Category Archives: Happenings
Daily postings from Tuesday thru Saturday including LIVE music, DJs, Karaoke, Open Mic nights and more going on around Stamford.
For general idea of what happens during the week, be sure to click on the Weekly Happenings page.
Greenwich Restaurant Week 2019 Opening Night
Hey guys…sorry that it’s been a while. But I’m back and I’m here to let you know that tonight is the big opening night party for their Greenwich Restaurant Week!
With current media sponsors including Food Network (NYCWFF), The Greenwich Sentinel, Connecticut Restaurant Week, CTbites, Open Table, Jen Danzi, Connoisseur Media, and food wine and music by over 15 local businesses, this is sure to be a fun night!
And hey, Stamford favorite DJ Kunjun is providing the music!
A portion of the proceeds will go to TAG: a non profit organization that provides transportation for Greenwich residents who are elderly as well as disabled children and adults.
For information on the event and the Restaurant Week itself: greenwichrestaurantweek.com
Remember, Stamford Restaurant Weeks are in full effect as well and run through March 3rd: Connecticut Restaurant Week Site
Keep the Holidays Local Stamford!
The Holiday season is upon us Stamford and what better way to Keep it Local than to shop and support local?!
While by no means is this meant to be a complete list, I’m hoping that this will give you ideas on where to shop with the focus being small and family owned businesses.
Please note that no compensation was paid to get on this list.
You’ll find everything from jewelry and gift shops to spas and salons and even package stores (for a touch of the holiday ‘spirit!’). So whether you’re looking for something handcrafted or a gift certificate to get the hair and nails done, hopefully, you’ll find something here.
PLEASE NOTE: at the end of the list, you’ll find ways that you can shop and help to support and keep WOTM going at the same time.
Here we go…
Gifts: the fun and funky, to the unusual and more:
The Funky Hippie Wellness and Gift Shop: 101 Glenbrook Rd.– Handcrafted items by local artisans, crystals, oils and more.
Friends Book Shop @ Ferguson Library: One Public Library Plaza Downtown — Books from every genre including local history, now includes a pop-up shop in the former Starbucks library location and they offer book baskets and gift certificates! Same hours as the library so head on down!
Heart of Gold Fine Jewelry: 930 Hope St. — Handcrafted items including jewelry as well as home decor, candles, ornaments, ceramics and more!
Happy Life Studios CT: Etsy shop — Stamford artist and crafter Heather P has beautiful artwork, painted glass and luminaries and crocheted pieces that will keep you warm all season long! (look for her ‘messy hair hats’ –they are so cool!)
Big Dreams Gallery: 96 Franklin Street — From the guys who brought you Big Dreams Tattoos (located on Bedford Street), Big Dreams Gallery has raw, unique art from local talented artists that range from HipHop to Marvel and so much more. You never know what you’ll see here and they also do arts shows and paint nights!
Pacific Cycling & Triathalon (and Cafe!) 984 High Ridge (across from Trader Joes) — Have an athlete on your list? Check out the gear here or grab a gift certificate.
United House Wrecking: 535 Hope Street — A Stamford icon, you can find big and small items here and the more unusual the better!
Stamford Toys: 970 High Ridge Road (behind FEDEX) — Why go to the big stores when you can grab a new favorite toy at this Stamford legend? Great finds for all ages here.
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Coffee Shops–think gift cards, coffee presses, and baked goods:
Lorca Coffee Bar: 125 Bedford St. Downtown
Beanz Coffee Bar: 1032 Hope St. Springdale
Humbled Coffee House: 575 Hope Street Glenbrook
Bonjo Coffee Shop: 345 Elm Street Shippan/East Side
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Looking good–Hair, nails, spas, fitness for ‘me day’ gift ideas:
La Jolie Salon: 388 Summer Street
Mint Spa & Nails: 2344 Summer Street
Noelle: 1110 High Ridge Rd.
Harbor Point Nail & Spa: 711 Canal Street
Family Tree Yoga: 980 Hope Street
Vertical Addiction CT: 575 Pacific Street
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Holiday Spirits:
LaRocca’s Country Wine & Spirits: 105 Old Long Ridge Road
Wagon Wheel Fine Wine & Spirits: 1051 Long Ridge Road (cigars too)
Franklin Liquor Store: 99 North Street
Beverage Barn: 1232 East Main Street
Crazy Grapes: 491 Hope St.
