Connecticut Travel

A quiet place of contemplation, the Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield is a replica of the Grotto Lourdes in France. Built of local fieldstone by two Montfort Brothers, Brother Alfonso, and Brother Gabriel, with the help of Montfort seminarians and people from the area, the Shrine was dedicated in 1958.

The Montfort Missionaries developed the Shrine so that individuals, families, and groups could come to pray, reflect on their own lives, and imitate Mary’s life of faithful discipleship.

The Grotto is the site for Mass and other services held in the open air from May through mid-October.

In addition to participating in the liturgy and prayer at the Grotto, you can follow the Way of the Cross which winds up the Shrine’s wooded hillside to a Calvary Scene at the summit of the hill. You can also walk paths leading to smaller shrines of the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Jude, St. Michael, and St. Louis de Montfort.

The grounds of the Shrine are open year-round, from dawn to dusk. The Grotto Gift Shop at Lourdes in Litchfield is open on weekends only from 11:30-4:00 for the months of January and February, weather permitting. A 30% discount will be offered on selected Christmas items during this time. Regular hours will resume in March.

The Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield is located on 50 Montfort Road just off of Rte. 118 within a mile of the Litchfield Village Green. For more information click here.

Winter break in December may not always feel like a vacation for moms and dads especially during this busy holiday time of year. Many parents opt to use these days off from school to plan enriching outings and make time for learning outside the classroom. If you are looking for fun and educational activities for your children during their Christmas break, look no further than the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut on 38 Curtis Road.

On Thursday, December 30 the Institute is offering a program at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. sure to chase the cabin fever blues away. The program will take place indoors and outdoors and all health protocols are followed.

Kids will play Native American games such as snow snake (weather permitting), snow boat, hoop and pole, keeper of the fire, and eagle eye. They will create a craft that they can take home as a memento of this exciting program. A highlight of the program is the traditional Native American Stories told by the Institute’s Professional Native American Storyteller that teaches children about the cultural beliefs of indigenous people living in the United States.

Studies show that children who are more active perform better in school and have better emotional and physical health. The educational programs of the Institute find fun ways to keep your children engaged and active by encouraging them to learn and do new things.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

If you need to Unwind before the hustle and bustle of the holidays White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield Connecticut has the perfect suggestion – a Christmas Eve stroll up Apple Hill with staff member Gerri Griswold. Hikers should meet at the trailhead off East Shore Road in Litchfield.

This festive walk on Friday, December 24 begins at 10 a.m. and is free of charge. It is open to 12 lucky people that should pre-register by calling 860-567-0857 or registering online at https://whitememorialcc.org/product/christmas-eve. Donations for the programs of White Memorial Foundation are always appreciated.

After the walk, enjoy homemade scones from the creator of the Pandemic Kitchen video series and hot chocolate.

About Apple Hill Trail

The Apple Hill Trail (blue rectangle blazes) is located in the southwest portion of White Memorial, off East Shore Road. There are two trailheads. From the northern entrance, the trail takes you on a 1.5-mile journey (3 miles out and back) that begins on Laurel Hill, which is spectacular when the mountain laurel is in bloom around Father’s Day. It then proceeds through the woods and onto a short boardwalk through Cat Swamp. About 1/2 mile further, a direction sign labeled “Marsh” leads you on a short spur to a beautiful “secret” section of Cat Swamp – the perfect place for solitude. Once back on the main trail, you’ll start your incline to the top of Apple Hill, transitioning from a deep forest to a vast meadow. At 1,200 feet in elevation, you’ll get a beautiful view of Bantam Lake and the surrounding landscape from the observation platform on the hill. You can also reach the top of Apple Hill by entering from the southern entrance on East Shore Rd. From there, the walk is 1/2 mile to the platform (1 mile out and back). You will pass through a habitat restoration area for the New England Cottontail on your way. If you choose this route, please do not park on the private property of any surrounding homes.

