Believe it or not, there was once an opera house in downtown Danbury. The Taylor Opera House was built in 1870, and stately Victorian homes were being constructed all around what was then "town".
Four and a half million hats were being made yearly in Danbury at that time. Danbury hats were being worn from Paris to Peoria. Do you find it hard to imagine "that Danbury"? Well if you look carefully, vestiges of the period linger in all of the Housatonic Valley towns. For this posting, to which I'll continue to add, I intend to go in search of remnants of the Victorian - the Gothic - the eerily elegant life that once existed here in the HV.
9/27/2004
I guess I may as well begin with my own home. Calvin Klein minimalist that I am, I somehow reside in an ornate Queen Anne Victorian. As you enter my house from the front door, you walk into a paneled lobby, off of which are several parlor type rooms with pocket doors...the better to keep men their cigars contained...then and now.
8/25/2004
7/25/2004
7/23/2004
Where to find Salvation in the HV
The smallest budget ...But the coolest clothes? Not bloody likely, right? Well that depends on a number of things, not the least of which is your definition of budget ...And your definition of cool. However, personally, I'm a believer. Have been since the 70s when I used to find designer jeans, cashmere sweaters and hand made Italian bags for a song at the Greenwich Hospital Thrift Shop in my home town. Well, Greenwich has changed, as has that particular shop (few great pieces/much higher prices). However, my belief in the concept of "one gal's rejects are another gal's treasures" led me to explore the thrift shop options up in our region, and I wasn't disappointed...At all. First I hit the venerable Salvation Army. It too has changed, with clothes and shoes neatly grouped by color. What did I find? Well let's begin with dresses. Lot's of them. Some vintage, others brand new all under ten dollars, many under five. And they're unique...At least that's the way it seems here, where there's only one of everything. It's a totally different, and much more satisfying experience then taking an item off of a rack where there are dozens of identical items ...Just waiting to be purchased by your "competition". Here at Salvation, when you find something great there's a sense of accomplishment. Like you found the needle in the haystack. In addition to the dresses I found some 1960s curtains with a retro wave pattern on them. I plan to make throw pillows out of the fabric. Finally, a couple of additions to my cordial glass collection from the housewares section where again, everything is color coordinated; green plates with green serving pieces with green glasses, and so on through the rainbow. My next stop was the Goodwill Store in Danbury. Somewhat smaller than Salvation Army, it too was very well organized. There was a boutique section where the "better items" were grouped together and sold at slightly higher prices (still ultra cheap). I don't like this idea because I like to discover the "better" stuff myself, but I'm sure those in a hurry would appreciate it. I Left there with two pairs of the hottest shoes! One a pink suede high heel slip on sandal which I love but wouldn't think of buying for more then...$6.00? Yep, that's what I paid. The other pair:classy, elegant pumps, made in Spain, cocoa brown suede with patent leather trim and little gros grain bows. Too much....for too little. Finally there's the Deer Hill Thrift Shop which to my mind is the No 1 source when it comes to really elegant clothing, really retro household items and the most unique, well preserved 60s costume jewelry.
The shop is lovingly run by church volunteers and a pleasure to shop in. These are just the three I've visited recently in Danbury. I'll continue to add other shops in neighboring towns as I make my way to them, and I'm counting on doing just that in the coming weeks. Will keep you posted. Best @-->-- Patricia
Salvation Army
129 Main Street
Danbury, CT 6810
203-792-9799
Goodwill Stores
2 Beaver Brook Rd.
Danbury,CT 06810
203-730-1480
141 Danbury Rd.
New Milford,CT 06776
860-354-9182
Deer Hill Thrift Shop
164 Deer Hill Ave.
Danbury, CT 06810
203-792-3110
The shop is lovingly run by church volunteers and a pleasure to shop in. These are just the three I've visited recently in Danbury. I'll continue to add other shops in neighboring towns as I make my way to them, and I'm counting on doing just that in the coming weeks. Will keep you posted. Best @-->-- Patricia
Salvation Army
129 Main Street
Danbury, CT 6810
203-792-9799
Goodwill Stores
2 Beaver Brook Rd.
Danbury,CT 06810
203-730-1480
141 Danbury Rd.
New Milford,CT 06776
860-354-9182
Deer Hill Thrift Shop
164 Deer Hill Ave.
Danbury, CT 06810
203-792-3110
7/21/2004
Summer Heat, something to scream about.