Stamford Wine and Liquor: 583 Newfield Ave. (Newfield Green)
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Baked Goodies (no need to turn your oven on with these folks around!):
DiMare Pastry Shop: 12 Largo Drive South
Beldotti Bakery: 605 Newfield Ave (Newfield Green)
Matthews Bakery: 71 West Broad Street
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Stamford love:
Stamford Magazine: Give the gift of a subscription this year.
Half Full Brewery: Grab a shirt, a glass and more.
Stamford History Center: Give a membership, a Stamford at 375 DVD or check out their bookstore to find a hidden gem.
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Shop and Support WOTM:
Here are ways you can shop for gifts and help keep What’s on the Menu? Going:
WOTM on CafePress: From shirts to mugs to puzzles and more–each link has a different WOTM theme. Perfect for showing some Stamford pride and great for those away at college to remind them of home, these are the official WOTM shop pages. Note, these will be closing up shop in 2019 so grab the goods while you can! Great ways to KEEP IT LOCAL STAMFORD!
Shop 1: https://www.cafepress.com/onthemenuct
Shop 2: https://www.cafepress.com/onthemenuct2
The Goblet on Etsy: For 19 years I’ve been creating handcrafted jewelry. Now in my Etsy shop, I sell not only my handcrafted items but also vintage pieces. All items created by myself are one of a kind and what may be there today, may be gone tomorrow! Be sure to follow my shop on IG: Instagram.com/gobletdesignsjewelry for info on sales, new pieces and more. Free US Shipping and Free Gift Pouch with each item.
Stamford Books: Great as gifts for the person who wants to learn more about where they live. Note each purchase done through this site, helps support it.
Thanks so much all and remember to support our local businesses…they keep Stamford going!!
#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo
#supportlocal #supportsmallbusiness #stamfordstrong
Fall Festival and Pop-Up Shop Part 2
The Fall Festival at Designs by Lee goes on for one more day Stamford and with it comes the final day of the Handmade at Designs by Lee pop-up shop!
The annual Fall Festival takes place on Sunday and is a great family friendly event complete with bouncy castle, pumpkin painting, hay rides, food truck, balloon goodies and more. Plus, DbL has tons of beautiful seasonal plants and goodies that take you from Halloween right thru Christmas as well as indoor and outdoor plants to make your home beautiful.

While you’re there, please come and check out our pop-up shop, Handmade at Designs by Lee. We were hard to find last week but I’m here to tell you where we are: behind the food truck in the store front across from the bouncy castle.

So why do I keep saying, “we?” Because I’m proud to say that I too am one of the many local artists and crafters whose work is being showcased at the pop-up! We have such beautiful handcrafted items that would make wonderful holiday gifts or decor for your home.

I’d like to update the hours from the last piece on the shop as they have changed quite a bit…we only have one more day and that’s Sunday during the Festival 12-4pm.
We hope you’ll stop by and check us out! Our artists have some incredible one of a kind pieces just waiting to come home with you.

Fall Festival & Handmade at Designs by Lee
Sunday October 21st from 12-4pm

Designs by Lee Fall Festival Info
Happylife Studio & Drinkable Arts CT
Goblet Designs Jewelry (that’s me!)

#wotm #keepitlocal #knowheretogo #handmadeatdesignsbylee #fallfestival
Fall Festival + Pop-Up Shop Bonus!!!
Hi guys, long time no post, eh? Well I’m here with something special to tell you today…there’s a new pop-up shop coming to Stamford and it’s coming just in time for holiday shopping!!
Coinciding with the annual Fall Festival at Designs by Lee, the new shop, Handmade at Designs by Lee will be opening up on Sunday, October 14th and running weekends through the holidays.
The Festival is a great family friendly event taking place two Sundays October 14th & 21st and runs from 12pm-4pm. There will be hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, face painting, bounce house, entertainment, food trucks and more! (See link below article for more info.)
(The stage is set!)
The shop is the vision of Drinkable Arts Connecticut (and semi-newbie to Stamford), Heather Patterson.
An artist herself, Heather has a history of gathering creative types together to form such ideas as the music and crafts festival that ran at the Playland boardwalk. When she came here to our fair city, she realized (as many of us living here do) that there really is not a lot of options for local crafters and artists to sell their wares.