The Wilton Historical Society’s annual Great Trains exhibit features many layouts and a wide range of makes and gauges of model trains traversing scenic local landscapes. There are many different model train layouts winding through tiny towns with a variety of different kinds of buildings, tunnels, and even a working Ferris wheel! The display enchants visitors of all ages with lots of buttons to push and knowledgeable “train engineers” on hand to “talk trains.”

Take the children in your life to an entrancing afternoon with trains and holiday excitement. Wilton Historical’s historic 18th and 19th-century buildings are charmingly decorated and transformed into a train-lovers delight with many different model train layouts winding through tiny towns with a variety of different kinds of buildings, tunnels, and all sorts of delightful animals showing up in unexpected places! The displays enchant visitors of all ages with lots of buttons to push and knowledgeable “train engineers” on hand to “talk trains”.

Thrill to the sight of dozens of charming tiny buildings, people, and activities in this amazing show village. Teeming with skaters, children sledding, horses pulling wagons, swans swimming, and even Ebenezer Scrooge in his gloomy house!

The trains are open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 – 4:00, and Sundays 12:00 – 4:00. The Great Trains Holiday Show will through Monday, January 17, 2021. Open half-day (10:00 – 1:00) on Friday, December 24, Friday, December 31, and closed December 25 and January 1. Admission is free for members of the Society; $5 per non-member child and $10 for non-member adults.

Find out details at www.wiltonhistorical.org or phone 203-762-7257.

Brew up a pot of your favorite tea and join Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s Catherine Prescott and Fraunces Tavern Museum’s Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli to explore the history of tea at “Tavern Tastings: Tea”! In this virtual program, on December 14 beginning at 6:30pm, Prescott and Tsaltas-Ottomanelli will discuss the beverage’s journey from Asia to Europe and the Americas, as well as its unique role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. They’ll also share details about the types of tea available to colonial Americans and how tea would have been served and consumed in homes and taverns of the period.

“Tavern Tastings,” now in its second season, is KTM&HC’s popular collaborative program with Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City. Known for its informal, conversational-style format, “Tavern Tastings” is a unique way for participants to learn about the fascinating historical and cultural contexts around some of the typical food and drinks historically served in taverns in Connecticut/New York region.

This program, on December 14 beginning at 6:30 pm will take place via Zoom, and advance registration is required. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10. To register click here.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland! What a way to start December with the joyous sounds of holiday music, the scents of holiday treats, and the delicious taste of gingerbread. The theme of this year’s 54th Annual Gingerbread Village and Christmas Bazaar is “Winter Wonderland”. All are welcome to come and share this festive weeklong event with the parishioners of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Middlebury CT.

For over five decades now St. George’s parish has graciously welcomed the community to visit their magical village of gingerbread creations. As summer winds down and autumn approaches, visions of gingerbread and the sweet smells of cinnamon and spice fill the church halls. Parishioners, both young and old are often heard collaborating and sharing ideas about candy, construction, and design choice.

Each piece displayed in the village is handcrafted and completely edible. Houses are often built from not just gingerbread, but pasta, beans, gum, and breakfast cereal. In addition to houses, visitors will likely see sleigh riders, snowmen, reindeer, and perhaps even Santa. All items are on sale and will be available for pick up on the final day.

This mission is held near and dear to the heart of St. George’s. It has become part of a local holiday tradition for many, and we cordially welcome all visitors to come to enjoy our truly unique display.

In addition to the village, the bazaar offers a bakeshop, the opportunity to decorate your own cookie, raffle baskets, and Christmas crafts for sale. Gingerbread kit houses will also be for sale which provides everything needed to create your own masterpiece at home.

Food to Go will be available Saturday, December 11th from 11:00am to 3 pm. Village hours are Monday through Friday 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm. Saturday, December 11th from 10am-4pm. As always, parking and admission are free (donations welcomed). The church is handicap accessible.

For more information, please visit www.gingerbreadvillagect.com. For general questions please contact the church at 203-758-9864 or email stgeorges9864@att.net. Group appointments can be scheduled by calling 203-217-4246.