Category: Connecticut Travel

The Westport Historical Society has organized a new exhibition, “Westport School Days 1703-Present” in the Sheffer Gallery that will run through March 24, 2017.This exhibit highlights the evolution of formal education in Westport. The story begins with the 1650 Code of Connecticut which describes the educational requirements for the parishes in Connecticut. Beginning with the first formal teacher in Green’s Farms in 1703; the exhibit will chronicle what the eight public and several private schools of Westport were like.

There will be a progression map from 1858-2016 detailing each school’s earliest location and development. A brief history of the benefactors who initiated new schools, memorabilia, and early photos will also be displayed. Group photos of student classes from the late nineteenth century to the present day will also be highlighted.

This comprehensive exhibit will include lively tours of Westport’s own Adams Academy, on North Morningside Drive, which was built in 1830 as a private school, and shows you an actual one-room schoolhouse which exemplifies early education in our community. Westport Historical Society hopes this exhibit will bring back many fond memories, as well as focus on Westport’s growth as an exceptional center for learning.

The Sheffer Gallery is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm. Saturdays from Noon – 4 pm. There is no charge, however donations are always welcome.

Tired of the same old options for Valentine’s Day? Litchfield Jazz has the answer! This February, the Litchfield Performing Arts, organizers of the popular Litchfield Jazz Festival held every August has teamed up with the one of the the newest and hippest attractions in Northwest Connecticut, the Litchfield Hills Distillery for a special Valentine’s Day celebration on February 11 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The chic and comfortable Litchfield Hills Distillery sets the perfect scene for this romantic celebration where guests will enjoy a special Litchfield Distillery Signature Cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, dinner; and of course, great live jazz for listening and dancing. Take a tour of the distillery while enjoying top-shelf wines and get into the “spirit” with a select tasting of the products carefully crafted at Litchfield Hills Distillery. Ciesco Catering will prepare a delicious meal wrapped up with chocolates from the iconic Fascia’s Chocolates of Waterbury. What would Valentine’s be without roses? There will be one for each guest!

In addition to the music, food and spirits, there will also be a silent auction so don’t worry about shopping in advance. Do your gift giving on the spot! Couples, singles and friends are all welcome. This is an equal-opportunity great time to get in the Spirits of Love this Valentine’s Day with Litchfield Jazz.

Proceeds support music education and scholarships at the Litchfield Jazz Camp. 50% of your ticket purchase is tax deductible.
Tickets are sold online.

In February, the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village, CT will feature Air, Land, and Sky, an exhibit of paintings by Sarah Martinez. A reception with refreshments for the artist will be held on Friday February 10 from 5 to 7pm. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the artist or to inquire about sales, please contact the library at 860-824-7424, drop by at 63 Main St in Falls Village, or visit huntlibrary.org.

Sarah Martinez was born and raised in northwest Connecticut, studied art and philosophy at Université Concordia in Montréal, honed her craft in Brooklyn, NY, and then returned home to the Litchfield Hills. Here she works as a painter creating both abstract acrylic works as well as watercolor and ink illustrations for image licensing and archival prints. In her abstract work, Sarah uses primarily acrylic paint and palette knifes laying thick bursts of color in moments of serenity and storm. These paintings are clearly intuitive, allowing an atmosphere to emerge through playful eruptions of color and markings. Her watercolor and ink work focuses on the natural world, these paintings are most often representational in form yet surreal and whimsical in the use of color.

Sarah works from her home studio in Falls Village, CT where she lives with her husband and two young sons. Sarah’s original artwork is represented by The White Gallery in Lakeville, CT. Her watercolor and ink work can be found online through her shop Snoogs & Wilde Art as well through various retail collaborations including Papyrus Paper Company and Urban Outfitters.

A portion of all sales in this exhibit benefit the David M. Hunt Library.

This Valentine’s weekend, swap a floral bouquet of anemones for a visit with sea anemones – and seals, sharks and other sea creatures – by giving your marine-animal-loving sweetheart a special behind-the-scenes experience in The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

On Sat., Feb. 11, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is putting a special twist on its popular “Feeding Time” program by opening the session only to couples age 18 and older, and sending everyone home with a box of chocolates.

“Feeding Time” gives participants special access to some of their favorite Maritime Aquarium animals by letting them join educators and the animal-husbandry staff during morning feedings. Feel the vacuuming power on your palm of a ray at the Shark & Ray Touch Pool. Hand-feed a horseshoe crab and diamondback terrapin. And go above the Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit to watch as Aquarium staff feeds the 7-foot sharks prowling just below your feet. Toss in some bonus food for the sharks, as well as for the exhibit’s rays and other fish.

Plus, attend a private seal feeding open only to “Feeding Time” couples.

“Feeding Time” starts at 8 a.m. with a light breakfast for participants in the Aquarium café. And, for this Valentine’s-weekend session, each couple goes home with a box of specialty chocolates from Forever Sweet Bakery in Norwalk.

Cost of the “Valentine’s Feeding Time” on Sat., Feb. 11 is $135 per couple ($120 for Aquarium members). Aquarium admission at 10 a.m. is included.

Advance registration is required. Call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or register online at www.maritimeaquarium.org under “Public Programs.”

Oohs and ahs and gasps of disbelief are guaranteed when the best young ski jumpers in the Northeast compete, sailing through the air in the 91st Annual Eastern National Ski Jumping Championships Sunday, February 12.

The event takes place at Satre Hill in Salisbury, a classic New England village in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills. The masters of this challenging sport will show the amazing coordination and grace needed to fly some 200 feet in the air with a happy landing, a feat that always brings admiring cheers from the crowd. The jumpers you watch at Satre Hill are Junior National hopefuls, and some will go on to represent the US in the Olympics!

