Tag: Connecticut Travel

August 27 Paddle Into the Past – Dugout Canoe Rides on Lake Waramaug With the Institute for American Indian Studies

Have you ever wanted to paddle into the past? On Sunday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Warren Town Beach (26D) North Shore Road in New Preston on beautiful Lake Waramaug, you can try your paddling skills in an authentically recreated dugout canoe with the Institute for American Indian Studies.

Canoes have been used for transportation, fishing, and recreation by indigenous peoples worldwide for centuries. In the Eastern Woodlands, dugout canoes were the major form of transportation for Native Americans for thousands of years. If you have ever wondered how a burned-out log could float on water and what it would feel like to ride in a traditional Native American canoe, don’t miss the “Can You Canoe” event!

Traditional Native American canoes were constructed out of a single log using a scorch and strip technique in which the builder used controlled burning and stone chiseling tools to carve out the center of the log. In Eastern North America, most dugout canoes were made from a single log of chestnut or pine. They were often small, light, and fast and used for hunting and transportation. Many of the canoes recovered in the northeast United States date back 5,000-plus years! However, archeologists believe that they were most likely constructed and used thousands of years earlier. Interestingly, all of the canoes discovered in New England were found submerged which helped to preserve them.

The canoe that will be used during this event belongs to the Institute for American Indian Studies and is reconstructed using traditional techniques by Jeff Kalin. Because they have been made within the last few years, they can be safely taken out for a ride on occasion. The highlight of this event is to experience how differently a traditional Native American canoe glides through the water as compared to modern canoes that are often feather-light and made of fiberglass. Each participant that takes a ride will receive a commemorative sticker for paddling into the past.

Pre-registration is required and can be made at http://www.iaismuseum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or emailing events@iaismuseum.org. The Institute is asking participants to reserve time-slots when signing up online. The cost is $10 for members of the museum and $15 for non-members. If you are attending on the day of the event, cash and check are preferred although there will be card readers.

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 allow 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.

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Jazz in the Garden @ the Torrington Historical Society

On Saturday, August 26 at 6:30 pm the Torrington Historical Society located on 192 Main Street is hosting the Southern CT State University Latin Jazz Ensemble. The Ensemble explores the repertoire of jazz and improvised music from the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures of the Caribbean and South America.

Expect a concert with classic pieces from Cuba, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and other parts of the region. These students work hard to learn these traditional rhythms and melodies and their concerts are filled with moments when you will want to just get up and dance!!!

The ensemble is led by Dr. David Chevan of the SCSU Music Department. In addition to his work as a bass player, Chevan believes in jazz education in all its shapes, sizes, methods, processes, and encounters. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation

Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, and refreshments. General admission is $18, historical society members are $15 and SCSU students and faculty are $10. To purchase tickets click here.

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Washington’s Institute for American Indian Studies Holding Green Corn Festival Brings Visitors and Indigenous People Together August 13

The Institute for American Indian Studies, located in Washington, CT, is holding its 18th annual Green Corn Festival on Sunday, August 13th from Noon to 4:00 pm at River Walk Pavilion, 11a School Street, in Washington, CT. This festival gives visitors a glimpse into Native American life and traditions.

Corn is an integral part of the annual lifecycle of Native American people that have welcomed the season when corn ripens with a celebration for centuries. In recognition of this time-honored tradition, join IAIS Museum Staff as they welcome the first corn of the summer 2023 season with flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe), drumming, children’s activities curated by the Institute’s staff like making corn husk dolls to take home, and traditional stories told by a professional Native American Storyteller.

For shoppers and collectors, don’t miss the vendors that are selling Native American-inspired arts and crafts at a variety of price points. All the festivities are taking place in a beautiful park with a sheltered wooden pavilion, picnic tables, and plenty of free parking.

