Connecticut Travel 2012 : Page 8
THE GO-TO GUIDE Travelers championship Every summer, the best golfers in the world come to Cromwell TPC at River Highlands to compete at the Travelers Championship . This year, the field of over 150 PGA Tour professionals—including defending champion Fredrik Jacobson and past winners Bubba Watson and Hunter Mahan—are expected to tee it up at the par-70, 6,844-yard course June 18-24. Last year, more than $1 million was raised for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and other worthy Greater Hartford charities. For more info, call (860) 502-6800 or visit travelerschampionship.com. For more info, call (203) 908-3030 or visit gatheringofthevibes.com. norwalk oysTer fesTival One of Connecticut’s great native foods gets its due (and then some) in the Norwalk Oyster Festival, Sept. 7-9 at Norwalk’s Veterans Park. The three-day fest, which debuted in 1978, includes arts and crafts, tall ships, harbor cruises, kids games and activities, an international food court and, of course, a whole lot of oyster shucking and slurping in the Oyster Pavilion. For more info, call (800) 838-3006 or visit seaport.org. liTchfield jazz fesTival The big tents and big jazz lineups return to the Goshen Fairgrounds for this sum-mer’s event, Aug. 10-12. Now in its 17th year, the festival has become a highlight of the summer season in the Litchfield Hills—and beyond—with a history that includes appearances by Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, Diana Krall, Ray Charles and other living legends as well as up-and-coming talents. For more info, call (860) 361-6285 or visit litchfieldjazzfest.com. riverfesT Join the city of Hartford as it celebrates Independence Day with its annual River-fest extravaganza on July 7. Leading up to a spectacular fireworks finale—launched from a barge in the Connecticut River, and best viewed from Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and Great River Park in Hartford, or Founders Plaza in East Hartford—there will be live entertainment, activities for kids, great food and much more. For more info, call (860) 713-3131 or visit riverfront. org. gaThering of The vibes “The best beach party on the planet” comes once again to Bridgeport’s Seaside Park July 19-22. Lots of music, camping, eating and drinking, making new friends and striking a very mellow, peaceful groove are the orders of the day. Last year’s Gathering of the Vibes featured Elvis Costello, Toots and the Maytals, Furthur and Jane’s Addiction among many others. 8 Connecticut Travel 2012 stephen strathdee/istock