7th Annual Blues, Views and BBQ Festival This Weeekend!

Its the 7th Annual Blue, Views and BBQ Festival and like the last festivals, it should be amazing.  Now, tickets are $60 for full access on Saturday, but the musical line-up is fantastic.  Spin Doctors will be the Saturday evening headliners, making me feel very nostalgic for my college days.  The Sunday all day access pass is $35.  Children under 12 are free with paying adult.

 If you just want to go to the Kids Fun Fest area, the tickets are only $10 and children under 12 are free. Of course, you will be able to hear the music from this area, just not so close.

For information, go to the website: https://www.bluesviewsbbq.com

For the Facebook page, go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blues-Views-BBQ-Festival-Westport/217585628253206

Sept. 1st - Lemonade Stand to raise funds for the Catherine Hubbard Animal Sanctuary in Newtown, CT

Will you be in the New Canaan area this Monday, Sept. 1st?  If so, please stop by the Catherine Hubbard Memorial Lemonade and Bake Sale.  10 a.m. to 4pm, 508 Ponus Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT

Catherine, a little girl who loved animals, was taken from this world too soon in the Sandy Hook School Tragedy.  Her family is helping to start up an animal sanctuary in her name.  All proceeds from the Lemonade/Bake Sale will go to realize this dream.

For information on the Catherine Hubbards Animal Sanctuary, please go to the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/CatherineVioletHubbardAnimalSanctuary

If you are in the area, please stop by and help support Catherine's dream of taking care of animals.

Bake Sale
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
508 Ponus Ridge Road
New Canaan, CT

Bounty Food Truck - Best Burger in Fairfield County!

In Rowayton for a morning kayak trip (and it was beautiful!) and stopped by the Rowayton Farmer's Market for lunch.  Decided to try the burgers and fries from Bounty Food truck.  Wow!  In the top five of burgers I have ever had.  The burger practically just melted in my mouth.  The fries were amazing.  Most people try to do "dirty fries" as they are fresh and should be better but most places typically fail when trying to cook them; these fries were fantastic.

All the meat is organic, grass fed and locally sourced.  As soon as you bite into the burger, you know it is quality beef.  I also tried their ice tea made from coconut water.  Now, it didn't taste much like an ice tea to me at all but regardless it was so good.  This food truck is obviously run by a professional chef(s).

Bounty Food Truck will be at the Rowayton Farmers Market every Friday until the end of the Season, which is end of October.  To find out where they will be, follow them on Twitter or check out their Facebook page.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bountyft

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bountyft

Website: http://bountytruck.com

The Bounty Food Truck

The Menu, Simple but Delicious

Perfect Fries

The Simple Burger - It Is HUGE!

Had to take a side picture.  Look at that chunk of fresh tomato!  Love this burger.

Our Lunch view while eating the burgers at the Rowayton Farmers' Market

Shake Shack in Westport...but is it still worth the hype? It's better in the city with the Math Museum

My kids love Shake Shack and we usually only get there in the city, so we usually only go about twice a year (we go into the city more, just not Shake Shack every time).  So, for a treat for the kids, we decided to go to Shake Shack in Westport.

The Shake Shack is known for its long lines and the Westport location use to have the same problem, but no longer.   As more of their franchises are opening up, its beginning to feel more like a fast food "joint", though the hamburgers are still good and you can enjoy it with a beer or glass of wine.  However, we were not fans of their new fries, though as we only go twice a year, we found out the fries aren't really new anymore.  The old fries were perfect for those of us who like vinegar with their "chips".

Is it worth a trip?  Sure, at least once if you like hamburgers.  The kids still loved it, especially the shakes.  For information on the westport location, go to: http://www.shakeshack.com/location/westport/

If you really want to make a day of it, why not go to the original Shake Shack location in Madison Square Park?  As there are a couple days off from school in September, we usually go at this time and then head over to The Musuem of Mathematics, also known as MoMath, for the day. The museum is right across the street from Madison Square Park.  Adults are $15 and Children are $9, so for a New York City activity, it isn't very expensive.

