The Quiet Corner of Connecticut is that northeast quadrant between the state's capital, Hartford, and Providence, Rhode Island. There are more than a dozen lodging places that are eager to put you up for a night, and they've assembled a passel of packages to bring you there. The "Peaceful Pleasures" includes two nights' accommodations with breakfast in a B&B, country inn or hotel; a three-course dinner in a choice of top restaurants; a traditional afternoon tea in an "English" tea room; a gift basket of products made in Connecticut; a voucher for Old Sturbridge Village; vouchers to three local museums; and all gratuities and taxes. Whew! And all from $160 per person, based on double occupancy.
Old Sturbridge, a recreation of an early New England village, is just over the Massachusetts state line, but Connecticut people are an inclusive sort, not shutting out anyone. The three local museums are the William Benton Museum of Art, the Windham Textile & History Museum and the Lebanon Historical Society, all safely in the Nutmeg State itself.
Among other highlights in the Quiet Corner are Route 169, the National Scenic Byway, with several 18th-century towns largely unchanged, the Putnam antique and specialty shops, and more. For dinner, visitors can choose between The Harvest, the Inn at Woodstock Hill, the Vine Bistro, The Depot and the Blue Oaks Caf?or their three-course meals. If you'd rather not try dinner at any of these, you can opt for a Saturday or Sunday lunch in the fireside tavern at Sharpe Hill Vineyard. The traditional afternoon tea, which includes scones with jam and clotted cream, is served at Mrs. Bridge's Pantry in Putnam.
The package price (which is 20% less than the normal rate, they say), varies depending on the establishment chosen, but is valid until April 30, 2003, subject to availability. Blackout dates include Valentine's Day, President's Day Weekend and Easter.
For more information, visit www.ctquietcorner.org, where you will find a list of participating lodging places and their prices, or phone 888/628-1228. The e-mail is quietcorner@snet.net.