New Canaan Nature Center

A nice little place for a walk (and it is a small walk) is the New Canaan Nature Center.  Just north of the town of New Canaan on Oenoke Ridge Road.  The property has two ponds, two towers for bird watching and various fields.

The Trails are wide and rock free - a very easy short walk, bring the dog along but don't expect much of a workout but great for small children.

One of the two ponds 

One of the two towers to bird watch

The Maple Sugar Shack - the chicken and goats are located next door and the goats are very friendly

The facility also has an outdoor area for Birds of Prey (no dogs near this area please).  These birds were injured and unable to be released back into the wild.

The New Canaan Nature Center puts on many events throughout the year - family evening hikes, environmental information meetings, Fall Fair, Bird Watching, etc.  For more information, go to: http://www.newcanaannature.org

The Main Visiting Center

One Happy Dog

Free Concerts Tonight

Greenwich's Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (100 Arch Street) free concert series continues today with Cynthia Sayer.  She plays "jazz banjo".  You can see her play on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xilzCiFWWn0  Concert starts at 7:15 p.m. and no pets

The Waveny Concert Series in New Canaan continues tonight with Sarah Chesler at 7:30 p.m.  Pets are allowed at Waveny and this concert series to very laid back - mostly kids running around in the field.  To see Sarah's music, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD-b7D2P9X8

The Melissa and Doug Free Concert series continues tonight at the Westport Pavilion .  Ray and Jay!  Lawn opens up at 6pm and concert begins at 7p.m.  Check out a video of them in action on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/818919454786460/

A Few Free Events for Tomorrow

I'm still jet-lagged but I should be back on form tomorrow.  For some free activities in the area, here are a few:

Ridgefield will continue with its free concerts on Tuesdays and Thursdays with The Duhks.  Check out their sound on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaohkHuHgXU  For more information about the Ridgefield Concerts, go to: http://chirpct.org

The Levitt Pavilion in Westport will have a free concert featuring Emil Zrihan.  Check him out on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J09nM6gUbBY  Go to the Levitt Pavilion for more information: http://www.levittpavilion.com (click on calendar).

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is free on Tuesdays.  I will be checking it out!  http://www.aldrichart.org

Missed so much but Hiking in England!

I've been away for a few weeks and I sure did miss a lot in Connecticut and the surrounding areas.  Sidewalk sales, The Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, State parks had free admission last weekend, Alive at 5 Concerts in Stamford and there was even an Icelandic Fair in Katonah, NY with Icelandic Ponies - and those ponies are really cute.  (BTW - Katonah Museum of Art is having an Iceland Exhibit until Sept. 28th.  katonahmuseum.org).

I'm back now and looking for some things to do in the area.  We did do some great hiking. Hiked in the Lake District and The Peak District in England.  Yes, the hiking was cheap but not so much getting there.

The view from Haystacks in the Lake District - it was sunny and hot in England!

The hike down the mountain - Tarns everywhere (small ponds)

A view from a hike in The Peak District

I will be hiking more this summer and will list all trails, all within a drive from Fairfield County.

Levitt Pavilion in Westport is finally Opening!

The Levitt Pavilion is looking great and it will open soon!  The Levitt Pavilion hosts many free concerts for adults and children.  The season is shorter this year as the new pavilion has just been completed.  The inaugural concert will be with Jose Feliciano.  It is a free concert but you must call and order your free ticket.  Oh, the free concerts aren't just local bands, they are great bands, ones most people pay to go see.  Check the calendar as a few shows are not free.

http://www.levittpavilion.com

Sidewalk Sales in Fairfield County

Looking to go to the local Side Walk Sales?  New Canaan is my favorite as they can shut down Elm Street and its more like a street fair.  Darien usual has some rides out as well.  If you are looking for one near you, see the below links:

Greenwich: http://business.greenwichchamber.com/events/details/greenwich-chamber-annual-sidewalk-sales-5166565

Darien: http://www.darienctchamber.com/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=766

New Canaan: http://newcanaanchamber.com/village-fair-sidewalk-sale/

Wilton: http://www.wiltonchamber.com/2014/04/wilton-street-fair-sidewalk-sale/

Westport: https://www.westportdma.com/wdma/eventdetails/?event_id=16

Fairfield: https://www.facebook.com/FairfieldSidewalkSale

Bethel: http://www.bethelsummerfest.com  - this one is a summerfest and also has a sidewalk sale

Now Kent isn't Fairfield County...but its Kent (and not far).  http://www.kentct.com/kentsidewalkfestival/

Looking for a Farmer's Market in Fairfield County?

