Tidings

Come to the Scarecrow Soiree!

2011-10-18T16:17:00.001-04:00

The Madison Chamber of Commerce Presents

Scarecrow Soiree

Downtown Madison

Thursday, October 20, 2011 5pm to 8pm

The culmination of a month of SEA, SHOP SCARE!Crows

Stores will be offering specials for the evening.

There will be free in-store refreshments.
Over 50 scarecrows are on display all over town.
The audience's (your's) choice will be awarded the Blue Ribbon.

[Don't forget to vote for your favorite scarecrow online at madisonct.com or zip06.com] - cutoff is Wednesday, October 19th - midnight

Come out for a night.

Stroll the town.

Meet friends and family.

Enjoy shopping for sales!

Add a Little Romance and Adventure to Your Leaf-peeping: A dozen interesting ways to enjoy the Autumn colors.

2011-10-17T22:22:00.001-04:00

Late October into early November is Peak Leaf-Peeping Along the CT Shoreline

The colors are beginning to turn here on the CT shoreline and the surrounding countryside, and this coming weekend and the week to follow, the last two weekends in October, into the first weekend of November, in my opinion, are going to be the peak dates for maximum enjoyment. So take a few days, midweek or weekend, and come take in all that this wonderful season has to offer. Eye candy and more!

Creative Leaf-Peeping: Not your ordinary Sunday Drive ...

There are so many out-of-the-ordinary ways to enjoy the Autumn colors here along the heart of the CT shoreline. As I started to think about it the list just grew and grew. Here's an Autumn Baker's Dozen to lure you out of your home and office and into the great out doors. Add a little romance and adventure to your leaf-peeping this year.

1. Kayaking inland waterways:
Kayak the Hammonasset River in Madison, the East River in Guilford and the Indian River in Clinton. This time of year it's upstream/inland you'll want to paddle to see the colors. Bring your own vessel or rent from the Boat Center in Madison to launch in the Hammonasset River, Harmuth Marine in Madison, by the East River, and Indian River Marina in Clinton, to enjoy the views along the Indian River.

The Boat Center, Madison. 203-245-7242
Harmuth Marine, Madison/Guilford. 203-318-8657
Indian River Marina, Clinton. 860-664-3704

2. Zipline and Tree Climbing Adventures:
Not just for team-building and leadership training, "Empower" in Middletown offers canopy zipline and tree-climbing adventures. Don't just see the colors. Be a part of them! Great to do with family and friends or just the two of you. If you've seen any of the recent seasons of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette you'll know what a great bonding experience this can be.

Empower, Middletown CT. 860-622-8726

3. Hot Air Balloon Rides:
Just imagine gliding slowly over the treetops as the morning sun's rays spotlight the Autumn colors. You'll have the bird's eye view, up close and personal, and there are no words to describe the peace that you'll feel while you're up up and away. You'll feel no motion as you glide with the breezes and not against them. You may even be joined by a passing flock of migrating birds. Tradition calls for a champagne toast to celebrate the completion of each flight. There are at least a half-dozen hot air balloon pilots to choose from nearby. It's likely they'll be nearly booked for weekends, but midweek rides may be easier to come by. Don't forget to bring your camera.

Adventures Balloon 860-584-1300
Berkshire Balloons 203-250-8441
CT Balooning 860-209-0351
Castleview Balloons 203-272-6116
Connecticut Hot Air Balloons 800-260-2028
Eastern CT Balloon 860-376-5807

4. Sea Cruises and Sails:
View the colors of the land from the sea. Take a sunset sail and glide along the water with the wind. Joyride Charters' Hado departs from Brewer's Pilot's Point Marina in Westbrook. Contact Captain Joy Sherman to take a sunset sail or enjoy an afternoon at sea. Enjoy stories of characters and quirky history and points of interest on a Thimble Islands Cruise aboard the Sea Mist or the Volsugna IV. Cruises are available weekends through October on a limited schedule. Arrange a personal fall foliage charter with Captain Jim Marshall, "Doctors orders Charter Service" sailing his 33' "Pursuit" out of Clinton Marina. He'll customize a trip to fit your needs, and you may even include lunch or dinner in the port of your choice along Long Island Sound.

Joyride Charters, Captain Joy Sherman 203-530-5037
Thimble Islands Cruise aboard the Sea Mist 203-488-8905
Thimble Islands Cruise aboard the Volsugna IV 203-481-3345
Doctors Orders Charter Service, to email Captain Jim Marshall 203-809-9475

5. Bicycles:
Bring your own or rent from Action Sports in Old Saybrook. Cycle the beach roads, the back roads, and the designated scenic routes. A great web site for planning your routes before you come is Connecticut Bike Routes.org. Here you can enter your point of departure, such as Madison CT, and choose terrain, distance and more features to get a list of cyclist-created tried and true bike routes, including detail directions and distances, bathroom facilities and places to rest or buy food along the way. Don't forget to ask your innkeeper, too, to find out all the area's scenic drives.

ConnecticutBikeRoutes.org Search for South Central CT and enter Madison as your starting point. We can then direct you from the inn to any point that they begin with in Madison.
Action Sports, Old Saybrook 860-388-1291

6. Fall Migration Birding:
Join Jerry Connolly of the Audubon Shop in Madison on Saturday mornings for most informative and interesting guided bird walks during this fall migration time. The Centershore of CT, and especially here in Madison, is on the North-South Atlantic migration path, so there are many feathered friends to see as they pass on their journey to their winter homes. Also check "The Source" local newspaper for announcements of other locally guided birding walks in Bauer Park, Hammonasset State Park, and more.

The Audubon Shop 203-245-9056
The Source

7. Steam Train Rides and Riverboat Sails:
Enjoy the colors along the CT river and valley with a steam train ride and riverboat cruise. Departing from Essex the Essex Steam Train will take you along the shore of the CT river to Deep River Landing where you'll board the Becky Thatcher riverboat (yes, a real riverboat) to cruise up river past Gilette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera house before returning to board the train for the round-trip back to Essex Station. Make note of these sights for you'll want to take time after your ride to visit them for an up close and personal look.

For a tall-masted sail up and down the CT River enjoy an afternoon cruise or a sunset sail aboard the schooner Mary E, departing from the Connecticut River Museum dock in Essex. Your ticket will include admission to the museum - make time for a visit before you wander away to explore the rest of the charm of Essex.

Essex Steam Train 860-767-0103
Schooner Mary E 2011 Foliage Cruises
Connecticut River Museum 860-767-8269

8. Hiking and Walking Trails:
Whether you're inclined to take a short and leisurely stroll, a power walk, or a serious up and down hill hike, any walk that will lead you off the roads and beaten paths into quiet trails will bring you closer to nature and will reward you with vistas and vignettes of Autumn color. Delight in the singularly Autumn sound of the crunch crunch crunch of fallen leaves underfoot as you stroll or walk or hike and enjoy. Wherever a link is available it is embedded in the paragraph headings that follow. Click on the links to access detailed information, and, when available, trail maps.

Madison town beaches and beach roads:
Everyone's first choice for early morning or evening walks - less than a mile from our inn, enjoy walks along the beach at East Wharf beach. Follow the beach roads to West Wharf and Surf Club beaches. Be charmed by the Autumn colors in the gardens and golf course that you pass.

Tuxis Pond
Start between the CVS lot and the Gulf station or go behind CVS in the center of Madison and access the Tuxis Pond walkway for a short but scenic walk around the pond.

Bauer Park
At the intersection of Copse Road and Hunter's Trail is Bauer park. Frequent nature and bird walks are sponsored here. There are 2 main trails at the park: The Woodland Trail is a 1 mile long loop. It plies through grassy meadows, wooded wetlands and past hillside cliffs and stone fences. The Pond Wetland trail is also a loop, passing by two ponds, the covered bridge, near bluebird boxes and the forested wetland boardwalk. Picnic anyone?

Hammonasset State Park
Just one mile down the road from our inn is Hammonasset State Park, with 2 miles of beach and boardwalk for your walking pleasure. Bring along a picnic and make it an extra special day. Visit the Meigs Point Nature Center for information about the nature trails in the park.

Rockland Preserve

In North Madison, almost into Killingworth, is the Rockland Preserve with three trails, a red blaze, orange blaze and white blaze, of from 1 to 1.5 miles each. There are 649 acres of rounded, rocky hills, steep gray cliffs, ledges, and lovely wooded areas, easily accessed by both walkers and hikers along abandoned ancient country roads.It's another great place to bring a picnic. The Preserve is patrolled on horseback by the Connecticut Horse Council, Inc..

Westwoods Trails
The WestWoods trail system is the largest recreational area for hiking in nearby Guilford. Westwoods contains 39 miles of trails on 1,200 acres. It will take many visits and picnics to enjoy all of this.

Bluff Head Preserve
In North Guilford, on Rte 77, as part of the Mattabesset Trail system, is the Bluff Head Ridge trail system between Guilford and Durham. There are three trail options, all relatively short but of varied terrain, and the views from the bluff are spectacular - both Hartford and Long Island Sound.

Chatfield Hollow State Park
On Rte 80, in nearby Killingworth, hike the trails in search of Indian caves, explore the jagged rocky ledges and recesses or relax by the cooling waters, or picnic in the soft pine woods at Chatfield Hollow State Park.

Gillette Castle State Park

Nearby, in East Haddam, walk the grounds or follow hiking trails through the Gillette Castle State Park property for great views of the Connecticut River, and the castle itself, one of our eccentricities. Picnic areas are provided throughout the grounds.

Stony Creek Nature Trail and Trolley Walk
The Stony Creek Trolley Trail between Pine Orchard and the Stony Creek section of Branford is a charming and pleasantly easy trail that is a paradise for bird watchers. It will also reward you with great views of the Thimble Islands. It is part of the Branford Land Trust's Jennie Vedder Preserve.

Trail Etiquette
Trails are shared by many: walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, adults, children, horseback riders, hunters, runners, skaters, snowshoers, bird watchers and nature lovers, for a start. Share the trail. Whether on foot, on horse, or on wheels, always stay to the right so that others can pass on the left. Clean up after yourself and your pet or horse. Be aware of hunting season by checking with the State of CT, and wear bright fluorescent orange to be easily seen and not mistaken for game. For more information contact the Connecticut Horse Council, Inc. and ask for their brochure "Tips for Trail Etiquette."

9. Vineyards and Wineries:
At least 10 of the vineyards and wineries along the CT Wine Trail are within easy reach of Madison and the Centershore area of the CT shoreline. Take along a picnic and enjoy the countryside and colors. Each location has its own character and beauty, so be sure to visit a few. Take time to taste some wine along the way. It is, after all, the product of this season of harvest.