The two local crafts fests we have here: Arts and Crafts on Bedford and the Harbor Point Crafts Festival, while excellent, are only a weekend a piece out of a whole year and frankly from the crafter point of view, pretty pricey to get into unless you do your work on a larger scale. There are a couple of galleries of course, but the competition is fierce. For others, we end up looking for smaller shows at schools, churches, wherever we can to sell our handcrafted items. Of course the other alternative is online, but especially at this time of the year, we like to get our pieces out there for folks to see in person.
(Wood, glass, fabric…great mix of handcrafted goodies!)
Heather and I met through WOTM. I was promoting her Drinkable Arts (DA) gigs around Stamford (link will be below for you to check out) and she was helping spread the word about WOTM for me. Needless to say, we were a good fit and soon became online friends. That’s when she found out that I also create jewelry on the side. I’d been upping the game on it lately as Itook a hiatus from WOTM and she helped me spread the word about that as well.
Then one day she messaged me and said that inspiration struck after doing a DA gig at Designs by Lee. She was going to go and ask if they would be interested in a pop-up shop for local crafts artists to run for the holiday season. In less than 24 hours, it went from an idea to a reality!
We now have a designated space, the artwork has been hung and there is a great variety of artists selling our one of a kind pieces for you to come and buy as gifts for family, friends or to just treat yourself.
There are plans being discussed to bring in some music on some days and getting ideas for more as the weeks go on and we get closer to the holidays so be sure to like the FB page below to keep up with updates and happenings.
(Some of my own work available)
A few things to note:
- Remember, one of a kind MEANS one of a kind. What you see one day may not be there the next time you come to visit, so be sure to visit often!
- If you have kids with you, they are of course welcome, just be aware of the glass works that are out on the tables please.
I’m personally hoping that this becomes a stepping stone for more of these to open up in our area. It would also be great if folks from local shops, salons, etc come and see what we have to offer and maybe put some of our work in their retail establishments.
I’d also like to thank Heather for coming up with this idea and putting all the work into it that she has and will continue to do. It’s because of her this is all happening and I’m both grateful and excited to be a part of it!
Local work by local artists…isn’t that a great way to Keep it Local Stamford?!
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Related links:
Our FB page, be sure to ‘like’ it for updates on happenings at the shop and more: Handmade at Designs by Lee
Designs by Lee Fall Festival Info
Happylife Studio & Drinkable Arts CT
Goblet Designs Jewelry (that’s me!)
Special Post from WOTM…
Hello WOTM followers, this is going to be a rather unusual post…
Stamford Labor Day Weekend Happenings–9/1-9/3/18
Happy September Stamford and not only is it the beginning of a new month, but it’s also a 3 day weekend!
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Now, before we get to the main list, there are two major events happening this weekend that we’d like to remind you that the St. Leo’s Fair has it’s last day on Saturday and it’s a full day event from 2pm-11pm: Click Here for Info
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Also, the Stamford Restaurant Weeks ends this weekend (Sept. 2nd). For participating restaurants and their lunch and dinner menus: Click Here for Info
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Time for the list. Please remember that the weather may change any of these listings so be sure to check with the venues before heading out. Also, some places are closed for the Labor Day Holiday. (example: Ferguson Library will be closed both Sunday and Monday) Here we go…
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Saturday September 1st.:
NEW:
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Harbor Point–Two Events:
-Cardio Fitness w/JCC at 10am. Click Here for Info
-Top Spin Tennis Meets Group Fitness at 10am on the Boardwalk. Click Here for Info
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Michael’s Crafts: Kid’s crafts class at 10am. 2 age groups: 3 & up and 6 & up. Theme this week is Hedgehogs! $2 per kid. To register and for info: Click Here for Info
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LaRocca’s Country Wine & Spirits: Wines from the Foothills of the Andes! FREE wine tasting from 1-4pm: Click Here for Info
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Sign of the Whale: Kan Jam and Crowler Event 3-6pm. Party on the Rooftop sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Victory Brewing. Come play some Kan Jam, try some beer and more! Click Here for Info