Are you looking to go to a Farmer's Market in Fairfield County?  Though not always "cheap", they are a lot of fun.  New Canaan and Westport being my favorites as they are on the weekends.  Rowayton is on Friday and how can you beat a Farmer's Market on the water?  Go to the following link for the list of all the Farmer's Markets. Scroll down about about 1/4 of the way and the markets are listed alphabetically, with addresses and some have their own websites: http://fairfieldgreenfoodguide.com/2014/04/02/2014-guide-fairfield-county-farmers-markets/

Can't make it to the Farmer's Market but really want something you can only get there?  I met a woman who works with Fresh Nation.  She was packing her car with orders from the Market to take to customers.  She said it was $5 for delivery and then the usual cost of the items.  I asked how it was possible to make any money with a mere $5 delivery fee and she said that they work with the farmers and vendors and buy wholesale.  I have not used it yet but I have signed up.  If you are interested, go to: https://freshnationathome.com  You will have to enter your zip code and you can order right online and delivery dates are on certain days.  As some items need refrigeration, I'm sure someone has to be home to accept the delivery.

Lee Memorial Garden, New Canaan

A tiny hidden gem in New Canaan, not far from town, is the Lee Memorial Garden.  This is a small garden on Chichester Road with trails that wind, so it makes for a great little work out.  The garden is owned by The Beautification League of New Canaan and open to the public.  As it is not a town park, dogs, if they are good and stick to the trails, are allowed off leash.  The garden is completely fenced in, so you only need to worry about the dog getting out if someone leaves the gate to the parking area open.  As this place is so empty, its likely this won't happen.

The garden is mostly azaleas and rhododendrons, so the best time to go is mid to late May when the entire garden is in bloom.  Its still a great place for a walk anytime of the year and photographers should be flocking to this place for some great backdrops and dappled light.

I love this place so much I can't keep still

The trails through the gardens.  The trails do twist and turn and you can get a fair bit of walking done.

The Garden was donated to the NC Beautification League by George Lee

The garden is located on Chichester Road.  There is a gate.  If driving just pull in a bit and open the gate and drive into the parking area.  Close the gate after you park.  Please also close the gate when you leave.  The deer would have a field day in this place.

For more information, go to:http://www.newcanaanbeautification.org/#!lee-garden/c1z49

Fairfield Theater Company - Stage One

Want another place in Fairfield  County to see some music?  Try FTC - Stage One.  Its a 225 venue right in downtown Fairfield.  The setting is intimate with great sound quality.  The line up is pretty good considering its size and The Subdudes were just announced (southern, hippy rock is a way to describe them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL8mL_UuN_s ).

For information for Stage One in Fairfield, go to: http://fairfieldtheatre.org

Tickets usually run around $45 and every seat is a good seat.

Alive at 5 Starts this week in Stamford at Columbus Park

Alive at 5 is starting up this Thursday and the line up is pretty cool, especially if you consider its only $5 if you enter between 5-6.  After 6pm its $10 and nobody under 21 is allowed entrance after 7pm, okay if you are there before that time, so okay to bring the kids.

The line-up is listed on the webiste: http://stamford-downtown.com/events/alivefive-outdoor-summer-concert-series/#.U7mU-xZW138

I paid to see Bare Naked Ladies at The Beacon last Fall and this summer its just $5!  