Connecticut Wine Trail
Chamard Vineyards and Winery, Clinton CT
Bishops Orchards Winery and Farm Market, Guilford CT
Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford CT
Paradise Hills Vineyard, Wallingford CT
Holmberg Orchards and Winery, Gales Ferry CT
Priam Vineyards, Colchester CT
Johnathan Edwards Winery, North Stonington CT
Stonington Vineyards, Stonington CT
Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington CT

10. Horse and Carriage Rides:
What could be more romantic, and fun too, than a horse and carriage ride through the Autumn countryside? Two nearby farms will glady oblige, complete with antique carriages and graceful draw horses. Be sure to call ahead to reserve.

Allegra Farm, East Haddam CT 860-680-5149, 860-537-8861
Foxglove Farm, Old Lyme CT 860-434-7302

11. Farm Stands, Farm Stores and "Pick Your Own" Fruit:
Bring home the harvest bounty to enjoy and share. Pick your own apples, pears, pumpkins, and such at Bishops Orchards, Lyman Orchards and Rose Orchards. Or just visit the wonderful farm stores where the bountiful harvest is ready and waiting for you to take home. Great home made pies and other baked goods, jams, preserves and more are all there for you to choose. Think holiday hostess gifts and Christmas shopping too. While there take time to enjoy the fun of a corn or hay maze.

Let's not forget those roadside farm stands too. Our favorite is the Maple Syrup stand in a roadside shack in North Guilford (Rte 77) - just look for the Maple Syrup sign and pull in. It's all self-serve and honor system so be sure to bring cash.

Bishops Orchards and Farm Store, Guilford CT 203-453-2338
Rose Orchards Farm Market, North Branford CT 203-488-7996
Lyman Orchards and Apple Barrel Farm Store, Middlefield CT 860-349-1793

12. Autumn Golf:
Golf among the scenic Autumn Colors. Enjoy golfing at one the several public courses along the shoreline. The landscaping is always beautiful at any of the golf courses, and the Autumn show is, I think, best at the courses carved out of the hillsides at Lyman Orchards. Great golfing packages there too, and don't forget to stop at the Apple Barrel farm Store for lunch and goodies to take home. For seaside golf among the Autumn colors, with two lighthouses in immediate view, go to the public Fenwick golf course in Old Saybrook. Be sure to bring your own clubs. Guilford Lakes Golf Course, Guilford and Twin Lakes Golf Course, North Branford are also good choices for Autumn golfing.

Fenwick Golf Course, Old Saybrook 860-388-3499
Guilford Lakes Golf Course, Guilford 203-453-8214
Lyman Orchards Golf, Middlefield CT 888-995-9626
Twin Lakes Golf Course, North Branford 203-481-3776

13. Make Lasting Memories - Picture Perfect Photo Spots:
Colorful Autumn Leaves together with any other New England iconic subject equals a Perfect Picture Spot. Bring along your favorite camera, or your multi-talented smart phone and capture some lasting memories. Here are a few of our favorite spots to get you started:

First Congregational Church, on the green, Madison
Covered Bridge at the Eli Whitney Museum, Hamden
Five Mile Point Lighthouse, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven
Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook (Rte 156) - CT River Shoreline
Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam
Gilette Castle, East Haddam
CT River Museum Dock, Essex
Vece Gazebo, at Pierson School, Rte 1, Clinton
Strawberry Hollow Farm, Rte 1, Guilford

So, get out here and enjoy the Autumn colors, and be sure to allow time to appreciate the serendipities that you'll encounter along the way: the pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin carving contests, church fairs, farm stands, and more.

Oh, and did I mention the pumpkin ice cream at the Old Lyme Ice Cream Shop?

Happy Exploring!

Vote for your Favorite Madison CT Scarecrow

2011-10-13T22:51:00.002-04:00

Scarecrows have invaded Madison CT once again, and they’re absolutely everywhere! Dozens of them! Everyone’s invited to come, see, and vote for their favorite, either online at www.madisonct.com or http://zip06.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=41491 (Lots of photos here) or in person at each scarecrow, using your iphone and the scarecrow’s posted QR code. (Now how high-tech is that!).

Voting is until midnight October 19th. Winners will be announced on October 20th at the Sea Shop Scarecrow Soiree in Madison Center, and scarecrows will remain up for everyone’s enjoyment, and to see the winners, through October 31st. The month-long event benefits the Scranton Library, and the library is providing special activities for children 5 and older during the Soiree on October 20th.

We've enterred our scarecrow, "Destination Madison," in our town's "Sea, Shop, Scarecrow" contest. Here's more info on how to vote, and a photo of our kayaker, whose destination is Madison (with our thanks to the Boat Center in Madison). Hope he's earned your vote.

Here's the direct link to vote for ours: http://zip06.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=V&c=41491&s=11634412&i=1&m=M#SD

To see more scarecrow photos of others click on this link http://zip06.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=41491 or, better yet, get yourself here to Madison to see them in person for yourself. What a great way to enjoy an Autumn day!

CT Shoreline Weekend Events Aug. 12-14

2011-08-11T16:49:00.000-04:00

So many special events on the CT Shoreline this weekend! Here are details about three to fill your weekend from start to finish. Then, of course, there's the beach!

Classical Music
Chestnut Hill Concert series continues this Friday, August 12, 8pm, at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Old Saybrook http://www.thekate.org/. Tickets $25-$30.

Antiques
The Madison Exchange Club's Antique Exhibit and Sale is this Saturday, August 13, 9am to 4pm at the Madison Town Green. Admission $10.

Wine
Saturday, August 13th and Sunday, August 14th, visit Bishop's Orchards Farm Market and Winery in Guilford for the 5th Annual Shoreline Wine Festival. Tour the Bishop's Orchards winery and taste wines from Connecticut vineyards and wineries from around the state. Tickets $30.

CT Shoreline Midweek Getaways - Don't Miss These CT Shoreline Activities

2011-08-09T16:32:00.001-04:00

Ten Great Reasons for a CT Shoreline Midweek Getaway

Summer's in full swing and weekend availability at CT Shoreline B&B's and resorts isn't as easy to come by. Truly, these last few weeks we've been turning away and referring to others so many who've called or come knocking hoping we'd have weekend rooms available. Great for us and for those who've already booked, but for you who are looking forward to some wonderful vacation time on the CT shoreline, it's time to remember midweek vacations.

Come to the shoreline on Sunday through Thursday nights and not only will you most likely still be able to book a room, but you'll also have opportunities and experiences open to you that are just happening midweek. Who knew?!

Here's our countdown of Top Ten great reasons for midweek getaways on the CT Shoreline:

10. Getting here is easier. Get here quicker and more relaxed when you're not in the I-95 Friday and Sunday traffic. More choices for cross-sound ferry reservation times too.

9. Restaurant specials - perhaps dessert or half-priced bottles of wine. Reservations available at your first choice of restaurants and times.

8. Midweek or promotional rates and special packages for lodging. Special unannounced sales and events (like an ice cream social) at local boutiques and specialty shops.

Midweek special events. Here are two for starters:
* Thursday, August 18, 2011 - Madison Chamber of Commerce "Beachcomber's Night." Sip, Shop, Stroll ... & prizes too!
* Thursday, September 22, 2011 - Madison Exchange Club "Arts Night." Food & wine tastings and a movie too!

7. Opening days of weekend events, fairs and festivals. Many begin on Thursdays. Avoid the weekend crowds. This is true for beaches and parks too.

6. Meet authors at book signings and special events at R.J. Julia's; be creative at art classes; learn new recipes at a cooking class

5. Sunday and Wednesday matinees at Ivoryton Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, Long Wharf Theater, and more

4. Evening Shakespeare on the green in Guilford (select August dates) - bring a blanket and a picnic; more events on the Guilford green

3. Farmer's Markets! Bring a cooler to bring home veggies, cheeses, and more

2. Evening concerts on many town greens and beaches. Bring a picnic and enjoy. (on select dates):
     Sundays - Madison, Branford & East Haven
     Wednesdays - Old Saybrook
     Thursdays - Clinton

1. It's a "Real Getaway Feeling" when you're "Playing Hookie" in the middle of the week! It's a fact!

Don't miss out on these CT Shoreline activities. Book your midweek getaway today!

Peach Melba French Toast

2011-08-08T21:21:00.000-04:00

Fresh, ripe, juicy peaches! It's August in Connecticut and it's Peach Season! I love to use seasonal ingredients and plan our breakfast menus to take advantage of fruits and veggies as they ripen, are harvested, and come to our local farmers' markets.
This week I took the plunge and went for the first peaches of the season. Today's breakfast entree was Peach Melba French Toast, a recipe I developed here at the inn a few summers ago. I thought you might also want to enjoy the fruits of the season along with us, so here's the recipe for you to try at home.

Peach Melba French Toast

1 20” or longer loaf of French Bread (or Two 14” loaves)

6 large Eggs
3 C. Whole Milk
1/2 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
1 tsp.Vanilla
1 C. Brown Sugar - Divided
1/4 C. Butter, melted
1 6-oz. Container Fresh Raspberries – or 1 C. frozen raspberries
3 Medium to Large Fresh Ripe Peaches, peeled and thinly sliced (We Prefer Freestone Peaches)
2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice or Orange Juice – Optional – Use if preparing ahead.
1/3 C. Slivered or Sliced Almonds

Fresh Raspberries and Fresh Peach Slices for garnish
Seedless Raspberry Jam for Garnish
Freshly whipped cream, with confectioner’s sugar and vanilla, to taste, for garnish

Spray a 9”x13” Glass Baking Dish with Pam, butter flavor, cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slice bread into 36 1/2”-thick slices, discarding heels. Whisk Together Eggs, Milk, Nutmeg, Salt, Vanilla and 3/4 C. Brown Sugar until well blended. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides, and arrange in two layers of three long rows of 6 slices each in the pan. Overlap slices slightly if necessary, to fit. Pour extra egg mixture overall. Distribute raspberries over all. If preparing ahead, toss peach slices with juice. Place peach slices over all and arrange in three rows over the bread to distribute evenly. Combine melted butter with remaining 1/4 C. of brown sugar until well blended and drizzle over the peach slices. Distribute almonds over all. At this point you may cover and refrigerate the pan until you are ready to bake it – may be done the night before and baked in the morning. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 5-10 minutes.

Cut down between the long rows through the fruit and between each pair of slices of bread, making 3 servings out of each long row. Serve while it’s still warm. Garnish with drizzles of warmed seedless raspberry jam, a few more slices of fresh peaches, a few fresh raspberries, and piped rosettes of freshly whipped cream.

Serves 9 - Enjoy!