You don't have to scream too loud in the H.V.
Our region is blessed with some of the best sub-zero desert dives in CT...heck, the best in all of New England. Here's the scoop on a few of my favorites:
In Bethel: Dr. Mike's
Yes, some would probably say, "it's too rich". But you know what? That's their problem. Dr. Mike's, located at 158 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel serves up an exquisitely lush dream cream. Don't go looking for thousands of flavors, you'll probably find six to eight on a given day in their tiny shop. Some are the standard flavors and some are exclusive, like the one made with a crunchy chocolate candy they get from a neighboring sweet shop. Let's see what else.... Sundaes in pint containers, freshly whipped cream and the grainy kind of hot fudge that's so hard to find these days. Yes, definitely worth the trip.
In Newtown: Ice Cream Shop
This one's seasonal...and summer is definitely the season. Open from April to October, this Ice Cream Shop is a "drive up - take out" deal. You'll find great basic homemade creams, but the options are endless when it come to the variety of toppings...and it's the perfect place to revisit all the old treats you never seem to find anymore. such as floats, malteds, milk shakes and splits. Find the shop at 51 Church Hill Road in Newtown.
In Ridgefield: Ridgefield Ice Cream Shop
If soft serve is what makes you melt, you'll want to hit the Ridgefield Ice Cream Shop . If you do, I guarantee you'll lust for their custard till the cows come home. Head to 680 Danbury Rd. in Ridgefield and savor the flavor of the day. Made on vintage machines, that create a dense airless ice cream experience rendolent of amusement park frozen custard, as it was in the 50s and 60s. They also sell a wide variety of specialty treats including ice cream birthday cakes to order, and these guys are open all year.
In Danbury:
Several choices come to mind, among them the venerable Double Twister at 216 White St. Danbury, newcomer, Il Bacio Ice Cream at 30 Germantown Rd, Danbury and for something really exotic (yet again, thanks to our Brazilian community) try Tropical Ices & Coffee Shop 42 Elm St. Danbury.
Believe me there are tons more local ice cream sources than you'll find on this random list, but it should surely help to get you started on your H.V. ice cream explorations.
One final note on the subject of frozen deserts: my favorite ice cream flavor can not be found in any shop anywhere that I know of. It must be made at home, which I do regularly during July and August. Ice cream making is fun and easy. If you want to try it, head to Williams-Sonoma at the Danbury Mall and buy an ice cream maker. I've got the simple $50. Cuisinart model and it works like a dream. Tip: be sure to leave time for the canister to get good and cold before adding your mixture though which is no easy feat when your waiting for ice cream.
Gin & Tonic Sorbet (my favorite)
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 cup of hot water
¼ cup gin
2 cups tonic water
juice and zest of two limes
1 egg white
Stir water and sugar in heavy saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Pour into medium bowl. Chill 12 hours in refrigerator. Combine with the gin, tonic and lime juice and zest. Whisk egg whites and sugar until peaks form. Combine with gin mixture and whisk again vigorously. Transfer mixture to ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer sorbet to container; cover and freeze until an additional 4 hours until firm.
wherever you find it though, ice cream, in the summer time, in the Housatonic Valley is totally cool...so Enjoy ! Bon W.E. - Patricia
Our region is blessed with some of the best sub-zero desert dives in CT...heck, the best in all of New England. Here's the scoop on a few of my favorites:
In Bethel: Dr. Mike's
Yes, some would probably say, "it's too rich". But you know what? That's their problem. Dr. Mike's, located at 158 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel serves up an exquisitely lush dream cream. Don't go looking for thousands of flavors, you'll probably find six to eight on a given day in their tiny shop. Some are the standard flavors and some are exclusive, like the one made with a crunchy chocolate candy they get from a neighboring sweet shop. Let's see what else.... Sundaes in pint containers, freshly whipped cream and the grainy kind of hot fudge that's so hard to find these days. Yes, definitely worth the trip.
