This time of year, Constitution Plaza is transformed into a virtual fairyland of lights. If you haven’t been to see them yet, you have only 4 days left, as they come down starting January 6. It’s a nice way to spent a little time outside in the cold crisp air, and if you need to warm up, pop into Spris for a glass of prosecco.

With more than 700 parking spaces for every 1,000 employees, Hartford has the dubious distinction of being near the top of the list for parking — up there with cities such as Detroit and Buffalo.

In contrast, more vibrant cities like Washington get by with much less parking (250 parking spaces for every 1,000 employees). The need for so much more parking for each job in Hartford compared with more competitive cities is a significant physical and financial drag, limiting the potential for growth in the city.

Need a festive break from holiday shopping and wrapping? Check out the Hartford Children’s Theatre production of BABES IN TOYLAND, the 2009-2010 Family MainStage Holiday Show.  BABES IN TOYLAND is a holiday classic that follows “Tom” and “Mary” on an incredible journey through Toyland.  Featuring the original Victor Herbert and Glen MacDonough score, this old-fashioned family musical is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

All performances take place at HCT’s Carriage House Theatre (360 Farmington Avenue):

Friday, December 18 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 19 at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
Sunday, December 20 at 2:00 pm

Ticket info here.

HartBeat Ensemble’s localized – and irreverent – take on Dickens’ classic tale makes its seasonal debut this weekend, and plays all month in various locations.  Don’t be a Scrooge, go see it!

Ebeneeza – A Hartford Holiday Carol!
All Hartford shows are FREE!

Dec 4 & 5 @7:30pm
Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts

Dec 11 & 12 @7:30pm, Dec 13 @2:00pm
Mark Twain House & Museum

Dec 18 & 19 7:30pm
West Indian Social Club

$20/$15 Students, Seniors & Let’s Go Arts
Dec 26 @7:30pm, Dec 27 @2:00pm
Playhouse on Park, West Hartford

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Need more info? call 860 548-9144

Pat, I'd like to buy a vowel...

The clever folks over at the Hartford Business Journal have taken a page from the art of ransom note-writing and devised a little quiz to see how many letters you can recognize from downtown signs.

What does it say about my eating and drinking habits (and powers of observation, or lack thereof) that the first  — and so far only — letter I recognize at first glance is from Trumbull Kitchen? Take the quiz yourself here.

Who doesn’t love a free outdoor concert? And after all the rain we’ve been getting, any time there is an opportunity to sit outside and enjoy it not raining is a good excuse to do just that.

The folks at the Mark Twain House host outdoor concerts on select Tuesdays in the summer.  Bring your own chairs or blankets to their expansive lawn in the shadow of the crazy-brick home of one of America’s greatest writers. (If it rains, the event moves into the museum’s Great Hall.) Picnicking is encouraged, and there’s lots of room for the kids to run around. Performances, which run from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., are as follows:

–Tuesday, July 14: Girl Howdy, a high-energy, retro-twang, honky-tonk group of four musicians add tight vocal harmonies for a genuine jukebox sound. Their influences include Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, George Jones and other country-western legends.

–Tuesday, July 28: Carolyn Adams Band, a Caribbean-Gospel style group, is fronted by a mellow vocalist born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago who now resides in Hartford. Adams cites influences Patsy Kline, Kenny Rogers and Shirley Caesar to produce a smooth, tropical groove for easy summer listening.

The concerts are funded by the Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Trust Fund, Bank of America, Trustee, and the Knox Foundation; and supported in part by the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s United Arts campaign.

The Peaches Are Ready for You to Pick!, originally uploaded by moonjazz.

There is nothing like fresh produce, herbs, cheese or flowers, especially when you can buy them mere hours from when they were harvested, clipped, made or cut. There are three Farmer’s Markets in Hartford:

Old State House
800 Main St.
Monday, Wednesday & Friday. from 10:30am to 3 pm

Billings Forge (near Firebox Restaurant)
563 Broad St.
Thursdays, 11am to 2:30 pm

West End Market
Corner of South Whitney & Farmington
Tuesday and Friday from 4-7 pm

If you feel you must get out of the city, one of the best area markets is the Coventry Regional Farmers Market, Sundays at the Nathan Hale Homestead. They have weekly themes that include featured food items and entertainment, and some of the nicest vendors around. Be warned: the kettle corn they sell at the Coventry market is addictive! While you are there, make some time to check out the Hale Homestead, it is beautifully maintained by the Connecticut Landmarks Society and worth the visit.

For those of you heading even further afield, the CT Dept of Agriculture has a full listing of statewide markets here.

Now, don’t forget to invite us over for some peach pie!

sausage, peperoni, and bacon, originally uploaded by winyang.

bus stop on Pearl St.

Noticed on Saturday night, 6:30 pm, May 23:  one  standard city bus stop, Pearl Street at Haynes, festooned with enormous heart-shaped candy-type box, mini-picket fence, assorted silk flowers.  Too late in the year for Valentines Day. Does anybody know what this is about? Inquiring minds want to know….

It seems Our Fair City has been ranked #2 by Men’s Health Magazine for Lowest Risk of  Erectile Dysfunction. Sounds like we Uptight Pilgrims have a hot time in the old town more often than people think we do. 

Another reason to live in Hartford. More here.