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How Talking Sidewalks Can Teach You the History of Ridgefield, CT

December 1st, 2009 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Keep Your Kids Busy, Local Events

Imagine strolling down Main Street and learning all the local history along the way. With Ridgefield’s Museum in the Streets, it’s as if the sidewalks are telling you the storied past of each historical building, landmark and monument in town. As part of Ridgefield’s 300th Anniversary celebration, the Museum in the Streets program has been installed all along the downtown sidewalks for all to enjoy.

Residents, visitors, day-trippers and school kids have been enjoying the displays that arrived last month. Numbering over 30 in all, these markers offer a glimpse into Ridgefield’s first 300 years. They are full of old pictures, stories and facts that have led to the present-day New England town as we know it.

You’ll find “Museum Markers” at Ballard Park, Town Hall, The Library and more that provide pedestrians with colorful descriptions of “what happened here”. It’s also a great way to spend time together with your kids.

Walk through town and look for the markers. Take a little extra time to enjoy Ridgefield’s Museum in the Streets.

The Museum in the Streets heritage discovery trails can also be found in these US and French towns.

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Art Walk – Another Awesome Ridgefield 300th Event You Can’t Miss

August 12th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Local Events, Ridgefield

The streets of Ridgefield come alive with home grown art this Saturday night August 16. Local Ridgefield artists will transform Main Street stores into art galleries as the Ridgefield 300th Anniversary Celebration hosts the first-ever Art Walk Ridgefield.

Several of our Ridgefield friends including Jean Linville and Noelle Carr are participating artists and our Keller Williams office is hosting some of their work.

This unique event will kick off in Ballard Park at 5:30 p.m. with a lively talk about “300 Years of Art in Ridgefield,” and maps will be provided showing participating Art Walk businesses. Children’s artwork will be displayed in Deborah Ann’s Chocolates and the Orange Elephant.

Check out the Ridgefield 300th website for information on this great event as well as all the other special events throughout the year.

See these other posts on Real Estate Chocolate:

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The 5 Best Ways to Chill Indoors in Ridgefield This Summer

July 30th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Keep Your Kids Busy, Recreation & Sports, Ridgefield

The sun doesn’t always shine around here. And sometimes it shines too bright so you need a respite from the heat and humidity. Here’s 5 great ways to beat the heat and entertain yourself and your family indoors this summer.

Enjoy the Great INDOORS in Ridgefield, CT

WEIR FARM -Weir farm has served as home and inspiration to 3 generations of artists. The art center sustains the legacy of American Artist J. Alden Weir. This National Historic Site (operated by the National Park Service) offers guided tours, art history programs and an art gallery throughout the summer. NOTE: Indoor gallery is not air conditioned.
DANBURY DUCK PIN LANES – Small pins big fun! Never been? You gotta try duck pin bowling. These are small pins and small bowling balls and it great family fun. Great for kids birthaday parties too. Learn more: Small Pins Offer Bowlers a Big Challenge – New York Times
SUGARBEADS – This beading studio in Copps Hill Common provides the best selection of the finest beads found today. Everyone, novice to professional will be comfortable stringing this extraordinary collection beads (over 5000 types).
THE RIDGEFIELD LIBRARY – The Ridgefield Ferguson Library is more than just books! The library folks provide programs and activities all summer long. Reading programs for kids and adults, a movie series and more. Check it all out at their website.
THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE – The Ridgefield Playhouse sure doesn’t take the summer off. World class Live music, comedy and first-run movies right right here in town! Don’t miss The Second City Comedy Troop, Bruce Hornsby, Kenny Rankin or the new Kitt Kittredge movie.
THE RIDGEFIELD RECREATION CENTER – Enjoy the pool, gym and workout facilities all summer long. The Ridgefield Rec Center offers organized activites including basketball, yoga, dog obedience, ballroom dance, swimming lessons and more.

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The 5 Best Ways to Chill in Ridgefield This Summer

July 18th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Ridgefield, Talking Real Estate

Summertime in Ridgefield is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy what makes living here so much fun. The menu of things to do to is limitless. Here I’ve pulled together 5 great outdoor activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Ridgefield, CT

CHIRP – Catch a CHIRP concert in Ballard Park. Every Tuesday night Ridgefielders enjoy some of the best live music from around the world. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and enjoy the show.
GREAT POND at MARTIN PARK – Beat the heat at Ridgefield’s Martin Park. Enjoy the sandy town beach on Great Pond. Lifeguards are on duty everyday from Memorial Day through Labor day. Bring your lunch and eat in the picnic pavilion. Swim out to the floats, swim lessons available. Open 10:00 – 7:00 every day.
BENNETTS POND STATE PARK – Hiking trails abound in Bennetts Pond State Park. Located partly on land where the Famous Fox Hill Inn once stood, Bennetts Pond offers the best hiking in the region. This trail system offers miles and miles of fireroads, meadows, rock formations, forests and hills. Trails interconnect with Lakes Windwing, Pine Mountain and Hemlock Hills recreation areas.
RIDGEFIELD FARMERS MARKET – Bring home Summer’s bounty from the Ridgefield Farmers Market. Pick up the finest locally grown, organic produce, artisan breads and more to make your weekend eating truly spectacular. The Ridgefield Farmers Market is open every Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 on the green across the parking lot from Cellar XV on Danbury Road.
SALE-A-BRATION – Shop yourself silly and have a blast at this summer’s Sale-A-Bration, Ridgefield’s annual Main Street event. Tied into this year’s 300th Anniversary celebration, Main Street is closed for the festivities featuring dancing, bands, clowns and Ridgefield’s fantastic local merchants. Don’t miss it – TOMORROW!

