HARTFORD, Conn. (October 8, 2008) -- Connecticut's premier guide for fall and winter cultural events, venues and happenings is available! The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism's Fall 2008/Winter 2009 Culture & Special Events Guide is free of charge and provides consumers with what they need to know for stepping out in Connecticut.

The seasonal publication connects residents and visitors with Connecticut's world of culture and special events from September 2008 to February 2009, including fairs, festivals and parades, art shows, history events, theatrical performances, wine tastings and vineyard visits, films, nature trails and walks, symphony orchestras, quartets and musical concerts, lectures, house tours, walking tours, comedy shows, book signings and holiday celebrations!

The Culture & Special Events Guide lists happenings by month and by theme for quick and easy reference for art aficionados, history buffs, theater-goers, nature lovers, gourmands or anyone wishing to peruse Connecticut's robust list of cultural activities this fall/winter season.

"Connecticut is abundant in cultural offerings and the Culture & Special Events Guide is a perfect way to share all these exciting happenings with residents and visitors," said Governor M. Jodi Rell. "Whether folks are discovering Connecticut for the first time or interested in discovering something new, this guide will provide the inspiration for a magnificent cultural experience."

The new Fall/Winter Culture & Special Events Guide includes nine special features, each providing insider information on activities and venues within a specific theme:

Palette Pleasers -- From museums to galleries to historic sites, Connecticut is rich in the arts! The choices are plentiful for the connoisseur or novice wishing to explore art in Connecticut.
Celebrating the Freedom Trail -- In recognition and honor of the state’s African American ancestors in their quest for human rights, Connecticut observes Freedom Trail Month with special events and activities.
OneThing Expo -- Celebrate world energy conservation and learn all of the environmental "OneThings" you can do to make a difference.
Roll'Em -- More and more movies are being filmed in Connecticut as its reputation for an ideal film set continues to grow.
Route for Fall! -- Connecticut offers some great fall driving tours to see the colorful foliage and charming areas of the state!
Hand-picked Harvest -- Apples and pumpkins are everywhere in Connecticut this fall! Find out where you can pick your own.
Just a Touch of the Grape -- Connecticut's Wine Trail offers wine tastings, views of picturesque vineyards and restaurants with impressive wine lists.
Historic House Call -- Take a tour of one -- or several -- of Connecticut's historic homes this winter for some history and holiday spirit!
Spin City -- This new hands-on, educational and entertaining permanent history exhibit will get you talking about Waterbury!

Connecticut residents and visitors may obtain a free copy of the Fall 2008/Winter 2009 Culture & Special Events Guide by calling 1-888-CTvisit or visiting www.CTvisit.com. The guide will also be distributed to arts and cultural attractions, tourism welcome centers and the five tourism regions.

Note to Media: A copy of the Fall 2008/Winter 2009 Culture & Special Events Guide is available upon request.

About the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism
The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism brings together tourism, film, history and the arts. Its mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut's cultural and tourism assets in order to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the state. The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism's new offices, which include a gallery, are located at One Constitution Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut. The Commission's arts gallery is open to the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The space features changing exhibits that directly relate to the Commission's programs across all four divisions. For more information, log on http://www.cultureandtourism.org.

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