The original Shake Shack will be closing for five months for renovations in the winter.  So if you want to have the famous Shake Shack burger in their original location, go soon.

For information on the original Shake Shack location, to go: http://www.shakeshack.com/location/madison-square-park/

For information about MoMath, go to: http://momath.org

Some Wesport Shake Shack pictures:

No line!  At Saturday at 2:00 p.m.!

We could have actually found a table inside.

Outdoor seating is nice but you are right next to Route 1

New York Botanical Gardens - on the Cheap!

We went to The New York Botanical Gardens yesterday and got in for free!  Some libraries do have passes to the Gardens, though most of the libraries offering this are out of Westchester County.  Check with your employer as many companies that give to the Gardens have free passes or discounts for employees.  Also, some banks give free passes to customers and sometimes you just have to ask, like we did.

The Gardens are beautiful right now and we took the tram service for the first time and didn't realize there is so much more to the park than I had ever seen before!  Its worth a visit.  Lunch was a bit pricey at the cafe but at least the food was very good.  I didn't realize that after the register in the cafe, there is free water, which I would rather have than pay for bottled water.  At least I know that for the future.

The NY Botanical Gardens is only a 30 - 60 minute drive, depending on where you are in Fairfield County.  If this is somewhere you would like to visit often, great inspiration for any gardener, it might be worth it to sign up for the $125 Family Membership ($80 for Individual).  This price is for an upgraded membership that is 100% tax deductible and includes invites to member only programs and member only previews to new exhibitions and events.  The Family Membership is good for 2 adults and up to 5  children under the age of 18.  It comes with 8 parking passes, 4 complimentary tickets for friends and discounts at the Garden Shop.

For information on the Gardens, go to: http://www.nybg.org

For a list of upcoming events, go to: http://www.nybg.org/visit/exhibitions.php  I highly recommend the Japanese Garden event that celebrates the bloom of the Chrysanthemums (mums).  Went to this event last year with a member for members only pre-show and it was fantastic.  We sat outside and watched Taiko drumming and had some great Japanese food.

Go to Museums for Free Through Your Local Library!

Want to go to an area museum for free?  It may be possible through your local library.  Most local libraries have passes you can check out for free entry or discounts to local museums (and some in NYC and Boston).  The passes vary from each library and there is a fine if the passes not returned within the time limit, usually three days.  Most passes are first come, first served on a walk-in basis but some can be reserved.

Check out your local library passes:

Greenwich: http://www.greenwichlibrary.org/Borrowing%20Services/MuseumParkPasses.aspx

Stamford: http://www.fergusonlibrary.org/using-the-library/borrowers-services/museum-passes

Darien: http://www.darienlibrary.org/kids/children/museum-passes

New Canaan: http://libguides.newcanaanlibrary.org/Museum_Passes

Norwalk: http://www.norwalklib.org/index.aspx?NID=355

Westport: http://westportlibrary.org/services/museum-passes

Wilton: http://www.wiltonlibrary.org/services/museum-passes/

Weston: http://www.westonlibrary.org/general-information-leftmenu/using-the-library/museum-passes   Impressive list!

Ridgefield: http://www.ridgefieldlibrary.org/catalog_collections/museum_passes.shtml

Danbury: http://www.danburylibrary.org/content/227/232.aspx

Fairfield: http://fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/museum-passes/  - Impressive list!

Trumbull: http://www.trumbullct-library.org/museum%20passes.htm

Stratford: http://www.stratfordlibrary.org/museum-passes.html

Bridgeport: http://bportlibrary.org/main/uploads/BPL-Museum-Pass-List.pdf

Bethel: http://www.bethellibrary.org/services/museum-passes/

Free Tuesdays at Bruce Museum, Greenwich and Bruce Park Playground

Today we went to the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, right by exit 3 off I-95.  Tuesdays are free at the museum!  The Bruce Museum is a great museum for all ages and throughout the years we have always been impressed with their various exhibits.

