Connecticut Museum Promised Works From Picasso, Homer, Wyeth

GREENWICH, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut museum says it’s been promised an “unprecedented” private collection of European and American art, including works from such well-known painters as Pablo Picasso, Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth and sculptors Henry Moore and Alberto Giacometti.

An anonymous Greenwich couple is making the bequest of 70 works, including paintings, sculpture, watercolors, drawings, prints and photographs, according to the Bruce Museum. It marks the largest gift of art in the 112-year history of the museum, which was originally built as a private home.

The bequest coincides with the museum’s planned $60 million renovation and expansion project, which will double the size of the building. The New Bruce is scheduled to open in March 2023.

“This gift is unprecedented in its scale and quality, and these works will further define the New Bruce as a museum that explores global stories of Modern and Contemporary art,” said Robert Wolterstorff, the Bruce Museum’s Susan E. Lynch Executive Director and CEO, in a written statement.

The collection includes Hopper’s Two Comedians, the artist’s last work. It depicts the painter and his wife Josephine dressed as clowns on stage.

Maple Celebrations Return In Some States, With Precautions

Maple season is a time-honored tradition in the Northeast, when sap starts to flow in maple trees and is collected and boiled into syrup, with visitors coming to sugar houses to see the operations firsthand.

But the pandemic forced some states to cancel or postpone their annual sweet celebrations last year, and now some producers are welcoming back the public with safety precautions in place.

Maple weekends are happening Saturday and Sunday in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and Maine’s annual celebration is being held March 27-28 with precautions recommended by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. But those statewide events are off for a second year in a row in Vermont, the country’s top maple producer, and New York.

Maine Maple Sunday was postponed last spring, which was a disappointment for syrup producers, some of whom counted on it for 50% of their annual sales.

“It was a huge loss last year,” said Jo-Ann Merrifield, who said the event normally accounts for 75% of sales at Merrifield Farm in Gorham, Maine. That included valued added products like nuts and candy, in addition to syrup.

Her farm normally would have about 4,000 to 5,000 visitors over the weekend. This year, the event is scaled back. Gone are the free samples of maple ice cream, the pancake breakfast, blacksmith demonstration and animals, she said. But people can still purchase products as well as enjoy coffee and a pastry, she said.

Despite the loss of the maple open house weekends in Vermont, some producers say sales have been up with more people staying home and cooking for themselves.

“I just think people are staying home more and using more syrup,” said Jim Wells, of Olde Carriage Sugarwoods in Charlotte, Vermont, who said his sales increased at a local market, online and to people stopping by the house. “I almost ran out of syrup, which is unusual.”

Others reported a drop in sales after restaurants that they supply shut down.

Sales are down slightly for Turkey Street Maples, in Chocorua, New Hampshire, because restaurants weren’t using as much syrup, but grocery stores are still taking their syrup, which they also sell online and curbside, said Kate Stanley.

New Hampshire is having a maple month, with some producers allowing limited visitors, with social distancing, face masks, and other requirements.

Normally about 600 people visit Turkey Street Maples during their maple weekend. They usually have two or three other businesses come and sell their products but this year, their event next weekend will be smaller, she said.

The sugarhouse is too small to have other people inside and maintain a safe distance but French doors built into it allow people to see the process from outside, Stanley said.

“We’ve pared it back to just us and another local farm,” she said.

By LISA RATHKE

Connecticut Unveils All-New State Tourism Website

New CTvisit.com Site Offers More Than 4,000 Reasons to Visit Connecticut

Travelers can now find information on more than 4,000 places to visit, stay and eat in Connecticut as well as hundreds of inspirational travel stories, vacation deals and event listings all in one place — www.CTvisit.com.

The completely redesigned and rebuilt website, launched today by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, makes it easier for visitors and residents alike to learn more about the state's major attractions as well as its hidden gems and to plan their next getaway in just a few clicks.

