Crave Fairfield to Host Tito's Vodka 20th Anniversary CT Party

Tito's Vodka Celebrates their 20 Year Anniversary 

at 

CRAVE Fairfield!

How much fun is this! A vodka birthday party - and it's at the perfect fun place - CRAVE!

WHAT:                                  
CRAVE in Fairfield Hosts Tito’s 20th Anniversary Celebration for Connecticut

WHERE:                                  
52 Sanford Street, Fairfield, CT
203-292-8080, crave52.com

WHEN:                                  
Friday, April 7, 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

DETAILS:                                
Crave has been chosen by the Tito’s brand team as a premiere bar and gathering place to host this Texas based distiller’s 20th anniversary celebration and charity event. Crave serves Handmade Tito’s Vodka in their seasonal craft cocktails and popular Sunday Brunch Bloody Mary.

The anniversary celebration and charity event will feature cocktail samples, raffles, prizes and giveaways. The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce will be on hand supporting this initiative and recognition. Tito’s is a philanthropic company, rooted in charitable causes and working to “help make the world a better place,” says Founder and Master Distiller Tito Beveridge. Learn more from Tito here. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is produced in Austin at Texas’ oldest legal distillery and made in batches, using old-fashioned pot stills, and every batch is taste-tested.

 And here's where it gets really good! 

A portion of the proceeds will go to charity!

CHARITY:                          
With every Tito’s cocktail sold a $2.00 donation will be made to the Fighting Angels Foundation charity.
Fighting Angels is an organization dedicated to support and research of the rare neuro-genetic disorder

Angelman Syndrome where one in 15,000 individuals are affected by this disorder.

The Other Side of MA - at the Emily Dickinson Museum

Social Media Promotion

Portions of this trip were sponsored

The Emily Dickinson Museum

One of the first stops on our itinerary for the weekend to "the other side of MA" was a visit to the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst MA. My English lit classes were a VERY long time ago - so before we left I did a bit of research to refresh my poetic memory. I quickly found that one of my mom's favorite quotes to her bookworm daughter (me!) was Emily Dickinson's “To travel far, there is no better ship than a book.” 

It was the perfect way to start this  "girl's getaway" travel weekend that my friend Gayle and I, both avid readers, had embarked on! 

The Emily Dickinson Museum
"The Homestead"

The Museum offers several different guided tours of the Dickinson houses as well as an audio tour of the outdoor grounds. We began our visit to the Emily Dickinson Museum at the Tour Center which is part of the original 'Homestead' where Dickinson lived. The tour center includes a free exhibit about the publication of Emily Dickinson's poetry which is also located in the Tour Center. The Tour Center is open to the public - but tours beyond the lobby charge a fee.

About Emily Dickinson
From the Emily Dickinson Museum

Tours are scheduled regularly throughout the day.  Fees (see https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/tours) and tickets are sold in the tour center's lobby on a first-come, first-served basis.  Tour size may be limited and visitors cannot reserve tickets in advance of the day of the visit unless a group tour has been pre-arranged.  The Museum is happy to arrange tours for groups (parties of six or more people). Reservations for group tours must be made at least two weeks in advance and are subject to availability.

For additional information about Group Tours, please visit https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/group_tours

Emily Dickinson Museum

Unfortunately we weren't allowed to photograph anything beyond the museum's center but the tour we chose was titled "This Was a Poet" (from Dickinson's poem) and included the following:

• a 45-minute guided tour of the Homestead (Emily Dickinson's house)
• history of the home and Emily Dickinson by discussing her family, her education, and her poetry.
• the parlors, library, and Dickinson's bedroom
• an informal participatory reading of a few Dickinson poems

The museum notes that this tour is especially suitable for visitors who are new to Emily Dickinson, including families with small children.

Emily Dickinson Donor Statue
"I'm nobody, who are you?"
The line is from a short lyric poem
by Emily Dickinson first published in 1891

We especially found interesting the fact that the home was sold to a local Amherst family where it remained a private residence until Amherst College, recognizing Dickinson's growing literary prominence, purchased it for private tours, and a faculty residence. In 2003 the museum was created and it is currently in the process of renovating as well as refurbishing the home with artifacts consistent with the times. While none of the clothing or furniture in the rooms are Dickinson's they are true to the style of era.