WEEKLY:
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Lorca: Saturday Morning Muffin Run 9am. 3, 4 And 5 mile options…free to join in. Click Here for Info
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Fairgate Farm: Farmers Market 9am-12noon. Click Here for Info
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Mill River Park–Two events:
-Bootcamp with Kelvin Smith at 8:30am
-Zumba w/ Christina Rabasco & Tristan Mongollon at 11am. Click Here for Info
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Latham Park–Three events:
-Stamford Downtown Farmers Market from 9am-3pm. Click Here for Info
-Free Outdoor Yoga at 8:30am. Click Here for Info
-Chess-Open Play at 1pm. Free; all ages. Click here for info
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Stamford Toys: LOL Surprise Trading event 1-3pm! Click Here for Info
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Ferguson Library–Main Library: Youth Makerspace Open Hours ages 8 & up. Lower Level 3-5pm. Click here for info
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Sunday September 2nd:
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Sunday Brunch: See our Sunday Brunch Stamford-Style page right here on WOTM to find a place to grab a mimosa or two! https://onthemenuct.com/sunday-brunch-stamford-style/
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NEW:
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Bernadett Feher Fitness Team: Kangaroo Power Class 9am. For location and to contact them about shoe size for rental: Click Here for Info
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Harbor Point: Farmers Market Music in Commons Park–LIVE with Retro Express at 12pm. Click Here for Info
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Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Market Madness Sunday 10am-2pm Check out Fall products from LOCAL vendors; self-guided craft and animal meet & greet; edible science and of course the Farmers Market will be open as well. Click Here for Info
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Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens: Vegetable Garden Tour–FREE event. Meet the Master Gardeners who are respsonsible for the design and maintenance of the Bartlett’s vegetable garden. Also learn about late season/Fall havesting. Kid friendly. 11-11:45am Check out their site for pre-registration and more. Click Here for Info
Williams Sonoma: Wüsthof Crafters Knife Skills Workshop (call ahead to check on class availability) 11am Click Here for Info
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WEEKLY:
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Mill River Park—Three events:
-Sunrise Yoga w/Aimee & Tim Elsner at 8:30am.
-Hula Hoop Fitness & Flow w/Sarah Murphy adult class) Free on the Grand Steps at 10:30am. Click Here for Info on All 3 Above Events
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Harbor Point–Two events:
-Sunday Farmers Market from 9am-2pm in Commons Park. Info on this and other events: Click Here for Info
-Commons Park: Chelsea Piers Obstacle Course for kids 6 and up! 11:30am-12:30pm (weekly thru end of August) Click here for info
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Stamford Toys: Pokémon Trading & Learning Event 1-3pm every Sunday! Trade cards, learn the game and win the raffle! Ages 5-up. Click Here for Info
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Monday September 3rd:
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Brunch:
-Sign of the Whale: Labor Day Brunch–203-883-8282 to make reservations!
-Barcelona: Labor Day Brunch–for reservations, Click Here for Info
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Amore Cucina & Bar: Labor Day Pig Roast and all you can eat BBQ! 12pm-5pm Click Here for Info
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Roasted Sandwich Co.: Monday Night Fun Run with 6:30:pm start time. (Weekly event) 3, 4 And 5 mile options. Click Here for Info
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Bareburger: Family Friendly Open Floor Monday–comics, musicians, poets, artists come show your talent! 6-9pm every Monday. Click Here for Info
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Stamford History Center: For something different, why not go up and visit the Hoyt-Barnum House?! Learn about life in Stamford in the 1600’s in The oldest house in the city. Recently restored to what it looked like when it was built in 1699, this is the perfect way to Keep it Local! Tours available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For info on tours and more: Click Here for Info
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If you like our lists and go to any of the events listed, please let the venues know where you found them and encourage them to advertise here on WOTM. Encouragement from our followers is why we’re still here and for that I am truly thankful.
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Have fun, be safe and Keep it Local Stamford!
