Connecticut Travel

An outdoor buffet in winter may not sound tempting to most of us, but to our national bird, the regal American bald eagle, it is a rare treat. When fishing grounds in their homes further north freeze over, these graceful birds make an annual journey to the Shepaug Dam on the Housatonic River in Southbury, in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills.

They favor this spot because the turbulent waters of the dam not only prevent freezing but push fish to the surface, easy pickings for eagles who can swoop down and feast on their favorite dish. Thrilling to see in full flight, the majestic bald eagle can measure 34 to 43 inches in length with a wingspan of six to seven and a half feet.

Their flight speed is between 36 to 44 miles per hour. Everyone is invited to view these fascinating winter guests at the Eagle Observation Area near the Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station. An organized eagle watch takes place every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 12.

Admission is free but since space is limited reservations are required; group and individual reservations are accepted. In addition to eagle viewing, the CT Audubon will host birds of Prey show on Saturdays throughout the viewing season. This year for the first time reservations can be made on-line

The shelter, maintained by FirstLight Power Resources, is located 1000 feet from the river, affording safety for the eagles while providing an excellent vantage point. High powered telescopes are set up on tripods for visitors. Knowledgeable Audubon volunteers are on hand to assist in spotting and answer questions about the birds.

The volunteers maintain a helpful website, https://www.firstlightpower.com/recreation/?location_id=397 with information about eagles and recent visitor statistics. Reservations can be made on this site. Nearly 148,000 people have visited the observation area since it was opened to the public in 1986. On an average day in past years, six or seven eagles were sighted, but lucky viewers on the best days in the past have spotted as many as 15 to 21 eagles in action. Chances are best on cold clear days when the surfaces of most other rivers and ponds have frozen. Visitors are advised to dress warmly in layers and to allow plenty of time to wait for the eagle action to begin.

If you are a fan of Lime Rock Park, in the heart of the Litchfield Hills, make sure you check out their website by January 2, 2020, for their special holiday pricing.

Tickets for the 2020 Majors are now on sale. Save up to 40 percent on weekend passes and race day tickets and get ready to rev up your 2020. Purchase your tickets online and print them at home to stuff the stocking or add them to a gift basket from the Lime Rock Park Store.

Tickets offered include the touring car festival featuring TC America and Pirelli GT4 America on May 8-9, the Memorial Day Classic featuring Trans Am, SVRA and the Sunday Royals Car Show on May 22-25, the New England Regionals on June 12-13 and the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge July 17-18. A fall favorite, the Historic Festival 38 and Sunday in the Park Concours on Sept. 4-7 is also being offered.

For ticket information https://limerock.com/HolidayPricing2020

Recognizing art and crafts, as an intrinsic and essential element of Native American life, the Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a series of programs December 28, and 29 designed to foster a better understanding of the artistic and oral history of Native American culture.

If you have kids and are looking for an engaging activity in December, head to the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington CT to participate in this series of programs that are sure to entertain and educate. Best of all, these programs are free with the price of admission; $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, on December 28 and 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on each day the Institute has organized a special program that will feature traditional Native American games such as snow snake, snow boat, hoop and pole, keeper of the fire, and eagle eye. A special series of craft activities sure to help instill a sense of achievement and pride in children includes creating items such as cornhusk dolls, buzzers, or beading that kids can take home. One of the most looked forward to activities is storytime. Native American stories recount the history of indigenous people and are told to educate children about cultural morals and values. These stories offer valuable life lessons that are multigenerational, multicultural, and timeless.

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 a 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 on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

The whiz and whistle of toy trains are among the happiest sounds of the season and some of the most magical layouts anywhere can be found in New Milford.

One of the oldest traditions is the Hands-On Train Display in New Milford, celebrating its 29th anniversary this year. The set-up here is unique because visitors are allowed to play engineer, taking a turn at the controls, starting and stopping the action and operating signals and lights.

The layout transforms the waiting room of New Milford’s restored vintage train station into a Lilliputian landscape of hills, valleys and villages, with four big layouts of scale model Lionel trains crisscrossing miniature towns populated by tiny figures dressed in winter finery. The setup includes almost 100 feet of track. The trains operate Thursday – Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. December,22, 26, 27, 28, and 29.

This yearly free event is sponsored by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, www.newmilford-chamber.org.

Santa also has his own private rail car weekend workshop at the Danbury Railway Museum, a classic 1903 station with a railroad yard filled with vintage train cars. Visitors can board one of the working trains on a 20-minute ride through the yard to visit with Santa and receive a small gift.

A miniature train layout and many fascinating railroad exhibits are waiting at the restored station, along with activities for kids including temporary tattoos, play and coloring stations. Once again there is a shop with gifts for railroad buffs of all ages.

The trains leaves from the station every half hour from 12:30 pm to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22 from 12 – 4 p.m. To experience the beautifully lite rail yard take the night trains on Saturday evenings at 4:30 pm and 5 pm. For tickets and information, www.Danbury.org or phone: (203) 778-8337.