Connecticut, we’re excited to be home to this event. Strawberry Park is a great place to relax, kick back and see some live music. You can make camping reservations to stay the entire time, and it’s a really great place to camp, too. Hookups, children’s programs, pools and camaraderie – what better way to spend the weekend?

Photo of Della Mae courtesy of Ted Lehmann.

Ramp it Up: New exhibit at Mashantucket Pequot Museum on skateboarding.

Liz — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:27:53 +0000

Skateboard fans – you’ll love the new exhibit at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. There’s an big underground skateboarding world afoot (awheel?) in Native American communities, and this is the place to find out about it. Called Ramp it Up, the exhibit opens May 25 and gives viewers an exclusive look into this world. In addition, the Native American West Coast skateboarding culture is showcased.

There are four short films, rare images and Native-designed artwork by artist Jak Fragua on display. If you’re visiting the museum, make sure you stop by the gallery to see this one. The exhibit runs through July 20.

The museum is a great resource for all things history relating to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. And it’s in Foxwoods’ back yard, so make a weekend of it!

Yankee Magazine’s Best of New England 2013 honors many in Mystic Country.

Liz — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:53:57 +0000

Congratulations to the Mystic Country businesses that were recently written up as YANKEE Magazine “Best of New England” for 2013. The full listings appear in YANKEE’s May/June issue.

Best Alpaca Farm & Store - Safe Haven Farm, Hampton

Best Military Museum - United States Coast Guard Museum, New London

Best Pottery Shop - Sawmill Pottery, Putnam

Best Sea Captain’s Home - Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, Stonington

Best Sunset Bar - Dog Watch Cafe, Stonington

Best Vineyard Restaurant - Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Pomfret

Best Water-View Inn - Inn at Harbor Hill Marina, Niantic

Best Spot to Unwind - Gwyn Careg Inn, Pomfret Center

Best Drive-In Double Features - Mansfield Drive-In, Mansfield

Best Free Ships & Music - Mystic Seaport, Mystic

Best Ice Cream - UCONN Dairy Bar, Storrs

Best Nature Sanctuaries - Bafflin Sanctuary, Pomfret Center

Lobster Days + Mystic Seaport. Memorial Day weekend is upon us.

Liz — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:29:04 +0000

Mystic Seaport presents the first official taste of summer this month during the annual Lobster Days festivities! Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer with lobsters in the rough, served picnic-style overlooking the Mystic River. Bibs provided, don’t worry. Bring someone special, hang out under the Boat Shed and watch the boats go by, breathe the sea air, relax and enjoy. Is there anything that screams “summer” more?

Lobster Days run May 25-27, 2013.

On May 27, the annual Decoration Day ceremonies honor fallen Civil War soldiers. The Seaport has a number of activities planned from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. including an observance in the Fishtown Chapel, a memorial service and hymns, a color guard and procession and a visit with the citizens of 1876 Greenmanville about the Civil War.

Paying tribute to soldiers on Memorial Day is the best way to celebrate the holiday, so please make time during your celebration to do so.

Images courtesy of Mystic Seaport.