Clementina Verge

Latest posts by Clementina

Where to Eat, Play, Jump, and Make Soda in New Britain

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 04/30/2017 - 12:26pm

Located in the center of Connecticut, New Britain is a city rooted in manufacturing and industry, leaving some to wonder what family-friendly activities can be found in this Hartford area community. However, with a little exploring, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all it has to offer. A variety of kid-friendly spots waiting to be explored include places to play and enjoy nature, opportunities to discover and create art, try out some old-fashioned soda, and gaze at the stars.

Finding Poland in Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 04/27/2017 - 1:08pm

About 4,200 miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean, you will find a country defined by delicious cuisine, lively music, and rich traditions. Of course, you can forgo a passport and save yourself the $1,500 airfare by enjoying an all-Polish experience in the heart of New Britain. Since most children are always up for adventure, they will likely enjoy peeking into another culture, trying to make sense of foreign labels, tasting new foods, and perhaps learning a few words in a new language.

Carousel Rides in Connecticut

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 04/21/2017 - 8:24pm

For more than a century, carousels have added magic to childhood and nostalgia to our adult years. Racing for the most bedazzled horse or the one with the fanciest saddle is a right of passage since many children are naturally drawn to the whimsical figurines, whether they sparkle and shine, stand stoic in the breeze, or gracefully glide up and down to the sounds of carnival music. Being immersed in countless lights and bright colors, while the sense of flight is perpetrated by the circular motion, makes it seem like one is living in a musical water globe, if only for a few moments. Carousel rides are synonymous with summer breezes, but many can be enjoyed year-round. Below are 11 recommendations for where to catch a carousel ride in Connecticut...or close to the state border.

A Visit to the Institute for American Indian Studies Museum & Research Center

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 10:00am

Tucked on a woodsy cul-de-sac in Washington - one of the most pastoral areas of Connecticut – you will find an important assortment of stories and artifacts that preserve and celebrate the traditions and contributions of indigenous cultures. Though small in square footage, the Institute for American Indian Studies Museum & Research Center features an impressive collection and is an especially child-friendly Litchfield County attraction.

Connecticut 2017 Bestie Guide: Best Places for Family Fun

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 03/11/2017 - 12:36pm

Connecticut is an outstanding place to raise a family (no bias here, right?) and Mommy Poppins Connecticut readers are crème de la crème. That's some simple, reliable math. Best place to be + best readers and parents = insight into the absolute best places to visit with children.

In January, we sought your expertise and asked all of you to help us choose our Besties: vote for the best museums, family businesses, entertainment venues, and other categories that add magic to childhood in Connecticut. You graciously answered our request and now the results are in. You chose from 10 nominees in 23 categories (and two voters were picked at random to enjoy great prizes from our wonderful sponsors). The contest is now over, but you can learn about it by browsing Besties FAQ.

We have grouped the results into three winning categories: Best Places for Family Fun, Enrichment Programs, and Parenting Resources.

Here's your chance to learn a bit more about each winner of the 2017 Connecticut Besties!

Best Enrichment Programs | Best Parenting Resources

2017 Connecticut Bestie Guide: Best Enrichment Programs

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 03/11/2017 - 12:30pm

We asked all of you—our awesome Connecticut parents—to vote for the best family businesses and resources in 23 categories. By choosing from 10 nominees in each category (two voters were picked at random to enjoy great prizes from our sponsors!), you have enabled us to assemble the Connecticut Bestie Guide, highlighting the voter-favorites.

We have grouped the results into three winning categories: Best Places for Family Fun, Enrichment Programs, and Parenting Resources.

Here's your chance to learn a bit more about each winner of the 2017 Connecticut Besties!

Best Places for Family Fun | Best Parenting Resources

2017 Connecticut Bestie Guide: Best Parenting Resources

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sat, 03/11/2017 - 12:30pm

We have grouped the results into three winning categories: Best Places for Family Fun, Enrichment Programs, and Parenting Resources.

Here's your chance to learn a bit more about each winner of the 2017 Connecticut Besties!

Best Places for Family Fun | Best Enrichment Programs

Family-Friendly Ethnic Restaurants in the Hartford Area

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 02/09/2017 - 11:00am

Children’s curiosity is boundless, especially when learning about the world around them, and food has the power to educate while filling our bellies with yumminess. Coq au vin? Paella? Pansotti alla genovese? Chow Mein? Moussaka? You’re getting hungry…very hungry...and below are 10 suggestions for international cuisine in the Hartford area, where you can turn a family lunch or dinner into an exciting opportunity to try a new texture or spice. For even more fun, perhaps your family can practice learning a few words in a foreign language or listening to music from that particular culture. If you're feeling really ambitious, you can even try to replicate favorite recipes at home, at a later time. Of course, Connecticut abounds with delicious eateries, so you can also check out some ethnic family-friendly restaurants in the New Haven area.