Shopping Small Makes a Big Impact

June 17-21 is National Small Business Week, so here is your official reminder of why you should shop small now and in the future.

1. Within the Downtown area of Middletown, approximately 95 per cent of businesses are considered small businesses, meaning they employ fewer than 50 people. In fact, about 60 per cent of the businesses in this area employ fewer than five people. That means that small business success is absolutely critical to the economy of downtown Middletown. By shopping at big retailers and chain dining establishments, you are taking money away from your own town and sending it elsewhere where your own economy will not benefit from it.
2. Locally owned businesses support local causes. Not only is shopping and dining locally important to the economy, these businesses care about the things that you care about – causes that are important to your own neighborhood and area. Supporting businesses locally supports these causes too.
3. Let’s face it, businesses have power over local decision making. When those business owners do not live locally, they may not make the same decision you would as a resident of a certain town. By supporting local businesses, you support their power in decision making, thereby improving the chances that such decisions will be relevant to those who live in the communities affected by these decisions.
4. Jobs! We all know how important jobs are, and we all know how increasingly difficult it is becoming to find a job. Small businesses support the economy by hiring locally and providing wages for local people.
5. Supporting small business also encourages entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship is what this country was founded upon. Innovation and entrepreneurship leads to prosperity for a nation and community, and improves the chances for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class.
6. Small business also helps more small businesses, like the shop that sells locally made jewelry and candles or the restaurant the uses locally made cheeses, rather than purchasing from other big corporations.
7. Small business is good for the environment by encouraging sustainable, walkable town centers, reduce urban sprawl, limit automobile use and sell items that require less transportation for deliveries.
8. Small business supports diversity of products. When entering a small shop, you never know what creativity you’ll find. You may discover a new toy, a unique scent, a tantalizing flavor or unusual design. Allowing diversity in business by allowing small business to thrive encourages this diversity.

10 Reasons to Visit Your Local Farmer's Markets

It is summer and summer means Farmer's Markets are back. Here are 10 reasons to shop your local farmer's markets this summer.

1. It's local. Buying from local farms means supporting the local economy. You'll be helping support local families who grow and produce fresh foods.
2. It's fresh. There is nothing like the fresh factor of a farmer's market. The produce and other foods you find at a farmer's market are just picked, eggs are just laid, and breads and other foods are just baked. The freshness at these markets can't be beat.
3. Carbon. Everyone's talking about their carbon footprint and shopping at these markets is a great way to lower yours. By buying locally grown and made products, you reduce the transportation cost of these items and lower your carbon footprint.
4. Variety. When shopping at farmer's markets you'll be more apt to try new produce, and you'll also find varieties of produce that you'd never see at a grocery store. Try a new variety of tomato or some fancy radishes. You never know what new delicacy you'll discover.
5. In season. One of the benefits of the food being fresh is also finding food that is in season. Plus, eating in season foods is actually really good for you!
6. It's interesting. Walking through a farmer's market is always an interesting experience. You'll meet new people, learn new things and discover a whole different world.
7. It's fun for kids. Kids usually really enjoy farmer's markets because there is so much to see, learn and discover. Plus, it's very educational for them to learn about seasonally grown foods and where their food comes from.
8. Fresh air. Shopping in fresh air markets is another fun feature. It's just very different than walking through a supermarket produce section where it's very climate-controlled and all the vegetables have just been sprayed. 
9. Meet the farmers. It's a neat experience to meet the actual people who grew the food you're eating. It puts a face to your food and gives you the chance to meet some real salt of the earth individuals. 
10. It's healthy. As if eating vegetables wasn't healthy enough, you'll also find healthier vegetables that aren't sprayed with toxic pesticides and are grown organically a lot of the time. It's a double win for your health. And if you're going to eat healthy, you might as well maximize the benefits - otherwise just binge on chocolate. Kidding - just kidding!

Middletown Farmer's Markets

Middletown Farmer's Market
South Green on Old Church Street
Hours are July-October;  Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Accepts WIC, SFMNP.

NEAT Farmer's Market
At Main and Liberty in Middletown, CT
June 14th-October; Fridays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Double dollars program for WIC, SNAP, FMNP, and Senior Vouchers

Wanna Live Downtown?

Over the past several years Downtown Middletown has been becoming a a greater and cooler place to work and dine and play and live. Now, Downtown is exploring new possibilities in living downtown as part of the Come Home Downtown project, for which the original Amato's building was chosen. A community meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Community Health Center.

We would love local businesses, building owners, and anyone interested in this process to come out and join the discussion. We hope you can come.Your input is key to a successful downtown Middletown. 

