It feels a lot like winter these days even though winter does not officially arrive until Dec. 21. However, temperatures are expected to warm up this weekend. Saturday and Sunday are great days to be outdoors. And, to be indoors as well. The weekend offers the Branford Land Trust’s annual pre-Thanksgiving Walk and inside local artists open their studios in Branford, Guilford and Madison. There’s some cool jazz too. For the fun of it, we’ve extended the weekend to Monday to include a special Home for the Holidays party at Home restaurant on Monday night. The event is to benefit the Cosgrove Animal Shelter.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studios Weekend
Visit the private art studios of 42 local artists who live and work in Branford, Guilford, and Madison. This is the Shoreline Arts Trail’s 2014 Open Studios weekend, which takes place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for a map of the locations and for more information about the 13th annual event visit www.shorelineartstrail.com or contact Martha Link Walsh at 203 – 481-3505. Admission is free.
Annual Holly Fair takes place at the North Branford Congregational Church, 1680 Foxon Road. Fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Branford Hills Holiday Craft Fair takes place at the Branford Hills Health Care Center, 189 Alps Road in Branford. Event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Totoket Historical Society Holiday Bazaar gets underway at the Reynolds-Beers House, 1740 Foxon Road, North Branford. Event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, click on [email protected] or call 203 – 488-0423.
Holiday Fair at St. Therese Church, 105 Leetes Island Road. Saturday’s event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It continues on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Sunday, Nov 23
Branford Land Trust Pre-Thanksgiving Walk
The Branford Land Trust’s Nature Explorer Program holds its annual pre-Thanksgiving walk at the Van Wie Preserve at 1 p.m. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the refreshing winter weather. The walk will be led by Bill Horne and Ainsley Highman. Meet at the trailhead at 87 Red Hill Road. Directions: From Exit 56 on I‑95, go south on Leetes Island Road. for 0.1 mile, and turn left (East) onto Red Hill Road. Proceed to #87, which is on the right, and park on the right side of the road. For more information call 203 – 415-1571. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit branfordlandtrust.org.
Bowl-A-Thon
Creative Arts Workshop Pottery Studio, 80 Audubon St., New Haven will hold its 18th annual Bowl-A-Thon to help the hungry. Choose a handmade bowl or mug to help support the Community Soup Kitchen in New Haven. Event takes place from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
GastroPub Swings
In New Haven: Visit Kelly’s GastroPub, 198 Crown St. to hear cool jazz performed by Jeff Fuller on bass, Gary Grippo on guitar, Ed Cercone on piano, John Brasile on drums and singer Francine Brasile. The sets run from noon to 3 p.m.
Dr. Joe & Friends Jam in Guilford
Head to Guilford to hear Dr. Joe Cardinale and Friends jam. This week they include Darren Litzie on piano, Brian Torff on bass, Ben Bilello on drums and Dr. Joe on guitar. Jazz starts at 6 p.m. at the Ayuthai Restaurant, 2279 Boston Post Road. Reservations suggested. Call 203 – 453 2988.
Monday, Nov. 24
Dan Cosgrove Shelter Event
Extend the weekend to Monday. Attend a special fund raising event to benefit the Cosgrove Animal Shelter to be held at the Home Restaurant, 1114 Main St., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
###
