Skip to main content

Earth-friendly Valentine's celebrations in Connecticut

Whether you are single, married, or something in between, Connecticut has something to offer you this Valentine's Day. And let's be honest, it's not just a day. Some of us have been collecting our little conversation hearts since January 18th.
While some may say, "Oh, it's just a day and Valentine's should be every day," we know those are the cheapskates who'd rather snore their way through any holiday (remember their lame excuses for not putting up a Christmas tree?) So here you go. Enjoy the holiday and the Valentine's weekend:
1. Putnam - Fire and Ice fest: February 11. Downtown Putnam will boast ice sculptures, horse and carriage rides, live music, ice luminarias, fire torches, fire dancing performances, fantastic food, live entertainment and as they say, much more. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Willimantic - Romantic Willimantic 13th Annual Chocolate Festival: February 11. Organizer say, "The day begins with the Cupid Made Me Run road race, followed by special chocolate themed events at various businesses and venues around the town; including a cake contest, music and much more." 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
3. Milford - Valentine's storytime, Feb. 11 - Barnes and Noble. This is not only fun but education and cultural riches for all ages. (Want to pull Tommy away from texting for an hour? It might make an impact for years to come!) Don't want to leave the kiddos out of a good time. Besides, who loves you more? 1375 Boston Post Rd., 11 a.m.
4. Fairfield - OK, this isn't an actual event, but this writer's recommendation: just stroll through the middle of town, stopping for a cappuccino at the belovedly funky cafe, Las Vetas Lounge. Whether you are looking for a good used book to read while you wait for your egg & cheese or want to play checkers with your bff, this is the spot. I've visited before seeing my oral surgeon across the street and I swear, it's consistently lowered my anxiety. Spiffy atmosphere and exceptional service.
5. Bristol: Family Sunday Victorian Valentines, Feb. 12, New England Carousel Museum.
The organizers tout that you'll create a Victorian Valentine, participate in crafts and tour the museum. Oh yes, ride the gorgeous carousel. Family fun and hey, maybe Mom and Dad can catch a minute of romance while Johnny and Jane are on the horsies.
PHOTOS: Top - New England Carousel Museum. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Images. Library of Congress: Original url: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/highsm.20134; 2nd - Willimantic, CT - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Images, Prospect Hill Historic District, US-NationalParkService-ShadedLogo.svg This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America. Its reference number is 03000814, September 27, 2014, by FutureHistory; 3rd - Las Vetas Lounge, Fairfield, CT, Laurie Wiegler; 4th - Fairfield town green, Laurie Wiegler; 5th - Milford, CT, Laurie Wiegler;

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

New England cities not among the greenest in America - but population a factor

As a native Californian, I was proud when I saw WalletHub’s latest press release, but as a longtime New Englander felt far less satisfied. In 2021, the greenest city in the Union is San Diego, CA according to WalletHub data, which takes into account transportation, the environment, energy sources and lifestyle and policy. Other West Coast states also fared well - Portland, OR at number three; Irvine, CA at four and Fremont, CA at six. Not surprisingly, Honolulu enjoys ranking fifth of 100 cities studied for the survey. In order to determine the greenest cities in the U.S., WalletHub compared the ten dozen most populated. They then evaluated those dimensions using 28 metrics. However, decisions had to be made and some issues and practices had to be excluded. WalletHub states that "although recycling is vital to the sustainability efforts of each city, the types and sizes of recycling facilities vary widely by city. We therefore were unable to include - due to the lack of co

This is what a school lockdown feels like

I was substituting for a very responsible young teacher. She was one of the first, after my four months with New Haven Schools, to clearly write sub instructions both for full and partial lockdown. I had insisted weeks ago that the District should train subs on lockdown and other emergency protocol. I had been told by the outgoing superintendent Iline Tracey, via e-mail, to check with each school upon arrival. The Director of Emergency Operations Rick Fontana had sent me an emergency guide. I do appreciate all of this, but none of it is enough. When the principal came onto the P.A. yesterday, I was winding down with a group of fourth graders. They were lining up at the door for their teacher to pick them up. I tried not to have any reaction when I heard we were in partial lockdown, but perhaps my expression belied me. A little one looked up at me and said, "One time when we had one there was a coyote outside." The other teacher whispered back to me and answered my question

Dr. Jane Goodall discusses need to combat climate change especially now, and why our great apes are also at risk during COVID crisis

Dr. Jane Goodall, who fits the only definition of "living legend" I know, spoke to the National Press Club during a Youtube interview today. She talked at great length with NPC president Michael Freedman regarding her decades-long work including as a ground-breaking primatologist renowned for research on wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. She made headlines in the 1960s, not only for her ability to communicate with chimps but for being a female doing important scientific work. National Geographic, in 1963, published the first cover story on Goodall and her research,“My Life Among the Wild Chimpanzees”, reaching millions on both sides of the Pond. In "NPC, A Virtual Newsmaker: Jane Goodall ", the British scientist, now a vibrant 86, shared that she supports the next generation of women following in her footsteps but hopes everyone will be careful. If one is researching elephants, for example, be mindful that such work can be dangerous. Remember to respect that a wild a