I loved this beautiful Radiator
found in the Museum's Center

There is still much work to be done to bring the homestead to true museum quality stature - so the museum holds many fundraising events to help with costs. For information see https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/events

For those visiting from Connecticut, the museum is about a 1.5 hour drive from my native New Haven CT and about an hour from Hartford CT. The museum is great place to visit for Dickinson fans when touring local colleges, other museums, and area attractions.

The area is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway!  For more area attractions visit http://visithampshirecounty.com/

Emily Dickinson Museum

280 Main Street
Amherst, MA 01002
413-542-2154
https://emilydickinsonmuseum.org/

About Amherst MA

Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, in the Connecticut River valley. With a population of 37,819 (2010 census), it is the largest community in Hampshire County. The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.

© Home Place 2017

The Other Side of MA - At Johnny's Tavern in Amherst MA

Social Media Promotion:

Portions of this trip were sponsored

Johnny's Tavern in Amherst MA 

As part of our girl's weekend road trip to "The Other Side of MA" Gayle and I found a great little food and shopping district about a half mile from the museum that we were slated to visit. This central district offered  SO MANY great dining choices - but we decided to go with the first one we spotted - and were so happy with our choice - Johnny's Tavern in Amherst MA.

Johnny's Tavern in Amherst Massachusetts

Johnny's Tavern, your typical local pub with an upscale feel, is located in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. Their menu is INCREDIBLE! The management team is proud of their extensive item selections which feature organic produce, sustainable seafood, hormone-free meat and poultry where ever possible. Known for their excellent customer service, delicious food, professionalism and hospitality, this tavern is a great place to dine with friends, or have a casual date night.

I was a bit parched and hankering for a citrus-y cocktail and spotted a fun "Beyoncé Lemonade" on their cocktail menu! The perfect thirst quencher - and garnished with a thick slice of cucumber - it was a great start to our lunch.

Because we knew we were going to have a huge dinner that evening, we decided to go on the lighter side for lunch. Gayle ordered one of their flatbread choices, the Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza and I went with their Salmon Salad.

Chicken Pesto Flatbread Pizza
house made basil pesto, grilled chicken, goat cheese, tomatoes 

Salmon Salad

grilled, 5 oz, greens, roasted red pepper, olive, 

cucumber, feta, lemon pepper vinaigrette 

Lunch at Johnny's Tavern in Amherst MA

For those visiting from Connecticut, this restaurant is about a 1.5 hour drive from my native New Haven CT and about an hour from Hartford CT. It's a great place to have brunch, lunch, or dinner when touring local colleges, museums, and area attractions. Immediately following our lunch we visited the nearby Emily Dickinson Museum.

The area is a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway!  For more area attractions visit http://visithampshirecounty.com/

Johnny's Tavern

30 Boltwood Walk

Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: 413-230-3818

http://www.johnnystavernamherst.com/index.html

About Amherst MA

Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, in the Connecticut River valley. With a population of 37,819 (2010 census), it is the largest community in Hampshire County. The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by Visit Western Massachusetts, however all opinions are my own. 

© Home Place 2017

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet Easter Events

Come to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets 

AND

Visit with the Easter Bunny

This bunny -- or her brother or sister, will be making his or her annual appearance at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet in Clinton Connecticut this year! Make sure you're there for a fun meet and greet with the Easter Bunny!

Visit Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets to shop for some beautiful spring outfits at one of their many retailers and while you're there take a picture with the Easter Bunny!

The Strolling Easter Bunny will be at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets from 1PM to 4PM on April 8th and 15th, 2017. The outlet’s Easter Sunday hours are 12 PM to 6 PM.


The Strolling Easter Bunny at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

• Saturday, April  8, 2017 from 1pm-4pm
• Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 1pm-4pm

And who knows! Maybe the Easter Bunny will make an appearance on Sunday! 

