Bartlett Arboretum, Stamford - Summer Concerts

The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens summer concert is a great place to see a concert in a beautiful location.  Concerts are Sundays with a 10:00 a.m. classical concert and a 5:00 p.m. "pop" concert.  The concert list is the following: http://bartlettarboretum.org/SUMMER-CONCERTS

The concerts are free but there is a charge to enter the arboretum.  Adults are $6 each and children under 12 are free.  Memberships to the arboretum are $75 for a family and $60 for an individual.  The gardens are beautiful and there are many trails for walking the dog.  Wednesdays at the arboretum are free to the public, so a good time to go and check it out.  For more information go to: http://bartlettarboretum.org/Home

Any gardeners out there?  The Bartlett Arboretum has a free plant clinic and will answer your questions regarding garden plants and problems, trees, shrubs, deer resistant plants, shade vs. sun, soil analysis, garden pests, diseases, house plants, etc.  Call and be put in touch with a UCONN Master Gardener.  (203) 322-6971 ex. 24.  You might have to leave a message but they will contact you back.

The Bog Walk in the Woods

Dutchess Rail Trail in Dutchess County, NY

So, we all know how safe it is to ride your bike around the streets of Fairfield County.  Ya... so its great to find a good rail trail.  As Fairfield County, CT doesn't offer many options (there is a small dirt rail trail in Trumbull), The Dutchess Rail Trail makes for a great day out.  The drive to the start of the trail in Hopewell Junction, NY is about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on where you live in Fairfield County.

The Dutchess Rail Trail is currently around a 30 mile roundtrip ride.  It is completely paved with few road crossings and most of those road crossings were over driveways to old industrial parks - not busy.  Even the regular road crossings were not an issue.  The few busy roads you do have to pass, bridges have been built over them, so its not an issue.  There are parking lots to the trail every few miles, so you can do a short or long ride.  Being a rail trail, this is a very flat and easy ride.

The trail is not busy until you get to the Walkway Over The Hudson.  The Walkway bridge is over a mile long and has amazing views.  It can get a little windy on the bridge and crowded.  There are parking lots and food concessions on either side of the bridge, so when riding your bike, just know that you will have to go slow on the bridge and look out for people.  The Rail Trail continues for about two miles after the bridge and once you are off the bridge, the crowds are gone.

It was a hot day but most of the Rail Trail is in the shade.  There are also benches all along the rail trail if you need a break.

A bridge over a busy Road

One of the crossings

Walkway Over The Hudson - only time you will have crowds

The bridge and views (the views are so much better than my pictures)

Small concession areas are on either side of the bridge

For parking for the Rail Trail go to: http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/countygov/departments/dpw-parks/17285.htm   

In the past we have parked at the restaurant Daddy O's in Hopewell Junction, which has parking for the Rail Trail.  It is great?  No, but for a drink and nachos it fits the bill.  http://daddyoshopewell.com

For information about Walkway Over The Hudson, go to: https://www.walkway.org

A great little place to stop once you are over the bridge and want to eat is Mariner's on the Hudson.  It has outdoor seating and you can see it from the bridge.  Its a great place to eat if you want to break up the ride.  Just know that its easy getting down to the restaurant as its downhill to the water, coming back up to the trail will give you quite the workout.  http://www.marinersonhudson.com

There are also picnic tables and benches along the route and you can just bring your own picnic.

Woodland Park in Darien

If you are near Noroton Heights in Darien and in the mood for a walk in the woods, Woodland Park off Middlesex Road is a great destination.  Does it feel like you are in the middle of Vermont?  No, the noise from I-95 is rather noticeable and kind of spoils the mood.  However, it is still a great walk.  The trails are wide and wind around, so there is the ability to get a good little workout.  There is a decent parking lot on the Middlesex entrance and there are sidewalks outside of the park all the way into Noroton Heights.  

Trail Marker

Wide Paths

 A few small clearings and ponds make it interesting for the kids.