Come Home to Downtown is a program that seeks to boost downtown living, improve walkability, bring new life to mostly vacant historic properties and help teach building owners ways to finance real estate upgrades. Come hear how the original Amato’s Toys building was selected as a model to show how it can be renovated to include apartments upstairs and retail downstairs, and learn how you can influence downtown’s design. 

RSVP to Middletown Downtown Business District (DBD)
860-347-1424 or quentin@downtownmiddletown.com

For more information, see the Middletown Press article about this:
http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2013/06/04/news/doc51a7dbe566028817988850.txt

Think Before You Park

Bad Things Happen to Good People. And even if your motives are completely innocent when you park in Metro Square’s free lot and run down the street to dine before you catch a flick, you just might not find your car when you return. Don’t worry, it was not stolen – just towed. That’s because this free lot is ONLY for patrons of Metro Square businesses and if you appear to walk off the property, you’re putting yourself at risk of a towing. So, be wise and not just good. Don’t park in Metro Square’s lot unless you are walking directly into one of those businesses and have no intent to leave the square.

For more details, see these past articles on this matter.

From the Patch: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/metro-square-parking

From the Middletown Press: http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2013/04/23/news/doc5176df647935e792944902.txt 

Does Main Street Middletown Have Personality?

Every town has a character all its own, a personality, so to speak. Its personality might be preppy pearls, or it could be farm and country, or perhaps even nautical. And that gets me thinking about the character of Middletown. Middletown is such a special city, and perhaps it’s easy to take for granted all that it really offers, and not even see that it has such a big personality.

Middletown has one of the widest Main Streets in Connecticut, and was even named Most Romantic Main Street in 2011. The street itself is dotted by planters and trees, and features some beautiful architecture. It has a spectacular view of the bridge and the river, and even has access to Harbor Park.

In downtown, you’ll find an eclectic array of restaurants from around the world, including award-winning eateries, vegetarian options, quaint coffee shops and a world-class chocolatier. It is home to upscale jewelry and interior design shops, and small shops featuring local artisans. There are museums for kids and adults, art galleries, theaters, dance studios, and live music.

With an appeal to international-minded individuals, foodies, hippies, knitters, artists, parents, children, and health nuts alike, perhaps the personality is a sort of inclusivity, a broad-mindedness, an openness – like the extra wide main street itself.

What do you think Main Street’s Personality is?

Middletown, An Arts Destination

When you think of arts, you might think of New York or Chicago, or around here, probably the Goodspeed Opera House, but Downtown Middletown is challenging you to change the way you think. Middletown is so chock full of artistic expression that you really must give it some serious consideration.

The Buttonwood Tree features comedy, improv and live music on a regular basis, and when I say regular basis, I mean all the time. Just about any day of the week, there is something going on there, whether its a poetry reading, a band, or karaoke, there are arts to explore at the Buttonwood Tree. Some of these events are performances from musicians or artists from around the country while others are locals, and still more are arts you can participate in. Readings, potlucks for poets, and laughter yoga are just some of the things on their calendar of events and all are worth checking into further.

Oddfellows Playhouse is another incredible asset to the city of Middletown. Just up the road from Main Street, this little theater features plays and musicals all the time and its youth theater group is a terrific way for kids to gain more exposure to performing arts. Oddfellows even offers a circus camp for kids starting at age 8, with instruction in an assortment of circus-like performance arts. Want to learn to juggle or walk on stilts? This is your place. Just want to see a quality show, Oddfellows, again, is the place to be.

The Green Street Arts Center is an initiative of Wesleyan University that provides arts instruction including an afterschool program for middle school and high school students, and private lessons in the arts. They offer classes in integrative arts, songwriting, African drumming, dance movement, hip hop dance, capoeira, Latin dance, clowning, breakdancing, tap dance, environmental art, fashion, art and science, experiments, observation to imagination, poetics of rap, American sign language, improvisational theater, digital photography, animation, and more. Private lessons can range from learning to playing an instrument or dancing  to digital animation or recording and almost everything in between.

And of course, there is Vinnie's Jump and Jive which has taken a desire for community and fitness and thrown in dance to create something very special - a cool community place where you can take dance lessons at affordable prices as an adult! With their social dances, hip hop classes, ballroom dances and even classes for parents with their preschoolers, Vinnie's offers a very accepting arts environment.

Of course, Wesleyan University is a great place for arts. Check out The Davison Art Center, the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery, the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, and Wesleyan Potters for example, but don't forget the theatrical performances, recitals, solos, concerts, cultural dance performances and so much more.

If you're interested in buying art and seeing what other artists have on display, Middletown features several places to do that as well. Forbidden City Bistro, Its Only Natural restaurant, Klekolo World Coffee, Sweet Harmony Cafe, Tavern at the Armory all display works of art for sale.