Keeping Cool on the CT Shoreline

2011-08-08T18:24:00.001-04:00

Top Ten Ways to Beat the Heat in Heart of the CT Shoreline

It’s Summer! And heat waves happen, yes, even here in “Camelot,” the heart of the CT shoreline. I heard one of our guests say, just this morning, “I think today’s even too hot to go to the beach!” Once in awhile it just might feel a bit too hot and sticky to enjoy the great beaches and parks and trails of the great outdoors. Here are ten ideas for how to beat the heat while visiting the CT shoreline between the Quinnipiac River and the Connecticut River. So much to do and see and explore in air conditioned comfort – way better than hunkering down in front of the air conditioner (or the open doors of your refrigerator) and way beyond escaping to a shopping mall or the local 12-screen megaplex movie theater. Pick an idea, get up and get out there and enjoy this beautiful part of the Connecticut Shoreline. For details, locations and web sites of what you'll see here go to VisitCTShoreline.com .

10. Treasure Hunting – Seek and find the rare, the unusual, or just that special something that you just can’t live without.
 Go Antiquing in multi-dealer treasure troves where you’ll find a cornucopia of beloved items waiting for you to take them home.
 Poke around the many charity thrift shops. There’s at least one in every shoreline town, and donations pour in daily. You never know … this is beyond dumpster diving to clever treasure hunting, and you can feel good about supporting local charities too.
 Don’t forget the shoreline’s unique boutiques and mom-and-pop-owned shops. Hand made one-of-a-kind items and carefully selected merchandise that’s not to be found at the malls is their hallmark, and you get to chat with friendly locals and soak up some local culture too.

9. Matinee Performances – Take in a matinee daily at Madison Art Cinemas and on Wednesdays or Sundays at Ivoryton Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House (musicals), or the Norma Terris Theater. Feel with the characters or laugh yourself silly. With so many to choose from there’s bound to be something you’ll want to see. You might even be able to catch an afternoon event at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.

8. Take a class – Learn something new. Expand your horizons. Make a memento to take home.
 Art classes are available in nearly every shoreline community. The Art Center at Killingworth, Guilford Arts Center, Artisans Harbor in Old Saybrook, Branford Artists Cooperative and Tracy Art Center in Old Saybrook are good places to start.
 Capture your Creativity in pottery at the Clayhouse in Old Saybrook
 Make one-of-a-kind jewelry at the Bead Hive in Guilford.
 Learn a new technique at Madison Wool.
 Cooking classes are a treat for your taste buds at Homeworks in Old Saybrook
 Find a Yoga class at a fitness center - Bend, stretch and reach for the sky in cool comfort

7. Go Exploring in Local History Museums – Both small and large, these are precious gems of preserved history ready for you to learn and explore. Mostly in the care of local historical societies, you’ll meet curators and docents who will share their passion for their special topic, interest and site. Here are just a few suggestions to get you started:
 Museum of Early Engineering Technology, Westbrook
 Military Historian’s Museum, Westbrook
 Lee Academy – Currently featuring Madison CT’s history during the Civil War years
 Henry Whitfield State Museum, Guilford – CT’s oldest stone house
 Deacon John Grave House, Madison
 Hyland House, Guilford
 John Stanton House, Clinton
 Eli Whitney Museum, New Haven
 Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven

6. Browse in Local Art Galleries and Art Museums – There’s some amazing talent out there, both old and new and so much of it is showcased in small galleries and in art museums in the area and a bit beyond. Gaze in awe and admiration, or possibly in shock. You might even meet an artist! Here are a few to get you started:
 M. Sarba Fine Art Gallery & Café, Clinton
 Branford Artists Cooperative
 Guilford Art Center
 Artisans Harbor, Old Saybrook
 Susan Powell Fine Art Gallery, Madison
 Sylvan Gallery, Clinton
 Stuart Alan Lerner Gallery, Madison
 Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme
 Yale Museum of American Art, New Haven
 Yale Museum of British Art, New Haven

5. Tour and Taste at a local vineyard and winery – love the coolness in the cellars where the barrels live and the wines build their character. Many that are listed on the Connecticut Wine Trail are within easy reach:
 Chamard Vineyards, Clinton – is right nearby
Several others are just a short drive away:
 Johnathan Edwards Winery, North Stonington
 Stonington Vineyards, Stonington
 Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington
 Paradise Hill, Wallingford
 Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford
 Priam Vineyards, Colchester

4. Meet an author – Get the “skinny” on their latest book. Hear about their inspiration. Ask about their motivation. Pick their brain about what fascinates them and what fuels their drive to write. Buy a new book to read for when you go back out to the beach.
 R J Julia Booksellers in Madison hosts 2 and 3 authors each week. Different dates and times, so it’s best to check the details on their web site.
 Breakwater Books in Guilford also invites authors for and book signings on some Saturday afternoons.

3. Waterside Dining Creatively – From the inside out! Lunch, afternoon snack or dinner – head straight to a waterside restaurant with wide and tall windows to enjoy dining with water views in cool indoor comfort. Here’s a short list of some of our favorites:
 Sandpiper, East Haven
 Stonehouse Restaurant, Guilford
 The Wharf, Madison (soon to be open again!)
 Rocky’s Aqua Restaurant, Clinton
 Boom, Westbrook
 Water’s Edge Resort – Dining Room, Westbrook
 Terra Mar, Old Saybrook
 Dock and Dine, Old Saybrook

2. Take a boat ride – Let the breezes blow. It’s always cooler on the water!
 Cruise the Thimble Islands at Stony Creek for a 45 minute tour that will delight you as much as it will cool you off.
 Enjoy nearby lighthouses from up close by boat.
 Sunset sails are so relaxing and so romantic. Bring a simple picnic to enjoy.

1. Escape to a Day Spa and have yourself a “Spa” day – Aaahhhhh …. What a wonderful thought. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, whatever services appeal to you. It’s your time to pamper yourself any way you please. Might we suggest a couples massage?
Here are a few to book yourself in to:
 Rituals, Guilford
 Essence Center for Beauty & Wellness, Old Saybrook
 Christopher’s Salon & Day Spa, Guilford
 By the Sea Inn and Spa, Branford
 Yolo Aesthetic Boutique, Guilford
 Sonas Day Spa, Madison

Come to think of it, nearly all of these ideas are great for that occasional rainy day too!

Enjoy your visit to the CT Shoreline.

Three Outdoor Concerts and a Movie - Free!

2011-07-28T15:23:00.000-04:00

Enjoy the outdoors with three outdoor concerts and a movie, all free - What a wonderfully fun extended weekend in Madison this is!

Tonight - Thursday, July 28th, hear Larry Stevens in concert at the East Wharf Beach Gazebo at 6pm.

Tomorrow - Friday, July 29th, enjoy the Kerry Boys at the Surf Club Beach from 7-9pm. Bring your beach chairs or blanket and stay for an old-fashioned outdoor movie, "Ladyhawke," at Strong Field at Surf Club Beach. Co-sponsor Guilford Savings Bank will be handing out free popcorn and root beer floats between 8 and 9 pm to complete the "at the movies" feeling.

Sunday, July 31st, the Madison Concert on the Green Sunday evening series continues with the Beck-Taylor Band. Bring a picnic dinner and chairs and enjoy this open-air concert from 6-8pm.

All three concerts and the movie are all sponsored by the Madison Beach and Recreation Department - Thanks Beach & Rec. Folks! We appreciate you!!

Not free, but fun as well:
For a Saturday evening outdoor concert visit Chamard Vineyards and Winery in Clinton CT for their Singer-Songwriter and Food Truck Series, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, featuring Jen Lowe. The $10/person cover includes a glass of wine. Bring a picnic or enjoy the offerings of this week's food truck - always a nice surprise.

Bald Eagle Music Video "This is America"

2011-07-02T22:19:00.001-04:00

I am so grateful for the friend who passed this along to me today. It's a link to a music video featuring a special free-flying Bald Eagle named 'Challenger' (in honor of the lost space shuttle crew) cared for by the non-profit American Eagle Foundation (AEF).

Before clicking on the link to the inspiring music video, take a moment to read this bit of biography that she shared about this amazing Bald Eagle.

He's a 'human-socialized' bird accidentally raised by the people who rescued him - after being blown from a wild Louisiana nest in a storm as a baby in the late 1980s. Declared 'non-releasable' by federal and state wildlife authorities, he was trained by the AEF to perform educational free-flight demonstrations at high profile public events.

He's the first Bald Eagle in U. S. History that learned to free-fly into stadiums, arenas and ballrooms during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. The celebrity eagle has appeared at numerous major sporting events like the World Series, Pro-Bowl, All-Star
game, BCS National Championship, Fiesta Bowl, Men's Final Four, etc. Challenger has also flown before 4 U. S. Presidents!

His life story is told in a children's storybook titled Challenger, America 's Favorite Eagle.

Turn on your speakers and click on link below. Challenger - Amazing Free-Flying Bald Eagle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOZF4vTAF2M&feature=channel ... hope you'll be as moved and inspired as I was. I know I'll be returning to watch this over and over again.

Celebrate 4th of July in Madison CT

2011-06-20T20:13:00.000-04:00

There's nothing more real, more true Americana than a home town 4th of July celebration, and, nobody does it like Madison CT! With the 4th being on a Monday this year your fun in the sun in the "Heart of the CT Shoreline" can extend to a full four days of enjoyment and relaxation.

Friday, July 1 - Arrive in Madison and check in to your home away from home, the Tidewater Inn. Borrow a picnic basket and a quilt and head for Chamard Vineyards 5:30-8:30 for their singer-songwriter series, with a detour along the way at Madison Cheese etc. or Bradley and Wall deli to fill that basket with delectables for your al-fresco dinner at the vineyard.
Continue your night out at Donahue's Madison Beach Grille for more entertainment.

Saturday, July 2 - A full and hearty breakfast or something light, your choice, and off you go to enjoy local antique shops, boutiques, and local color in the village centers of Madison and Guilford. If you're more adventure-minded rent a kayak and explore the Hammonasset River or paddle out to Long-Island Sound. A stop at Lenny & Joe's for a Lobster Roll or Clam Roll is a sure taste of the shoreline.

Borrow that picnic basket again, and beach chairs too and stake your claim on the Madison Town Green for this evening's concert. Music begins at 5pm with the Shoreline Youth Orchestra, and continues with the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra at 7:00. Visits to the Madison Wine shop and Madison Cheese etc. are where to go to fill the basket for your concert dining. On your way back "home" to the inn take a quick detour by Ashley's Ice Cream in the courtyard next to the wine shop for a delicious dessert.