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Ridgefield’s Eco-B&B Green Rocks Inn: It Rocks!

June 16th, 2008 categories: Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Green Living, Ridgefield, Talking Real Estate

An ever growing number of people have transformed parts of their lifestyle to be more conscious of sustainability and our environment. So when you travel to the region, there’s no need to leave these good habits at home. In fact, now when you visit family and friends in Fairfield (CT) and Westchester (NY) Counties, you can bring all these important habits with you and even pick up some new ones while staying at Ridgefield’s own Green Rocks Inn.

Green Rocks Inn in Ridgefield, CT

As explained in yesterday’s New York Times article, House Won’t Sell? Turn It Into a B&B, homeowners Kim and Barbara became proprietors of their B&B after Brad (my partner on Real Estate Chocolate) floated the idea. What an ingenious way to benefit from a somewhat shifted Ridgefield real estate market and take a home that was slow in selling and turn it into a lifestyle dream come true.

The region’s best B&B is known as much for its hospitality as it is for it’s eco-friendly approach. On her blog, Kim maintains a list of more that 35 ways she keeps her inn green including composting, buying wind-generated electricity, and paperless billing. They also hosted last month’s Green Drinks and have sponsored the Ridgefield Farmers Market.

When traveling to Ridgefield or if you live here and need a place for family and friends to stay, count on the Green Rocks Inn for hospitality, service and an environmentally friendly approach to doing business.

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Woofs Wines and Felines: Be There or Be Square!

June 6th, 2008 categories: Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Local Events, Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton

Don’t forget that tomorrow is ROAR’s annual fun-fest under the big tent across from CellarXV, Woofs Wines and Felines. We’ll all be enjoying spectacular wines from around the world, delicious food and great music… all in support of ROAR (that’s the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue) and their terrific programs that serve so many of us in Ridgefield and throughout the region.

Tickets are available all day today at CellarXV Wine Market on Danbury Road in Ridgefield (203) 894-8690) or on the ROAR website and will be available at the door. Admission is just $45 purchased in advance or $55 on the day of the event.

When Monica and Jane approached us to get involved in ROAR, Brad and I were excited to find out more. It amazed us to learn that ROAR help’s to recsue >500 dogs and cats each year and then places these animals in loving homes. The Kimmelman-GutmanGroup is proud to support the ROAR mission and to ” headline sponsor” this wonderful event. We’re looking forward to getting more involved and continuing our support for ROAR well into the future.

Join us at Woofs Wines and Felines: sign up for our blog and pick up a special free gift. See you tomorrow!

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Local Ridgefield Artist Shows at Norwalk’s Chocopologie!

May 25th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Local Events, Ridgefield

In keeping with our chocolate theme and our love of arts, culture and great foods, here’s a show you should not miss! One of my Rainbow Lake neighbors, Noelle Carr, is a fine artist and will be the featured artist at Gallery Chocopologie from May 19 through July as part of a summer show. Chocopologie is a cafe, gallery and retail store opertated by world-renowned Knipschildt Chocolatier in historic South Norwalk, Connecticut. The mix of fine chocolate and fine art makes for an intoxicating environment to stimulate the senses on a multitude of levels.

Ridgefielder Noelle Carr paints contemporary botanical portraits that celebrate flowers on a cellular level. Each painting focuses on the beauty and splendor of each singular flower variety she chooses to paint. Through her use of color, paint texture, and technique, Ms. Carr brings life to the canvas through her subjects and her work is intended to convey the meaning and significance flowers play in all aspects of our lives from jubilation to grief.

Chocopologie is located at 12 South Main Street, Norwalk CT 06854. For more information on the artist, this show and for gallery hours go to: www.NoelleCarr.com

We hope to see you there!

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Now You Can Have Local Organic Food and Live Healthier in Ridgefield

May 20th, 2008 categories: Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Green Living, Ridgefield

Sipping organic wine and making new friend’s at last week’s Green Drinks networking event, it became clear that organic and sustainable living has become a priority for many Ridgefielders.

Ridgefield Farmers Market

The biggest local green news is the opening of the Ridgefield Farmers’ Market. On June 13th, a new era begins for Ridgefield’s localvores: fresh, organic produce, artisan bread and other locally produced products will be for sale on the grass field across from Cellar XV. The market will be open Friday afternoons from 3:00 – 6:00 through October. It’s a step back to a simpler time. There’s quite a buzz building around town and the market is sure to be a big success.