For more information about Woodland Park, go to: http://www.woodlandparknaturepreserve.com

New Canaan Concert Series at Waveny and Special Kids Concert

Each Summer The New Canaan Recreation Department presents the Waveny Summer Concert Series.  The concerts are every Wednesday night (weather permitting) and are free.  The musical performances are pretty good, nothing note worthy, but fun and most people set up a picnic while kids run around the fields.  Bathrooms are available in the Waveny House.  For the concert schedule, go to: http://www.newcanaan.info/filestorage/9494/9226/1128/8874/2014_Concerts_Poster.pdf

For directions to Waveny House, go to: http://www.newcanaan.info/content/9492/9224/675/1531.aspx


There is a special kids concert on Monday, 7th featuring Dre Towey.  The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. behind the Waveny house and ends at 6:30 p.m.  This will be a concert for young children.  For information about Dre Towey go to: http://www.reverbnation.com/dretowey 

The date for the Children's concert has multiple different dates on various websites but I called to confirm with the Rec Dept.  It is Monday July 7th at 5:30 p.m.  http://www.newcanaan.info/-


The New Canaan concerts are fun.  Are they as good as the Ridgefield concerts?  Probably not, but that is for another day.

Norwalk Arts Festival, Hall Full Brewery 5K, Boston Pops in Stamford and more

There are some pretty cool events coming up in the next few days.

Norwalk Arts Festival at Mathews Parks (this is not the SoNo Arts Festival which will take place in August).  For information go to: http://norwalkartfestival.org/index.html

The Second Annual Art Walk in Stamford this weekend: http://stamford-downtown.com/events/artwalk./#.U6zkExZW138

Half Full Brewery is sponsoring a 5k race on The Waterfront at Harbor Point.  How cool is this - at different times during the race, runners will have to hop, skip and/or jump - and that's before you've had any beer!  After the race there will be games and food trucks at Harbor Point.  The race is to raise money for Achilles International.  For information go to: http://halffullbrewery.com

The Boston Pops are coming to Stamford on Monday, June 30th!  Well, some of them anyway.  Keith Lockhart will be conducting a ten piece ensemble from the Boston Pops.  Bedford Street will be closed between Spring and Broadway from 5pm -8pm.  Parking will be tight, so I would suggest the parking garage across from the Landmark Parking garage.

Rowayton - Shakespeare On The Sound - only three performances left!

Went tonight to see Shakespeare On The Sound present, The Two Gentlemen of Verona.  The event has a suggested donation of $20 per adult and $10 per child but you can donate any amount.  The park opens at 4pm for  putting down blankets or chairs.  Chair areas are limited by height.  If you want to bring your own chair and be close, make sure its a very low chair.  There are some chairs that can be reserved for a price of $35.

Shakespeare On The Sound is held at Pinkney Park in Rowayton.  Parking is available at the community lot in Rowayton and in a small field area across the street from the park (about 75 yards away).  Cars are allowed to drop off at Pinkney Park, so no need to worry about carrying chairs and a heavy cooler.  A police officer will be at the entrance of the park and can point out where to park, etc.  It is also only a ten minute walk from the Rowayton Train station. For the location of the park, go to: https://plus.google.com/100201990192173927054/about?gl=us&hl=en

The play starts at 7:30 p.m. but at 6:30 p.m. a children's version of the play is preformed.  It is a great way for kids to understand what the play is about in modern English.  It also kind of helped this adult, I was never familiar with The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

The Children's Production at 6:30

The view from our blanket while eating dinner.  

We brought our own but Brendan's 101 has a table serving up food.  We had ice cream there during intermission.  Brendan's 101 is a cute destination to take the kids while in Rowayton and worth a trip, at least for ice cream.  http://www.brendans101.com

The Stage

With only three more shows until next year, its worth a trip.  

Revolutionary War Fort in Stamford

Yes, there is a Fort from the Revolutionary War in Stamford. Well, what's left of it and really that isn't much.  Regardless, its neat to take the children.  What makes it really nice is the garden next to the fort, originally part of a mansion that was next to the fort - the mansion is also gone.  

The Fort is located on Westover Road in Stamford - not far from the Mianus River Park.  It is the perfect location for a nice picnic or photo shoot in the garden.

This is where the Fort use to be - not the building but the mound of earth

The Garden.  Thanks to the Stamford Garden Club, it is worth a trip for the garden alone.  A great place to take pictures.

One happy dog

For some historical information about the fort, please go to: http://www.stamfordhistory.org/rg12.htm

The park closes at sunset and is free.  