Sunday, July 3 - That wonderful breakfast is there to start your day once more. Visit a local church to worship together with locals and visitors alike. Then it's off to the beach! Bring your bathing suit and flip flops. We'll provide the chairs, towels, and beach passes. It's a day to relax and recharge. Walk the beach, swim, read, enjoy.

Share your days' adventures with other guests at the inn during a pre-dinner wine and cheese reception, then off to an early dinner at a nearby restaurant such as Elizabeth's Cafe or Friends & Company. Be sure to finish before 9:00. Then head to the beach to watch the fireworks display.

Monday, July 4 - The Holiday at last! It's a day to celebrate our freedoms and independence at our home town parade. Enjoy another wonderful breakfast before walking into the center of Madison to watch and cheer and wave the red white and blue. You'll never forget the home town feeling of pride that you'll experience there.

CT Shoreline Events - 2011

2011-04-25T15:42:00.001-04:00

Here are a few 2011 events that you might enjoy. Plan ahead and book your rooms early to be sure to stay at your favorite places.

MARCH
Exchange Club Leprechaun Run, Madison, March 20

APRIL
Robin Hood Springtime Festival - Renaissance Faire, Guilford,Weekends, April 23 & 24, April 30 & May 1

MAY
Madison Cares Habitat Build, May 7
Robin Hood Springtime Festival - Renaissance Faire, Guilford,Weekends, May 7 & 8, May 14 & 15, May 21 & 22
Arts & Crafts Show, Madison Town Green, May 21
Antique Show, Madison Town Green, May 28

JUNE
Strawberry Festival, Madison Town Green, June 4
Children's Fair, Madison Town Green, June 11
Madison Festival, Madison Center, June 12
Flea Market, Madison Town Green, June 18

JULY
Concert, Madison Town Green, July 2
Independence Day Parade, Madison Center, July 4
Antique Show, Madison Town Green, July 9
Sidewalk Sales, Madison Center, July 28, 29, 30 and 31

AUGUST
Antique Show, Madison Town Green, August 13
Pitching for Charity Softball Event, Surf Club Beach, August 13
Beachcomber Event, Madison Center, August 18
Westbrook Muster, Fife and Drum Muster, August 26 and 27, 860-399-6436
Antique Show, Madison Town Green, August 27

SEPTEMBER
Dog Show, Madison Town Green, September 10
Antique Show, Madison Town Green, September 17

OCTOBER
Scarecrow Festival, Madison Center, October 15-31
Madison Historical Society Halloween Event, Madison Town Green, October 15
Vista Tour de Shore Cycle Event, Westbrook, October 16, 2011
Run for the Cove, Hammonasset State Park, Madison, October 16

NOVEMBER
Turkey Trot, Hammonasset State Park, Madison, November 24

DECEMBER
Ladies' Night Out Shopping, Madison Center, December 1
Holiday Parade, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Tree Lighting, Madison Center, December 4
Bed and Breakfast Christmas Inn Madison Tours, December 4

Clam Chowder ... What's Your Favorite?

2011-04-25T14:47:00.001-04:00

     Clam chowder ... mmmmm ... makes me think of seashore, blue skies, sunshine ... or warmth, comfort, dinner by the fireside ... So many pleasures associated with this simple and simply delicious fare.

     White, Clear, Red ... New England, Rhode Island, Manhattan ... three choices, all delicious, right? But wait a minute. It's not so very simple. I've discovered at least 4 choices here on the CT shoreline, and looking to our neighbors to the East or West, a couple more! OK, I admit I'm a bit particular when it comes to what I consider to be iconic foods, and living in CT and enjoying all of New England, I consider Clam Chowder to be such an item. So, of course, this discovery bears talking about.

     To begin with, I believe there are two kinds of New England Clam Chowder: the traditional, old-fashioned kind, call quohog chowder on Cape Cod menus, starts out clear brothed and a touch of either milk or cream is added just before serving, for sweetness: like the kind you get locally at Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale and many other CT seashore restaurants. Then there's what I personally call contemporary or nouvelle New England Clam Chowder. That's the thick and creamy kind I've heard referred to as "Chowda" by my Boston friends. This is offered at many other fine restaurants along the CT shoreline.

     Now, imagine my surprise a couple of summers ago when I read "North Carolina Clam Chowder" on the menu at Boom in Westbrook. When I asked, my server explained that it was like New England Clam Chowder, in that it was thick and creamy, but it was made with Sweet Potatoes. I just had to try it, so intrigued was I, and I can tell you it's absolutely delicious. I discerned a bit of fresh red pepper bits too. Delightful. I came home and looked it up online, and sure enough, it's a type of clam chowder, in an of itself, and though it has as many variations as there are chefs (just like all the other chowders), the common themes are: think and creamy, sweet potatoes, fresh red pepper bits. Now why would I be surprised at finding out about a North Carolina Clam Chowder?! With Hatteras and the Outer Banks, and more ...

     OK. That was then, and now is now, and I just can't find the exact online writeup about North Carolina Clam Chowder that I read back then anywhere, no matter what I search for. The recipes for clam chowders with sweet potatoes are easy to find, though, so if you can't wait until you come to the CT shoreline to enjoy it at Boom, you can try your hand at making it at home.

     Getting back to our foray into the varieties of clam chowder, let's not forget Rhode Island Clam chowder. Clear brothed and flavorful, and frequently offered on CT shoreline menus as a second clam chowder choice. My personal favorite is at the Sandpiper restaurant in East Haven. Right across from the beach, it's the perfect setting for chowder, clear or milky.

     So, imagine my surprise again, when I discovered that Rhode Island has two clam chowders too! The second kind is tomato based, with the traditional potatoes, onion and clams, but no chunks of tomato or other veggies. This version of RI clam chowder came from the Portugese community, is sometimes called clam stew, and can be a bit spicy from the addition of sausage and seasonings. I have yet to find this version on a CT shoreline menu, but I'll keep looking. Perhaps if I try someplace closer to the RI border? From here that's not very far at all.

     Speaking of red clam chowders, Manhattan Clam Chowder is what immediately comes to mind. I've seen it described as tomato vegetable soup with clams. Traditionally not spicy, and yes there are other veggies and chunks of tomato, it's also been called Coney Island Clam Chowder and Fulton Market Clam chowder. This too I have yet to see on a menu in our CenterShore part of the CT shoreline (East of New Haven, up to the CT River), but I'll keep searching on your behalf. So many great restaurants, so little time ...

   Searching online you'll find Wikipedia talks about a few other types of clam chowders as well. As far as I know from dining around the CT shoreline, the Delaware, Hatteras (white potatoes) and Minorcan are not available here, so we'll leave those out of this discussion for now. Great recipes for all types are available online. Happy hunting. Oh, and be sure to let me know of any CT Shoreline restaurants whose clam chowders you think I should try for you.

   Whatever your favorite clam chowder, may you always find enjoyment and pleasure with it. One thing's for sure: if you love clams, you'll find countless ways to enjoy them here on the CT shoreline, and chowder is just one of the wonderful ways to sample their pleasures.

Bird Houses for Habitat for Humanity

2011-04-25T12:13:00.001-04:00

    Come to Madison to Vote for your favorite "Best of the Nest" Bird House! Voting is by Silent Auction, so you might even be able to take your favorite Bird House home.

    As part of the "Raise the Roof - Habitat for Humanity Day" in Madison CT on May 7th, the Best of the Nest Silent Art Auction will benefit the current Madion Cares Sponsored Habitat for Humanity Build in New Haven CT.

    Local artists have uniquely decorated and donated wood bird houses for the silent auction. The bird houses are on display in various locations throughout Madison, including here at our Tidewater Inn, and silent auction bid boards are attached to each bird house. Bids are welcome all the way up to May 7th, the day of the festivities on the Madison Town Green, when all the bird houses will be brought together at the green for final bids and awarding to the silent auction winners.

   I've seen a few so far, and choosing my favorite is not going to be easy. They are all so unique, with a wide range of styles to satisfy every home design plan. As different as each artist is from another, I find it fascinating to see how different all of the designs and interpretations are. From traditional, to quirky to contemporary, you'll find one to fall in love with for sure, and the birds in your neighborhood will be delighted to find new real estate to move into.

Raise the Roof for Habitat for Humanity

2011-04-25T11:49:00.000-04:00

    Come to an old-fashioned Barn Raising on the Madison Green on May 7, 2011!

     Madison Cares is a local not-for-profit organization that brings together shoreline area residents to sponsor Habitat for Humanity projects in the city of New Haven CT.

     May 7th is "Raise the Roof - Habitat for Humanity Day" in Madison. Madison Cares and Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven will stage a live ‘build’ in downtown Madison.  The day-long event will include multiple sites throughout the center of Madison, beginning with the Town Green, where volunteers can assist in pre-building parts of a Habitat for Humanity home. These sections will then be transported to one of Habitat’s home sites in New Haven once completed.

     Details about this day-long event are on the Madison Cares home page.

    The event will also feature on the Green entertainment by local musicians, live demonstrations about home maintenance, and a silent auction of bird houses, "Best of the Nest," creatively decorated and donated by local fine artists. Volunteers will also be able to donate to Madison Cares/Habitat for Humanity by purchasing a ‘virtual’ piece of the next home.

April 29th Wine Dinner ... A Royal Date Indeed

2011-04-25T10:38:00.003-04:00

Feel like you are honored guests at the Royal wedding reception at this Friday's Wine Dinner. Treat your special someone like Royalty here at the inn at this special getaway.

   Expand your knowledge of grapes, regions and wines. Read a wine list with a connoiseur's recognition of offerings beyond chardonnay and cabernet. This ability comes with experience, and events such as our Wine Dinner Getaway are specially planned to surprise and inform and educate your palate and your knowledge of the wines of the world.

   It's not just a tasting. You are honored guests at the table of the wine presenter, as if you are at their home. The presentation is limited to six specially selected wines which are then paired with seven courses of fine dining planned purposefully to highlight each wine. You'll end the evening retiring to your comfortably appointed room to dream and rest, with your palate suprised, your wine experience broadened, your gastronomic curiosity satisfied.

    When we set the date, April 29th, for this Spring's Wine Dinner Getaway we had no idea that it was the Royal wedding date for Prince William and Kate. Alas, it is, and as we treat our guests like Royalty, if you're one of the few who've booked your room and reservation for our April Wine Dinner getaway, watch the ceremony on the news and then come check in for the Wine Dinner and you'll feel like you're guests at their wedding reception.

The dining room is "dressed to the nines" with our finest crystal, silver and china. The service is impecable and discrete. The wines and food pairings exquisite.

A few rooms and seats are still available. RSVP Yes today for this special overnight getaway date.

