Peggy Chirico ~ Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate Blog

WalkCT Family Ramble

On Saturday, September 24, 2011, WalkCT will lead a Family Ramble along the historic railroad that connected the Cheney silk mills to the North End of Manchester.

The walk will begin at 1:00 p.m. behind Farr's Sporting Goods on Main Street, Manchester CT and will go for one mile before returning to Farr's.  The walk is estimated to take about 1-3/4 hours and is led in partnership with the Manchester Historical Society.  There are no restrooms along the way, so plan accordingly.  In the event of nasty weather, the event will be canceled.

For information, call the Family Guide at 860-643-9776.  Registration is not required but would be appreciated.

Family Rambles are led on the last Saturday of the month at various locations in Connecticut. Information changes frequently so contact the Connecticut Forest and Park Association at 860-346-2372 for updated details.

WalkCT, whose motto is "The Path to Health and Happiness," has a fantastic website with information about the organization as well as walking trails throughout Connecticut and New England.  If you are looking for a walk in your area, you can use their search tool.  It will provide all the trails withing a certain radius, with the type of walk, level of difficulty, and other information.  Most are free, but some like Dinosuar State Park do have admission fees.

Make It and Take It Fall Basket at Woodland Gardens in Manchester CT

Do you have an empty basket or container that you have been wanting to fill?  Are you looking for festive fall decorations for your front porch or walkway? Come to Woodland Gardens at 164 Woodland Street in Manchester and create one there in their Make It and Take It Fall Basket workshop!

On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, Woodland Gardens will be holding a workshop on creating a fall basket or container.  You can bring one you already have or buy one at the shop.  At 6:00 p.m., the fun begins.  You can select any perrenials, grasses, annuals, and accessories to make a beautiful fall display for your front porch.  Professionals will help you as much as you want, offer suggestions, or just let you do it yourself.   The great thing is that you take the basket home and leave the mess behind!

The Make It and Take It workshop is free; participants just pay for the materials they use.  Share your ideas and get inspired from others! Join Woodland Gardens at 168 Woodland Street in Manchester CT for the Make It and Take It Fall Basket on September 20, 2011 at 6:00.

Registration is necessary! Call the shop at 860-643-8474 or email them at woodlandgardens@sbcglobal.net.

Other Make It and Take It sessions include:

• Make and Take It Thanksgiving Arrangement on November 17, 2011
• Make and Take It Tabletop Boxwood Tree on December 15, 2011
• Make and Take It Christmas Decoration on December 20, 2011

Visit Woodland Gardens to see details on all class offerings.

Cruisin' on Main Street ~ Sunday, September 18, 2011 in Manchester CT

Don't forget!  Cruisin' on Main Street was postponed two times because of weather, but tomorrow looks like it's going to be a perfect day.  Third time's a charm! 

This fantastic display of classic and vintage cars is one of Manchester CT's premier events and benefits MARC, MACC, and Downtown Manchester Special Services District.  The event will be held from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. and promises to be tons of fun.   Here are some of the highlights of this year's event:

Show-Car Check-In:  If you are planning to participate, here is all the information you need to know.

T-Shirt:  There will be t-shirt booths selling this year's t-shirt, which features a 1970 Mustang.

Food:  With all the food and beverage vendors, be sure to arrive hungry!

Spectators should realize how much work it takes to restore and maintain vintage and classic cars and trucks and take special care when viewing them.  Here are a few rules to be aware of:

• Scooters, bikes, roller blades, skateboards, and golf carts are not allowed in the viewing area.
• Leave pets at home.  Fido's nails can damage a finish.
• Don't sit on, lean on, or place food or beverages on the show cars.

Also, numerous sponsors made this event possible; without their generosity events like this can't take place. Visit their booth or place of business and show your support.

Have a great day tomorrow at Cruisin' on Main Street in Manchester CT!

Wine Tasting at Adams Mill Restaurant ~ September 19, 2011

On Monday, September 19,2011, Manchester Wine and Liquors will hold its first wine-tasting of the upcoming season at Adams Mill Restaurant on Adams Street in Manchester CT at 6:30 p.m. 

Once a month, from September through June, Manchester Wine and Liquors has a wine tasting on a different wine-producing region.  Wine representatives talk about the wines that are tasted, and the evening is always informative, fun, and delicious.

This month's winetassting will focus on family-owned California wine producers and the wines tasted will be:

• Alexander Valley Vineyards Gewurztraminer ($10.99)
• Honig Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley ($15.99)
• Benziger Chardonnary Carneros Sangiacomo Vineyard ($15.99)
• McManis Petite Sirah ($10.99)
• Pierano Zinfandel Lodi Immortal ($11.99)
• Benziger Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma ($16.99)
• Baletto Pinot Noir Russian River ($20.99)
• Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley($27.99)

You must register for the event.  Only wine club members can register and bring one guest, but anyone can sign up to be a wine club member (just call 860-649-7450 or email them at mwl@snet.net) or stop in the store, which is in the BJs shopping plaza.  Be sure to call early because the wine-tastings sell out quickly.

The cost for the wine-tasting is $6.00 but if you sign up to purchase at least six bottles from the tasting, the $6.00 will be refunded.  There are also case discounts.

The profits from the sale of wine at the wine tasting always go to a non-profit organization, and September's wine tasting will benefit Medical Missions for Children in Woburn, MA (501C-3 #04-3519422).