Today we saw an exhibition of Roz Chast's art.  Chast is probably most well known for her cartoons in the New Yorker Magazine.  Even the kids liked this installation.

Okay, can't take pictures in most of the museum but we were able in this area.  The kids thought this was hilarious.

Another great art exhibition was called Greenwich Collects.  There were works by Andrew Wyeth (his paintings are amazing), Italian Renaissance Drawings and Chinese Antiquities - some of these were from 600 AD! 

We then went into the exhibit, Extreme Habitats: Into The Deep Sea.  This was very popular with the kids and we were lucky enough to have the exhibit coordinator, Peter, come out and talk to us about the exhibit and the animals living in the deep sea habitat.  It was great, a little science lesson and the kids loved it.

We followed Peter to the touch tank where he gave us another lesson on the sea creatures in the tank and the changing environment in Long Island Sound.

For information about The Bruce Museum, go to: https://brucemuseum.org

After the museum we crossed the street to The Bruce Park Playground.  If you have young kids, you have to go to this playground at least once.  It is huge will literally keep the kids happy for hours.  There is usually an ice cream truck parked in the area for some refreshments but there is a water fountain at the park as well as restrooms.

Its huge

The pictures don't give it justice.  Its much bigger!

For information about the playground, go to: http://www.greenwichct.org/upload/medialibrary/dc3/prFA_BrucePark.pdf

 

The Flea in Rowayton

We happened upon The Flea in Rowayton only because we parked in the community parking lot.  Even though this Home Decor Store/ Restaurant was in a parking lot, we felt like we were transported to Nantucket.  We haven't had time yet to have lunch there but the menu seemed pretty good.

We did stop in and had some drinks and shared a brownie.  The reviews on the brownie were mixed.  I loved it as it was really soft and warm but my friend thought it was too "gooey".  The prices aren't particularly cheap but its a very cute destination.  The official address is 158B Rowayton Avenue.  Its the parking lot across from Rowayton Market.  https://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&pc=FACEBK&mid=8100&rtp=adr.%7Epos.41.06845_-73.443186_Rowayton+Flea_158B+Rowayton+Ave%2C+Rowayton%2C+Connecticut&cp=41.06845%7E-73.443186&lvl=16&sty=r&rtop=0%7E0%7E0%7E&mode=D&FORM=FBKPL1&mkt=en-US

If you are a photographer, this would be an amazing place to take pictures of the kids, etc.  What a great back drop.

The Flea will be closed for the last two weeks in August but re-open in Sept.  There will be a community flea market by the Flea, Sept. 6th.  If you are interested in being a vendor, the fee is $20.  You can go to The Flea Facebook page for more information:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rowayton-Flea/176975649001688

Road Trip to Maine again and discovering Coney Island Lunch in Worcester - visiting a Market Basket

We had to go back up to Maine to pick up the kids from camp.  Instead of the usual restaurants we go to (which I love), we decided to try something different.  We wanted something quick without waiter service to keep it fast and cheap.  We did not, however, want to go to a fast food chain on the highway.  We read about Coney Island Lunch in Worcester, which is right off of Route 290, and decided to check it out.

I'm so glad we tried something new, it was so much fun.  The menu is limited, no french fries or shakes, just hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled cheese and that was about it.  They sell chips in bags, have a great selection of beers (Yuengling is now sold in New England!), and sell chocolate milk by the small carton or by a larger glass jar - the jar you can buy for $1.  I just had the hot dog and it was very good.  The best hot dog I've ever had?  No, that would be the hot dogs in Iceland but this hot dog was a close second.  If you are heading up that way, it is worth a try.  Oh, how much was our dinner for two?  $10.50.  We were stuffed.

 For their menu, history and directions, to go: http://www.coneyislandlunch.com

 

The service counter beyond the wooden booths.  The staff was incredibly friendly and everything was very clean.  Though it looks empty, people did keep on coming and going.  The booths are from the 1930s and every inch has been scratched with graffiti - from the 30s to today.