What's New Around Town?

2011-04-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

New space for Madison Cheese, etc.

Madison Cheese, etc., incidently our favorite cheese shop, has steadily grown in popularity since it began in 2008. Responding to this wonderful increase in demand for the cheeses and other gourmet goodies that she offers, owner Fawn Heblinger has expanded the size of the shop bit by bit, to the point where the cheese shop had finally outgrown the available real estate in its courtyard location behind the Madison Wine Shop.

But have no fear, the shop did not move far away ... just around the corner, in a stand-alone building by itself, at 119 Samson Rock Drive (the "road" that we all think is really just a pass through the Stop & Shop parking lot), is the new and improved Madison Cheese, etc. ... Clearly marked with posters in the windows. (A new sign is on order to replace the "Shoreline Aesthetics" sign that's there from the previous occupants of the building.)

To find the new location, walk through the courtyard from Rte 1, the Boston Post Rd, and then to the right a few doors down, or drive through the Stop & Shop parking lot and find a spot for your car. Drop in and see Fawn and her son and all the wonderful cheeses that you've come to expect, and more.
Oh, and if you love grilled cheese sandwiches, this is the place for made-to-order gourmet choices ... elevating this childhood favorite to new heights of flavor pleasures.

Flavor for Madison
   Remember the Madison Beanery? It is now a whole new place: Flavor for Madison. It's charming and comfy and the Fresh Fusion menu caters to vegetarians and vegans, with a few selections to satisfy us carnivors too. Oh, and yes, there's coffee & tea too. A great spot to meet with friends for a quick bite for lunch, or a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack.
   [I'd say go for breakfast too, but if you are staying with us, why, when ours are so yummy here at the inn :-).]

   Madison Cheese, etc. and Flavor for Madison ... two of many great choices for lunch while you're exploring Madison center.

Spring Snow!

2011-04-22T20:28:00.000-04:00

Spring Snow! It's April and it's snowing ... blossoms that is. The new green grass is now being gently carpeted with delicate flower petals drifting down from the tree branches in the Spring breeze. What a beautiful sight!

Now this is my idea of snow ... in the Spring that is.
See it everywhere. Beginning in the middle of April, it will continue at least through June. The colors and petals will change, as do the snowflakes of Winter. Each a unique creation of beauty.

Drive slowly through the neighborhoods to enjoy the splendor of Spring flowering trees and shrubs. Better still, drive through rural fruit orchards the first weeks of May. You'll see acres and acres of blossoms before you: the beauty that will yield the sweet fruit that we will seek and enjoy in the months to come.

Capture the images in your mind and in your heart, to savor and enjoy over and over again.

Celebrate Connecticut! - Save the Date! - Saturday, June 11th

2011-04-13T20:13:00.000-04:00

Celebrate Connecticut! ...
... by sampling over 200 of Connecticut's great destinations. Visit museums, galleries, historic sites, parks and attractions in every corner of the state. Yes, even us!

Saturday, June 11, 2011 ... Open House Day!
Free admissions, lots of specials, even a gift or two.
Details, details ... click or go to CTvisit.com.

This exciting statewide event, sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, is designed to broaden awareness among residents of Connecticut's exceptional cultural and tourism assets and to encourage residents to become ambassadors who share their newfound discoveries with visiting family and friends.

To qualify for any Open House Day special, at least one person in each visiting group mush show a valid Connecticut driver's license.

A statewide day of discovery ... and an opportunity for state residents to become Connecticut Ambassadors. Wow!

Tidewater Inn's "Kick Gas" Promotion

2011-04-12T21:23:00.001-04:00

KICK GAS! ... a special Spring Promotion from the Tidewater Inn

Looking to get out of town? Cut your fuel cost in half by traveling together with friends: 2 couples stay 2-3 nights Sunday through Thursday, and we’ll “KICK GAS” for you with a $35.00 gift card for each couple for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Come on your own and receive a $25.00 gift card for dinner. Bring your bicycles or walk everywhere for your daily fun while you’re here and we’ll reward you with a gift card for your first ice cream of the season!

Don’t let higher gas prices keep you from coming to the Heart of the CT Shoreline for a great Spring stay. Call (203-245-8457) or email to us to book your midweek getaway and say “KICK GAS” or enter “KICK GAS” in the notes and comments section if you book your midweek extended stay through our website, and we’ll help ease the pain. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and the inviting Spring air lures you out to explore all that the Shoreline has to offer. Serendipities abound. You’ll unwind and refuel and we’ll help to refuel your gas tank!

The fine print: KICK GAS is valid until June 30, 2011. A two-night minimum Sunday through Thursday stay is required. KICK GAS may not be combined with any other special or promotion. KICK GAS is not available on weekends or holidays.

B&B's Kick Gas!

2011-04-12T21:12:00.002-04:00

B&Bs Kick Gas! Gas prices are rising and innkeepers are coming to the rescue with a “kick gas” promotion. To help relieve pain at the pump for travelers, inns and B&Bs throughout the U.S. and Canada are going the extra mile offering gas saving of all kinds.

Read More About the B&B's Kick Gas! program ...

... and find participating inns from the USA and Canada ... just in time for Spring Getaways!

Our Tidewater Inn's Kick Gas promotion is available through June 30th. Details, Details ... Click here.

We've Set the Date! - Spring 2011 Wine Dinner Getaway Escape

2011-04-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

You're invited to escape to Madison CT for a very special Wine Dinner Getaway.

On Friday April 29, 2011, in keeping with our tradition of creating a most memorable evening, we again offer our "Wine Dinner Getaway Escape" for your enjoyment. The evening will begin with a reception of fine hors d’oeuvres and wine, followed by a six-course tasting menu for a perfectly paired wine dinner experience!

All of the wines will be unique and interesting, complimenting each and every course. With each course you will learn about the wines and the regions they come from. We have selected the some of the areas finest offerings! Collaborating with us, the specially selected fine dining restaurant, the gourmet cheese shop and the wine shop will create a symphony for your palate!

All of the wines are exquisite and have been selected and are available at the Madison Wine Shop. The evening will be highlighted by Meghan Dwyer from Votto Vines Importing, a family owned company with"Old World Values and New World Vision™. The Madison Wine Shop has introduced us to Meghan Dwyer, who will be on hand to share her passion and extensive knowledge and to present and pour each wine. Hors d’oeuvres and dessert will be prepared by the Tidewater Inn, dinner courses will be prepared by Tiberio’s restaurant, the cheese course provided by Madison Cheese, etc..

This exciting journey of food and wine will begin at 6:30pm. After your sumptuous repast you’ll retire to the comfort of your beautifully appointed room here at the Tidewater Inn. You will wake the next morning to a bountiful breakfast, the perfect way to start your day. Spend the afternoon at the Madison Wine Shop to continue your wine tasting adventure. You may even extend your stay with us to take in all the Connecticut Shoreline has to offer, from our beautiful beaches to museums, there is something for everyone!

This "all-inclusive" one-night escape includes: your choice of one of our “comfiest bed and breakfast on the shoreline” guestrooms for one (1) night, "wine dinner" and Saturday morning breakfast. Rates depend on your choice of guestroom and range from $340.00 to $425.00 per couple or $240.00 to $325.00 for one – Plus taxes and gratuity. Add a second night’s stay, including breakfast and more, from $140.00 to $225.00 – Plus taxes.

This package is always a hit and sells out fast!
Hope to see you soon!
We're ready to welcome you ...

Seek Unconditional Love

2011-04-04T19:59:00.000-04:00

"Love Notes: Unconditional Love 101" by Rita Watson

"The world of love is often one of conditions. If you loved me you would. . . . .

In reality, ideal love — love that is unconditional — is one in which you love someone from the depths of your heart despite behavior, actions, or even qualities."

Read More ...

Getaways for Relaxing and Romance

2011-04-04T19:34:00.001-04:00

Reunite and Rejuvenate at a B & B.

Madison Morning - by Rick M

Just yesterday a friend and I were talking about how serene this wonderful part of the CT shoreline is. Not sleepy. It's restful and serene. A sense of peace abounds. You can feel the change in atmosphere as soon as you come across the Q bridge. Amazing.

That's what our guests tell us too. Restful and relaxing are adjectives they often use to describe how they feel while they're here. It's a sense of well-being. ... Everything's right with the world...

Today I came across an article titled "Serene Love ..." written by Rita Watson. Here's an excerpt:

"The news is out. Men’s Health Magazine just revealed their list of the nation’s angriest cities. Making headlines on April 1, 2011, this was no April Fool’s joke. But there was one big surprise -- Boston, Mass only received a 'D' rating. If you happen to live in those cities on the list of the not-so-happy, this may not bode well for love and marriage. Too much negativity surrounding you can stifle love. But take heart. ..."

The article continues, recommending a stay at a Bed and Breakfast as a "relaxing escape route" ... the way to bring love back and to reunite your hearts.

Enjoy the complete article here ...

See you soon ...

Creative Crafting Weekend Escape - May 6-8, 2011

2011-03-31T20:56:00.024-04:00

I have been presented with a wonderful opportunity to share with you in May! Lauri Ingram, an independent Stampin' Up (r) Demonstrator and, in my opinion, creative paper crafting teacher extraordinaire, has offered to teach a few classes on papercrafting for a Creative Crafting Weekend Escape here at the Tidewater Inn! What a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day Weekend!

Relax, rejuvenate and create during a crafters weekend, May 6, 7 and 8. Your instructor, Lauri Ingram, has been crafting for over 20 years and specialized in paper crafts. Join us for a surprise project on Friday evening and two classes on Saturday where we will explore the art of rubber stamping and paper crafts. Not only will you create beautiful items, you will learn new skills, make new friends and enjoy a few surprises along the way! Complement your weekend with time exploring downtown Madison and the shoreline.

Friday evening you’ll be welcomed with a wine and cheese reception and home style dinner here at the inn, followed by a short paper crafting project that will introduce you to Lauri and set the stage for what’s to come.

After a restful night’s sleep in your charming guestroom, join us in the dining room on Saturday morning to enjoy a delicious three-course gourmet breakfast. Your first creative class of the day follows. Break for a light lunch and look forward to the second class of the day and a new project to spark your creativity. Late afternoon take time to relax and to explore all that Madison and the shoreline have to offer. Return to the inn and gather in front of the fireplace for a glass of wine before enjoying dinner together at one of our favorite Madison restaurants.

Another good night’s rest will reward you with your Sunday morning gourmet breakfast before departing to explore some more and to return home relaxed, rested and rejuvenated from your weekend of creativity.