Organic Food in Ridgefield, CT

Over the years, Ridgefielders have enjoyed access to organic food. We’ve relied on Nature’s Temptation (rumor has it that they are moving to a larger store) and The Hickories. Ridgefield Organic Market and Ridgefield Prime have recently opened in Copps Hill Plaza. You can check out additional local sources here: LocalHarvest.

There’s a growing choice of purveyors right in Ridgefield because sustainable living is driving the demand for locally produced, organic food.

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How to Savor Fine Wines and Save Animals in Ridgefield, CT

May 12th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Local Events, Recreation & Sports, Ridgefield

Rob and I are very proud announce that we will be the exclusive real estate sponsors for ROAR’s (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue) 6th Annual Woofs Wines & Felines event on June 7, 2008. This exciting and fun wine tasting extravaganza is one of Ridgefield’s most successful fund raising events. It’s held every year under a big tent in the grassy field across from Cellar XV Wine Market.

Enjoy music from “The Loft“, while sampling more than 60 wines from around the world and delicious gourmet food provided by Bailey’s Backyard, Bernard’s, Gail’s on the Common, Piccolo Pizza & Toozy Patza, Southwest Cafe, Wild Baby Greens Catering, Whistle Stop Bakery, Ridgefield Organic Market and Ridgefield Prime

All proceeds from Woofs, Wines and Felines go to ROAR to help hundreds or dogs and cats find much needed homes every year. You can even buy raffle tickets to win a trip to California Wine Country, a 30 Bottle Wine Cellar or a Richard Budman original painting!

We’ve had a great time at Woofs, Wines & Felines in years past, and this year promises to be the best one yet. Please stop by our table to say “Cheers!” and to pick up some treats for you and your pets.

Please purchase your tickets in advance TODAY! Click Here To Buy Tickets (They are more expensive at the door.) or make a Donation .

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Spoken by Rob Gutman | Discussion: No Comments »

The Raw Deal! Top 5 Sushi Restaurants around Ridgefield, Redding & Wilton, CT

March 27th, 2008 categories: Cultural Resources, Eat, Drink and Be Amused, Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton

Sushi The Ridgefield, Redding and Wilton area has some great sushi restaurants! I’ve been a sushi lover since I was twelve and I’ve dined at the best and most famous Sushi joints around the world: New York, Sydney, Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Living in Connecticut, I’ve found some of the best restaurants serving sushi:

1) Ichiro Japanese Restaurant 69 Newtown Rd Danbury, CT 06810 (203) 792-8881‎

This is my personal favorite sushi restaurant in the area. It used to be a diner and is located near the Walmart on Newtown Road in Danbury. What a surprise! When you walk in, you forget that you walked into a former diner, and are greeted by some of friendliest folks in the restaurant business. You can either choose to eat in the Hibachi area (also very good) or at the regular restaurant with a Sushi Bar. The fish is fresh and the portions are sizable! The rolls are creative and the prices are very reasonable, which makes Ichiro this blogger’s top pick!

2) Koo Restaurant 470 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877- (203) 431-8838

Either grab a seat at the bar (The bartender, John is the best in Fairfield County!) or eat at the sushi bar or at a table. This innovative, trendy, Japanese fusion restaurant serves the freshest and most interesting array of Sushi in the area! Bring a suitcase full of cash, though…it ain’t cheap!

3) Mannen Japanese Restaurant 15 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT – 203-438-8727

This Ridgefield favorite serves Japanese and Chinese food that is consistently good. They also deliver within Ridgefield, which makes it very convenient. The Sushi is always fresh and the portions are ample. Just like a Old Faithful, you can always rely on Mannen.,

4) Panda House 93 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811 – (203) 743-6080

Just north of the Ridgebury section of Ridgefield in Danbury, this Chinese/Japanese combo serves up some good, fresh fish in a clean and convenient environment. Their Chinese food is by far the best this side of the George Washington Bridge! You just can’t go wrong at Panda House!

5) Taipei Tokyo 15 Backus Ave, Danbury,CT 06810 – 203-792-8888

If you’ve shopped till you drop at the Danbury Fair Mall and need a Sushi fix, drop into Taipei Tokyo just next store in The Christmas Tree Shops shopping center. This is a good old fashion Japanese/Chinese combo restaurant that serves consistently good food. Nothing truly special, but convenient, reasonable and friendly.

Rate and review these additional restaurants that serve Sushi in the area:

Sakura Japanese Restaurant 203-222-0802 • 680 Post Rd East, Westport,CT 06880

Kabuki Japanese Steak House 39 Lake Avenue Ext, Danbury,CT – 203-744-6885

Empire Szechuan 113 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield – (203) 431-0488

Sushi Koshi 15 River Rd, Wilton,CT 203-761-6770

Leave us a comment below and tell us what you like!

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