Just in time for summer travel, the new site is highly visual, content rich and entirely mobile responsive. Leveraging the latest interactive technologies, it features:

• Information on 4,000+ tourism attractions, accommodations and restaurants – more than double the number of listings offered on the previous website
• Intuitive navigation that organizes information based on types of activities (Do), styles of accommodations (Stay) and options for dining (Eat)
• Suggested getaway itineraries and travel stories for visitors looking for Ideas based on the type of experiences they enjoy
• Calendar of events that can be filtered by date range, type of event or region and a special "what to do this weekend" feature
• Regional site views which provide visitors with an in-depth opportunity to explore the unique offerings in each region of the state
• Individual pages highlighting each destination, which are free to the businesses and allow them to showcase photos, videos, upcoming events, travel deals and can even automatically bring in their social media feeds and TripAdvisor® ratings
• "While You're in the Neighborhood" feature which serves up suggestions and directions for other attractions, hotels and restaurants that are close by the destination you're viewing

"Connecticut now has a state-of-the-art website to support our $14 billion tourism industry, which supports 80,000 direct jobs," said Catherine Smith, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. "The new site, a key component of our still revolutionary Connecticut marketing efforts, makes it easy for visitors to find and explore our state's rich array of destinations, which will help keep tourism a thriving industry in Connecticut."

Nearly a year in the making, this new site was a collaborative effort involving the state's many different kinds of tourism businesses, local associations and other Connecticut state agencies.

"In our research, we learned that potential visitors, even our own residents, wanted more specific ideas of things to do in Connecticut. So we designed the new CTvisit.com to bring our state's dynamic blend of offerings to life using lots of great imagery, engaging content and streamlined navigation," said Randy Fiveash, Director, Connecticut Office of Tourism.

Regional tourism districts also worked closely with the state's tourism office to enhance content and aggregate listings so that visitors could enjoy a seamless experience of all Connecticut has to offer.

"The new site gives the tourism regions the best tools we've had in years to market not only destinations and experiences in our own footprints, but also to build interest and exposure for events and attractions a short drive away," said Ed Dombroskas, Executive Director, Eastern Connecticut Regional Tourism District. "The whole state benefits," he added.  

At every key milestone in the process — from identifying what the site should do to evaluating how it should look — the team reached out for quantitative and qualitative feedback from consumers (both in-state residents and out-of-state travelers) as well as from tourism business partners across the state. This research guided every phase of the site development process.

"This has truly been a team effort involving tourism businesses from all across the state, the Connecticut Office of Tourism, the regional tourism districts, the regional visitors' bureaus and many local organizations," said Andrew Wood, SVP, External Relations, Mystic Aquarium. "We couldn't be happier with the process — and the result. Potential visitors to Connecticut now have such a breadth and depth of information and inspiration at their fingertips."

The site is also built on a Content Management System (CMS) that empowers tourism partners to manage their own free feature page. They can edit their information, post events, add deals, update imagery — making it easier to keep the entire site's content fresh.

"It's exciting to see it all come together," said Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. "This has been a research-driven, inclusive process. Since the first input session last year, we've all been focused on one key objective: to provide potential visitors and our residents with a great online experience — one that inspires them, maybe even surprises them, and ultimately motivates them to explore more of Connecticut."

About The Connecticut Office of Tourism The Connecticut Office of Tourism, a division of the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), created the Connecticut still revolutionary strategic marketing initiative to build pride among residents and bolster the state's reputation as a tourism and business destination. Connecticut offers such a diverse mix of activities and attractions, all in such close proximity to each other, that visitors can enjoy multi-dimensional experiences within a short drive – from the exciting and relaxing to the historic and innovative to the culture and nature-focused. For more information, visit www.CTvisit.com and join the Connecticut still revolutionary community on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram.