Coffee shops and restaurants around Downtown also often feature live bands as well. For live music check out Us Restaurant, Klekolo, Sweet Harmony, Mezzo Grille, Tuscany, La Boca, and New England Emporium.

Middletown even has a web site that calendars all its arts programs and events in one place. Check it out at www.arts2go.org.

So when you're looking to broaden your cultural horizons, engage personally with the arts, or just catch a show, think Middletown! You just can't miss.

A Table with a View

Deck Dining at It's Only Natural Restaurant

After being cooped up for months or bundled up in so many layers, there is something really exciting about sipping a coffee at an outside café table, or enjoying a meal under the sun or stars. It makes good food that much better! 

Right now, this is the perfect time of year to indulge in this Springtime experience. Spring is here and Main Street is coming alive with outdoor dining options. While some haven’t opened just yet, here are a few that are already seating patrons outside, or that will be very soon.

Check out these restaurants for some great outdoor dining and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine:

• ColdStone Creamery – While you may enjoy mixing cookies or candy or fruit with your ice cream, there is no denying that licking that cold treat while people watching on Main Street takes it up another notch.
• Forbidden City Bistro (opening in May) – as the weather continues to warm, you can look forward to getting a table outside as you partake of some incredible Asian fare at this award winning Middletown restaurant.
• It's Only Natural Restaurant – It is only natural that you’d like to satisfy your vegan tastebuds while embracing some sunshine and a breeze as well. Check out their fabulous patio!
• Klekolo – Sipping coffee at an outdoor café table is so very European, check out Klekolo and feel as chic as the French.
• Tavern at the Armory – Their lovely outdoor seating area is open again, and there is no time like the present to stop in with a friend for lunch or dinner – or even brunch – and enjoy the gorgeous weather we’re having.
• Tuscany Grill – another great choice for outside dining is Tuscany Grill. Enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine and get a taste of the Continental lifestyle.
• Tschudin Chocolates – Yes, you can even enjoy some delectable desserts and chocolate outdoors and make everyone else very jealous.

Downtown Middletown – a Great Place for Kids and Families

Downtown Middletown is becoming such a hip place for dining, nightlife and shopping that it’s easy to forget the really great things for kids around here. When it comes to Middletown, many parents naturally think of R/C theater for movies, KidCity (which should be a staple in every parent’s activity arsenal), and Amato’s (which has such an extraordinary selection of toys, crafts, games and puzzles, not to mention trains that it is always a family favorite), as well they should. But there is so much more to Downtown Middletown than that!

Green Street Arts Center, an initiative of Wesleyan University, provides every student with the opportunity to discover new things about the world and themselves through carefully crafted classes, workshops and lessons.  As one of the only educational organizations offering classes across five disciplines of the arts - Music, Movement, Media, Visual and Drama - Green Street also hosts events, gallery shows, film screenings and recitals. Their after school program is available for grades 1-8 and lets students pursue and discover their passions. They offer arts classes, academic enrichment, an arts school for middle schoolers called junior school, and musical mentoring, which is a great way to learn an instrument.

The Buttonwood Tree is a performing arts and cultural center in Downtown Middletown and offers concerts and shows on a regular basis. In addition, they offer karaoke and plenty of ways to perform, engage with art or just watch others. They have tons of events each month, so check out their calendar online at http://www.buttonwood.org/events/ or plan to join in for an open mic night every Monday at 7:30 pm.

Let your kids explore their creative sides or hone their fine art skills with Middletown Art Academy’s art summer camps and art classes for ages 5-18. Summer camp sessions meet once a day for four consecutive days. Students receive individual instruction and work at their own pace in a non-competitive environment. Many students find their skills progress very quickly in camps because of the steady practice a daily class can offer. For more info and price list call (860)344-0554 or visit them online at middletownartacademy.com.

With lots of open skate times, theme nights and extended hours during school vacation weeks, Middletown Roller Skating Rink is a great choice of activity for kids. Parents can join in or just sit back and watch their kids go round and round. It’s a great way for them to get some exercise in a fun way. For more information, call 860-704-0064.

Vinnie’s Jump and Jive features a Mommy and Me Pre-K Movement class for kids 18 months to 5 years and a parent or care provider. Since toddler and preschool kids are bursting with energy, what better way to get some of it out than by wiggling and giggling together! Kids learn colors, numbers, pretend to be animals and stimulate their brain in ways that is important for these developmental stages in life. For information on the program, contact Vinnie’s at (860) 347-6971, ext. 3777 or vinnies@chc1.com.