Columbus Park (Washington Blvd and Main Street) is surrounded by a bunch of restaurants, so it will be a great night out.  For directions to Columbus Park, go to: http://www.mapquest.com/#d9013ca8d29b2650811e28fc

For parking options, go to: http://en.parkopedia.com/parking/garage/target_garage/06901/stamford/

Please go to The Alive @ 5 website for rules regarding the concert.  http://stamford-downtown.com/events/alivefive-outdoor-summer-concert-series/#.U7mYZxZW138

Twelfth Night Coming to Stamford's Sterling Farm, July 10 - 19

Stamford's Curtain Call is holding performances of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at Sterling Farms Golf Course Complex July 10 - 19.  This is a free performance with donations suggested.  If you missed the Rowayton Shakespeare performance of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, this is a great alternative.  Bring a blanket and picnic and be set for the night.  Performances start at 7:30 p.m.

For information, go to: http://www.curtaincallinc.com/sog/index.asp

For directions to Sterling Farms, to go: http://www.sterlingfarmsgc.com/directions/

For more information on Sterling Farms, go to: http://www.sterlingfarmsgc.com

Flea Markets and Estate Sales

A friend recently bought a new house and was wondering where to buy some furniture without breaking the bank.  I mentioned estate sales or a flea market which she was not familiar with, so its worth a post.

In the Spring and Fall there are many estate and moving sales, which tend to be different from Tag or Garage Sales in their size.  There are quite a few companies who run these sales and they usually start on a Friday and run through Saturday or sometimes Sunday.  You can usually find these listings in your local town paper on Thursdays.  These sales are not always cheap.  I often roll my eyes at some of the prices they want for items but there are deals to be had and interesting items.  If you want to be one of the first in, the ad for the sale will mention picking up numbers.  Sometimes you can go pick up a number the night before or in the morning, often put in the mailbox.  When the sale starts in the morning, they only allow a few people in at a time and shout out the numbers.  Have your piece of paper with your number (and they change the paper color for each sale so nobody cheats) ready and get in early.  Two estate sales companies with good sales (and I'm sure there are more, I've just gone to a lot of these sales in the area of Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Wilton and Greenwich) is Within Reason and Good Riddance Girls.  You can go to their websites and request to be put on their mailing list, so you know about all upcoming sales.

Good Riddance Girls: http://www.goodriddancegirls.com
Within Reason: http://withinreasonct.com

As for Flea Markets, there are two great ones not far from Fairfield County worth checking out.  Elphant's Trunk and Stormville.

Elephant's Trunk is in New Milford and a 15 to 90 minute drive depending on where you live in Fairfield County.  This place is so much fun and its every Sunday until the end of November.  As its outdoors, it is weather dependent.  Don't be surprised to see a TV show filming there such as HGTV's Flea Market Flip.  You never know what you might find there, everything from mid century modern furniture to baseball cards to potted plants.  There are a few food trucks on location and the donuts are a must - they are old fashion sugar donuts in a little bag and piping hot when served.  The kids even like this place.

http://www.etflea.com/_/Home.html

Another good large flea market is "Stormville" in Stormville, NY.  This flea market is huge but its just six times a year.  The next event is in August.  It is worth a trip, just to see it at least once.
http://www.stormvilleairportfleamarket.com


Another  flea market (some call it an antique show) further away is in Brimfield, MA and draws a huge crowd.  I've never been but hope to go one day.  http://www.brimfieldshow.com   This is a big one and people book hotel rooms for the event.  If you go, Sturbridge Village is close by with some good colonial period fun for the kids.  https://www.osv.org

Movies on the beach in Fairfield

What could be better than a movie on the beach?  The Fairfield Park and Rec has some upcoming family movies on Jennings Beach (which is beautiful) this July and August.  The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. with a DJ on the beach for some kids dancing and the movie begins at dark.

If you don't have a Fairfield Beach sticker, it is $20 to get into the beach for the movie.  $20 for a movie for the family on the beach is not a bad deal.  Bring your own popcorn and snacks and its not an expensive night.