Upscale New England Hotel Joins Curio – A Collection By Hilton

Madison Beach Hotel, beachfront New England hotel joins Curio – A Collection by Hilton

A New England hotel rich in history, Madison Beach Hotel, today joined Curio – A Collection by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s growing global collection of distinctive hotels for passionate travelers seeking local discovery and authentic experiences. Set in a relaxing beachfront setting, Madison Beach Hotel is an upscale boutique resort with each of the hotel’s 32 rooms offering luxurious accommodations with sweeping ocean views and private balconies. Located in the heart of Madison Beach, the hotel is the area’s only resort on the beach and is ideally situated near a variety of dining, recreation and shopping areas.

Madison Beach Hotel’s rich history dates back to the early 1900s when it originally served as a rooming house for shipbuilders passing through the region. The hotel has also welcomed thousands of train passengers over the years, attracted by the natural beauty of Madison’s beaches. The hotel was one of the oldest continuously run businesses on the shoreline of Connecticut. In 2012, the hotel was completely rebuilt and re-opened to the public.

“The unique history of this premier property, combined with the personalized hospitality and comfortable elegance found at Madison Beach Hotel truly embodies the spirit of the Curio collection,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “We are excited to welcome this beautiful boutique hotel as our second property in New England, joining the Providence Biltmore.

The 4-story building boasts the region’s distinct New England-inspired design, complemented by amenities and services that today’s modern traveler has come to expect at an upscale hotel. This includes complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a full service restaurant, fitness center, yoga room and Sounds of the Sea Spa. Additionally, the hotel’s guest rooms boast luxury linens, coffee makers, refrigerators and oversized soaking tubs – with some rooms also featuring fireplaces and separate rain showers to expand the individualized guest experience.

"We look forward to continuing our reputation for excellence in the New England area as we embark on an exciting new partnership with Curio – A Collection by Hilton," said Lou Carrier, president of Distinctive Hospitality Group, the hotel's operator. "Madison Beach Hotel is embedded in the fabric of this close-knit community, and we’re honored Hilton Worldwide hand-picked this unique hotel to join its prestigious collection."

OpenTable's 2015 Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants In America Revealed

After another long winter, OpenTable, the world's leading provider of online restaurant reservations, today unveiled the 2015 Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America. These awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 20,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

New restaurants made a strong showing in this year's awards, including 42 that opened in 2014 and one as recently as 2015. The complete list features award-winners in 25 states and Washington, D.C., and includes Gato in New York, RPM Steak in Chicago, and Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis. California boasts the greatest number of winning restaurants with 22, followed by Florida and New York with 13 each. Illinois and Texas have 11 and seven, respectively. Nevada has five winning restaurants, and Tennessee and Georgia have four. Louisiana, Minnesota, and South Carolina claim two winners apiece.

Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. are represented as well.
Global fare menus are fashionable, with standout restaurants serving Asian, Basque, Korean, Latin, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Polynesian dishes, among others. American cuisine, sushi, and steak are also popular.

"Whether they're new or well established, there's an intoxicating buzz in and around each of these restaurants," said Caroline Potter, OpenTable Chief Dining Officer. "With inspired concepts, energetic atmospheres, and incredible food and drink, these hot spots are where diners will experience delight and excitement in the year ahead."

The Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America are generated from more than 5 million restaurant reviews collected from verified OpenTable diners between March 1, 2014, and February 28, 2015. All restaurants with a minimum number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. Qualifying restaurants were then sorted according to a score calculated from each restaurant's average rating in the "hot spot" category along with a minimum "overall" rating.

Based on this methodology, the following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, comprise the Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America according to OpenTable diners.

