House tours are a staple during the holiday season, but if you'd like to combine that activity with a weekend getaway, try
Connecticut's "Quiet Corner."
Located in the Northeast section of the state, a little over two-hours' drive from Long Island, this lovely unspoiled region is one of quiet country lanes, antique shops, wineries and surprisingly
sophisticated restaurants.
And on December 8 and 9, the area is host to a B&B; Holiday House Tour. From 12 Noon to 5 P.M. on Saturday and Sunday, visitors can tour some of New England's most chrming Bed & Breakfast Inns.
Tickets are $15 with advanced purchase and $17 the day of the tour, but guests at participating
B&Bs; get two free tickets.
Proceeds from the tour's
ticket sales benefit the area's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, founded by local celebrity Paul Newman for children with cancer and other life-threatening ilnesses.
More than a dozen properties are participating, including
Chickadee Cottage, profiled here in an earlier column. Additional activities available include Christmas bazaars,
live theatre, sleigh rides,
holiday light displays, and, of course, antique and holiday gift shopping.
For further informtion, call 888-628-1228, or log onto www.CTQuietCorner.org.
For advance purchase of tour tickets, send a check for $15 per ticket to the
Northeast Conn. Visitors District, P.O. Box 145, Brooklyn, CT 06234-0145.
Enjoy!