In Newtown: Ice Cream Shop
This one's seasonal...and summer is definitely the season. Open from April to October, this Ice Cream Shop is a "drive up - take out" deal. You'll find great basic homemade creams, but the options are endless when it come to the variety of toppings...and it's the perfect place to revisit all the old treats you never seem to find anymore. such as floats, malteds, milk shakes and splits. Find the shop at 51 Church Hill Road in Newtown.
In Ridgefield: Ridgefield Ice Cream Shop
If soft serve is what makes you melt, you'll want to hit the Ridgefield Ice Cream Shop . If you do, I guarantee you'll lust for their custard till the cows come home. Head to 680 Danbury Rd. in Ridgefield and savor the flavor of the day. Made on vintage machines, that create a dense airless ice cream experience rendolent of amusement park frozen custard, as it was in the 50s and 60s. They also sell a wide variety of specialty treats including ice cream birthday cakes to order, and these guys are open all year.
In Danbury:
Several choices come to mind, among them the venerable Double Twister at 216 White St. Danbury, newcomer, Il Bacio Ice Cream at 30 Germantown Rd, Danbury and for something really exotic (yet again, thanks to our Brazilian community) try Tropical Ices & Coffee Shop 42 Elm St. Danbury.
Believe me there are tons more local ice cream sources than you'll find on this random list, but it should surely help to get you started on your H.V. ice cream explorations.
One final note on the subject of frozen deserts: my favorite ice cream flavor can not be found in any shop anywhere that I know of. It must be made at home, which I do regularly during July and August. Ice cream making is fun and easy. If you want to try it, head to Williams-Sonoma at the Danbury Mall and buy an ice cream maker. I've got the simple $50. Cuisinart model and it works like a dream. Tip: be sure to leave time for the canister to get good and cold before adding your mixture though which is no easy feat when your waiting for ice cream.
Gin & Tonic Sorbet (my favorite)
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1 cup of hot water
¼ cup gin
2 cups tonic water
juice and zest of two limes
1 egg white
Stir water and sugar in heavy saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Pour into medium bowl. Chill 12 hours in refrigerator. Combine with the gin, tonic and lime juice and zest. Whisk egg whites and sugar until peaks form. Combine with gin mixture and whisk again vigorously. Transfer mixture to ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer sorbet to container; cover and freeze until an additional 4 hours until firm.
wherever you find it though, ice cream, in the summer time, in the Housatonic Valley is totally cool...so Enjoy ! Bon W.E. - Patricia
7/18/2004
7/15/2004
Tanning in the Valley...or trying to.
Ahhhh melanin...that stuff that makes skin brow - or not. Fact: some of us are challenged when it comes to this substance. Our skin just doesn't have it...or at least not enough of it. For us, Sun = Burn+Peel = White. It's a vicious circle....and to add insult to injury Mr. Sunshine often plays hard-to-get here in the H.V. Besides, according to the medical establishment any UV exposure is unhealthy, even for those who tan like that {snap}.
Soooooo...how to get the glow? A couple of suggestions:
Spray it on
Mystic Tan is the car wash-like contraption that was "so in" last year it even showed up in an episode of friends. Well, turns out it's not for everyone. Many of the would-be bronzed quickly abandoned it when they encountered problems with splotching and streaking. And yes, there's a learning curve...you have to get used to it. Well, I did, and now I swear by it! A couple of tips to make the process more effective, and more pleasant:
1 - Exfoliate with vigor prior to each session, especially elbows, knees and feet.
2 - Use the provided barrier cream liberally on elbows, knees and feet.