Mianus River Park in Stamford/Greenwich

Mianus River Park is a beautiful destination for a walk.  The park is not far from downtown Stamford but feels like hundreds of miles away.  This 400 acre park is great for walking, mountain biking and fishing (with permit).  We've even had a nice picnic out on some larger rocks in the river.

We entered the park from the Stamford side.  Go to Merriebrook Lane in Stamford and follow the road down until you see a parking lot on your right.  There will be a red building in the parking lot.

The Parking Lot - additional parking underneath this lot as well

There is a little bit of a walk until you get to the entrance.  You will cross a bridge and this will be your view.

Trail Map

The Trail 

One Happy Dog

Dogs must be on the leash at this park and I have seen dog wardens there ticketing people.  That being said, it seems to be that most people walk their dogs off the leash.  

For more information, go to: http://www.friendsofmianusriverpark.org

Where to Watch the World Cup USA vs. Germany, Thursday, June 26 at Noon

Do you want to see the World Cup game, USA vs. Germany?  Of course you do and you might actually be joined by others - as people are actually watching soccer in this country!  How did this happen?

Anyway, first, if you need a note for work, please print off the following and give to your boss:
https://twitter.com/ussoccer/status/481927467268313088/photo/1

Okay, there are going to be some great bars all over Fairfield County to watch the game.  I am sure Tigins in Stamford will be packed.  However, if you are looking for a fun, cheap and more family friendly option, here are some:

In New Canaan:

USA  vs. GERMANY

Catch the game on the big screens!    All Welcome   Kick Off Time - Thursday at Noon   Lobstercraft & Wendy's Weenie Food Trucks will be here

Where

New Canaan Nature Center Visitor's Center 144 Oenoke RidgeNew Canaan, CT  06840 **Parking First Presbyterian & St. Mark's Church** Bring a blanket to sit in the meadow and watch! In Westport at the Library: http://westportlibrary.org/about/news/watch-world-cup-big-screen In Darien at the Library: http://www.darienlibrary.org/events

Darien Youth Commission Concerts at Weed Beach

The Darien Youth Commission is holding a series of concerts at Weed Beach in Darien and you don't need a beach sticker to get in!  Okay, for those of us not living in Darien, that is huge!  The price of admission is $4 per person/$10 per car entry per concert.  I'm assuming that means its $10 per car load or $4 per person walking or biking in but not too sure.  I guess we will find out.  The next concert is July 2nd, it was originally scheduled for today but was scrapped due to a forecast for thunderstorms.  There will be sand castle contests, music at 6:30 p.m. and then the Lego Movie at 8:30 p.m.  There will be one more concert as well.

Please look it up:  http://www.darienct.gov/yc

Cranbury Park, Norwalk, Ct

Cranbury Park in Norwalk is a great place to go for a walk in the woods, relax with a nice picnic, have the kids play on the playground, etc.  Its a great place to take the dog for a walk, as dogs are allowed off leash in the woods.  If you like Disc Golf, this is the park for you.

The front of the Gallaher Mansion at Cranbury Park

Trail Map

The walk in the woods

Disc Golf!

The Gardens, a nice place for a picnic

The Carriage House Art Centers - schedule of plays listed on website

For more information on the park, please go to: http://friendsofcranburypark.org/wordpress/

A great place to eat near the park is right in Wilton/Norwalk line on Route 7 (26 Danbury Road).  Check it out: http://www.littlepub.com

TarryTown Musical Hall, Tarrytown, NY

Wanted to give Tarry Town Musical Hall a quick mention.  Its a bit of a drive from Fairfield County, depending where you live (close to Greenwich) but a lot closer than the city.  Its line-up has been improving and its a small venue, so pretty much every seat is a good seat.  Its right in the middle of Tarrytown and therefore close to restaurants.  When I went to see a show (They Might Be Giants - and yes, it was fun), we found street parking a few blocks away.  This is a venue that is growing and shows are being added more and more.  Its worth a quick look.

https://tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org

I didn't take any pictures, so take a look at the website.

Westport Library Sale - July 19-22

So, I didn't think I would post this but if you live in the area and don't know about it - its worth going to at least once.  The Westport Library Book sale.  This book sale is huge!  I've been to other town library sales and none even come close.  We usually just go to our local library to get books and we no longer go to to this sale.  When the kids were younger, however, we went to this sale every year to add to our picture book collection.  If you have young children and want to add to their collection or just interested for yourself, you have to go at least once.  Parking can be a pain, so go early and bring your patience.