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet

20 Killingworth Turnpike
Clinton, CT 06413

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets’ web page:
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/clinton-crossing

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/clintoncrossingpremiumoutlets 

About Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets®, located along the Connecticut Shoreline, is a charming outdoor village center conveniently located on I-95 en route to Boston or New York. Enjoy savings of 25% to 65% off every day prices featuring more than 70 designer and name brand outlet stores.

Viceroy Publik House comes to Downtown Stamford CT

A new restaurant fusing the best of British and Indian heritage and tradition is coming to Stamford CT. That's right, The Vicery Publik House, soon to be THE cultural connection in downtown Stamford is set to open in April 2017!

Taking a page from history, from what is now referred to as the “British Raj”, the British rule over the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947, Viceroy Publik House pays homage to this now proud British and Indian cultural connect, offering a high energy English pub setting featuring London curry, pakoras and pints, and an edgy live music venue which is just as diverse as its menu. Located in Downtown Stamford, CT, Viceroy Publik House brings together these two cultures, rich in history and with a strong food and drink identity found in pubs throughout London.


A Publik House, “Pub” for short, was artfully designed by the British, dating as far back as the 1300s. Its focus was that of a gathering place where beer and cider were merely offerings within the pub’s social or political confines.  Over the years the concept grew and other cultures (Irish, Canadian, Australian, etc) brought their own food, drink, and entertainment to these neighborhood haunts, often a product of a town or family’s legacy.  Viceroy Publik House embraces its British namesake as the public face of the British presence in India, which ultimately carried with it strong Indian influences found throughout the British culture, namely its artistic and culinary presence.

 Located in a bi-level townhouse at 211 Summer Street, music promoter and innovative Stamford restaurateur Eric Monte has created an elevated pub experience lifted from the streets of London. Shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, Faroe Island salmon, and bangers ‘n mash share space with spicy vindaloo, madras, and samosas, favored pub fare to be accompanied by a pint.

 “The wheel has already been invented, “explains Monte, “Our goal was to simply create a style of restaurant and bar that spoke to the core values of a traditional English pub – historic influences and all.”

Owned by entrepreneur Ramya Lakshman, Viceroy Publik House enriches the dining scene along downtown Stamford’s “Little Summer Street”. Its entranceway is marked by the car hood of a vintage Triumph Bonnet, and suspended within the first floor’s picture window is a ‘68 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle, a product of the UK ethos. The street level dining room and bar is framed in carved mahogany wood and regal chandeliers, offering guests a menu filled with classic English pub fare, Indian curries, and libations presented in an intimate setting.

 The Tiger Room, Viceroy’s second story alter ego and music lounge is home to Monte’s signature musicians’ den. Featured on The Tiger Room’s Heineken Stage is an on-going spirited jam session among underground musicians, pop culture artists, and rock ‘n roll royalty with national acclaim. Monte, a consummate host with either a menu or a microphone in hand, has assembled a house band which will be the backbone to a robust schedule of music genres, as well as the area’s first live music karaoke night.



Set to Open April 2017

Viceroy Publik House

211 Summer Street
Stamford, CT

www.viceroystamford.com

Shell and Bones Oyster Bar is Ready for Spring and Summer Brunch

Get Ready for Brunch at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

Now that the spring season is finally upon us, in spite of the temperatures still being in the teens, we can start dreaming of the bright and sunny spring mornings and balmy summer temperatures that await us. This time of year makes me think of getting together with friends and family, and on the Connecticut Shoreline the best places to do that are at some of our favorite restaurants - those restaurants with a view!

Brunch Cocktails at
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

 One of the best views in my local New Haven County is at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar, located right on the water in the City Point section of New Haven. And they're getting ready for the spring and summer brunch season by releasing some delicious new cocktail libations and non-alcohol selections too, on their brand NEW Brunch Cocktail Menu to go along with their delicious brunch offerings.

Waterfront Dining at
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

Here's another great thing about Shell & Bones - they serve brunch from Friday-Sunday beginning at 11:00am. That's right FRIDAY BRUNCH! Talk about FRI-YAY!

To go along with their delicious brunch staples like Eggs Benedict, Specialty Omelets, Specialty Frittatas, Steak and Eggs...and more ---  they have a great new cocktail menu that compliments everything there is to compliment about BRUNCH!

