Category: Connecticut Travel

On July 20, 1969,  Neil Armstrong put an American flag on the moon. As we stare up at the moon in the summer night sky, some of us remember this amazing technological accomplishment, and think, this is when the history of the moon was forever changed by the presence of mankind.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s return to earth, the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society is proud to present New Canaan residents, Michelle, and Tim Hanlon. They will speak on July 24th at 7 pm about their foundation, For All Moonkind, and its efforts to enact lasting preservation laws for outer space. Come see their incredible power point, hear about the history of moon exploration, and learn about the work they are doing to protect the moon from exploitation. The program is free and refreshments will be served.

As Michelle Hanlon explains, “It has been said that Neil Armstrong may well be the only human being of our time remembered 50,000 years from now. Yet, the boot prints he and Buzz Aldrin left on the Moon, and all they memorialize and represent, are not recognized or protected by any binding law. This means they may be accidentally or intentionally damaged — or erased — without penalty. For All Moonkind is working to change that. 

Each of the lunar landing and similar sites in outer space is a fundamental part of our human story, marking an achievement unparalleled in human history. As unique and irreplaceable cultural and scientific resources, they must be protected from intentional or accidental disturbance or desecration. The current law governing outer space is silent about preservation.

For All Moonkind is the only organization in the world focused on creating an effective system to manage and preserve our common human heritage in outer space, including the very first Moonsteps. It is one of only 44 organizations designated as a Permanent Observer at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. It is comprised of an entirely volunteer international team of space lawyers, policymakers, scientists and communicators, all working to develop reasonable and practical protocols that will balance development and preservation. In developing systems to select, manage and study relevant sites, they seek to promote education, and exploration, as well as open the debate on equally pressing issues of property and resource extraction.”  At this program, guests will learn what is being done to protect our “outer space” heritage.

Is there anything more American than BBQ? The Spanish conquistadores brought BBQ to the American South after enjoying it in the Caribbean and on July 27 the Seaport Association is hosting an authentic southern BBQ. Only 49 lucky guests will cruise to the island and enjoy a down-home slow cooked southern bbq in the Association’s new wood framed pavilion. The boat departs the dock at 5:30 p.m. to and returns at 9 p.m. For tickets click here.

Like BBQ, the Lighthouse on Sheffield Island has a long history and, this year, the Lighthouse will be 151 years old. Over time, four distinct styles of bbq developed in the U.S. including Carolina, Texas, Memphis, and Kansas City. Along the way, a few European spices were mixed in, and the techniques modified here and there resulting in the four basic types of BBQ found here today. No matter what style of bbq you favor, this bbq cruise to Sheffield Island is still doing today what it did from day one, which is bringing friends old and new together over great food.

The menu for the Sheffield Island BBQ includes all the classics – baby back ribs cooked low and slow, smoked pulled pork sliders, grilled wings – sweet and spicy, shrimp on the barbie plus classic salads, soft drinks, and dessert. Feel free to BYOB and don’t forget your plastic cups! An added bonus of the Sheffield Island BBQ is that guests dine as the sun sets over Long Island Sound making for memorable photo opportunities.

This event does require advance reservations so get your tickets early! The Seaport Association dock is located on 4 North Water Street adjacent to the Maritime Aquarium Imax Parking Lot. Parking is available at the adjacent Maritime Garage

White Memorial Foundation is the State’s largest nature preserve located in Litchfield. Each year this non-profit hosts Family Nature Day in September, this year it is September 28 on the grounds of the Foundation.  They also host the annual Family Nature Day Raffle with only 1,000 tickets printed.  The tickets are only $10 with three lavish prizes that are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face!  Drawing is at 4PM on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at The White Memorial Conservation Center. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win but it sure is fun if you are…. just to see the expression on your face! Priceless!

Three destination prizes are up for grabs this year! The first prize is a one week trip for two to Iceland donated by Krummi Travel www.krummitravel.com June 13 – 21, 2020: Includes eight days / seven nights accommodation, breakfast, and dinner daily, round trip airfare from Boston or New York, and transportation while in Iceland. Enjoy this glorious time of year when the midnight sun teases you into staying up far later than you ever did as a kid and Iceland is alive with Nature!