NEAT, the North End Action Team, is another great resource for activities for kids and families. With their community music initiative, their new hiking club, and McDonough Garden Club, there is lots for kids and families. Add to that, the North End Farmer’s Market which is a great place to take kids to learn about food, and NEAT is a super resource for families. For information about all that NEAT has to offer, visit their website at neatmiddletown.org.

KidCity is Middletown’s children’s museum, and a fine one at that, drawing visitors from all over Connecticut. With age appropriate activities and plenty for your little ones to explore, it’s a favorite of local moms! The Toddler Sea Caves, reserved for children age two and younger, is a wonderful safe place to let these little ones explore without being trampled by older kids. Plus, there is just so much to occupy the older kids – the Clubhouse, the Video Theater, Musical features, the Clipper Ship, the Farm and more. You’ve got to check it out if you haven’t for some reason yet. For more information, visit www.kidcitymuseum.com or call them at 860-347-0495.

Amato’s is a classic toy store at its finest and that’s why it’s been a Middletown staple for so many years. With a train display on their lower level and toys bursting from its seams, this is a kid’s paradise. Plus, their toy selection is quite different than some of the bigger national name toy stores you’re familiar with. You’ll find a huge selection of model trains, puzzles, crafts and games, plus loads of toys for all ages. It is a must shop in Downtown Middletown. For information, visit their website at http://www.hobbysurplus.com/amatosmiddletown.html or call 860-347-1893.

Russell Library near Downtown Middletown has lots more than books. While its children’s book section offers a huge selection of books for your kids, you’ll also find movies and music to check out, and you can check out the activities and events they offer as well. Age appropriate story times from infants to 5 year olds, craft activities, a gardening group, and even introduction to Kenpo Karate. For information, visit their website at http://www.russelllibrary.org/kids/kids_events_progs.html or call them at 860-347-2528.

Just beyond Downtown Middletown, you’ll also find Oddfellows Playhouse which offers a variety of different classes and opportunities to perform for kids of all ages – and shows your whole family will enjoy, including the annual Children’s Circus of Middletown, for kids ages 8-14. Check out Oddfellows Playhouse’s website for more information at www.oddfellows.org.

Warmer Weather Treats

As warmer weather approaches, our attention inevitably turns to cold treats. From iced coffee to iced cream, frozen and cold treats are refreshing on a sunny day. Thankfully Main Street Middletown has a plentiful assortment of options.

Smoothies and Milkshakes:

• New England Emporium – features homemade smoothies for a cold treat on a warm day. Located inside Main Street Market at 386 Main Street.
• It’s Only Natural Market – hosting a great new juice and smoothie bar with refreshing variety and healthful options. Located inside It’s Only Natural Market at 575 Main Street.
• Javapalooza – While known for its coffees, this hip little cafe also features delicious flavors of milkshakes and smoothies. Located at 330 Main Street.

Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt:

• Lizzy B’s Sweet Celebrations – Carrying Praline’s Own Made Ice Cream and making their own ice cream cakes. Located at 170-8 Main Street.
• Froyoworld – Middletown’s frozen yogurt lounge where you’ll find lots of flavors and loads of toppings to choose from for just $0.49 per ounce. Inside Main Street Market at 386 Main Street.
• Cold Stone Creamery – Creamy Ice Cream and fabulous mix-ins make the flavors exponentially expand. So many choices, you’ll hardly know what to choose.  Located at 100 Riverview Center off Main Street in Middletown.

Iced Coffee:

• Dunkin Donuts – this New England classic naturally features iced coffee all year round. Now located at 423 Main Street.
• Klekolo World Coffee – boasts that any of their amazing coffee drinks are available on ice because they use coffee ice to make sure your coffee doesn’t water down. Located at 181 Court Street, just off of Main Street.
• Javapalooza – while known for countless creative coffees, this quaint café also features classic iced coffees perfect for chilling on a warm day. Located at 330 Main Street.

That's Amore'

While there are boundless options for romantic dining on Main Street, for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Luce has got it all. Reviews at this Middletown restaurant consistently report superb food, a great atmosphere and exceptional service. For romance, this Tuscan inspired restaurant just might be the place to dine. Their menu offers an array of Italian fare and their wine list boasts wines from around the world. 

A delicious meal at Luce’s followed by a stroll, hand in hand, down Middletown’s Main Street, where warm street lights and cozy coffee shops lend a glow to the city. Main Street was ranked one of America’s most romantic main streets, and will certainly help send feelings of romance up and down her spine. 