2015 Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America

*Opened in 2014
**Opened in 2015

Adega Modern Mediterranean* – Cleveland, Ohio
Andrea's – Las Vegas, Nevada
B.B. King's Blues Club – Memphis, Tennessee
Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits* – San Diego, California
Bâoli Miami – Miami Beach, Florida
Barton G. The Restaurant* – Los Angeles, California
Bathtub Gin – New York, New York
The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel South Beach – Miami Beach, Florida
Beauty and Essex – New York, New York
Bestia – Los Angeles, California
BO-beau kitchen + roof tap* – Long Beach, California
Buccan – Palm Beach, Florida
Buffalo Proper Plate & Pour* – Buffalo, New York
Cantina La Veinte* – Miami, Florida
Catch – New York, New York
Chino Latino – Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Church Key – West Hollywood, California
Ciccio's / Water – Tampa, Florida
Cleo-SLS* – Las Vegas, Nevada
Commissary at The Line Hotel* – Los Angeles, California
Cooks & Soldiers* – Atlanta, Georgia
Cork & Pig Tavern #2 – Odessa, Texas
Dirty French* – New York, New York
do Restaurant at the View – Atlanta, Georgia
Drunken Dragon* – Miami Beach, Florida
Edmund's Oast* – Charleston, South Carolina
El Camino Mexican Soul Food & Tequila Bar* – Delray Beach, Florida
El Vez – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fat Rice – Chicago, Illinois
Fig & Olive* – Chicago, Illinois
Fixe Austin* – Austin, Texas
Gato* – New York, New York
Geronimo – New Haven, Connecticut
Girl & the Goat – Chicago, Illinois
Gjelina – Venice, California
Graffiato* – Richmond, Virginia
The Grey* – Savannah, Georgia
Grille 401 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
HG SPLY CO – Dallas, Texas
The Hudson Room* – Peekskill, New York
Hydraulic Hearth* – Buffalo, New York
Ironside Fish & Oyster* – San Diego, California
Juju Asian Tapas + Bar** – Durham, North Carolina
Juniper & Ivy* – San Diego, California
Katana – West Hollywood, California
Kettner Exchange* – San Diego, California
Koi – West Hollywood, California
Kona Grill* – El Paso, Texas
La Esquina – New York, New York
The Lark – Santa Barbara, California
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar – Boston, Massachusetts
Matador Room-The Miami Beach EDITION* – Miami Beach, Florida
Mercantile Dining and Provision* – Denver, Colorado
Momotaro* – Chicago, Illinois
MUA – Oakland, California
The Nest – Indian Wells, California
O-Ku – Charleston, South Carolina
Odd Duck – Austin, Texas
OSO* – Sonoma, California
Parachute* – Chicago, Illinois
Pitch Coal-Fire Pizzeria – Omaha, Nebraska
Prohibition Restaurant & Speakeasy* – Miami, Florida
Pump* – West Hollywood, California
The Purple Room – Palm Springs, California
Red Ginger – Traverse City, Michigan
Republique – Los Angeles, California
RoCA* – Des Moines, Iowa
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar – Orlando, Florida
Rose. Rabbit. Lie. at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas* – Las Vegas, Nevada
RPM Italian – Chicago, Illinois
RPM Steak* – Chicago, Illinois
Shakou Sushi – Libertyville, Illinois
Sinema* – Nashville, Tennessee
Social Southern Table and Bar – Lafayette, Louisiana
Spoon and Stable* – Minneapolis, Minnesota
STK-NYC-Meatpacking – New York, New York
STK-The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nevada
STK-Washington, D.C.* – Washington, D.C.
Sub Zero Vodka Bar – St. Louis, Missouri
SumoMaya Mexican-Asian Kitchen – Scottsdale, Arizona
Sunda – Chicago, Illinois
Sur Restaurant – West Hollywood, California
Sushi POP – Oviedo, Florida
The Sutler* – Nashville, Tennessee
Tao Downtown – New York, New York
Tao Restaurant and Nightclub – Las Vegas, Nevada
Teak on the Hudson* – Hoboken, New Jersey
Three Dots and a Dash – Chicago, Illinois
Three Muses – New Orleans, Louisiana
Toku Modern Asian – Manhasset, New York
TORO – New York, New York
The Tropicale – Palm Springs, California
Uchi – Houston, Texas
Ulele* – Tampa, Florida
UMI – Atlanta, Georgia
Union 50* – Indianapolis, Indiana
Untitled – Chicago, Illinois
Virago – Nashville, Tennessee
Vitello's – Studio City, California
Whiskey Cake* – San Antonio, Texas