The second prize is a $1500 gift card to the incomparable Winvian Farm in Morris, Connecticut! Winvian is our neighbor and a great supporter of White Memorial. We love them! Choose from their menu of whimsical, architect designed rooms…will it be the Tree House? The Helicopter? The Beaver Lodge or another of these breathtaking cottages? Your gift card covers two nights plus breakfast for two making for one of the grandest weekend getaways that we can imagine! http://www.winvian.com

This year’s third prize is a doozy as well! Choose three friends, pack your camping gear (a tent is provided) and head out to The Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem , New York where you will spend a night under the stars listening to the howling residents which make this destination one of the greatest education and environmental centers in the United States. “Sleeping with Wolves”: Included in your $300 gift card is a pizza party and breakfast and a talk from the Center Staff about their precious residents. www.nywolf.org

All proceeds from the raffle benefit programming expenses at the Conservation Center.
All online purchases will receive their ticket stubs in jpeg form via email. The originals can be picked up at the Museum where they will be stored in a file. Tickets can also be purchased by phone: 860-567-0857 and in person at the Gift Shop. To purchase online click this link https://whitememorialcc.org/product/nature-day-raffle

We all know that family time is important. Taking the time to connect and play together is an essential way of bonding – so why not plan a fun night out with the kids on Sheffield Island. The Seaport Association of Norwalk has just announced a new special event, “Family Night” that is taking place on July 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. that spells summer fun on a private island!

On this expedition get ready to hold all your calls and, to use your cell phone only for family photos! This scenic boat trip will take you through Norwalk Harbor, past seaside homes, and private islands to Sheffield Island. On the way, have your kids look for birds that make Long Island Sound their home.

Once on the island take a guided tour of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keepers Cottage to learn about the lore and legends of this maritime landmark. Both boys and girls will be thrilled with the variety of face painting designs available on the island that adds an element of extra fun and creativity. Good, old-fashioned family fun is a highlight with volleyball, and badminton competitions, and potato sack races. And, for a quieter time, there will be plenty of opportunities to collect shells on the beach as you watch the sunset.

Since this is a family night out, the Seaport Association is suggesting that guests pack a picnic dinner and beverages because there is nothing more memorable than a family picnic on your very own private island! Picnic on a blanket on the beach or use one of our tables in our new wood frame pavilion, whatever spot you choose the views will be incredible! A family night on Sheffield Island wouldn’t be complete without stories around a campfire and s’mores, an activity that is as much fun as it is memorable.

For tickets visit www.seaport.org/Tickets or call 203- 838-9444. Tickets are $28 for adults, $16 for children 4 to 12 and children under 3 are $7, to get tickets click here. Advance ticketing is advised because this is expected to be a sell-out event for 49 people. Please be at the dock 15 minutes prior to departure for seating. Snacks and beverages are allowed. Parking is available at the dock at 4 North Water Street as well as at the Maritime Parking Garage.

Having made it through Monday and Tuesday, come Wednesday some folks need a little extra motivation to get to the weekend! The Seaport Association in Norwalk is offering a series of adult only acoustic cruises through Norwalk Harbor and Islands every Wednesday in June, July, August, and September to get you over the hump! For tickets click here.

This two-hour cruise departing at 6:30 p.m. and returning at 8:30 p.m. has the added attraction of a beautiful sunset on the water. Imagine listing to the serene sounds of music while watching the sky fade into dusk amid the glimmer of city lights. The views are fantastic and so is the music…it is like attending your very own private concert on the water with 48 other friends!

On July 10th and 24, join the New Orleans Beatniks on an evening cruise and relax to the music of New Orleans with a little bit of funk and a lot of soul! Their unique musical style and the way they interact with their audience will make this cruise unforgettable.

On July 17 guitarist Glen Roth will dazzle you with his fingerstyle guitar work. His compositions suggest multiple guitars, but it really is just the talent of one man and his ten flying fingers and one instrument. You may have even run into Glen when in Grand Central Terminal or on one of the tunnel platforms because he is a licensed performer in the MTA’s Music Under New York program. Tonight though, he is there to entertain just you and 48 other lucky people.

On July 31, Joni and the Keepers are sure to lift your mid-week blues spirits with their entertaining set. Joni’s sound was originally rooted in Country and Gospel, but over the years, her repertoire has expanded to include blues and rock as well any genre where great songs for great women singers can be found. Joni has fronted several bands in her career in the Midwest and on the East Coast, opened for Nashville acts in the New York area, and continues to evolve her music by surrounding herself with eclectic and outstanding musicians, like The Keepers. This is a cruise not to be missed!