Creative Crafting Weekend Escape classes, materials and 5 meals: $120 plus tax and gratuity per person, in addition to the cost of two nights’ lodging. Room rates range from $150/night to $245/night plus occupancy taxes. Please call the inn directly to book this very special escape weekend.

Where and When

Tidewater Inn Bed and Breakfast

Madison, Connecticut

May 6 - May 8, 2011

Contact the innkeepers at (203) 245-8457

or by email: escape@thetidewater.com

Registration for this Creative Crafting Weekend Escape closes on April 29th, 2011

The Best Winter Antique Show Ever!

2011-02-23T19:40:00.003-05:00

It's coming up this weekend - the Best Winter Antique Show Ever! Well, that's my opinion, anyway. As antique shows go, this one's possibly the most amazing antiques show of the year, and it happens in Winter, not Spring, Summer or Fall.

The 42nd Annual Guilford Antiques Show, benifiting the Hyland House Museum, is this weekend, February 26th and 27th, 2011, at the Elizabeth Adams School, 233 Church St (Rte 77 - Exit 58 off of I-95), Guilford CT.

The show features upward of 50 dealers and objects from the 18th to the early 20th centuries: furniture, American folk art, paintings, oriental carpets, estate jewelry, pottery, early iron, garden furnishings and more ... collectibles for every wish list.

Pictures are worth a thousand words - For a taste of what temptations you might find take a look at photos from past shows.

Come to the Shoreline this weekend, take in this Antiques Show and browse to your heart's content. Bring your wagon or SUV and take home things you just can't live without. Hours are 10am-5pm on Saturday, February 26th and 11am-4pm on Sunday, February 27th. Free parking on site, and a cafe to boot!

Admission is $8 per person - We have a few discount coupons here for our overnight guests, and you may also print a discount coupon from the web site.

Dinners at the Farm - 2011

2011-02-11T14:24:00.003-05:00

Dining doesn't get any fresher than this! The Dinners at the Farm, New England farm dinner benefit series, have announced the farms and dates for their 2011 season, and we have already begun receiving reservations here at the Tidewater Inn for overnight accommodations.

Barberry Hill Farm in Madison CT is your destination for dinners on July 7, 8, 9 and 10 and again on July 14, 15, 16 and 17. White Gate Farm in East Lyme CT is the place to be for dinners on August 11, 12,13 and 14 and again on August 18, 19 and 20 (21st is already sold out!).

For details, menus, tickets, and more follow the links, above, to their website home and details pages. "Dinners at the Farm" is a summertime experience unique to the CT shoreline area and an activity you won't want to miss.

Celebrate Cherished Relationships

2011-02-11T10:03:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day - a time to Celebrate our most Cherished Relationships.
I love the new Hallmark Valentine's Day commercial on TV this year: "Valentine's Day is not a day to say 'I Love You.' It's a day to say 'I Love Us.' To celebrate the One we have become." Wow! Now that's an enlightening thought, and I applaud whoever came up with it.
Yes, I believe it's true. It is all about the "Us" in our relationships, the oneness. So, this Valentine's Day, and always, celebrate all your most cherished relationships. If you're without a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend right now, you still have other, and perhaps even deeper, relationships to celebrate ... dear friends, parents, children, brothers and sisters, and more.

Someone needs to write a song about this, don't you think? ...

To one and all of you who are in my life, I celebrate Our relationships. I Love Us!

Christmas "Inn" Madison

2010-12-02T19:11:00.007-05:00

There's something very special going on this Sunday, December 5th - it's called Christmas "Inn" Madison, and we are very excited to be a part of it.

We and two other of Madison's bed and breakfast inns are opening our homes to the public from 2 to 5 pm for a Christmas Holiday House Tour, to benefit the Madison Exchange Club's Habitat for Humanity build project.

Visitors to the inns will see the splendor of the shoreline this holiday season as they tour these historic inns of Madison CT. The Grandfield, the Scranton Seahorse Inn and the Tidewater Inn will regale guests with their breathtaking beauty, unique charm and festive holiday decor. Meet the innkeepers as they share the special history of each home. Enjoy hot cider and sing the carols of the season as you ride between the two Madison Center inns in a horse-drawn wagon.

Three B&B's are included - the Grandfield, at 14 Stanton Court, off of Signal Hill Road, and the Scranton Seahorse Inn and the Tidewater Inn, both in Madison Center, on the Boston Post Road. Volunteers from the Madison Exchange Club will be on hand to greet all visitors. There will be a horse-drawn wagon with a footman from Foxglove Farm of Lyme CT for rides between the Scranton Seahorse Inn and the Tidewater Inn, with hot cider on board and singers from the Guilford First Congregational Church to lead the Carol Singing as you ride along. At the Tidewater Inn Bill Speed, Director of Music Ministries at the Guilford First Congregational Church will play Christmas tunes on the piano.

The three inns will be all decked out for the holidays, each in their own unique style. The inns' personal ornaments and accessories will also be complemented by the handiwork of several local businesses which are helping with or adding to the displays and thus able to feature what they can do to decorate your home for the holidays.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. They may be purchased in advance at any of the three inns, at the Nosey Goose and at R.J. Julia Bookseller in Madison Center, and at the Madison Chamber of Commerce registration table at the Cafe Allegre for the Thursday, December 2nd Ladies' Night, Sip-Shop-Save event. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event at either the Tidewater Inn or at the Scranton Seahorse Inn.

Madison businesses partnering with the inns for this event include Walker Loden, Maggie's of Madison, The Audubon Shop, Nosey Goose, Madison Flower Shop and Garden Center, Madison Earth Care and Stop & Shop of Madison, and Christensen Landscaping of Northford CT.

A Madison CT 4-Day Christmas Weekend!

2010-12-02T16:39:00.003-05:00

There are lots of goings-on in Madison CT this weekend to start the Christmas celebrations, beginning Thursday, December 2nd and going strong through Sunday evening, December 5th, with something for everyone of all ages.

Tonight, Thursday, December 2nd -
It's Ladies' Night Out. "Sip - Shop - Save" in downtown Madison, 5-8pm. Begin at Cafe Allegre between 5 and 6 pm to register for this fabulous evening full of holiday cheer, secret sales, and chances to win over $400 worth of Madison Merchant Gifts. Treat yourself to a glass of wine at half price and pick up your official Ladies' Night button, wish list and details of all the evening's offerings.

Twenty-one Madison shops are offering specials and sales just for tonight. The Scranton Seahorse Inn and the Tidewater Inn are offering specials on Gift Certificates purchased tonight either in person or by phone or email. How can you miss?!

Need more info? Go to http://www.facebook.com/shopmadisonct.

Four Days - Thursday, December 2nd, 7-10pm; Friday and Saturday, December 3rd and 4th, 12-6pm; and Sunday, December 5th, 12-4pm.
The historic Deacon John Grave House "Holiday Faire Extraordinaire" brings boutique shopping from around the state to Madison for this 4-day event. This is an opportunity to purchase wonderful gift items that are truly unusual, from soup to ties. [581 Boston Post Road, Madison CT - Downtown Madison]

Saturday, December 4th
Holiday Craft Fair, 9am-5pm - Madison CT Arts Barn, 8 Campus Drive
Holiday Parade & Town Tree Lighting and Carol Sing - Madison Center
Parade begins at 2pm. Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause at the Cafe Allegre porch from 2:15-4pm.
Tree lighting and Carol Sing at the Town Green 4:30pm
Then follow the luminaria across the green to the First Congregational Church for the ABC Concert at 5pm

Sunday, December 5th
It's Christmas "Inn" Madison - 2 to 5pm. Christmas open house and tour of Madison's historic inns. See the splendor of the shoreline in this holiday season as you tour the Grandfield, the Scranton Seahorse Inn and the Tidewater Inn. Meet the innkeepers as they share the special history of each home. Enjoy hot cider and the sounds of the season as you ride between the downtown inns in a horse-drawn wagon. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Proceeds benefit the Madison Exchange Club's Habitat for Humanity Build.

Shoreline Soul Holiday Concert - 3pm, First Congregational Church, Madison CT

Jane Garmey, Champagne Reception and Book Signing, at R.J. Julia Booksellers, Boston Post Road, Madison Center - 4:30 pm. "Private Gardens of Connecticut"

Tea with TeaRisa at Miss Susan's

2010-10-26T22:57:00.003-04:00

Let me introduce you to TeaRisa. You'll find her enjoying her tea on our front porch, and she invites you to join her at Miss Susan's for a "Cuppa."

This is our official Tidewater Inn Scarecrow for Madison's first Annual "Sea Shop Scare(crow)" event, a month-long scarecrow contest which culminates in a Sea Shop Scare(crow) Soiree (party!) on October 28th.

TeaRisa was the creative idea of Kathy, one of our housekeepers. As we tossed around the many ideas for our potential scarecrow she suggested a lady having tea because the Tidewater Inn was originally built by Susan J. Hart in the 1920's to be her Tea Room. The rest of us came on board and ran with the idea, and Miss TeaRisa was born.

Come on by to say "hello" and to see Miss TeaRisa throughout October, and be sure to come to Madison to see all of the other 65 or more scarecrows that are all around town, along Rte 1, Wall Street and Rte 79 up to Bradley Road. Prizes for the best scarecrow, determined by popular vote (so come cast your vote for us!), in the categories of SEA, SHOP, SCARE, or Best All Around, will be awarded at the Soiree, 5-8pm, Thursday, October 28th in downtown Madison in the New Alliance Bank courtyard. Come for the fun, the food, and the special "spooky sales."

The Colors of Autumn

2010-10-26T21:14:00.002-04:00

Look! Look!
I've been out and about leaf-peeping along the shoreline, and the colors are just now coming into their glory. Here's a bit of a taste of what you'll see here this week.

In case you're wondering, I have found that the shoreline's colors traditionally peak at the end of October into early November ... a bit after you'd expect ... and this year they are right on schedule.

Take a couple of days or a whole weekend and come and "play hooky" along the CT shoreline. Come see the colors for yourself.

We've had guests from around the world and as far away in our USA as Alaska this last week, and I've been having my fun as an innkeeper creating driving tours and leaf peeping adventures. Just ask when you come and I'll gladly share them with you, or even create a custom one just for you.

Right on schedule the Indian Summer weather has also arrived, bringing warm sweater-weather days and refreshingly cool nights. It's a Connecticut Shoreline Autumn at its best!

Madison Wine Shop Annouces ...