While beautiful and unique floral arrangements and bouquets can be found and pre-ordered at one of Main Street’s top end florists, like Capricorn or Wild Orchid, specialty chocolates can also be found at Tschudin Chocolatier. For a high class, love-is-in-the-air Valentine’s date, this date idea has the ooh-la-la factor that will fit the bill.

Valentine's GIft Guide

We know it's hard to find the perfect gift for that special someone; and we've established already that the gift you give should mean something. Chocolates and red roses may be traditional, but finding a gift especially and uniquely for your sweetheart is far better. Here are just a sampling of ideas and specials happening in Downtown Middletown right now. From cupcakes to bicycles, there's no end to the perfect gifts you can find Downtown. Check them out today before Valentine's Day sneaks up on you. 

Overnight Retreat at the Inn at Middletown

Surprise your special one with this remarkable overnight getaway. The package includes an overnight stay for two at the luxurious Inn at Middletown, a chef preferred four course dinner for two, a bottle of champagne either at dinner or in your room, and a complete breakfast for two the next morning. Plus you’ll receive complimentary 24 hour valet service, and late check out (based on availability) – all for $259. Stop in or call to make your reservation today! (860) 854-6300 or (800) 637-9851.

Couples Retreats from Sanditz Travel

If you’d like you take your sweetie away with you for a little vacation, check out what Sanditz Travel has to offer. During the month of February, they are offering a special on Perfectly Paired from American Express vacations, which boast spa treatments, private lessons, poolside cabanas, romantic dinners for two, and more at a selection of carefully chosen, very romantic resorts. Stop in or call Sanditz Travel today for details or to book your couple retreat. (860) 346-5511.

Cupcakes

Everyone loves a cupcake and Middletown is in no short supply of them. Whether you choose to send a single delicious cupcake or a dozen of the sweet treats, this is a great slightly different option from the typical box of chocolate or dozen roses. Cupcakes can be purchased at NoRa’s Cupcakes at the North End of Main Street, where the cupcakes are known to have a cocktail like twist, or you can stop in for selections at Fusion Bakery, Lizzy B’s Sweet Celebrations and even It’s Only Natural where you can find vegan cupcakes. They’re all cupcake-licious.

Jewelry

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, jewelry does typically say a lot. Whether its diamonds or a simple charm bracelet, you pretty much can’t go wrong here. And, in Middletown, your options abound. Stop in at Mallove’s Jewelers or PJ Jewelers, both on Main Street, for an abundance of choices in wide array of price points. Or you can consider some of the other retailers on Main such as Echo Trading and Ladybug Boutique where they’re offering $5 off a purchase of $30 (only if you mention the Downtown Middletown blog), or Lastrina Girls where they feature an array of sparkly accessories as well.

Flowers

Sending the right bouquet can say a lot. Red roses are a common staple of Valentine’s Day, but they’re certainly not your only choice, and the florist of Downtown Middletown are famous for original bouquet designs of high quality flowers. Check out Capricorn Florist or the Wild Orchid and see what they have to offer. They may even have some suggestions of other suitable and romantic arrangements you can order.

Edible Arrangements

Some people just don’t get into flowers. Perhaps it’s an allergy or some other aversion, but regardless, there is an arragement for you. Edible Arrangements on Main Street in Middletown offers unique and edible bouquets that can be picked up or delivered right to your sweetheart. Give them a call at 860-346-1353.

Middlesex Fruitery, also right on Main Street, is another great option serving up specialty foods like cheeses and fruit in gift baskets that will make a great statement as well. They can be reached at 860-346-4372.

Gift of Music

Music IS romance. Romance IS music. So it would stand to reason that music lessons or a new instrument might suit someone’s sweetheart for this Valentine’s Day. For lessons or expert advice purchasing an instrument you cannot go wrong at Middlesex Music Academy on Main Street. Stop in and check the place out.

For the Biker Babes
Here's what Pedal Power has going on: All clothing is 30% off for Valentine's Weekend (Feb 16th & 17th). However, if you purchase similar items for your significant other, you get 40% off. For example, buy a jersey & shorts for yourself, get 30% off. Buy a jersey & shorts for yourself & a jersey & shorts for your significant other, get 40% off all 4 clothing items. There are some restrictions, customers should see our stores for details.

Spa Services

Getting her some spa treatments for Valentine’s Day is sure to be a winner and this year EG Salon is offering a terrific special. Choose any three services for $79. Services included in this special are 30 minute massage, 30 minute facial, 30 minute reiki treatment, warm sugar body scrub, bikini wax, spa pedicure, Shellac manicure, hair conditioning treatment, professional blow out, and make up application. This package makes a perfect gift, but also could be incorporated into the Pampered Princess date very easily. Just be sure to call ahead for reservations at 860-346-7714.