Answers to the New Year's Eve Dilemma: What To Do?

While watching the dumpage of the "Blizzard of 2010" begin to melt, I got to thinking that you might be starting to hatch a plan for New Year's Eve. So I pulled myself out of hibernation and plucked out a few plums around the New Haven area to share with you on branford.patch.com.

Ball Drop in the Big Apple

Being relatively close to New York City, I feel obligated to at least mention that intimate event in Times Square where you can hang out with a few million other people and watch a nearly 12,000-pound Waterford-crystal-encrusted ball drop down the side of a building.
 
I lived in Manhattan for six years and you could not have paid me to do New Year's Eve at Times Square. Different strokes. At least this year's weather looks dry.
 
OK, there, I mentioned it. For more info click here. Also, if you want to avoid traffic take Shoreline East from Branford to New Haven to connect to Metro North to head to Manhatten – just note that some trains will run on a holiday schedule.

First Night Hartford 

Slightly closer to home is First Night Hartford, an alcohol-free, public celebration that marks the passage from the old year to the new with art, ritual and festivity.
 
You'll get to enjoy professional musicians, artists, performance groups and exhibits. This is the 22nd year for First Night Hartford. The day includes two fireworks shows in Bushnell Park that can be seen throughout the city by thousands of residents and visitors at 6 p.m. and midnight.
 
Venues such as the Public Library, City Hall, The Old State House, State House Square, Wadsworth Atheneum, Center Church and Charter Oak Cultural Center, The Bushnell Carousel and more will feature various events throughout the day and night.
 
Tickets are: $10 for adults, $2 ages 15 and under and free admission ages 2 and under. For more on First Night Hartford look here.

Old and New

In Milford, history buffs will especially appreciate a New Year's Eve afternoon event organized by the Milford Preservation Trust. Luminaries will be lit at Gulf Beach and at Milford Cemetery at 4:30 p.m. in an annual ceremony that honors the 200 Revolutionary War soldiers put ashore in Milford Harbor in 1777.
 
According to the Trust, the men were put ashore in Milford harbor because they were sick and dying. Forty-six of these Revolutionary War soldiers (all imprisoned by the British following New York battles) as well as Capt. Stephen Stow, who cared for them, died of smallpox. A monument in Milford Cemetery commemorates the event. It is believed that the soldiers are buried nearby in a mass grave.
 
The public is invited to attend and participate, in period dress costume if desired. The ceremony will begin at Gulf Beach at 4:30 and then proceed to the cemetery.
 
For more information, contact Regina Cahill, president of the Milford Preservation Trust, at 203-877-7620.

Bottoms Ups

Several of our towns feature live music at local bars and restaurants.  While some of these establishments have no cover charge, others offer special New Year's Eve pricing. It's always best to call ahead and find out what to expect and/or make a reservation.
 
Branford
 
Groovetime plays funk, top 40 and dance tunes at the  from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; 203-481-2356; www.chowderpot.com.
 
Jazz vocalist Faye Green and guitarist Myke Ross will perform at  beginning at 9 p.m; 203-483-9397; www.pastacosi.com.

Jeremy Lichter and Dean Falcone will be at  at 8 p.m.; 203-483-7773; www.campaniaristorante.com.
 
 has a five-course dinner menu, live DJ music, midnight champagne and party favors with seatings at 7, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. The cost is $55 per person; $100 per couple; 203-483-9995; www.lalunact.com.
 
New Haven
 
Café 9, New Haven has three Connecticut rock bands: Crown Street Orchestra, Moody Blossom Band and Gatehouse Blues. The $15 cover includes a buffet and champagne toast; 203-789-8281; http://cafenine.com.
 
Stella Blues, New Haven has folk-rock band Lion's Teeth; 203-752-9764; www.stellabluesbar.com.
 
Sage American Grille, New Haven features Jeff Fuller, Bob Kolb and Doug Schlink (bass, sax, piano) from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.;  203-787-3466; www.sageamerican.com.
 
Olde School Saloon and Bistro, New Haven has dinner seatings at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The cost is $50 for a four-course Prix Fixe dinner, or enjoy open bar and hors d'oeuvres for $30 from 8 to 10 p.m. At 9 p.m., there will be live music from Kristine M. and The Fugitives, who will play classic covers and dance tunes; 203-772-0544; http://oldeschoolsaloonandbistro.com.
 
"Plug Into the New Year" at Salon Lulu, New Haven Entertainment by Sharon Phipps will begin at 10 p.m. The $45 per person price includes entry, hors d'oeuvres and spread, and top shelf liquor all evening; 203-368-8124 www.warehousecreative.net.
 
Spamalot is on stage at the Shubert Theatre, 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $75;  203-562-5666;
 www.shubert.com.
 
Toad's Place has its New Year's Eve Extravaganza featuring rapper Joe Budden, and complimentary party favors, a champagne toast, giant balloon drop and continental breakfast.  The cost is $20 per person in advance; $25 the day of the show. Doors open at 8 p.m.; showtime is at 9:30 p.m.; 203-624-TOAD; www.toadsplace.com.
 
"Shirley Valentine" starring Judith Ivey is at Long Wharf Theatre, 8 p.m. Tickets range from $45 to $65; 203-787-4282; www.longwharf.org.
 
Perhaps the coolest New Year's Eve package in our area is at The Study at Yale in New Haven. Their Grand New Year's Eve Package comes at a price too rich for this writer: $555 per couple (excluding tax, gratuity and beverages).

The package is:
Overnight accommodations
Four-course dinner for two in Heirloom
Music and dancing to The Bernadette's - beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Midnight champagne toast
Brunch for two in Heirloom on New Year's Day
3 p.m. check out
Valet parking
Call 203-503-3900 for reservations.
 
But wait! If $555 per couple is too much, The Study has a few different packages:
The Study Package includes overnight accommodations, pajama brunch, New Year's Day (buffet), 3 p.m. check out and valet at $179 per couple. For an additional $25 per person you can enjoy The Bernadettes in the Heirloom lounge New Years Eve. 

The Heirloom Package includes a $75 price fix menu per person including a glass of sparkling wine and access to The Bernadettes in the Heirloom lounge, with the ball drop at midnight and valet parking. Dinner starts at 9 p.m.
 
New Year's Eve is your last chance to visit the Festival of Lights at Lighthouse Park, New Haven until next year. The festival will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. The cost is $10 per car $10; $25 for a minibus; and $50 for a full-sized bus. Proceeds benefit Easter Seals/Goodwill Industries; 203-777-2000.