Tag: Litchifeld Hills CT

Lime Rock Park: A Very Special Auto Museum and Vintage Car Parade


While New York City may be home to some of the world’s finest museums, when it comes to celebrating the history of personal mobility, automotive enthusiasts will only need to travel 100 miles from the Big Apple to visit a unique once-per-year “museum” – Lime Rock Park’s Sunday in the Park concours d’elegance. The concours, and its unusual companion event, the Gathering of the Marques, is Sunday, September 2.
The historic weekend kicks off with a Vintage Racecar Parade that takes place on August 30 beginning at 3:30 p.m. At this time over sixty vintage racecars from the Historic Festival weekend at Lime Rock Park will parade 15 miles through Lime Rock, Lakeville and Salisbury to Falls Village.

The parade route winds from Lime Rock Park along Rte. 44 to downtown Lakeville and Salisbury where the street are lined with spectators. The parade continues on through Noble Horizons and then proceeds to Falls Village where the cars line up to be admired at a festive community street fair.

This annual event is free and open to the public. In honor of this festival, traffic in downtown Falls Village comes to a standstill for this two-hour kick off to the Labor Day weekend celebration. A highly anticipated highlight of this event is the opportunity to win a chance to waive the green flag at a vintage race at Lime Rock as well as to see these rare historic cars up close and personal, one after another as they line the street.

When visiting the concours, participants will see a variety of cars from very old cars, some of which look virtually brand new to race cars from more than half-a-century ago that are still raced today. The concours and marque gathering have been integral to Lime Rock Park’s traditional Labor Day weekend vintage extravaganza since the 1980s. This year’s Historic Festival 30 is presented by Jaguar from Friday, August 31 through Labor Day Monday, September 3.

The concours embraces the notion that the automobile is art as well as celebrating the fact that these vehicles were built to be enjoyed – not just left in the garage to be polished every week! More than 200 cars have entered the Sunday in the Park Concours, from Brass Era and pre-WWI all the way through select examples from the 1980s.

While concours are staged throughout America, Lime Rock’s is unique; no other venue in the U.S. has three days of on-track racing sandwiching a prestigious concours event – all on the same property.

Historic Festival 30 presented by Jaguar, the Sunday in the Park Concours & Gathering of the Marques is Friday, August 31 through Labor Day Monday, September 3. The vintage racing itself is Saturday and Monday, dawn to dusk, 300+ cars divided into 10 competitive race groups. The 2012 Honored Guest is Sir Stirling Moss, considered motorsports’ greatest “all-rounder” driver in the sport. Many of the famous cars he drove to noteworthy victories at the peak of his F1 and sports car career – Vanwalls, Coopers, Jaguars, Maseratis – will be displayed, demonstrated and even raced over the weekend.

ABOUT LIME ROCK PARK

Lime Rock Park is one of America’s most recognized road racing venues and has been continuously operated since its opening in 1957. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places by the National Park Service, the track is 1.5 miles in length, encompassing seven corners and more than seven stories of elevation change. The track is considered one of the most beautiful – and challenging to drive – in the world, constructed in a natural valley in the Berkshire Mountains of Litchfield Hills northwest Connecticut. Discounted advance-priced tickets can be purchased at www.limerock.com or by calling 860.435.5000

For area information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

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65th Anniversary Promises Special House Tour in the Litchfield Hills July 14

Center of Litchfield (Jim McElholm photo)

New England’s oldest house tour, Open House Day in Litchfield, Connecticut, celebrates its 65th anniversary on Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the rare chance to visit five prize private properties in the early New England town that is famous for its grand and elegant homes. An impressive roster of homes with architectural and historical distinction is being assembled for this special year. Proceeds benefit Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR), an organization dedicated to helping troubled youths.

Tapping Reeve House and Law School

The Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, the first law school in America, will also be included in the admission price of the Tour. The History Museum is featuring a new exhibition, The Hour of Conflict; marking the anniversary of the Civil War by examining the ways the war im¬pacted the residents of Litchfield in the 1860s. The museum will also feature a juried art show sponsored by the Litchfield Visual Arts.

A Preview Tour will be offered Friday, July 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by a cocktail reception in a private home.

Litchfield Aid of CJR, an organization founded in 1911 by 12 Litchfield women to help support the programs and facilities of the Connecticut Junior Republic, sponsors the annual tour.