2010-10-22T21:17:00.003-04:00

Madison Wine Shop Announces

Wine and Dine Overnight Package with the Tidewater Inn of Madison, Friday November 5th, 2010

Do you need a little pampering! On Friday November 5th at 6:30pm the festivities will begin! Join us for a French wine and Dine experience like no other! Victoria Kolyvas of the Tidewater Inn will welcome you with warm hospitality as you are shown to your magnificently appointed period room. At 6:3opm the living room will bustle with French wine and Hors d'oeuvres. Rick Lewis and Patricia Roberts from the Madison Wine Shop will introduce you to Alain Blanchon, one of their French wine importers who's wines we will be tasting!

Then settle in for a wonderful repast, seven courses especially paired with 7 wines. This is a limited event. Only 16 people can attend, which lends itself to highly personalized service and experience! Packages start at $340.00 per couple, which includes the Wine Dinner, accommodations, and breakfast the following morning!

Our latest addition to Madison is the fantastic French restaurant, Bar Bouchon, and their extraordinary Chef David Borselle from the Union League Cafe in New Haven. David will create a gastronomic dream to scintilate the palate and to enhance the wines paired! Fawn Nebinger from Madison Cheese, etc. has chosen scrumptious cheeses from varying regions throughout France.

We hope you can join us! This event always sells out quickly! Please call Viki at 203-245-8457 for reservations or email at escape@thetidewater.com.

What Fun Choosing the Wines! - November 2010 Wine Dinner

2010-10-22T18:59:00.003-04:00

Our November Wine Dinner Getaway is coming up, and this time I was invited to be a part of the "choosing of the wines!" What fun. I was so excited, looking forward to it all. The experience did not disappoint.

Rick Lewis, from the Madison Wine Shop chooses the wines for our Wine Dinner Getaways. I like it that way. The way I see it, I'm the novice who enjoys wine, and he's the man with all the experience and knowledge and passion about wines, so I should sit back, watch and listen.

When it came time to make the plans for our upcoming November 5th Wine Dinner Getaway Rick surprised me with an interesting twist. "What would you think if we featured all French Wines?" My response was something to the effect of "Great! If that's what you'd like to do, I'm all for it. What wines are you going to introduce us to this time?"

Rick has invited Alain Blanchon, an importer of fine French wines, to join us for the wine dinner. He and Rick will together introduce the wines, course by course. A few weeks ago I was invited to meet M. Blanchon at the Madison Wine Shop. Alain Blanchon brought a selection of wines from which I expected that Rick would choose the six that we would serve.

What actually happened was this: Rick, Pat and Mike, from the Madison Wine Shop, another wine rep who happened to be in the shop at the time, and I gathered around the shop's tasting area for a private tasting. Alain Blanchon set out an array of many wines ... I lost count. How will we choose from all of these, I wondered. There are so many!

Alain and Rick guided us all through the process. Alain grouped the wines, mostly in threes. We would taste each group, and a selection would be made from the group. Course by course we tasted, commented, and selected. They even asked me what I liked and didn't like. (Wow! You're asking me? Thank you for the opportunity to be here and to learn from you. I did not feel worthy to offer an opinion. Yet I was encouraged to comment every time.)

For the first time, I have now had a tasting preview of the chosen wines for our wine dinner, and I can tell you, one and all, that those who will be here are in for an amazing treat. Among one group of wines two were equally as appealing. We didn't want to give up either one. Rick then decided to leave the choice to the wine dinner participants. "We will offer a side-by-side comparison tasting for that course," he said.

One of the wines that Rick and Alain chose right at the beginning was a total surprise to me with regards to where it was going to be served in the sequence of courses of the wine dinner. - Another lesson for me to learn. - I can't wait to taste it paired with the food.

The last surprise of the wines that will be served is one that we did not taste because of its scarcity. It is a wine that Rick is featuring from his "opportunity of a lifetime, unloading the loft" series. There are only 6 bottles, and one will be opened for tasting at the wine dinner. That leaves only 5, and no others available of that vintage. Alain and Rick were so excited about it, that the ancipation has me thinking about it often ... and smiling ...

As we tasted and selected, course by course, I asked Alain and Rick for their guidance for food choices. Based on their suggestions a menu was planned and I set out to arrange for some fine French cuisine to compliment these specially selected wines. Are you curious? ... sorry, but no more previews. You'll have to either come to the wine dinner yourself or wait for a future blog entry when I post the wines and the food pairings for you to enjoy vicariously. As for me, I'm looking forward to November 5th.

April 2009 Wine Dinner Getaway Event

2010-04-01T18:09:00.037-04:00

Many years before I became an innkeeper I had the joy of attending an elegant wine dinner at the Blue Hill Inn in Maine. That experience is part of my journey to owning the Tidewater Inn, and we'll save that for another telling at another time.

Those wonderful memories have lingered, and when I decided to host a Wine Dinner Getaway event here at the Tidewater, I knew that I would model it after that very same weekend that I had so enjoyed.

Now, the Blue Hill Inn had it's own restaurant and French trained chef. We're a bed and breakfast inn, no restaurant, no chef ... just an very enthusiastic innkeeper and home cook. So, I asked Rick Lewis, the owner of the Madison Wine Shop, Fawn Nebinger, the owner of Madison Cheese, etc., and Elizabeth Perry, of Elizabeth's Cafe at Perfect Parties, to join me, using their respective talents, to creating a memorable Wine Dinner Getaway event.

Our first Wine Dinner Getaway was on Friday, April 24, 2009. Fine wines were paired with exquisite food and served in the most elegant of settings. At the dinner Rick and his assistant, Pat Roberts, presented and poured each wine, course by course. It was as if everyone was a personal guest of the wine merchant in the dining room of a gracious home.

Traditionally when we dine we first choose our food and then select the wine to complement it. A unique feature of our Wine Dinner Getaway events is that we do the opposite: First Rick selected six wines to feature: one sparkling, two whites, two reds, and one dessert wine. Each wine was then matched with a tasting course selected and prepared to highlight its qualities. I thought you might enjoy knowing the wines and the food pairings that were served, so here they are.

Hors d'Oeuvres were served with a Mont Ferrant Rose" Brut, a deep pink, sparkling wine from Spain. Monastrell skins give this wine its stunning aromas of blackberries, currants and strawberries. Sensuous delicate fruit, there is not detectable residual sugar in the long, lovely, crisp finish. I couln't wait for Christmas, many months away, to serve this wine at our open house for family and friends.

The hors d'oeuvres included Spanakopitakia (Greek Spinach Filo Triangles), Taramousalata on Belgian Endive (Greek Carp Roe, Olive Oil and Lemon Spread), and Artichoke Bottoms with Seared Sea Scallops and Hollandaise in a Kadaifi nest. This first course was served buffet style so that everyone could meet and mingle.

Our Soup course, Roast Duck and Wild Rice Soup, was served to highlight the Galiciano Godello. Godello has been known by wine insiders for years. It is native to Valdeorras, which is 100 miles inland, off the Atlantic, in a mountainous area. These stresses and harsh landscape give this grape its character. Lovely minerality, crisp and clean ... along with a long finish. Great departure from Chardonnay.

Our third course, a Lobster Salad on a bed of baby greens with Avocado, Grapefruit and Citrus Vinaigrette, was served to show the best qualities of the Cour-Cheverny. This is the "ultimate shellfish wine," according to Rick. It is made from a grape called Romorantin ... this wine has lime fruit and zingy acid. You will love this wine. Rick's promise!

The next course was Giannone Chicken Breast with pan jus, Baby French Horn Mushrooms and Wild Ramps. This course featured the 2007 Atteca Old Vines red wine. An '07 Old Vines Garnacha, it is stunning, smokey, rich and just outstanding, with blackberry notes and a persistent, lovely finish. We served this wine for our innkeeper's reception for weeks to follow and it was quite a favorite.

Between the third and fourth courses we served an intermezzo of fresh lemon sorbet to refresh the palate.

The next tasting entree of Rosemary crusted Lamb Loin with Asparagus and Merlot Sauce, featured New Zealand's Mud House Pinot Noir. New Zealand makes great Pinot Noirs ... and this is tops, according to Rick. It is well balanced with outstanding fruit and a hint of smoke.

The final wine of the evening was a 1997 Costa Diva Muscat Dessert Wine. Liquid Gold! A perfect balance of sweetness and acid, it will not leave your mouth feeling viscous. This is dessert! To feature this wonderful dessert wine we served a cheese course and a dessert course too.

The Cheeses served were: * Drunken Goat, a semi-soft cheese aged in red wine. It is Artisanaly made in Murcia, Spain. The rind is edible and has a delicious fruity flavor of the wine in which it was aged. * Manchego with Membrillo, a semi-soft cheese served with quince paste. It is exclusively made in Castille -La Mancha, Spain, with raw milk from Manchega sheep. Very pleasant and buttery flavor, slightly spicy and with a great richness of aromas. * Cabrales, a Spanish soft blue cheese made with a combination of cow, sheep and goat's milk. It is artisanally made in Asturias using raw milk. Its flavor is deep, strong and spicy, piquant with an intense acid and creamy undertone. * Brebis, Abbey de Belloc, from the French Pyrenees. This is an Ardi-Gasna (local sheep's milk cheese) which is either made or aged in the Abbey. It is dense, supple and fruity with a lightly carmelized flavor that lingers.

Our dessert was a traditional classic Spanish Flan.

Saturday morning we served a full gourmet breakfast to all before everyone departed to explore Madison and to drop in a the Madison Wine Shop and Madison Cheese, etc. to purchase wines and cheeses to take home.

We learned a few important things with this first of our wine dinner getaway events: remember to provide vegetarian alternatives, and how about something with wine at Saturday's breakfast...

All the guests asked, "When's the next Wine Dinner Getaway?"

Have you seen the orchards in bloom?

2008-03-31T16:31:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen an orchard when all the fruit trees are in bloom? It's a spectacular sight to behold, and one that shouldn't be missed.

This is a very special time of year, and it's a short window of opportunity. If you've missed it, you've missed it ... until next year, when it all happens once again.

Fruit blossom time here in CT happens around the first week of May, give or take a week on either side. Pink and white blossoms cover the fruit trees, as far as the eye can see. Walk among them and be filled with the fragrance of the blossoms - apple, pear, peach, and more.

I love to drive around with the car windows open, and the roof open too, to see all the trees in bloom. When I can't get to an orchard, I'll drive around the neighborhoods to see all the residential ornamental trees in bloom. This is more than eye candy. This is a sight that renews. I think I've taken more photos of spring tree blossoms than of any other flower anywhere, ever.

This year I plan to find places to picnic under the blossoms. Lyman Orchards offers a "Great Orchard Getaway" that's just what I'm looking for. Chamard Vineyard also offers picnic box lunches to enjoy in the vineyard or on their deck overlooking it all. Both need to be booked ahead, and both are available rain or shine.