The link to the book sale even has a video: http://westportlibrary.org/support-wpl/book-sales

Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY

I love going to concerts, in fact I may have an addiction.  The problem is that concerts in the city can be really expensive.  I don't blame the artists, if people are going to buy off of stub-hub, etc., why not just cut out the middle man and sell the tickets for higher prices?  I understand but I'm not saying I like it.

The Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY is a great alternative to going into the city.  The acoustics of the theater are fantastic.  The theater is beautiful and its close to Fairfield County as its right on the NY/CT border.  There is street parking and a couple outdoor parking lots that charge $20 for parking.  $20 may be steep but the lots are right by the theater.

The Capitol Theater was a favorite of Gerry Garcia and there is a fabulous bar in the theater called Garcia's.  We always come to a show a little early and hang out at the bar.  When we went to see the Pixies (early 90s alternative band), a marching band came and played in Garcia's - all Pixies songs.  It was a lot of fun.

The best part, tickets are a third of the price of a NYC concert (at least usually).  Tickets are bought off of Ticketfly.com  After the concert you don't have to deal with getting the train or dealing with a large parking lot situation- its easy in and easy out.  However, you can take the train if you want and if you will be spending a lot of time at the bar, that might be a good idea.

Another great thing about the Capitol Theater are all the restaurants in Port Chester.  Trip Advisor has a great list of all the restaurants.  http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g48425-Port_Chester_New_York.html

The Capitol Theater also has a list of restaurants that offer deals when showing your ticket for your evening event.  http://www.thecapitoltheatre.com/dining/

For the line-up for Capitol Theater shows, go to: http://www.thecapitoltheatre.com   I would recommend getting on their mailing list or following their Twitter account.  Tickets can sell out quickly.  

 

Macedonia Brook State Park

A couple of years ago, Yankee Magazine named the best places to go to see Autumn Foliage in New England.  As you can imagine, the list was mostly towns in Vermont and New Hampshire.  Who was number 1 on the list?  Kent, Connecticut.  What?  How can that be?  I was a little shocked myself and though I love Kent, couldn't understand the ranking.  Then we went hiking at Macedonia Brooke State Park and now I understand.  Furthermore, we are going back this Fall to see the foliage.

Depending on where you live in Fairfield County, the drive will take anywhere between 15 minutes to over an hour.  There is camping available but please note that reservations must be made early in the season, as campsites are popular and do fill up quickly.  The campsites we walked by were fairly secluded with a stream running past them, big enough for fishing and sandy areas for kids to play.  Should you want to reserve, use this link: http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325034&deepNav_GID=1621  Just scroll down to Macedonia Brook State Park.  

We just went for a day hike and felt like we were in New Hampshire or Maine.  We hiked the Macedonia Ridge Trail (part of the Blue Trail).  The parking lot for this trail is on the left, right after you enter into the park.  The views on the ridge were spectacular and we had lunch looking out into New York and the Catskill Mountains.  We left the blue trail, which is a loop, and went down a bit of the Green Trail to the Orange Trail and then back to our car.  This made the hike only 3.5 miles.  It is a very steep climb at first, so probably best for older children.  Also, note the Green Trail is a scramble down.  There is one part where suddenly a ledge appears with a significant drop (we were looking out for this after reading the guide books).  We went down with no problem (though the dog needed help) but I wouldn't want kids running ahead falling down.  Should you want to do the Blue Trail loop, its a good six mile hike with most of the climbing in the beginning on the Macedonia Ridge Trail.  I would always recommend taking a first aid kit and a bottle of liquid benadryl in case of any allergic reactions, what we bring on our hikes.  Remember plenty of water.  The hike wasn't long but you are going up.

Here is a good trail map: http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/stateparks/maps/macedonia.pdf

The view was amazing and I don't think the picture does it justice.  There were many rock outcrops on the ridge for having lunch.  

I recommend bringing a lunch to have at the top.  We found a nice deli on the way in New Milford, CT on Route 7.  Home Plate Deli,  46 Danbury Road (Rt 7), New Milford, 860-799-5555.  It is the best deli we have found so far on our way to hiking trips.  Good prices as well.