If you have always wondered what Indigenous food tastes like, you will be able to try some authentic Native American cuisine and more at the Green Corn Festival. Jason Cogswell Lamb, Schaghticoke, of Mashquanon’s Wetu will be cooking up some of his favorite contemporary and traditional indigenous cuisine sure to delight the palette. GV Bites Food Truck will be whipping up Colombian fusion food, and Polar Sweets Ice Cream will be serving more than 40 flavors of ice cream that will help beat the heat!

The annual highlight of the Green Corn Festival is the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Meeches, from the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Each dance performed has an uplifting and unique story or purpose. Some use movements that imitate animals and others represent an aspect of cultural significance. These traditional dances are sure to delight because they evoke the beauty, honor, and tradition of Native People. The Quahog Bay Drum Group led by Devin Wixon from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Nation will accompany the dances. The dancing will take place at 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m.

Admission for this event held rain or shine, is $15 for Adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for children, $10 for IAIS Members, and free for members’ children. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated, click here to register https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/13017.

About Green Corn
The expression “Green Corn” refers to the first ripened sweet corn that you can eat. The Green Corn Ceremony is marked with dancing, feasting, fasting, and religious observations. In the Eastern Woodland areas, Native people depended on three staples – corn, beans, and squash. These food items were so important that they were called “The Three Sisters.” The Three Sisters were mixed together to make a vegetable dish called succotash that is still popular today.

About 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 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.

JanetLeave a comment

Kent Summer Sales Days August 3-6

Catch more than just one good bargain during the Kent Sidewalk Sale Days! Sponsored by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, St. Andrew’s Parish, The Shops at 31 North Main Street, 45 on Main Coffee, Chocolate & Creamery, and Kent Greenhouse & Gardens, the Sale Days are scheduled for Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Shoppers will delight in FABULOUS SALES at merchants including Ace Hardware, Sundog Shoe & Leather, Fife ‘n Drum Gift Shop, House of Books, Kent Greenhouse & Gardens, Koblenz & Co. Antique & Estate Jewelry, Chestnut Woodworking, Tarot in Thyme, and the Kent Station Pharmacy. The long weekend will also feature the wonderful St. Andrews Annual Tag Sale. The Kent Memorial Library will have its Outdoor Book Sale for all four days, Li Liu’s “Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics” performance, and other family-friendly events PLUS you can purchase a raffle ticket to win a 2000 Porsche Boxster 5 Convertible!

Hungry? Of course, there will be delicious food & drinks. Newly opened 45 on Main Coffee and Creamery will have coffee drinks, chocolate treats, and ice cream! The KPG Kitchen & Bar will offer a free glass of beer, wine, or soda with a receipt from a Kent participating merchant! On Kent Green, Sophie’s Bakery & Restaurant will serve up cookies, pastries, and “grab & go” noshes. Stop by JP Gifford Market or the Villager Restaurant for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and lots more options. The Kent Farmers Market takes place on Friday, August 4 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Kent Land Trust Field (South Main Street) directly across Route 7 from the Kent Greenhouse. Now’s the time to get your fresh veggies and produce along with craftspeople, food-to-go, and more at the Farmers Market.

The 2023 Summer Concert Series will present a free concert on Thursday, August 3 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM and will feature the Kenn Morr Band. The concert will take place at the Kent Land Trust Field on Route 7. (Rain cancels) Please support Kent’s Food Bank by bringing a non-perishable item for collection at the event.

The Golden Falcon Lot (on North Main Street) will feature non-profits with information about their dedicated volunteer organizations. Stop by and discover more about the Kent Historical Society, Kent Quilters, Kent Lions Club, Kent Land Trust, Kent Affordable Housing, and Project SAGE. And as always, the art galleries in town will have exhibitions to peruse wonderful works of art!

Parking is available on Main Street and on the Kent Green property. For more information and a schedule of sales & events, visit www.kentct.com.

JanetLeave a comment

Husky Meadows Farm Stand Opens for the Season!