The championships are the highlight of a gala three-day Jumpfest, which features night time target jumping, human dog sled racing, ice carving, a chili cook off, a pancake breakfast, a bourbon tasting and a Snow Ball dance in addition to ski jumping contests.

The fun begins on Friday, Feb. 10 with target jumping under the lights beginning at 7 p.m. with jumpers flying under the lights, unfettered by judges points- their only goal is to land on a bulls eye target for big prizes- and big fun! When the target jumping ends, the real zaniness ensues with the Human Dog Sled Races. These are teams of six slightly crazy folks, five pulling and one riding on a sled of the group’s own design. They careen around a .3 mile course, and, well, accidents do happen. Crazy fun to watch! Friday Night Lights admission is $15.

The fun continues on Saturday, February 11 with the Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping Competition when jumpers compete for prestigious SWSA trophies! The fun warms up with practice from 11 a.m. to noon; withe the competition beginning at 1 p.m. Spectators on Saturday can also watch Junior 20 and 30 meter jumping at 9 a.m.

Saturday events also include an ice carving demonstration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the White Hart Green featuring two nationally recognized carvers and the Snow Ball Dace at the Lakeville Firehouse Annex from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission for the Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping Competition is $15 and admission to the Snow Ball Dance is $15.

The Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships takes place on Sunday, February 12. This is the big one. Jumpers vie not only for trophies but also a spot on the Junior National Team! Practice and warm ups for this event is held from 11 a.m. to noon with the competition beginning at 1 p.m. Admission for this event is $15.

If you have never seen ski jumping live, you have never truly witnessed the sport. Standing amidst the ringing cowbells, with crowds cheering on their favorites, hearing skis slapping against the landing hill as these brave jumpers soar up to 200 feet through the air at speeds up to 50 miles an hour, is something you will never forget. Even if the winter looks brown outside your window, it’s white over at Satre Hill thanks to state-of-the-art snow guns.

For happy viewing, fans are advised to dress warmly in lots of layers and to bring a cowbell, the traditional way to cheer on the jumpers. Hot food and beverages are available to help watchers keep warm. Limited bleacher seating is provided or guests can bring their own lawn chairs.

Proceeds help fund the all-volunteer, non-profit Salisbury Winter Sports Association, host of the annual event. SWSA provides cross-country and jumping equipment and training for area children. For a full schedule and complete information, see www.jumpfest.org.

For more area information on what to see and do in the Litchfield Hills and to sign up for a monthly newsletter visit www.litchfieldhills.com

When the days outside are cold and stormy one fun way to spend your time is in a nice warm kitchen cooking, or learning how to cook at The Silo in New Milford. This February they are offering a delightful variety of classes sure to please young and old alike.

On February 4 you can learn how to make edible gifts for your valentine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The class will concentrate on heart healthy Omega 3’s and flavonoids that are blended together to form a healthy luxury that ‘s not so bad for your health, and known to enhance your mood! You will learn how to make basil oil, and move on to individually designed organic chocolate bark. You’ll leave with beautifully packaged gifts for your sweetheart. Perfect for Valentines Day!

Just in time for Valentines Day, on February 11 from 6 pm to 9 pm the Silo is offering a Romantic Dinner for two class with Abby Dodge. The menu will include: Toasted Walnut Gougeres, Fig-Pear Pastry Tart, Apple-Sausage Fennel Crepes with Salad and make ahead Double Chocolate Souffles. This class is $75.

Tapas is a trend in the restaurant industry that is sweeping the country. This class concentrates on small bites that boast huge flavor paired with innovative cocktails. To learn about tapas, take the class on February 18 with Maria Laura Quintero from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu is extensive and consists of: Duck breast pastrami “Slab” with cherry/port compote over polenta cube, Tostones de Camaron (gluten free) – Green fried plantains topped Shrimp, pickled cabbage, chipotle mayo and avocado mash Choripan – Argentinian sausage on baguette with “chimichurri argentino” Grilled Pizzeta – Blood Sausage, grilled apples, caramelized onions, Octopus Tostada – Chile morita souce, shaved radishes, cilantro leaves, and Strawberry/Blood orange “Mille Feuille” served with powder vanilla pastry cream and candied “burnt” lemon sirope.

On February 25, learn how to make one of the most famous dishes of Spain, Paella with Chef Melanie Cecilio. The class takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the menu consists of Paella Valenciana- seafod dish from Valencia province of Spain, Manchego with Membrillo- manchego cheese with quince jam, Croquetas de jamon y queso- traditional béchamel based croquettes, Gambas al Ajillo-Garlic Shrimp, and *Sangria.

Chef Melanie Cecilio is teaching a second class on February 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. called Paris Bistro. The menu for this full participation class includes specialties such as: Soupe à l’oignon- Onion Soup, Gratin Dauphinois- A rich gratin of sliced potatoes and cream, Duck Confit Express, Frisée aux Lardon- Frisée salad with poached egg, and Tarte tatin with Crème Frâiche- Lightly spiced apples with caramel sauce.

The final class for February is Italian Cooking Basics and takes place on the 26th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Chef Melanie Cecillio. The menu includes: Fritto Misto (Calamari and Artichokes) with Aioli, Bruschetta, Fresh Egg Pasta, Pappardelle all Bolognese Ragu and Tiramisu.
On March 4 a very special South American Food & Wine Pairing Dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is being held at the Silo prepared by Chef Anne McClelland who will dazzle you with a fabulous South American cuisine paired with wines to please your palate. New spices and textures will awaken your desire to explore the foods this culture offers. There will be four courses plus dessert. The cost is $110 per person.

The Silo is located on 44 Upland Road in New Milford. Classes maybe booked online or by calling 860-355-0300.