Kayaking and SUP in Fairfield County

A few years ago while at Family Camp in Maine, I discovered I loved kayaking and SUP (Stand Up Paddling).  I had dreams that once we got home, we would kayak ourselves...but where?  We looked up deals on kayaks, considered buying a couple of used ones but what would we buy?  Would we buy singles for everyone in the family?  The kids weren't old enough to go out on their own.  However, if we bought doubles wouldn't we just outgrow them soon enough?  Also, where would we cast off from?  We found a public boat launch in Westport, but parking was in short supply.  Also, putting the boats on top of the car each time, would we really go?

The solution was found at Down Under Kayak.  They have two locations, one in Rowayton which is seasonal and another in Westport which is open year round.  The Rowayton Store is located underneath  Rowayton Market and we have found there is ample parking across the street in the Community Parking Lot.  The location is beautiful and Rowayton Market is a great place to grab a bite to each after rowing; eating with damp towels wrapped around us and wearing flip flops is just fine.

The second location is just underneath the 95 overpass in Westport.  I prefer the Rowayton location as  its prettier.  Also, in Westport you do contend with a lot of crew teams who of course, are rowing backwards.  Though I still enjoy kayaking in Westport but if you only plan to do it once and want to feel like you are on vacation, go to Rowayton.

The back of Down Under Kayak with Rowayton Market above.

A look inside Down Under in Rowayton

When you make a reservation, they have the boats ready and waiting for you.  

Kayaking out on the Sound is beautiful.  Some of us, however, can be a bit lazy.

Down Under Kayak has classes and camp for kids in the summer.  The prices are reasonable and it can definitely feel like you are on vacation.  We signed up for a season pass.  The pass may seem pricey at $699 but we bought ours early for a discounted price.  There are no blackout dates or times. It is mid-June and we are almost at the break-even point already.

http://www.downunderkayaking.com

Overton's in Norwalk - Cheap and on the water!

Overton's in East Norwalk

80 Seaview Avenue

So, I grew up in the town next to Norwalk and not once did I hear about Overton's in East Norwalk. Why?!  This place is great.  Is it gourmet food?  No, no its not - but its not bad. If you live in Fairfield County and not in a town on a water, you forget that we actually live near the water.  Getting a bite to eat on the water can be expensive or the wait can take forever but not at Overton's.  I fed my family for under $35, ice cream dessert included.

Your meal (should you like clam strips) will look like this:

The Clim Strip Dinner 

Your view will look like this:

You will eat at these tables:

The kids love it and I often bring fruit and veggies to make the meal healthier.  We have never brought our dog but we have been there many times with people with their well mannered dogs.  

For more information on Overton's go to: http://www.overtons-seafood.com

Yosemite

After last summer in California, I was seriously questioning why we were not selling the house and moving out to the mountains of California, or any other part of California for that matter.  It seemed to fit a perfect lifestyle that I didn't think we could achieve in our corner of Connecticut.  We were hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing!  It seemed that everyone there lived a much better life.  Didn't we want this?  Wouldn't this be the perfect change for a better quality of life?

Then again, if we actually lived in California, would we actually do these actives all the time (okay, the weather would make it easier than in Connecticut)?  I mean, I bet people in LA aren't in the national parks every weekend or driving up to Mammoth every other weekend to ski.  If we actually lived in LA or SF, wouldn't we just get caught up in the typical family weekend routine?  Wasn't I looking at everything through the rose colored glasses of vacation - when you don't actually have to work?  I tend to want to move to where ever I am on vacation.  For a while I seriously thought Norway was the place for me, though I'm told the winters are much different than my week experience in the fjords in mid-August with warm weather and sunshine until 11 p.m.  

Also, wouldn't I miss New York?  I mean, I love that city - though I never seem to get in there enough.  But Fairfield County, Connecticut seems so...bland and expensive.  I've lived here most of my life.  If you want to do anything that is fun and doesn't break the bank, you need to go somewhere else.  Right?  

I started to think, maybe I'm just so use to this area, that I never give it a chance.  I need to find out what I can do in Fairfield County or within a two hour drive that we will enjoy and won't break the bank.  As per a friend's suggestion, I'm writing this blog to document what I've found and hopefully give ideas to anyone else who is searching.  I hope this works!

-R