Monday, April 29, 2013

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.

Monday, April 22, 2013

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.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

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.


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

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.