The new cocktails include:

• Gordon’s Breakfast – Waypoint Spirits spicy Vodka, cucumber, lime, chipotle and brown sugar
• Johnny the Fox – Old Forester Bourbon, Martini & Rossi Dry, lemon, egg white, nutmeg
• Brian Wilson – Mizu Shochu, grapefruit, cucumber, Prosecco
• The Aeroplane Flies High – Aviation Gin, Crème de Violette, Lazzaroni Maraschino, lemon

Gordon's Breakfast at
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

These four new additions join the restaurant’s signature morning drink – “The Breakfast” Bloody Mary – featuring Tito’s Vodka, ripe San Marzano Bloody Mary mix, chorizo, cocktail shrimp, bacon, cornichon and olives, as well as the Classic Mimosa and Classic Bellini.

The “Temperance” cocktails are served without alcohol, though a shot of house spirits can be added. The new offerings include:

Temperance Offerings at Shell & Bones Oyster Bar

• Stevie Ray – lemon, pineapple, ginger, maple, angostura, soda
• El Pilluelo – lime, grapefruit, rosemary syrup, soda
• The Raleigh – cucumber, lime juice, mint, soda water

See what's on the Brunch Menu HERE

Shell and Bones Oyster Bar

100 S Water Street

New Haven, CT 06519

(203) 787-3466

http://shellandbones.com/

About Shell and Bones Oyster Bar

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar, located on the waterfront in the historic City Point area of New Haven, Connecticut, offers the finest in seafood and steak, receiving accolades from Connecticut Magazine, New Haven Living Magazine and a “Very Good” review from The New York Times since opening in July 2015.  Acclaimed Executive Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho incorporates fresh and sustainable ingredients to present new takes on classic dishes, including his award-winning New England Clam Chowder, with all soups, stocks, sauces and desserts made in-house.  In addition to its cuisine, Shell & Bones offers an extensive wine and beer list and creative cocktail menu, with several beers, liquors and wines sourced locally in Connecticut.

The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor waterfront dining with an indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pits, complimentary parking and private event space.  Shell & Bones is open for dinner seven days a week, and offers Brunch Friday-Sunday beginning at 11:00am.  For more information, visit http://shellandbones.com/.  The restaurant can also be found on Facebook (ShellandBones) and Instagram (shellandbonesoysterbarandgrill).   

Food Trucks Return April 1 to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

CLINTON CROSSING PREMIUM OUTLETS 

GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS 

RETURN ON APRIL 1st!

WHAT: Gourmet food trucks are returning to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets on April 1. Among the returning trucks, Sugar Bakery and Munchies have been named as Best Food Trucks in Connecticut Magazine.

GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS INCLUDE:

Sugar Bakery Cupcake Truck

Sugar started in 2004 by mother/daughter team Carol Vollono & Brenda DePonte using family recipes with a twist. They have received acclamations from CT Magazine, The New Haven Advocate & Food Network. Most recently, Brenda and her family appeared in Vineyard Vines Clothing Catalogue. They boast to supplying a Sugar Boost to Sugar addicts all over the state. www.sugarbakery.com

Food Extrovert

The Food Extroverts' kitchen is an ever-changing eclectic menu. A few popular items include the mac-n-cheese and grilled cheese which has items like blue berries or buffalo chicken added to create a new taste. foodextrovert.com

Munchies

Munchies was just named one of The Best Food Trucks 2017 Expert Picks in Connecticut Magazine. They enjoy using their family recipes to create their versions of old school classics with multi-cultural influences giving their fare unique and bold flavors. munchiesfoodtruck.com

Fryborg

Owner, Jon, began his business after a trip to Brussels, Belgium and his experience with eating frites out of a paper cone. His passion for hand-cut french fries and specialty dips has become a favorite. Fryborg.com

Taco Pacifico

Offers authentic Mexican cuisine. Ask for a bag of Amorinas, their signature tortilla chips with a little pico de gallo and fresh guacamole to go with it. Tacopacifico.com

Greekin Out

Greekin Out will be returning to Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets in 2017 a few times throughout the season! Their menu consists of authentic Greek cuisine, and they offer hand-stacked gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, Greek salads, crispy feta fries, rice pudding, and baklava.   www.greekinout.com

Teriyaki Express

WHEN: Saturday, April 1

WHERE: Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets

20 Killingworth Turnpike

Clinton, CT 06413

Food Truck Court, across from J. Crew and Bose

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets’ web page:

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/clinton-crossing

Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets’ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/clintoncrossingpremiumoutlets

7th Annual Greenwich Wine and Food Festival 2017

Save the Date! 

