The height of the East Coast collector car scene has arrived once again. Billed as “A celebration of all things history, sport and luxury, Audrain’s Newport Concours D’Elegance will once again bring a new level of  excitement to the car collecting world. After a hiatus last year due to Covid-19, the Audrain’s Motor Week is back!  We were thrilled to spend three amazing days in Newport back in 2019 enjoying at atmosphere of fine autos, history, food, and camaraderie.  Attendees can spend their  days enjoying fine dining pop-ups, exhibitions of rare and exciting automobiles, seminars, shopping, tennis, golf and sailing along the Newport coast. Then, once the sun goes down, experience exclusive concerts, galas and VIP parties hosted in the mansions that  populate America’s original luxury capital.

The concours will be presented by the Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport R.I. which opened in 2014 and has been growing since . Even with years of successful events, Audrain’s wanted to bring a truly great concours to the area. A world class Concours & Motor Week event was so successful in 2019, that it has returned and promises to be even better.  This is If you are a car fan or know someone who is, then this is the event not to miss.

The four days of the Concours will feature not only amazing collector cars from all over the country, but car collector seminars including  Jay Leno, Donald Osborne (collector and author) and so many more. There is a VIP gala, Cars and Coffee, and The Concours Village and of course the Audrains Museum right in the heart of Newport on Bellevue Avenue. The Gathering at Rough Point is a lawn party featuring rare autos and motorcycles in a spectacular setting and more. The collection of food, cocktails and cars is on the Doris Duke estate overlooking the ocean.

The four-day program concludes with a centerpiece event, the Concours d’Elegance, which will feature a world-class collection of over a billion dollars worth of rare and vintage cars. Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance is the crown jewel of Audrain’s Newport Concours & Motor Week. Concours Chairman, Donald Osborne, has assembled a terrific selection of judges from around the globe. The Concours classes span the decades from early 1900 to 1970 with a focus on cars that pay homage to the theme of history, sport, and luxury.  The festival runs September 30^th to October 3^rd.

for information and tickets:   https://www.audrainconcours.com

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The Turtle Invitational has returned to Bedford NY for 2021.  A group of passionate enthusiasts come together for a weekend of camaraderie, cars, motorcycles, cocktails, and conversations. A stunning roster of classic vehicles fill the show field.

Sunday’s show will start at 10:00 am, with the Turtle Invitational gates opening at 7:30 am for the arrival of show cars and motorcycles, followed by judging, lunch, and the celebratory after-party featuring Veuve Cliquot champagne.

The show field is reserved for pre-registered invited and accepted cars and motorcycles. These cars and motorcycles are hand selected and approved by the Board based on their rarity, beauty, and historical significance. Only cars that have been pre-selected (in advance) by the board will be granted access to the show field and are eligible to be judged and partake in the awards ceremony.

Non-Registered Cars and General Spectators: If your vehicle is not accepted for the show field in 2021, you are welcome to bring your car or motorcycle and enjoy the event. We will be providing non-registered classic vehicle parking at an adjacent meadow contiguous to the show field. Hagerty Youth Judges will pick one car from the non-registered field that will be invited to the podium for a special award. There is a $20 gate fee for all spectators (including those with classic vehicles that are not registered for the show field). Cash and credit cards for spectator fees and lunch tickets on-site at the gate. Kids under 15 are free. The organizers ask that all attendees also consider a tax-deductible donation to the Pray Family Foundation. Finally, given the generosity of Danbury Porsche/Audi, there is a designated parking area on the south side of the show field reserved for any spectators that arrive in a Porsche, Audi, or VW.

Honoree: Turtle Garage is proud to announce the Turtle Invitational 2021 Honored Guest and recipient of the Golden Turtle Award will be the legendary Bob Sharp.

For more information   https://turtleinvitational.com/

For information on the Malcolm Pray Achievement Center

https://www.prayachievementcenter.org/

The Ridgefield Independent Film Festival returns October 7^th, 2021 with a full slate of indie films.  This is a great event to have right in our backyard.  We attended the Festival two years ago and enjoyed some great films such as “Say Her Name, The Life and Death of Sandra Bland”, “High Resolution” and a wonderful assortment of short features that showcased the talents of young independent film makers. The festival’s mission is to make the world a better place through the sharing of stories via cinema.

Ridgefield resident Joanna James’ award winning documentary feature, “A Fine Line” will open Ridgefield Independent Film Festival’s RIFF 2021 at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s Garden House with a catered reception featuring the talents of Fairfield County Chefs: Sarah Bouissou, Barbara Nevins, Jes Bengtson, Silvia Baldini, Anna Llanos, and Chrissy Tracey. The reception will be followed by a screening of the film and a panel discussion. Thursday, October 7th at 6pm. “ A Fine Line”w explores why less than 7 percent of head chefs/restaurant owners are women, when traditionally women have influenced the greatest male chefs in the kitchen.