Husky Meadows Farm kicks off the 2023 farm stand season this May with their annual organic seedling sale, which runs through Memorial Day Weekend! A large selection of tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, cutting flowers, kale, and broccolini are offered for the home gardener.

Organically fresh and super delicious

The Farm Stand will also be stocked with freshly harvested first greens of the season – lettuces, arugula, spinach, and specialty greens. The Farm kitchen offers a wide array of prepared foods and baked treats. The Husky Meadows Farm Stand is the perfect place to pick up your weekly veggies while sipping on a hot cup of locally roasted Ilse coffee and nibbling a freshly baked scone. While you are there stroll through the garden for a preview of what’s to come for the rest of the season!

Fresh veggies and herbs make a world of difference when it comes to flavor!

The farm stand first opened in 2020 at the height of the Covid pandemic when folks were really craving transparency about where their food was coming from as well as knowing it was freshly harvest, organically grown, and raised in their local community. This year the farm team has revamped the Farm Stand with expanded hours and increased offerings. Farmer Brett Ellis says, “As the weather gets warmer and we have more and more food coming out of the ground we hope to also expand to grab-and-go salads and other picnic fare to be enjoyed at the farm. We can’t wait to see you there!” Mark your calendars! Regular Farm Stand hours starting May 19 will be Fridays 2-6 and Saturdays 9-2.

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Why Taking a Sunset Cruise Is A Good Idea with the Norwalk Seaport Association

While most of us admire the sunset from the shoreline, taking in the sunset on the water is an extraordinary experience that can be done close to home, right in Norwalk, Connecticut. It’s nice to know that you can do something unique that is close by and easy to get to without planning a big fancy getaway. Imagine breathing in the fresh ocean air and feeling the tingle of the salt on your face as you slowly cruise past the islands situated right off the coast of Norwalk in Long Island Sound. There is a feeling of serenity watching seabirds glide as you cruise past Norwalk’s necklace of islands.

Taking a two-hour sunset cruise with the Seaport Association through Norwalk Harbor is always a good idea because there is no better or more affordable way to experience Norwalk Harbor than on board the Seaport’s vessel. The two-hour sunset cruise is offered by the Seaport Association Wednesdays – Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through September 17th. Passengers are encouraged to bring snacks, BYOB, plastic cups, openers, and snacks, to add to the fun. There is comfortable seating in a covered and uncovered deck area on the vessel that holds only 49 passengers, so it is never too crowded. For sunset cruise tickets go to http://www.seaport.org

The friendly crew welcomes passengers aboard and the Captain tells stories of merchants and sailors that have traversed this ancient waterway for centuries. The journey continues as the vessel slowly wends its way through Norwalk Harbor, passing many islands. Some of them have idyllic names like Tavern Island, once owned by the famous Broadway playwright Billy Rose, Shea Island, named in honor of native Pfc. Daniel Shea, Medal of Honor recipient for his bravery in the Vietnam War, and Chimmon Island, the largest island in the Norwalk Chain of Islands. Highlights of the sunset tour include passing Sheffield Island Lighthouse, built in 1868, and two rare sparkplug Lighthouses, Peck Ledge built in 1906, and Greens Ledge built in 1902. As the vessel returns to the dock, passengers watch as the city of Norwalk begins to light up, and just in time for dinner, with many restaurants steps away from the Seaport Dock.

Best of all, a sunset cruise is therapeutic because it reminds us that taking a break from the daily grind is a good thing to do. It gives passengers the opportunity to soak up the last rays of the sun while reflecting on the accomplishments of the day, and everything we have to be grateful for.

Sunset Cruise Schedule & Parking
The boat leaves from the dock on 4 North Water Street at 6:30 p.m., and returns at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday evenings, June through September. The Seaport Dock is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and North Water Streets. Parking is available in the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage. For tickets visit http://www.seaport.org or call 203-838-9444. Sunset cruises are $35 per person. The boat sails promptly as scheduled so it is best to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure to facilitate the boarding process.

JanetLeave a comment