Mother’s Day in Historic Ridgefield: Brunch at Bernard’s and Art at The Aldrich
Sunday, May 13th, 2007
Spend this Mother’s Day in beautiful Ridgefield, CT, and treat your mom to a day full of history and culture! First, enjoy the French culinary pleasures of Bernard’s for brunch, then pop around the corner to explore The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum’s exhibitions. Bring the voucher provided by Bernard’s and visit the exhibitions for half price; Mom gets in free!
Did you know that both Bernard’s and The Aldrich were formerly owned by the Ingersoll family? West Lane was a popular address for the wealthy in the early twentieth century, and the house closest to Main Street was once Ingleside, the residence of George Pratt Ingersoll. He served as U.S. ambassador to Siam (Thailand) during Woodrow Wilson's administration and once entertained the prince of Siam in the house that is now Bernard's Inn at Ridgefield.
The Aldrich’s administration building was also at one point owned by an Ingersoll. Larry Aldrich purchased the historic "Old Hundred" building on Main Street in Ridgefield to contain his growing collection of art in 1964. The building was constructed in 1783 by Joshua King and James Dole, two lieutenants in the Revolutionary War, and was nicknamed "Old Hundred" because it served as a grocery and hardware store from 1783 to 1883 and as Ridgefield's first post office. A descendant of Lieutenant King, Grace King Ingersoll, remodeled the building in 1883 and used it as her home. From 1929 to 1964, it served as Ridgefield's First Church of Christ, Scientist, before becoming The Larry Aldrich Museum.
Enjoy contemporary pleasures at these historic sites! Top French chef Bernard Bouissou has a spectacular menu planned for Mother’s Day and will feature live piano music in the dining room, adding to the elegance of the Zagat-rated eatery. The Aldrich will offer docent-guided tours of the exhibitions at 2pm, including: The Photograph as Canvas (through June 10, 2007); David Abir: Tekrar (through August 12, 2007);Elana Herzog & Michael Schumacher: W(E)AVE (through August 12, 2007); Kysa Johnson: Blow Ups—Spores, Pollen, and Pollutants (through June 10, 2007); Arturo Herrera: Castles, Dwarfs, and Happychaps (through September 2, 2007); and Dario Robleto: Chrysanthemum Anthems (through June 17, 2007).
Both the restaurant and Museum are conveniently located in the heart of Ridgefield: Bernard’s, 20 West Lane, 203.438.8282, www.bernardsridgefield.com; The Aldrich, 258 Main Street, 203.438.4519, www.aldrichart.org.
Please call Bernard’s for reservations and The Aldrich to learn more about Mother’s Day promotions concerning Membership and Aldrich Editions!
Image: Nina Carlson, Aldrich education director with her daughter Amelia at the Museum. Courtesy of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.