  Tickets are now on sale https://www.riffct.org/film-guide-2021/a-fine-line

The tasty event is sponsored by Dough Wines and will benefit Joanna’s non-profit MAPP https://mappimpact.org/about which empowers women to lead through mentorship and advocacy, and the annual Ridgefield High School filmmaker lab to mentor students in creating their first film. Tickets to this event are $35 which includes the reception – beginning at 6pm, the film screening – at 7pm, and the post screening panel discussion. Film enthusiasts may choose to purchase an ALL ACCESS pass for just $100 which allows access to all RIFF screenings and events which, in addition to this event, includes 30 more films, Psych Night and the Saturday night Marquee Film and After Party, as well as virtual screenings. Parking is available at the First Congregational Church. This is a limited capacity event, so get your tickets today!

There are 30 films in the Festival starting on Thursday October 7^th and ending on Sunday October 10^th. 

See film guide here > https://www.riffct.org/film-guide-2021

Please note that all in-person attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination for Covid-19 with corresponding I.D.  Facemasks will also be required.

Tickets are now on sale for all RIFF events and can be accessed through RIFFs website https://www.riffct.org

Ridgefield Independent Film Festival Festival was founded in 2015 by local playwright and filmmaker, Joanne Hudson and started in May of 2016 at seven venues throughout Ridgefield, CT; screening 72 films from 26 countries. Since then (under Festival Directors: Megan Smith Harris, Jill Mango and Sean Murphy and, since 2018, the leadership of Executive Director, Geoffrey Morris) the festival has attracted the likes of celebrities Allison Williams, Paul Dano and Jeffrey Tambor, as well as talented local and international filmmakers. This year’s festival will be an intimate and highly curated festival with the same independent spirit in which it began: in the hopes of making the world a more compassionate place through the sharing of stories through cinema.

See you at the movies!

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Imagine a white sand beach, waves breaking on the shore, and palm trees gently swaying in the ocean breeze. It is so easy to  believe you are in the Caribbean.  This slice of paradise awaits you at Kokimo’s in nearby Old Lyme, Ct.

This restaurant is the perfect destination as Kokimo’s sits directly on the beach facing the waters of Long Island Sound.   Go for lunch, dinner or you can enjoy the entire day.  Kokimo’s has three distinct areas, the cozy inside dining/bar room, the semi enclosed bar with large windows looking out over the water, and the beach itself. The beach area includes tables and umbrellas for dining as well as chairs around  a fire pit.    Closer to the water are several cabanas ( for rent and reservation only) which are shaded from the sun and are furnished with comfy couches and a coffee table.  Perfect for enjoying cocktails and taking in the beach vibe.  There are also lounge chairs (also for rent) that directly face the water. Palm trees have been planted in the sand which complete the Caribbean feel.  Cocktail service is available from the attentive and friendly staff.   We made sure to reserve a  cabana which enhanced our experience at Kokimo’s. 

The cocktail program at Kokimo’s is as impressive as they are delicious.  Taking inspiration from the lyrics of the iconic Beach Boys hit, “Kokimo”, the menu includes such creative libations as “Off the Florida Keys”, “Jamaica” “Bahamas” and “That Monserrat Mystique.  Some other of our island favorites include the Hartford Hurricane, The Koko Mojito, and the Soundview Rum Punch.  

Dining selections are perfect for seaside dining.  Salads, small plates and sandwiches are all available.  Consistent with Kokimo’s theme is menu stocked with plenty of seafood selections.   We ordered from the raw bar which served up a delicious platter of jumbo shrimp and lobster meat over ice.  Local oysters were a must order and we sampled three local varieties, “Moonstone, “Mystic” and “Nectar”.  These local oysters were fresh, delicious, and had the requisite hint of brine.

The lobster roll was tasty and the soft buttery roll was filled with fresh lobster claw meat.  Perfect choice.  The Tuna Steak was expertly prepared and the was the perfect entrée for a lunch on the beach. There are plenty of other options, and for the vegetarian in your party, there is salad and a delicious veggie burger.

After lunch a dip in the water was needed and the sand is soft and not rocky like some Sound beaches.  After a walk down the beach searching for that perfect sea shell, we returned to our cabana for a late afternoon treat of a basket of fried clams and French fries.  Another round of tropical cocktails were also in order.

The island vibe you crave is just a car drive away.  No plane ticket, no airport, and no passport needed. Escape to the white sand, palm trees, and cool breezes at Kokimo’s and get your island vibe going.  Kokimo’s is open all year.   Check their website for fun daily specials. 

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Kokimo’s Restaurant and Beach Bar

88 Hartford Ave Old Lyme Ct. 

Website>>>  https://kokomosrestaurant.com/

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The Greenwich International Film Festival has been providing our area with fantastic original films for years. From shorts, to indie films to documentaries, GIFF has screened terrific content with something for everyone. Now GIFF is havinga special screening of the ADHD documentary, THE DISRUPTORS, on Monday, September, 13th at 7 p.m. at the historic Avon Theatre. The event includes a film presentation and Q&A with producer Nancy Armstrong, and subjects Tim Armstrong and Tom Scott, moderated by GIFF Chairwoman, Wendy Stapleton.