We all think of enjoying the countryside in the autumn, to enjoy foliage and the bounty of the harvest. Long before those colors and long before those fruits comes Spring and the splendor of their blossoms.

I've gone ahead and planned a great two-night orchard blossom escape for you. Hope to see you here.

www.thetidewater.com

Enchanted April

2008-03-31T16:06:00.003-04:00

Enchanted April. It's the title of one of my favorite plays. It also describes the way I feel about this time of year.

April and early May are an especially enchanting time of year here in the beautiful quintessential Connecticut shoreline village of Madison CT. Spring is in the air, the flowers are up and blooming, and there is an atmosphere of awakening and anticipation everywhere.

This is one of the absolutely best times to visit here, when you can enjoy sun-kissed Springtime walks on the beach, picnic under a canopy of fruit blossoms, find treasures in local antique shops and boutiques, be entertained with nearby live theater, concerts and art exhibits, and enjoy the shoreline's finest dining at a leisurely Springtime pace.

Come ... Relax. Renew. Refresh.

www.thetidewater.com

Birdies on the Porch

2008-03-31T15:29:00.002-04:00

I first noticed the birdies on our porch sometime in the second week of March. Each morning as I was preparing breakfast and setting out the early morning coffee and tea I would hear the sweetest bird song, and it seemed so very close. I looked out the dining room windows in the direction of the singing and saw two small birds hopping stem to stem on our evergreen Christmas wreath that was still hanging between the two windows nearest our front door. I moved over to the foyer to look out the windows on either side of our door, where I could get a better look at the birds.

They come every morning, still, and play, no longer on the wreath, but now in the silk flower arrangement that hangs in its place. As I think about it, I've noticed little brown birds coming to that arrangement every Spring, but never as often or as consistently as this year. My first guess was that they were taking pine needles to use for their nest. But that can't be the attraction now. Now they're coming to play in silk and wire and plastic stem.

One of the birds has red feathers as well as greyish brown. At first I thought it could be a female cardinal, but then noticed that it's shape was not that of a cardinal. Also, the companion was brown and speckled. That must be the female, I thought, so the redish one must be the male. My birding knowledge is next to none. If it's not a robin, crow, cardinal, yellow finch or blue jay I don't know what it is. But my frequent feathered visitors now had me very curious.

Just this last week two pairs were coming each morning and just as one of our frequent business guests was enjoying her breakfast. "Look," I said, pointing to the window, "my morning visitors are here." We both watched, fascinated that they would come to this hanging arrangement between the windows on the porch. We could enjoy watching them and listening to them, from just a few feet away. No binoculars necessary. Before the morning was over she drove to the Audubon Shop just down the street and returned with a Peterson Field Guide of Eastern and Central North American Birds. Jerry at the shop had identified our feathered friends. They are House Finches. How nice that they have come again.

First Signs of Spring

2008-03-31T15:12:00.003-04:00

It's the first week of March and I am on the lookout for the first signs of Spring. I am richly rewarded. As I looked out my office window across Rte 1 to the salt march beyond I see Pappa John and his faithful pooch drive by in his vintage open-air Good Humor Ice Cream truck. It's been put away all winter long. If Pappa John's taken the truck out, it surely must be Spring! (never mind what the calendar says ...)

Looking for a first sign of Spring is a happy habit I started when I was a freshman at the University. On a side street that ran between the academic buildings in the center of campus I could count on the first crocusses to bloom in the first few days of March, right up by the sidewalk in front of a house that still stood on that road. Once I discovered them I looked for them every year.

At home in CT it was the first Forsythia blooms that heralded Spring ... that is, until I planted crocusses. Faithful little flowers are they.

So, now in Madison, I look for Pappa John and the ice cream truck. Spring is here. It is. It is.

Majestic Eagles

2008-03-31T13:47:00.003-04:00

It's a beautiful "blue sky and sunshine" Sunday afternoon late in February, and I and my camera are aboard the River Quest for an Eagle Watch cruise. Within minutes of departing from the dock we saw our first eagles. Several were sharing a midday meal along the bank of the CT river. Shortly after that we enjoyed watching the aerial acrobatics of a pair mirroring each other's moves in an airborne dance of gliding and soaring. On both banks of the river eagles were perched on bare-branched tree tops, surveying their surroundings and all that passed by. Every now and again more eagles mirrored and soared overhead. On the last leg of our cruise we passed an eagle's nest, with mother sitting on recently laid eggs, and the father a tree top sentinel on watch nearby. In between seeing the eagles we also saw many cormorants, mergansers, sea gulls and swans. As we returned to dock our captain commented that this cruise had the best sightings of the season thus far.

Many years ago I was surprised to learn that Bald Eagles come down from Canada and winter along the southern part of the CT river, where the water does not freeze and they can find food.

The CT Audubon Society hosts an annual Eagle Festival Weekend in the middle of February, with eagle watch cruises and self-guided land tours. From mid January to mid March the Audubon Shop, in Madison, offers guided eagle watch land tours on select Saturdays, and River Quest, departing from the CT River Museum dock in Essex CT, offers Eagle Quest cruises with naturalists on board to offer valuable guidance and information. Even binoculars are provided.

Early in February I was at the CT River Museum to make Eagle Quest cruise arrangements for some of our guests who had made reservations for our Eagle Watch Escape. While there, I took the opportunity to set a date and buy a ticket for myself at last. 'It's about time,' I thought. ... Now, having been there and done that, I can honestly say, "I'm so glad I did."

For next year I'll have to book myself on a seal-watch cruise when the seals come to play along the CT coast in March.

Chocolate Lover's Paradise

2008-03-31T11:40:00.004-04:00

Just imagine this ... 15 or more of the area's finest restaurants, bakeries and chocolatiers setting before you their most imaginative chocolate creations, and competing to be proclaimed to be the very best ... and you're the judge! Can it get any better than this?

It was the afternoon of Sunday, February 10th, and I was at the "Chocolate to the Rescue" annual fund raising event for the benefit of the shoreline area's American Red Cross chapter. For a chocolate lover such as myself it was paradise.

What an elegant and extraordinary setting ... a ballroom overlooking Long Island Sound. Just outside the ballroom door, in the glass-enclosed foyer, was a horseshoe shaped station with glasses of pink champagne and uniformed servers encouraging you to partake. Entering the ballroom was like what I imagined it was like for Alice stepping through the looking glass into Wonderland. All around the room were beautifully decorated tables with chocolate confections and desserts, different as they could be from each other. Smiling hosts from every participating establishment greeted you as you approached their station and encouraged you to taste and see.

It was an atmosphere of excitement as we all tried and tasted and came back to our favorites for more. To cleanse our palates or wet our whistles, in addition to the pink champagne there were pitchers of ice water and carafes of freshly brewed coffees, teas, and, (now why was I surprised?) hot chocolate! Ahhhhhh...

And the winners were ...

Everyone was given a ballot when we arrived, and we were asked to cast our votes for the most creative and for our favorites. Best decorated tablescape was Tiberio's Restaurant (they offered chocolate lasagne, absolutely delicious, and hand made hazelnut truffles). Most creative was Sage Restaurant's Chocolate Sushi, made with white chocolate and rolled in dark- you had to see and taste this to believe it. The crowd favorite was the chocolate cheesecake pop by Cafe Routier. I'm happy to say that these were all among my favorites too, as are the restaurants that made them.

I did mention this was a fund raising event, didn't I? There was a silent auction for a group of very special items, and nearly 50 Gift-Bag Raffle items, including a gift certificate for a two night stay at our Tidewater Inn. There was much fun and excitement as the winning tickets were pulled from each bag.

Chocolate Lovers, mark your calendars for 2009. I have it on good authority that next year's "Chocolate to the Rescue" will most likely be sometime in January of 2009. This is such a unique event that I'll be offering a special Tidewater Inn package around it.

A Norman Rockwell Kind of Day ...

2008-02-22T14:52:00.003-05:00

I woke up to a winter wonderland this morning. What a beautiful sight. The snow had started to fall in the pre-dawn hours, and by breakfast time all outdoors was under a thick and fluffy blanket of white. A fire was crackling in the dining room fireplace to add to the ambience. One of our guests described it just right. "It's a Norman Rockwell kind of day." "Or, Currier and Ives," someone else chimed in.

Breakfast started with Pears Poached in Wine and Spices. The morning's temptations included Pineapple Banana Coconut Muffins, Pumpkin Pancakes with Pure Maple Syrup from a nearby farm and Hearty Sausage Links. Nearly everyone lingered over breakfast and just one more cup of coffee ... and another ...

This would be a perfect day for a sleigh ride at one of the nearby farms. Yes, it's February, and not Christmas, but these perfect Winter days are to cherish and enjoy. After all, isn't that why we plan a getaway?

May all your days be merry and bright ...

Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T19:44:00.003-05:00

I found myself commenting to my assistant, Sarah, this afternoon that today has been the best Valentine's Day ever. Now this may seem odd, I being without a beau at this moment, but this isn't about me. It's about celebrating Valentine's day at the Tidewater Inn. I now have an excuse to indulge our guests with whatever special touches I choose - and being a romantic at heart, this is my holiday for sure.

We had a full dining room for breakfast this morning. Early risers and late sleepers both, and everyone's frame of mind seemed as bright as the sunshine that streamed through the front bay window. Baked pear halves snuggled side by side on a pool of custard to start. Together the two halves formed a heart on the plate. Our morning baked goods included crescent hearts with red sugar crystals and pecan orange sticky buns whose aroma as they baked was enough to lure anyone out of bed, no matter how comfortable.

Today's arriving guests were all coming to celebrate Valentine's day. What fun it was to prepare their rooms, each according to the special package they had reserved for themselves: Truffles from Madison Chocolates, my gourmet Chocolatier neighbor down the street; champagne on ice, with champagne flutes and white lace napkins; chocolate covered strawberries ... mmm; a heart-shaped glass bottle filled with bath salts for the cottage jacuzzi; bouquets of long-stemmed red roses; heart lace doilies on each bed with chocolate hearts; keepsake gifts. Such fun to prepare each individual guestroom. I can see I'm going to have to invest in a digital camera. I would so love to show you photos right now.

My last bit of fun has been to help a gent to plan his Valentine getaway for this weekend. He made a great effort on his own but said he "struck out" when he tried to make dinner reservations. I promised I'd find him a special place. Elizabeth's Cafe at Perfect Parties came through for me (http://www.perfectparties.com/diningin.html). They had a spot open for dinner Saturday night. "He'll take it," I said. I know they are going to be so pleased to have discovered Elizabeth's. They'll be back again and again. I'm sure of it.

Welcome to the Tidewater Inn, Madison CT

2008-02-14T19:22:00.001-05:00

First Post February 2008