The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival 

Returns on September 22-23, 2017

Greenwich Wine and Food Fest 2017

Tickets are now on sale for the Seventh Annual Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Master Chef Wine Dinner! Festival tickets will be available SOON!

The festival is presented by Serendipity magazine (www.serendipitysocial.com) and will return to the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, Connecticut with a Master Chef Wine Dinner on Friday, September 22nd, followed by a full day of food, drinks and more on Saturday, September 23rd.

Connecticut's Own Celebrity Chef - Scott Conant -To Host Master Chef Wine Dinner

Connecticut's own Celebrity chef Scott Conant, best known for his "Chopped" judging gig, will be Friday’s honoree; the Food Network star and famed restaurateur will talk about innovation in the restaurant industry and introduce the area’s top chefs who have been named Most Innovative and Ambassador chefs.

Photo Source: @conantnyc Instagram

“Chef Conant’s fantastic New York City restaurants like L’Impero and Alto have made his name synonymous with innovation, so it’s only fitting that he’ll be introducing the incredible lineup of chefs in this region who also push the culinary envelope,” said Suni Unger, Founder and CEO of Serendipity and the GREENWICH WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL.  “We’re also thrilled to have festival favorite Adam Richman back as a special guest who will mix and mingle with Friday night guests!”

The evening will honor Serendipity’s 2017 Most Innovative Chefs and showcase some of this year’s festival’s Ambassador Chefs.

The talented lineup of Ambassador Chefs for 2017 includes:

• Mogan Anthony (Village Social), 
• Rui Correia (Douro/Gaia), 
• Constantine Kalandranis (273 Kitchen), 
• Michael Kaphan (Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish), 
• Geoff Lazlo (Mill Street Bar & Table), 
• Stephen Lewandowski (Harlan Social), 
• Brian Lewis (The Cottage), 
• Rafael Palomino (Sonora), 
• Forrest Pasternack (Baldanza at The Farmhouse and The Barn at The Bedford Post Inn), 
• Christian Petroni (Fortina), 
• Debra Ponzek (Aux Délices), 
• Nadia Ramsey (Méli-Mélo Catering), 
• Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering), 
• David Snyder (Char), 
• Matt Storch (Match/Nom-eez), 
• Bill Taibe (The Whelk/Kawa Ni) and Luke Venner (Elm).  

The Most Innovative Chefs and additional Ambassador Chefs will be announced soon.

“These celebrated area chefs will prepare and serve their inventive dishes while interacting with guests, making this a unique opportunity for area foodies to meet the men and women behind their favorite restaurants,” added Unger.  “Wine will also play a major role in this year’s dinner, featuring tastings from wineries located around the world, including buzzed-about startups, winemakers with their own labels, and larger, well-known wineries.”  

Platinum-Selling Big Head Todd & The Monsters To Perform Live

Friday night will finish with a live performance from platinum-selling blues rock band Big Head Todd and the Monsters (“Bittersweet,” “Broken Hearted Savior”).

Tickets are now on sale for Friday’s Master Chef Dinner ($325 per ticket) via www.serendipitysocial.com or by calling 203.588.1363.

Additional tickets, including Saturday General Admission, Saturday VIP and more, will be available in the coming weeks.

 Visit www.serendipitysocial.com or the event’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GreenwichwinefoodFestival) for more information and updates about the event schedule, participating celebrity and local chefs, musical talent, ticket availability and more.

The event will be held rain or shine, and anyone under 21, including infants or strollers, will not be admitted. Animals are also not permitted.


