Clementina Verge

Latest posts by Clementina

Mother’s Day Events in Hartford County: Fashion, Races, Tea Parties, Art, and Comedy

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Tue, 04/28/2015 - 8:00am

Mothers love Sundays. They sleep late, caressed by lavender eye masks that subtly fragrance the air. When they arise, an immaculate house greets them, and they can spend the day lounging with an inspirational book. Cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, and vacuuming shattered cheese crackers off car seats can wait for another day. Oh—it’s not like that for you? Happy to hear I'm not alone in my weekend mad dash.

At least one Sunday, however, should be different. For more than 100 years, Mother’s Day has been set aside as a special time to celebrate moms, their dedication to family, and their efforts in raising children. Some moms look forward to the traditional bouquets of flowers, boxes of chocolates, and sentimental cards. Others want to be taken out to dinner or a spa. Still others prefer a family day at a park, zoo, or aquarium. Whatever you wish for, we hope it comes true. Here are a few family events (many of them free) to help you have a beautiful day.

Hubbard Park in Meriden: Beautiful Through Every Season

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 04/24/2015 - 7:07pm

A few days ago, my family and I visited Hubbard Park in Meriden for the first time. I am embarrassed to admit that it took almost 14 years of living in Connecticut to discover this state treasure, but, as the saying goes, better late than never. Charles Dickens observed that, "nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own," and without a doubt, this beauty is magnified at Hubbard Park. Here’s how we occupied half a day, and what you can expect when you visit this New Haven County gem.

Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Festivals, Astronomy, Fishing, and Earth Day Celebrations April 25-26

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Wed, 04/22/2015 - 7:00pm

April showers often bring May flowers, but happily there's no rain in the forecast this weekend. So get ready for lots of outdoor fun throughout the state, like a Salt Marsh Walk at Barn Island, A Walk with a Llama in Litchfield County and a Family Fishing Derby in Hartford County.

If you are in the mood for speed, put on your running shoes and join the Kids Run in Simsbury, or hop aboard a train for a Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine in Essex County.

Our Event Calendar is constantly updated with the best activities around the state. To keep up with everything going on for kids in CT, subscribe to our FREE newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Have a fantastic weekend!

Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Football, Raptors, Spring Festivals April 11-12

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Wed, 04/08/2015 - 7:00pm

If you were planning on relaxing at home this Saturday and Sunday, better forget it. There’s just too much fun to be had this weekend throughout the state. The days are getting longer and warmer, so grab the kids and go make some memories. Put on a party hat and join the fun at the Chester Spring Festival, make art at the Wadsworth, lace up your hiking boots and enjoy the outdoors, or show your Huskies pride at the UConn game.

Remember, our Event Calendar is constantly updated with the best activities around the state. To keep up with everything going on in CT for kids, subscribe to our FREE newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Have a fantastic weekend!

Community Gardens in Hartford County: Gardening With Children

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 03/19/2015 - 2:00pm

Experts (I am not one of them!) agree that horticulture is great for kids: it allows them to design, plant, and maintain a garden, while teaching them about nutrition, teamwork, cooking, and food sharing.

The expert who propelled our family gardening endeavor about five years ago was Curious George. Yeah. The cartoon monkey. After watching an episode about gardens, my daughter begged for one of her own, and with a little help from good neighbors at The Pickin’ Patch in Avon and Home Depot, a little girl’s dreams of becoming a farmer came true.

Mark Twain House Welcomes Young Visitors

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 03/13/2015 - 10:33am

Living in New England, we are privileged to dwell in the birthplace of American literature. As Hartford County residents, my family and I enjoy close proximity to the home of one of the most entertaining literary voices: Mark Twain. Though lavishly designed and furnished, his Hartford mansion is a place where children were obviously comfortable, as are today’s young visitors. It might also spark (or strengthen) a lifelong love of reading. This is a museum worth visiting.

History Comes Alive at Stanley-Whitman House in Farmington

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 03/05/2015 - 7:39pm

Whether snowflakes are falling or flowers are blooming, the Stanley-Whitman House in Farmington is a great Hartford County destination that will incite a child’s imagination and historical interest, without being overwhelming or expensive.

Confession one: I am passionate about all things literature, history, and art. Confession two: My daughters have inherited this exploration gene. Sometimes we travel far, but often we explore our home state and Stanley-Whitman House has become a favorite museum not only for convenience, but because of its non-pretentious presence in a quiet, residential neighborhood.