3 - Begin with the medium level - That's level 2.
4 - Use ear plugs. Otherwise the noise can be ...well, disturbing.
There are a number of salons in the area that offer spray-on tanning , so hey... you might consider giving it a try.
Smooth it on
Body Bling - It's the stuff that made Charlize Theron shine at the Academy Awards and, according to the lad who sold me mine at Sephora in the Danbury mall, even JLo swears by it. OK, It doesn't come cheap. Would you believe $48.00 for a four oz. bottle? But, I assure you, you'll glow, and the bottle is uber-cool looking. So head to Sephora at the mall, or order from their website. While you're at it (on-line or in-mall) check out the dozens of other self-tanning solutions.
So you're brown and beautiful - Where do you go from here???
Get the suit
The best way to show off a great tan is in a teeny, weenie little swimsuit, right? Well for that, we're definitely in luck. Let's face it, Brazilians create killer swimwear, and there's lot's of it available right here in the H.V. !!! But, for this you don't go to the mall. Once again Danbury's robust Brazilian community comes to the rescue with their exuberant, uninhibited sense of style. Minuscule bikini's, cut-out one pieces and even (get in shape first , guys....please) speedos adorned with the Brazilian flag. Find them at Eliza's store at 167 Main Street, M.Lu Boutique at 48 White Street and a number of other Brazilian clothing emporiums in downtown Danbury.
Go
From our local lakes to the shores of Long Island sound we've got great swimming spots in the area. Try Candlewood, Kenosia or Lillnonah for fresh water fun, or for those who prefer their water salted, the southwestern CT shoreline is peppered (pardon the pun) with lovely town beaches, once exclusively reserved for residents, now open to all.
You've got it...now it's your duty to flaunt it. Just remember to bring the sunscreen and apply it liberally and often. Have fun...Vive l'ete! xXOo Patricia
Soooooo...how to get the glow? A couple of suggestions:
Spray it on
Mystic Tan is the car wash-like contraption that was "so in" last year it even showed up in an episode of friends. Well, turns out it's not for everyone. Many of the would-be bronzed quickly abandoned it when they encountered problems with splotching and streaking. And yes, there's a learning curve...you have to get used to it. Well, I did, and now I swear by it! A couple of tips to make the process more effective, and more pleasant:
1 - Exfoliate with vigor prior to each session, especially elbows, knees and feet.
2 - Use the provided barrier cream liberally on elbows, knees and feet.
3 - Begin with the medium level - That's level 2.
4 - Use ear plugs. Otherwise the noise can be ...well, disturbing.
There are a number of salons in the area that offer spray-on tanning , so hey... you might consider giving it a try.
Smooth it on
Body Bling - It's the stuff that made Charlize Theron shine at the Academy Awards and, according to the lad who sold me mine at Sephora in the Danbury mall, even JLo swears by it. OK, It doesn't come cheap. Would you believe $48.00 for a four oz. bottle? But, I assure you, you'll glow, and the bottle is uber-cool looking. So head to Sephora at the mall, or order from their website. While you're at it (on-line or in-mall) check out the dozens of other self-tanning solutions.
So you're brown and beautiful - Where do you go from here???
Get the suit
The best way to show off a great tan is in a teeny, weenie little swimsuit, right? Well for that, we're definitely in luck. Let's face it, Brazilians create killer swimwear, and there's lot's of it available right here in the H.V. !!! But, for this you don't go to the mall. Once again Danbury's robust Brazilian community comes to the rescue with their exuberant, uninhibited sense of style. Minuscule bikini's, cut-out one pieces and even (get in shape first , guys....please) speedos adorned with the Brazilian flag. Find them at Eliza's store at 167 Main Street, M.Lu Boutique at 48 White Street and a number of other Brazilian clothing emporiums in downtown Danbury.