For the line up go to: http://www.fairfieldct.org/content/2765/2781/3385/3499/default.aspx

For directions to Jennings Beach go to: https://plus.google.com/116434269497925589914/about?gl=us&hl=en

For pictures of Jennings Beach, Westport photographer Katherine Hooper's blog has some excellent pictures.  Go to: http://katherinehooperphotography.blogspot.com/2012/10/jennings-beach-fairfield-ct.html

Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford - Wednesday is free

Looking to take a nice stroll or have a picnic, the Bartlett Arboretum is free of charge on Wednesdays.  Dogs are allowed on leash.  We  went for the free day and had a great time.

So many great places to sit down and enjoy the gardens.

The Walking trails are great and you can get in a good long walk.

For information go to: http://bartlettarboretum.org

For the trail map go to: http://bartlettarboretum.org/Trail-Map

Summer Theater of New Canaan until Aug. 3rd

Want to see a Broadway quality musical without paying the Broadway prices?  The Summer Theater of New Canaan is showing a production of Hairspray until Aug 3rd.  The show is every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.  This is a professional production that is held under a tent at Waveny Park in New Canaan.

The Summer Theater also puts on three children's production on the weekends.  This summer they are performing, Merrilee Mannerly, The Little Mermaide, Jr. and Charlotte's Web.

For information go to: http://www.stonc.org

Summer Theater of New Canaan has just announced a "Girls Night Out" for Thursdays with dinner specials and raffle.  For information go to: http://www.stonc.org/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/58-girls-night-out

For direction to Waveny Park go to: http://www.newcanaan.info/content/9492/9224/675/1531.aspx

The Ridgefield Playhouse - New Shows Added - The Fixx, Living Colour

A great little venue to see concerts in Fairfield County is The Ridgefield Playhouse.  News shows are constantly being added and for its size and location, they get some great bands.  Tickets are usually a reasonable price, much cheaper than catching a show in the city.

The Ridgefield Playhouse has just announced some new shows, such as Better than Ezra, The Fixx this August and Living Colour in December.  Yes, they do have many bands from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

The Playhouse also plays movies on their large screen, operas, sporting events, etc.  Its best to go to their website for the list of events.

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

Paddle Boarding with the Dog

It felt like a mini vacation today with the dog.  Enjoyed a day out on The Five Mile River in Rowayton.  Down Under Kayak provided the life vest (call before bringing your dog as they don't have dog life vests in all sizes).  Though they are more than welcoming to dogs!

She isn't too sure

Ready to go

Setting out

Off they go

For information on Down Under Kayak, go to: http://www.downunderkayaking.com

CHIRP - Concerts Happening in Ridgefield Parks

Just back from the concert in Ridgefield at Ballard Park and what an amazing evening.  The Hot Nut Riveters were great.  I'm told that the Parks and Rec department in Ridgefield goes all out in finding great talent for their concerts and I can believe it.  I can not wait until I can make it to the next concert.

The concert was at Ballard Park which is on Main Street, across from the library.  Its best to park in the lot next to the library, across the street from the park.  Ballard park is a great destination on its own with a great playground and beautiful garden -  I will be going back just to check out the garden.  This is a concert for music lovers, so do not sit in the front if you are planning on talking, you will be asked to move.  If you plan to chat away, just sit back a bit and don't worry, speakers are placed throughout the field, so everyone can hear (and they aren't blasting which is nice).

The Band

The Audience

Ballard Park

A partial view of the gardens at Ballard Park

We will be back to Ballard Park for the playground and gardens and will update with more photos.  The park itself is worth a trip.  For information on the concerts, go to: http://chirpct.org

For information on Ballard Park, go to: http://www.ridgefieldct.org/content/4679/4687/4748/4957/

Concert Happeings in Ridgefield Parks - Free Concert Series

Free concert tonight in Ridgefield, part of the Concert Happenings in Ridgefield Parks (CHIRP).  Tonight will be The Hot Nut Riveters, billed as Texas' only authentic vaudeville string band.  "It's dirty music from a much more innocent time." You can check them out on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRz6ZTFbLOc

For information and directions to Ballard Park, it is right in town in Ridgefield, go to: http://www.destinationridgefield.com/ballard-park/

For the schedule of concerts in Ridgefield, go to: http://chirpct.org/events/2014-concerts/

The concerts are free and pictures will be posted tonight.