‪A Daytrip to the Regina Laudis Abbey‬ Creche in Bethlehem, CT

The children and I spent a couple of hours over in Bethlehem to see the creche on display at the Regina Laudis Abbey. We arrived at the Abbey and parked by the shop at the top of the drive. We found home-made cheeses and local honey while admiring the pottery, art and especially the carved stone basins. My boys have never seen a gift shop that they don't like and this one was no exception.

We then took a nice walk back down the drive and along a path that led through the grounds until we reached a restored 19th century barn. Inside the barn is the 16 foot long creche display filled with 68 figures between 14-16 inches high.  The figures, made of carved wood, terra cotta, porcelain and jute, are situated in a small village made primarily of the bark of cork trees. It's truly beautiful no matter what your religious belief. The figures were made in 1720 in Sardinia, Italy and have been immaculately restored in their original dress. The children kept busy counting all of the animals they could find thanks to a suggestion from a nun we met at the shop.‬

‪The entire excursion at the Abbey took a little over an hour and was enjoyed by all. I felt we left having had a nice cultural experience with a bit of peace thrown in for good measure. Not to mention a great visual reminder of what the origin of the Christmas season is all about.  The town of Woodbury is not far from the creche and there are some great restaurants such as the Good News Cafe  and bakeries like the Ovens of France where you can stop and get lunch or a just a delicious treat.‬  For a quick bite stop at El-Camion, a cute food truck parked at the corner of Route 6 and 64. The fish tacos are addictive.  All in all, a nice way to spend the day with the family.

This weekend, 12/7- 12/8 is The Christmas Town Festival in Bethlehem. People come from all over to peruse the crafts, take a sleigh ride and see Santa.

Good News Cafe
694 Main Street South
Woodbury, CT 06798
203.266.4663

Ovens of France
660 Main St S Ste 3c
Woodbury, CT 06798
(203) 263-2540

Abbey of Regina Laudis
273 Flander Road
Bethlehem, Connecticut, 06751
10-4 every day FREE

El Camion
Route 64 and Route 6
Woodbury, CT 06798

Updated 12/4/12.