Go
From our local lakes to the shores of Long Island sound we've got great swimming spots in the area. Try Candlewood, Kenosia or Lillnonah for fresh water fun, or for those who prefer their water salted, the southwestern CT shoreline is peppered (pardon the pun) with lovely town beaches, once exclusively reserved for residents, now open to all.
You've got it...now it's your duty to flaunt it. Just remember to bring the sunscreen and apply it liberally and often. Have fun...Vive l'ete! xXOo Patricia
7/14/2004
7/13/2004
Bastille Day - Celebrate it state-side!
Tomorrow is Bastille Day, the French Fourth of July... Quatorze Juillet as they say in the lingo. In Paris you'll find everything from solemn military processions along the Champs-Elysées to dirty dancing in the streets and raucous all-day-long celebrations... Not to mention the knock-out fireworks displays.
If a flight to France is out of the question, why not find a way to celebrate this fete locally...right here in the hood...or at least in the vicitiny. It can be done, you know...c'est possible.
A few suggestions to get you started:
Eat French
Go to Ridgefield and make a stop at Patisserie Des Anglaises, 408 Main Street. Their gâteaux go way beyond délicieux. You'll want to try several. Don't feel guilty, "let them eat cake" is a Bastille Day saying if ever there was one. Patisserie Des Anglaises also carries a beautiful line of French note cards.
Also in Ridgefield, for an extraordinary French dining experience treat yourself to lunch or dinner at Bernard's Inn. To my mind, it's the best French in the Housatonic Valley, the best in Fairfield County for that matter, and I know from French (French husband, French employer, JFK-CDG frequent flyer). Anyway, Sunday July, 18th is Bernard's "Bastille Day" Garden Party & Wine Tasting Dinner". ...Extraordinaire!
Ondine at 69 Pembroke Road in Danbury is another charming choice for fine French dining ...with a truly sublime Prix Fixe menu.
Drink French
Enjoy a Bastille Day cocktail, (or two, or three). Tip: These drinks are always best shared with a French lover.
Shop French
Go on-line and order French flags and other Bastille Day stuff.
Sing French
Know how the Star Spangled Banner can give you goose bumps? Ditto for "La Marseillaise". Listen to it and learn at least the first verse:
Allons enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé.
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé.
Play French
Petanque...boules...It's that French game where you throw steel balls across a gravelly surface trying to get as close as possible to a small wooden ball, whimsically called the "cochonnet" (meaning "piglet" in French). You can play it at Bastille Day 2004,the 5th Annual French Festival in Fairfield, CT on Sunday July 18. For more information call:Saint Tropez Bistro Français - (203) 254-8094.
Learn French
Make a commitment to learn French. Wanna know why? Because French is better then anything...Including: Chocolate, Coffee, Shopping, Drinking, Sleeping...even Sex! Need Proof? It's here!
So there you have it. Happy Bastille Day! Kisses XXX, Patricia
If a flight to France is out of the question, why not find a way to celebrate this fete locally...right here in the hood...or at least in the vicitiny. It can be done, you know...c'est possible.
A few suggestions to get you started:
Eat French
Go to Ridgefield and make a stop at Patisserie Des Anglaises, 408 Main Street. Their gâteaux go way beyond délicieux. You'll want to try several. Don't feel guilty, "let them eat cake" is a Bastille Day saying if ever there was one. Patisserie Des Anglaises also carries a beautiful line of French note cards.
Also in Ridgefield, for an extraordinary French dining experience treat yourself to lunch or dinner at Bernard's Inn. To my mind, it's the best French in the Housatonic Valley, the best in Fairfield County for that matter, and I know from French (French husband, French employer, JFK-CDG frequent flyer). Anyway, Sunday July, 18th is Bernard's "Bastille Day" Garden Party & Wine Tasting Dinner". ...Extraordinaire!
Ondine at 69 Pembroke Road in Danbury is another charming choice for fine French dining ...with a truly sublime Prix Fixe menu.
Drink French
Enjoy a Bastille Day cocktail, (or two, or three). Tip: These drinks are always best shared with a French lover.
