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It’s All New at the Old “Bee”

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Bee_Artist

An excerpt from a love letter from Mark Twain to his wife, Olivia, is painted on the wall of this newly renovated room in the historic Bee and Thistle Inn.

The historic Bee and Thistle Inn has been transformed to retain the integrity of the historic landmark built in 1756, whilst also providing a link to the past and nurturing artists of the present.

Guest rooms have been redecorated and each feature work by a different local artist including Adrien Broom, Pola Esther, Brian Keith Stephens, Thomas Caleb Goggans, Elizabeth Weiss, Jacques Pepin and featured artists from The Cooley Gallery and the Diane Birdsall Gallery.

Tourmaline gemstone objects d’art and Simon Pearce hand blown glass from the E.F. Watermelon Gallery are on display in the common areas.  Striking outdoor art installations by Michael McLaughlin and beautiful shell sculptures by Chandler Davis dot the picturesque grounds surrounding the Inn.

Innkeepers Linnea and David Rufo are continuing to forge the trail that the historical figure, Florence Griswold, envisioned in the mid 1800s.  Miss Florence was the daughter of a successful ship captain; the Griswold family lived in the mansion right next door to the current Bee and Thistle Inn, which was then the residence of Judge William Noyes and his family.  The Griswold family’s fortune reversed during the Civil War, and the resourceful Florence transformed the home into a boarding house.  Artists began to visit and the Lyme Art Colony was born.

Now Miss Florence’s mansion houses the renowned Florence Griswold Museum and both the four-year, nationally accredited school, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts and the renowned Lyme Art Association are only a few steps away.

Formerly from the Berkshires and New York City, Linnea Rufo has had her roots planted in the hospitality industry for over 30 years as a chef, event planner and hostess.  The couple purchased the property in 2006 and began the painstaking process of transforming the inn, which now features a modern, artistic interior decor.

Artists from the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan have started to frequent the Bee and Thistle on weekends, enjoying the artistic guest rooms.  One recently refurbished room is reminiscent of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 honeymoon suite at the five-star Amsterdam Hilton where they held their “Bed-In-For-Peace.”  Instead of song lyrics scripted on the walls, The Bee has painted an excerpt from a love letter from Mark Twain to his wife, Olivia.

In April, Courtney Love stayed at the Bee and Thistle during the opening of her first formal art exhibition at the Lyman Allen Art Museum, which came to New London from Fred Torres Collaborations in Chelsea, N.Y.C.

The  “Bee Inspired” Art Night is planned for this coming Thursday, June 27, from 5 to 8 p.m.  Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the Bee and Thistle’s dining and guest rooms to meet the artists whose work fills the Inn’s spaces, both inside and outdoors.  There will be interactive activities and musical entertainment, along with complimentary wine and cheese.

Chef Kristofer Rowe’s kitchen is a hive of activity, in which he uses only the freshest local and seasonal ingredients to produce his award-winning, Zagat-rated menu.  The new lounge, completed in March, has a contemporary flair with a relaxed feel evoking style and comfort.

No longer just a place for anniversary dinners, the Bee and Thisle is now a great stop for drinks and appetizers.  “Bee Happy” Hours on Tuesday through Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. offer complimentary appetizers, $4 beers, $5 glasses of wine, $6 specialty drinks and the Inn’s famous Bantam half plates.

Thursday night’s “Bee Indulged” three course dinners including a complimentary bottle of wine are affordable at just $75 for two people.  Lunch is served on Fridays and Saturdays both inside and outdoors.

“Early Bee” specials with a 5 p.m. dinner reservation also on Fridays and Saturdays offer one half price entrée with the purchase of another entrée presenting a pleasant opportunity for theater-goers before evening shows and after matinees at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Ivoryton Playhouse, Goodspeed Theater and Garde Arts Center.

“Bee Laid-Back” on Sunday afternoons … drinks and appetizers are served outside, and local musicians whose careers are just beginning to burgeon will perform for guests.

“Bee Spirited” Petanque (or “lawn bowling”) is a group activity on the Inn’s beautifully landscaped back lawn, which is offered monthly from late spring through early fall.  Groups of friends can come together for some friendly competition followed by food and drinks.

The Bee and Thistle is still a perfect location for a New England wedding.  Couples can make the Inn their home and enjoy exclusive use of the property for garden nuptials against a sunset canvas on five acres along the Lieutenant River vista.  Choices include dinner with dancing and service for 200 guests on the south lawn, or an intimate gathering that includes dining fireside.

The Bee and Thistle Inn is located at 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371.  For more information, visit www.beeandthistleinn.com, telephone: 860.434.1667, email: Innkeeper@BeeandThistleInn.com

‘Stay & Play’ Hosts Free Day Fundraiser Tomorrow, Benefits Soup Kitchens

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All these slides open tomorrow -- entry by canned good donation for Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries.