How to Book the Cruise

The Seaport Wednesday Acoustic Cruise is available in July, August and September. The vessel leaves the dock at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m. Passengers should arrive 30 minutes before departure, boarding begins at 6:15 p.m. Passengers are welcome to bring snacks and their favorite bottle of wine or beer aboard…don’t forget to bring plastic glasses! The vessel leaves from the Sheffield Island Lighthouse Dock located at the corner of North Water Street and Washington Street in historic South Norwalk. Parking is available adjacent to the dock and the Norwalk Maritime Garage. Tickets for this Adult cruise are $30 per person. For your tickets click here.

The Beardsley Zoo located on 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport has a lot to offer this summer in addition to watch the two very rare Amur Leopard Cubs and the two rare Amur Tiger Girls, now one and a half frolic. Below is a list of events taking place at the Zoo through the end of July that will be sure to please everyone from grandparents to toddlers.

July 9-13, Zoo Patrol, Week 2

This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 6-8 the opportunity to participate in keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, animal related games, and crafts. Hands-on lab activities and nature studies may also be part of the program. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $140/child for Zoo members and $165/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.

July 15-21 First Annual Kids Week!

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will host a Kids Week festival from Monday, July 15 through Sunday, July 21. Join us for dozens of fun-filled activities, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, musical performances, special guest appearances and interactive demonstrations that the whole family will enjoy. Check the Zoo’s online calendar at http://www.beardsleyzoo.orgfor each day’s schedule.

July 16-20, Zoo Patrol, Week 3

This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 9-11 the opportunity to participate in keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, animal related games, and crafts. Hands-on lab activities and nature studies may also be part of the program. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $140/child for Zoo members and $165/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.

July 17, Evening Lecture Series, 7:00 p.m., Quest for the Southern Muriqui; Dr. Ashley Byun

The zoo’s evening lecture series engage audiences of all ages, especially lifelong learners. Topic: On a recent trip to Brazil, Dr. Ashley Byun took part in a jungle expedition in the Atlantic Ranforest known as Serra do Mar to document the presence of the endangered Southern Muriqui, the largest primate in South America. This extremely rare primate lives only in the Atlantic forests of southeastern Brazil. Serra do Mar is considered one of the remaining places that populations of Muriquis might still occur. Relying on the ethnozoological knowledge of the residents of traditional communities in Ubatuba, Dr. Byun will reveal if she round the elusive Southern Muriqui. $10 suggested donation. Refreshments will be served. Location: The Zoo’s Hanson Building, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport.

July 23-27, Zoo Patrol, Week 4

This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 6-8 the opportunity to participate in keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, animal related games, and crafts. Hands-on lab activities and nature studies may also be part of the program. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $140/child for Zoo members and $165/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.

July 25, Photography Goes Wild! Non-juried Photo Exhibition, 6 -8 p.m.

The Zoo holds its first non-juried photography exhibition, an opportunity for the Zoo’s many dedicated amateur and professional photographers to submit their best work for public viewing. Each photographer can submit up to three photographs, 8 x 10, matted, with a $10 fee per photo. Photos must include animals from CT’s Beardsley Zoo. Milford Photo will provide First, Second, and Third prizes in the form of gift certificates to the store. In addition, a People’s Choice will be selected. The general public can vote on their favorite by making a one-dollar donation for each vote. Photos must be submitted by June 30, 2019. More information at https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/photography-exhibition.html.

July 26, AARP Fourth Friday FREE Day

AARP CT’s Fourth Fridays FREE at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is back! AARP CT will provide members with free admission to the Zoo on fourth Fridays May through September (May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28). Join us as many times as you like, but please be sure to register at http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/aarp/. AARP members may purchase admission for up to three guests at a 15 percent discount off regular admission prices, and will receive a coupon for the gift shop.

July 27-28, Family Favorite Chris Rowlands LIVE; 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm

Chris is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets, and colorful props. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along on stage as he shares his self-penned songs about animals and their environment. Free with paid admission to the Zoo. Shown at 11 am, 1 and 3 pm. daily. Each performance is 30-35 minutes long.

July 29, International Tiger Day

Global Tiger Day, also called International Tiger Day, is an annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation.

July 30-August 3, Zoo Patrol, Week 5

This session of Zoo Patrol offers children ages 9-11 the opportunity to participate in keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, animal-related games, and crafts. Hands-on lab activities and nature studies may also be part of the program. Sessions run on Zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $140/child for Zoo members and $165/child for non-members. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.