The recommended Coney Island Dogs.  Mustard, Relish and Onions.  I didn't have these but my husband said they were excellent.

My favorite chocolate milk!  It tasted like elementary school.

As we were heading up to Maine and I've read so much about The Market Basket Grocery Store drama, we went and checked one out.  It was amazing.  Customers are truly supporting the protest by boycotting the stores and putting receipts from other grocery stores on Market Basket doors. Watching to see if this will be resolved soon.  Hoping they don't just fire all the employees and try to start over or worse, just install those self service registers.  Our Stop and Shop now only has one person at check out to force you to use the self check out - which is great if you only have three items and nothing that has to be weighed.  I now avoid Stop and Shop.

The receipts

Employees seeking to reinstate former CEO Arthur T. Demoulas

Saw Hot Club of Cowtown at Ridgefield Playhouse Free! - CHIRP Concert Series

Last night we went to go see Hot Club of Cowtown at the Ridgefield Playhouse.  As the weather looked like rain, the concert was moved to the Ridgefield Playhouse from the usual location of Ballard Park. It was an excellent show and even though it was in the Playhouse, it was still a free concert.

We worried that the playhouse would be packed and we would not be able to get a seat as we arrived right before show time but we were able to get great seats.  The Playhouse did not fill up completely but by the time show started, the playhouse was about 80% filled.

The nice thing about the venue change is that the acoustics at Ridgefield Playhouse are great.  Also, they opened the concession area and we were able to get some drinks and snacks.

There are only a few weeks left, so if interested in this concert series, go to: http://chirpct.org/events/2014-concerts/

You can also like CHIRP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChirpCT


A small clip from our concert last night.  They even had their dog on stage.

Selleck's Woods in Darien

Took the dog for a walk in Selleck's Woods in Darien, the first time I have been there in 20 years.  I'm sure many people who live in Darien don't even know it exists, as the parking lot for the park is behind office buildings.  The park is located right by I-95 and the train line, so though it looks very secluded, it is very noisy.

I remember Selleck's woods as a kid and it was kind of a dump.  I was pleasantly surprised by how well maintained the park is now, thanks to The Friends' of Selleck's Woods.  The trails were wide, educational signs were posted throughout with information about birds, frogs, wetlands, etc.  The trails were well marked.  Butterfly gardens have been planted in areas to attract birds and of course, butterflies.  The large pond which was created when I-95 was built looked clean (it use to look like a partial dumping ground) and we came across some kids fishing.

For information about Selleck's Woods, to go: http://www.selleckswoods.com

Sellecks Woods is at 50 Parklands Lane, Darien.  When you enter the road you will pass one house and then enter what appears to be a long driveway to an office park.  Just continue to the very end and there is parking for the park.

This sign is at the bottom of Parklands Drive, as well as another trail map.

Obviously Fairy Houses are promoted here - parents of young girls will understand

The large pond

Butterfly Garden 

A trail

Educational signs were everywhere

The trails are wide and well maintained

It's hard to get lost

Robert Plant at the Capitol Theater

Hey, even when I was a kid listening to Led Zeppelin they were old news but I still loved them.  Robert Plant is coming to the Capitol Theater!  Tickets go on sale Friday.
http://www.thecapitoltheatre.com/event/653383-robert-plant-sensational-port-chester/

Valencia Luncheria - Norwalk, CT

Had dinner last night at Valencia Luncheria, one of my favorite restaurants in Fairfield County.  Its super casual and not expensive.  Their new location makes getting a table easier but this place does get packed quickly.  If you haven't been there for their great empanadas, arepas, cerviche, etc. you are missing out!  For the quality of food and quantity, its a great deal.  If you start ordering the drinks though...its gets expensive quickly.

The Outdoor Dining Area

Guacamole - Yum!

Port Stuffed Arepa - should have taken more pictures but we just dug into the food as soon as it came

Its all about these two sauces - they are the best

Ah - kick off your shoes and enjoy the sand underneath your toes when dining outside

For directions, hours and their menu, go to: http://www.valencialuncheria.com