All these slides open tomorrow — entry by canned good donation for Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries.

Stay and Play is celebrating the reopening of its popular summer outdoors water slides tomorrow with a Slide into Summer food-raiser for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries (SSKP).  Instead of an admission fee, the center is accepting donations of non-perishable food for the regional soup kitchen.

The SSKP provides approximately 900,000 meals worth of food each year to families in the Connecticut shoreline towns of Lyme and Old Lyme along with Essex, Chester, Clinton, Madison, Old Saybrook, East Lyme,  Killingworth, Westbrook and Deep River.

“Being a part of the community is important to us,” says Roger Rose, Stay and Play owner and founder, who started the food-raiser tradition to kick off last year’s water slide season.  “We’re excited that summer is finally here, but warmer weather doesn’t reduce the needs that people in this region have for food.”

girlTomorrow, instead of the standard admission of $9, or one punch per child on Stay and Play’s popular Play Pass, donation of non-perishable food to the Soup Kitchens will give families with children under the age of 13 access to the center’s outdoor waterslides, the Play Room for kids up to age 7 or the Game Room for the older kids.

The Saturday reopening activities include Live Music by BossGuitar featuring Stay and Play Dads Jonathan Kehew of Corner Music and Chris Billeau of Connecticut River Concierge, and hula hooping with Professional Hooper Maia Bingham of Every Body Hoops.  JAMSS restaurant of Old Saybrook will be selling their delicious food, in addition to Stay and Play’s nutritious snacks, beverages and summer ice cream treats.

This is the fourth year for the seasonal water slides, which are available for private birthday parties as well as being open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.   The four lanes of splashing fun are set up daily in a fenced in area, with a shaded area for kids and adults.  There is no standing water in the slides, a safety factor for children. There are slides for both larger and smaller children, plus a splash area and water tables for tots.

“Since the slides are all about getting wet, we provide indoor bathrooms for changing,” says Rose.   “Or, just show up in your swim wear and remember to bring dry clothes to change into for the inside activities.”

indoorsStay and Play has continued to expand since opening its original Play Room in 2008 for children under 7.  The Play Room, pictured right, features slides, padded flooring and bouncy toys in a clean space to run, jump and play.

Kids can enjoy healthy light snacks in the School Bus Café, a real school bus repurposed for the Play Room.  For adults, Rose stocks Bean and Leaf roasted gourmet coffee and signature wraps from Tissa’s and other Old Saybrook eateries.

In January 2012, Stay and Play launched its Game Room for children under 13, with games ranging from foosball, air hockey and skeeball to bumper pool and shuffleboard tables, as well as Nok-Hockey and basketball hoops.  Younger children also can enjoy the Game Room, with parental supervision.   Parents of older children can take a break on the overstuffed sofas in the Play Room or join in the fun in the Game Room.   A new LEGO pit in the Game Room is proving to be very popular.

More than 800 area residents volunteer to help prepare warm meals and deliver food through the SSKP.  They serve meals seven days a week, rotating daily between eight different locations in the shoreline region.  Grocery distributions to people in need are made at 5 locations on four days of the week.  The SKKP, which relies on donations and food purchased from area wholesalers and food banks, calculates that a pound of food in Connecticut costs $1.50, on average.  See shorelinesoupkitchens.org .  Monetary donations to SSKP also will be accepted.

Stay and Play is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, admission is $9 per child, no charge for adults, Play Passes are available, as are reduced rates on weekdays after 3 pm.  All of the facilities are available for parties, including private, after-hour events for children and adults.

Waterslide status will be posted online at www.stayandplayllc.com or “Like” Stay and Play on Facebook for updates.

For more information, call Stay at Play at 860-395-4446.

Social Connections Offers Host of Activities for Singles Through August

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Social Connections is a social club for singles in Connecticut with non-profit 501(c) status from the IRS.  The Club’s goal is to give singles the opportunity to meet new people, have fun, and network.  Read a listing of all the group’s varied activities through August.

JULY 14  (Sunday) SINGLES BLOCK ISLAND DAY TRIP.  Come join a fun day and lunch on the island.  Meet at the ferry at 2 Ferry Street, New London at 8 a.m. for high-speed ferry, round trip ticket $45.  To reserve seat, call ferry at 855-256-2547.  For information, call Gail at 860-582-8229 or 860-434-6426.  Sponsored by Social Connections.

JULY 21  (Sunday) SINGLES WALK & LUNCH at the Dinosaur State Park, 400 West Street, Rocky Hill at 11:00 am.  There is an exceptional display of early Jurassic fossil tracks plus many other artifacts from over 200 million years ago.  Attendees will go into the exhibit center first, admission $6.  Then walk on the more than two miles of nature trails and finally go to lunch at a nearby restaurant.  For information, call Gail 860-582-8229.  Sponsored by Social Connections.