Shop French
Go on-line and order French flags and other Bastille Day stuff.
Sing French
Know how the Star Spangled Banner can give you goose bumps? Ditto for "La Marseillaise". Listen to it and learn at least the first verse:
Allons enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé.
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé.
Play French
Petanque...boules...It's that French game where you throw steel balls across a gravelly surface trying to get as close as possible to a small wooden ball, whimsically called the "cochonnet" (meaning "piglet" in French). You can play it at Bastille Day 2004,the 5th Annual French Festival in Fairfield, CT on Sunday July 18. For more information call:Saint Tropez Bistro Français - (203) 254-8094.
Learn French
Make a commitment to learn French. Wanna know why? Because French is better then anything...Including: Chocolate, Coffee, Shopping, Drinking, Sleeping...even Sex! Need Proof? It's here!
So there you have it. Happy Bastille Day! Kisses XXX, Patricia
En Attendant....
The point of this blog is to keep you posted on worthwhile events and activities taking place within a reasonable radius of Danbury and the Housatonic Valley towns...I'm obviously "not quite there yet" scheduling-wise be able to handle this. So, in the meantime (en attendant , as the French would say) Newstimes 180 is a great place to get the scoop on local happenings. Try it! It's quite cool, quite engaging, and full of pertinent info...I only hope I'll be able to begin supplementing it with some of my own findings soon... Entre temps....Amities, Patricia
7/08/2004
48 Hours without my Lotus
I apologize H.V. readers, for my inattentiveness to this newly minted blog, but I've been without my business e-mail for the past two days. You see, this Valley Girl works exclusively with LotusNotes via a server that's ... well, let's politely say it's in another country.
All of this just added to the stress of returning to work after a Danbury weekend that was a total blur...I vaguely remember something about playing badminton with martini olives and dancing on a picnic table...oh, and there were definitely fireworks...at least I think that's what those loud, sparkley things were....Anyway it seems the gin & tonic (which at some point became gin "sans" tonic) erased all other details...mmmm, probably for the better.
However... What's past is past. There are second acts in Housatonic Valley lives and mine is going to be dedicated to providing you with some need-to-know bits of info regarding fashion, food and fun in Danbury and surrounding towns. If there's bargain basement resource for designer clothing or a hip, happening restaurant in the area (and I think there is) you'll be the first to know. So check back often for tons of random tips.
As they say in France, "A+" (anyone know what that means?)
xOxO, Patricia
All of this just added to the stress of returning to work after a Danbury weekend that was a total blur...I vaguely remember something about playing badminton with martini olives and dancing on a picnic table...oh, and there were definitely fireworks...at least I think that's what those loud, sparkley things were....Anyway it seems the gin & tonic (which at some point became gin "sans" tonic) erased all other details...mmmm, probably for the better.
However... What's past is past. There are second acts in Housatonic Valley lives and mine is going to be dedicated to providing you with some need-to-know bits of info regarding fashion, food and fun in Danbury and surrounding towns. If there's bargain basement resource for designer clothing or a hip, happening restaurant in the area (and I think there is) you'll be the first to know. So check back often for tons of random tips.
As they say in France, "A+" (anyone know what that means?)
xOxO, Patricia
7/06/2004
7/01/2004
The launch of Housatonic Valley Girl
On July 1, 2004, a new blog was born...Housatonic Valley Girl
The creation of Patricia Hannigan, a transplanted New Yorker / Parisian now living in Danbury, this blog will seek out random bits of "fun, cool stuff" happening in and around Connecticut's Housatonic Valley towns ...and will generously share the discoveries. A warm welcome to all readers. Check back often.
Xoxo, Patricia
The creation of Patricia Hannigan, a transplanted New Yorker / Parisian now living in Danbury, this blog will seek out random bits of "fun, cool stuff" happening in and around Connecticut's Housatonic Valley towns ...and will generously share the discoveries. A warm welcome to all readers. Check back often.
Xoxo, Patricia
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