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed-and widely misunderstood-neurological conditions in the world today, affecting nearly 10% of kids and a rising number of adults. THE DISRUPTORS takes an immersive look at our approach to ADHD that debunks the most harmful myths, and examines the flip side of this trait that ultimately offers a revelatory understanding of the diagnosis, and real hope for millions of kids, families and adults living with ADHD.

Note on Covid Precautions:

*In light of the persistent and growing danger posed by the coronavirus, the Avon Theatre Film Center will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination along with a photo identification for attendance at all screenings and events occurring in our historic theatre beginning Friday, September 3, 2021. This decision was made after a great deal of thought and reflects our unbending commitment to do all that we can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our valued patrons and employees. The Avon will continue to require masks in all areas of the building, which may only be removed while seated in the theatre. We will also continue to follow social distancing, sanitation, and HEPA air filtration procedures. Children, who are not yet eligible for vaccinations, may attend our screenings along with vaccinated adults while wearing masks.

For more information about the Greenwich International Film Festival and membership:

www.greenwichfilm.org

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A must visit event each year, the New York International Auto Show has been cancelled.  The show made the following announcement:  “It is with great disappointment that the upcoming 2021 New York International Automobile Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has been cancelled due to the growing incidences of the Covid-19 Delta variant and the increased measures announced recently by State and local officials to stop its spread.”

The show which was also cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 is scheduled to return to its traditional dates in April 2022. While we are disappointed to me missing such a great yearly event, we can certainly appreciate the decision to cancel the show.

Some of the auto debuts that were planned for this show were the 2023 Nissan Z, the seventh generation of the famous Z car, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, Subaru WRX and the updated 2022 Lincoln Navigator.

Auto enthusiasts can check for updates on the show by going to NYIAS website at:

https://www.autoshowny.com/

Summer brings not only warm weather and sunshine, it also means the return of outdoor farmers markets.  Recently we visited the outdoor farmers market at the Ridge Hill Shopping Center in Yonkers. Ridge Hill is a unique outdoor shopping experience that draws patrons from all over.  The center is conveniently located between the Sprain Brook Parkway and the  New York State Thruway.

The farmers market will feature fresh food and drink from Sasha’s Seafood, Wave Hill Breads,  and many more.  Live music adds to the fun atmosphere of the market.

As a bonus after shopping at the market you can visit and shop at stores such as Apple, H&M, L.L. Bean, Orvis, Whole Foods, just to name a few.

Ridge Hill also has a variety of dining options including Public Pizza, Lefteris Gyro, and more.

The market starts June 4^th and is held every Friday 11 am to 5pm

Ridge Hill Shopping Center

One Ridge Hill Blvd  Yonkers New York

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Live music is back !  After a year of experiencing no live music due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, it is great to see concert venues like the  Wall Street Theater open for business.   The theater is a true architectural landmark that was built in 1914 and opened as “The Regent” theater.  It hosted live acts as well as movies.  Over the many decades the theater has gone through numerous owners and name changes.  Currently this beautiful event space is owned by a 501c3  non profit organization and features live concerts and shows, cinema and more. 

Recently we traveled to the theater to enjoy one of its Summer Concert Series performances.  These concerts are held outside in the parking lot behind the theater.  We enjoyed a concert from Tusk, one of the premier Fleetwood Mac tribute bands in the country.  The band was excellent and the two hour show included many songs from  Fleetwood Mac’s deep catalog of songs.  The band accurately performed many hits from Rumors, as well as reached back into the early days of the band to deliver a blues medley.  The outdoor setting of a warm May evening with the sun setting over Norwalk added to the overall experience. The current calendar of concerts and events is on their website and will feature both outdoor and indoor performances.  Live music is back and it’s time to get out to the Wall Street Theater in Norwalk.

http://www.wallstreettheater..com

Wall Street Theater

71 Wall Street Norwalk Ct.

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Hudson Valley Restaurant week, presented by Valley Table Magazine is back again! Starting Monday May 10, 2021 and it runs  through Sunday May 23, 2021. This event involves over 100 participating restaurants in the Hudson Valley which offer diners special three-course price fixe dinner menus for $35.95 (not including beverage, tax and gratuity). Many of these fine restaurants also offer 3-course price fixe lunches for $25.95 (not including beverage, tax and gratuity). 

There will be man fine restaurants participating in Westchester County alone including The Cookery,Gigante, Goosefeathers, Moderne Barn, The Greekish and so many more.

This is an amazing opportunity to try new restaurants, or revisit some old favorites at a reasonable price. There are no tickets to buy and the process is easy ! Go to the Valley Table website and scroll down and view the participating restaurants, then choose a restaurant (or more), call the restaurant to make a reservation and then enjoy!
You really should not miss this special time get out and dine at some of the fantastic restaurants we have here in the Hudson Valley.
Website   http://www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com

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