JULY 26  (Friday) SINGLES DINNER EVENING at Dakota’s, 1489 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill at 6:30 pm.  This will be a fun night and an opportunity to meet old and new friends.  They have delicious food and a nice atmosphere.  Come for a fun evening.  To reserve, call Gail at 860-582-8229.  Sponsored by Social Connections.

AUGUST 9  (Friday) SINGLES HAPPY HOUR at La Boca’s Mexican Restaurant, 337 Main Street, Middletown starting at 5 p.m.  Come after work in the lounge for a great time and mingle with old and new friends.  It’s a nice way to end the work week.  There is no charge.  For information, call Gail 860-582-8229.  Sponsored by Social Connections.

AUGUST 17  (Saturday) SINGLES SUMMER BEACH PARTY at Gail Fuller’s beach cottage at 46 Swan Avenue, Sound View, Old Lyme starting at 2 p.m.  This is always a great time.  You can visit, hang out, or walk on beach.  For the picnic, bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  Admission $10.  To reserve, call Gail in Bristol 860-582-8229 or Old Lyme 860-434-6426.  Sponsored by Social Connections.

AUGUST 25  (Sunday) SINGLES WALK and LUNCH in Boardwalk area at Baptist Lane, Niantic at 11 am.  Walk along the ocean’s edge and listen to the waves.  Come for a lovely Sunday morning walk and then lunch.  No charge for walk.  For information, call Gail 860-434-6426 or 860-582-8229.  Sponsored by Social Connections.

All Singers Welcome for SummerSing of Lauridsen’s ‘Lux Aeterna’

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Enjoy an evening of singing next Monday, June 24, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Old Saybrook at the season’s second of six SummerSings co-sponsored by Cappella Cantorum and the Con Brio Choral Society.

Mark Singleton of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus will lead the group in an informal read-through of  “Lux Aeterna” by Morten Lauridsen, beginning with registration at 7 p.m. and singing at 7:30 p.m.  All singers are welcome.

An $8 fee includes a borrowed score for the evening if needed.

The church is located at 56 Great Hammock Rd. and is air conditioned.  Parking is available at St. Paul’s or at the Valley Shore Assembly of God at 36 Great Hammock Rd.

For more information, call 860-767-9409 or 203-245-6947.

Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour Continues Today: Benefits Child & Family

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Irises

Blue irises form an attractive foreground to the photo of a house on the Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2013 Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour, taking place Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, at private homes in Lyme and Old Lyme.  Tucked away amid the rolling hills and stone walls of the Lyme and Old Lyme countryside, these six gardens abound with natural beauty, both flora and fauna.

An impressive vegetable patch can be seen at one of the gardens on the tour.

An impressive vegetable patch can be seen at one of the gardens on the tour.

Here the homeowners nurture vegetables, herbs, perennials, and annuals alongside native trees, shrubs, and marsh grasses; and while deer, osprey, and even the occasional bald eagle are known to frequent this part of the Connecticut River Valley, several of the gardens also feature chickens, horses, and even a koi pond.  Each of the gardens on the Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour offers a unique perspective on gardening along the shoreline in Connecticut, and together they provide a fitting welcome to a long-awaited summer.

The six gardens on the 2013 Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour include a working farm, an estate on Hamburg Cove, an architectural gem overlooking the Connecticut River, and a garden with its own putting green.  Three of these properties boast impressive views of the Connecticut River and its tributaries; as an added bonus, one of the homes is also open to tourgoers.

This year’s Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour takes place on Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15.   The self-guided driving tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days (rain or shine), and visitors should allow at least three hours to complete the tour.

Boxed lunches ($15), catered by Old Lyme’s own Coffee’s Country Market, will be available once again with advance reservation by today, June 7); and the popular Garden Boutique will tempt visitors with an array of unique and distinctive items for home and garden. Educational talks, included in the admission price, will feature gardening experts speaking on horticultural topics.

Tickets for the 2013 Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour are available now at the advance-purchase price of $20, on the agency’s website (www.childandfamilyagency.org) and at The Bowerbird, Old Lyme; they may also be obtained by sending a check and SASE to P.O. Box 324, Old Lyme, CT 06371, or by visiting the Child & Family Agency offices at 255 Hempstead Street, New London.  If ordering lunch, remember to specify the day you will attend.

Group sales (six or more) are available.

For more information, call (860) 443-2896, ext. 901.  Tickets will also be available on the day of the tour at $25 at each garden location.

For directions to follow the tour, take Exit 70 off I-95 and follow the signs.

All proceeds from the 2013 Lyme/Old Lyme Garden Tour will benefit the many services and capital projects of the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the well-being and development of all children and their families, with emphasis on the unmet needs of children lacking physical, emotional, and intellectual care and nurturing. With offices in New London, Essex, and Groton, Child & Family Agency is the largest nonprofit children’s service provider in southeastern Connecticut.

For more information, see www.childandfamilyagency.org.