The GREENWICH 2017 WINE+FOOD FESTIVAL is a multi-day event celebrating the area’s rich culinary landscape, and showcase innovation in the food and beverage industries. It will benefit multiple charitable organizations including the Greenwich Parks & Recreation Fund and the James Beard Foundation (more beneficiaries to be announced in the coming weeks).  The festival is partnered with Serendipity magazine.  Sponsors to date include Barbara Zaccagnini, Dacor, Empire City Casino, Hospital for Special Surgery, NuKitchens, Wüsthof and 90+ Cellars.*  For more information, visit www.serendipitysocial.com.

The Annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College in Western Massachusetts

Social Media Promotion: Hosted

This weekend we headed up north to Western Massachusetts, aka "the other side of MA" to visit the Annual Spring Bulb Show at the Botanic Garden of Smith College in Northampton Massachusetts. The northeast section of the U.S. has been experiencing some downright frigid temperatures - so a glimpse of spring would be a welcome respite to all us New Englanders!

The Botanic Garden of Smith College, developed in 1875, was the brainchild of  L. Clarke Seelye, the College's first president, who had a vision for the entire campus to be developed as a botanic garden. In addition to the aesthetic beauty it brought to the campus, this innovative concept would also allow for scientific research. While strolling the campus grounds don't be surprised if the  landscape feels somewhat familiar -  the same firm that designed Central Park was hired to bring President Seelye's vision to life. (Smith College, About Us)

Fast forward to Smith College in the 21st century and the Botanic Garden of today includes thousands of plants, including those grown under glass in the Lyman Conservatory and outdoors in the campus arboretum, the landscape for student learning, and various specialty gardens around campus. Additionally, there are 60,000 pressed specimens available for research in the herbarium.

The living plant specimens are the heart of the Botanic Garden and their bridge to the rest of the botanical world, studying the past through the future. (Smith College, About Us)

One of their most popular exhibitions is the Annual Spring Bulb Show which dates back to the early 1900's. This showcase of spring blooming flowers includes crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips as well as non-hardy South African Bulbs. The process begins in October, when Smith College horticulture students pot up the bulbs and put them into cold storage. Starting in January, the bulbs are moved to the greenhouses. It takes careful timing and temperature control to orchestrate their colorful and fragrant debut in March.

Here are some of the beautiful sights from the 2017 showcase:

In addition to the flowering bulbs there is a tropical rainforest area with ponds, water features, exotic orchids, and tropical plants

The Spring Bulb Show opens the first Saturday in March; runs for two weeks including the third weekend.

Weekday Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Extended Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Suggested Donation: $5.00

This year the Spring Bulb Show Runs March 4th through March 19th - don't miss this beautiful 'welcome to spring' with a bounty of blooming flowers at Smith College Botanic Garden.

The Botanic Garden at Smith College

16 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063


The bulb show also offers a bulb sale the weekend after the show. Details are available at https://www.smith.edu/garden/event/after-the-show-bulb-sale

Don't miss any of the upcoming events at the Botanic Garden - look here https://www.smith.edu/garden/events and save the dates of November 4 - November 19th for their Fall themed Chrysanthemum Show where the deep autumnal tones of fall are featured.

Look for more beauty in 'the other side of MA" by searching  the hashtags #InBloomMA and #otherSideMA on your favorite social media outlets.

Disclaimer: This visit was part of a trip sponsored in part by the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, however all opinions are my own.


© Home Place 2017

Celebrate Easter at Saybrook Point

Come to the Easter Celebration at Saybrook Point!

Are you looking to spend your Easter holiday somewhere truly special? Saybrook Point, in Old Saybrook Connecticut, is celebrating Easter with a traditional holiday feast, including a fine selection of contemporary seasonal fare at its award-winning casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt on Sunday, April 16. 

Saybrook Point is also offering overnight accommodations at its historic main Inn and luxury guesthouses during Easter weekend; holiday package rates start at $373; guests will enjoy exquisite overnight accommodations on Saturday, April 15 including a $20 food and beverage credit for the lounge at Fresh Salt, plus Easter Brunch for two on Sunday, April 16.