#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo
Stamford Weekly Happenings: Aug 27th-31st
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Stamford Weekend Happenings — August 25th & 26th
Saturday August 25th.:
Lorca: Saturday Morning Muffin Run 9am. 3, 4 And 5 mile options…free to join in. Click Here for Info
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Fairgate Farm: Farmers Market 9am-12noon. Click Here for Info
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Mill River Park–Two events:
-Bootcamp with Kelvin Smith at 8:30am
-Zumba w/ Christina Rabasco & Tristan Mongollon at 11am. Click Here for Info
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Brennans by the Beach: Fundraising event for Red Leash Rescue! Come join the fun, meet the pups, enter to win some great prizes too! Guest bartender’s tips and 50/50 raffle ticket sales go to RLR. Also, Tito’s Vodka will donate $1 per Tito’s specialty drink to RLR as well! Such an amazing cause and a good time too! 12pm-4pm. Click Here for Info
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Latham Park–Two events:
-Stamford Downtown Farmers Market from 9am-3pm. Click Here for Info
-Free Outdoor Yoga at 8:30am. Click Here for Info
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Stamford Toys: LOL Surprise Trading event 1-3pm! Click Here for Info
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LaRocca’s Country Wine And Spirits: 90+ Cellars Wine tasting from 1-4pm! Click Here for Info
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Ferguson Library: Entrepreneur-in-Residence hours from 3-5pm (weekly). Looking for help to grow your business? This is a great program that can help you through the beginning stages from idea to legal matters and even bookkeeping. (also runs on Mondays from 10am-12pm.) Click Here for Info
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Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse: Dinner and LIVE Flamenco Show! 7pm–reservations recommended. Click Here for Info
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Sunday August 26th:
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Sunday Brunch: See our Sunday Brunch Stamford-Style page right here on WOTM to find a place to grab a mimosa or two! Click Here for Info
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Mill River Park—Three events:
-Sunrise Yoga w/Aimee & Tim Elsner at 8:30am.
-Carousel Storytime goes on rain or shine at 10am and it’s free! Carousel Pavillion area.
-Hula Hoop Fitness & Flow w/Sarah Murphy adult class) Free on the Grand Steps at 10:30am. Click Here for Info
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Harbor Point–Two events:
-Sunday Farmers Market from 9am-2pm in Commons Park. Info on this and other events: Click Here for Info
-Commons Park: Chelsea Piers Obstacle Course for kids 6 and up! 11:30am-12:30pm (weekly thru end of August) Click Here for Info
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Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Sunday Farmers Market 10am-2pm: Click Here for Info
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Stamford Toys: Pokémon Trading & Learning Event 1-3pm every Sunday! Trade cards, learn the game and win the raffle! Ages 5-up. Click Here for Info
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Lock City Brewing: 1ST Anniversary Party!!! Come and celebrate one full year of Stamford’s own Lock City Brewing with LIVE music by the Suns of Walrus Skiff Band! Plus,
your ticket comes with a snazzy 13oz keeper glass, 32 ounce anniversary growler and a limited edition T-shirt. (had to copy that from their page so I didn’t get anything wrong) Also, be there for the reveal of the special limited edition Anniversary Can Release! Check out all the details: Click Here for Info
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Remember, Stamford Restaurant Weeks are still going on and run through September 2nd! For the list and menus (lunch and dinner) of the participating restaurants: Click Here for Info
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Stamford History Center: For something different, why not go up and visit the Hoyt-Barnum House?! Learn about life in Stamford in the 1600’s in The oldest house in the city. Recently restored to what it looked like when it was built in 1699, this is the perfect way to Keep it Local! Tours available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For info on tours and more: Click Here for Info
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Another big list! Who knew so many things went on around here? (and this isn’t everything either!)
If you like what I’m doing here, please encourage your favorite venues to advertise here on WOTM. We’ve been up and running for over 7 years and want to continue to do so. Encouragement from our followers is why we’re still here and for that I am truly thankful.
I close this as I always do…Have fun, be safe and Keep it Local Stamford!
#wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo
Sunday Funday Happenings 8/19
It’s Sunday Funday Stamford and we have some happenings for you…let’s get to it…
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Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens: Summer Concert Series continues today at 5pm with LIVE music from Maria Tiscia & Rio Bound!
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Crab Shell Restaurant: LIVE music at the Shack today with The Straightjackets going on at 6:30pm!
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Barcelona Wine Bar (Stamford): LIVE music tonight at 7pm with the Feed the Need Duo!
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Casey’s Tavern – Stamford: Sunday Funday Karaoke with Paulie C tonight!
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Fiddlers Green: Karaoke with Chris Jack is BACK tonight!
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Mystique Stamford: DJ Chris Vargas celebrates his birthday by spinning all night long! 5pm til close!
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Remember to follow us on Facebook for daily posts and nightly happenings, Instagram for daily goodies and twitter because we’re there too! (Links on the right side of the page)
Have fun, be safe and Keep it Local Stamford! #wotm #keepitlocal #knowwheretogo