To book the Easter Brunch Getaway Package at Saybrook Point, please call 860.395.2000.

The Easter holiday buffet at Saybrook Point features house-made breakfast pastries, Belgian and gluten-free waffles, breakfast meats, and a seafood station with shrimp and assorted smoked seafood. The feast’s Farm to Chef Easter Egg Basket will feature Lobster Newburgh-style Eggs Benedict with Spinach-Gruyere Quiche, while the Terra Mar Charcuterrie & Smokehouse section will offer House-cured Salmon, Seared Ahi Tuna, Smoked Salmon, Smoked Trout, and Smoked Mussels, along with sliced Salumi, Coppa, Soppressata, Smoked Duck Breast, Tasso Ham, Venison Andouille Sausage, and Cajun Smoked Chicken.

At the Carving Station, guests will enjoy Prime Rib of Angus Beef, Natural Jus Roasted Rosemary Crusted Leg of Lamb, and Seville Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham, while the Pasta Station will offer Tortellini, Butternut Squash, Broccoli Rabe-Pancetta, Classic Cioppino, and Oriecchette.  Hot entrees to round out the celebration will include Blackened Atlantic Salmon with Yellow Pepper Sauce and Crab Salsa Cruda, White Mable Farms Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Wild Mushroom-Madeira Cream Sauce, Pan Seared Breast of Chicken with Cabernet Rice Pilaf and Natural Jus, Shrimp-Scallop-Artichoke Gratin, and Eggplant Lasagna.

Dessert-lovers will fall in love with the pastry chef’s offering of more than 25 items from Fresh Salt’s bakeshop.  Favorites include: Caramel Apple Bread Pudding; Pineapple Upside-down Cake; Baklava; Rice Pudding and Chocolate Mousse Cups.

Seating for the Easter holiday buffet at Saybrook Point begins at 10:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm.

Reservations are advised, as this is a perennial favorite for New Englanders.  Call the direct reservations line at 860.339-1318. The cost is $55.95 for adults, $27.95 children ages 5 - 12.

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point

2 Bridge Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
860.395.2000
Easter Sunday Menu: http://www.saybrook.com/event/easter-sunday-brunch-2017/

About Saybrook Point 

Situated along the picturesque shores of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Saybrook Point features a collection of 100 elegantly-appointed guestrooms, a rejuvenating full-service SANNO spa, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt, as well as a unique waterfront Lighthouse Suite. In addition, the historic Three Stories and Tall Tales luxury guesthouses offer exquisite rooms that convey the story of famous local residents. The pristine Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark boating destination conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River, serves as a focal point for the Inn. For more information and to sign up for the e-newsletter, visit  www.saybrook.com.

Lord and Taylor in Stamford CT for Prom 2017

Lord and Taylor stores across the country are celebrating prom season in a special way and here in Connecticut  is no exception. In many stores, row after row of beautiful gowns and cocktail length dresses await you.

Our Stamford store is really stepping out in a great way with a series of events celebrating all that is special about prom season. The high-low hemline is still in, as well as floral and bold patterns.

Color ranges from this years color of the year "greenery" to the ever popular Ralph Lauren true navy.

All-Access Prom Fashion Show

On Saturday, March 4th, at 2pm there is an in-store prom fashion show event at 2pm where Lord & Taylor Stamford and their personal shoppers will host the first 'all access' prom event featuring models from nearby high schools showcasing the latest prom fashion trends. There will also be DJ entertainment; and vendors including Marilyn Roos Photography, Organic Airbrush Tanning and Noelle Day Spa. Guests will receive special discounts, swag bags, and can participate by getting spray tanned, hair styled, and makeup by Lord & Taylor. Cookies and refreshments will be served.

Friends and Family Prom Showcase

On Thursday evening, April 6th, from 6:30 - 8:30 there will be one last chance to grab the season’s hottest styles before they’re gone! Special friends and family offers will be in place, including 25% to 30% off select styles.

Lord & Taylor

110 High Ridge Road, Stamford
203-327-6600

RSVP for all events to Tiffany_Smith@lordandtaylor.com

 All dresses in this post are available online at http://www.lordandtaylor.com/promtrends