HOUSE TOUR INFORMATION

The self-guided house tour begins at 10 a.m. on July 14 the Information Booth on the Litchfield Green, where tickets may be purchased for $35. Advance purchase tickets, $30, may be ordered by mail from Litchfield Aid of CJR, P.O. Box 214, Litchfield, Connecticut 06759. A stamped, self-addressed envelope should be included with credit card information (Mastercard or Visa only), check or money order, made payable to Litchfield Aid of CJR. Ticket information for the Preview Tour and Party may be obtained by calling the Connecticut Junior Republic, 869-567-9423.

For details of the 65th Annual Open House Tour and ticket information for the Preview Tour and Party, contact the Connecticut Junior Republic at (860) 567-9423, between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM, or visit www.litchfieldct.com/cjr/tour.html.

For information about nearby events and a free copy of UNWIND, a 112-page color guide to lodging, dining and all the attractions in the Litchfield Hills, contact the Western Connecticut Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968, Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506, or visit their web site at http://www.litchfieldhills.com

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Brass Valley: Made in America

The Sharon Historical Society located on 18 Main Street in Sharon CT in the historic Gay-Hoyt House is hosting the work of artist Emery Roth. The show will run through April 25. Roth’s work will be displayed in the Society’s Gallery that is open Wednesday-Friday, from 10 to 4 pm and by appointment.

Emery Roth is an accomplished photographer. This exhibit melds contemporary photography of the industry of Connecticut’s Naugatuck Valley, with text and objects from the museum’s collection that tell the stories of Sharon’s industrial past. The exhibit evolved as Mr. Roth began following the old railroad tracks through the Naugatuck Valley and photographing what was left of its industrial past.

In his photographs, he was searching for rust and a glimpse of another age. He admits that he never expected to find himself in a time warp, photographing where giant hydraulics are still hissing, steel clanking, hot, glowing metal flying through the air, where the steam still rises from old pickling vats, and men charge furnaces in buildings where the soot has had more than a hundred years to cake. He never dreamed such a place still existed and took the photographs to prove that it does still exist in Connecticut. This is a show about those places.

A highlight of this show is a guided walk through the exhibit by the photographer on Sunday April 1 at 3 pm. All are invited. For additional information, contact the Sharon Historical Society at 860-364-5688 or via email sharonhistoricalsociety@yahoo.com, or our website, www.sharonhist.org.

About the Sharon Historical Society

The Sharon Historical Society is a community museum dedicated to connecting people to the town of Sharon, its history, and its culture. Museum professionals are assisted by volunteers who care for more than 5,000 artifacts in their collection – cataloging, preserving and sharing Sharon past for the public. Tours of the Gay-Hoyt House are self-guided. Collections include American furniture from colonial to colonial revival; decorative arts, iron and iron-industry related artifacts, five portraits by folk artist Ammi Phillips, a library featuring a collection of CT history and decorative arts resources and archives/photo collection.

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Litchfield Historical Society’s Civil War Exhibition, Opens in April 14 – Nov. 25

Litchfield History Museum

Opening April 14, 2012, the Litchfield Historical Society’s new exhibition The Hour of Conflict will examine the ways in which the American Civil War im­pacted the residents of Litchfield, Con­necticut in the 1860s. This fascinating exhibit will run through November 25th.

Although no battles occurred in Con­necticut, local Litchfield families were directly affected by the events of the Civil War. Men departed town to enlist in the Union army, leaving their families behind to worry and wonder, waiting for a letter to make its way from a campground or battlefield. Women spent their time sewing clothing, wrapping bandages, and sending packages to their loved ones on the front lines. How did Litch­field families deal with the anxiety of war? How did they mourn, celebrate and cope?

The Litchfield Historical Society in­vites visitors and families of all ages to examine these questions through let­ters, diaries, photographs, and artifacts from the Historical Society’s collec­tions. Articles carried by local soldiers, everyday objects used by Litchfield’s children, and items related to Dr. Josiah Gale Beckwith and the Litchfield Peace Movement are just some of the col­lection pieces that will be highlighted. Visitors will also have the chance to view Civil War uniforms thanks to the Museum of Connecticut History and the Cornwall Historical Society.

The exhibit will also incorporate hands-on activities and the opportunity to ex­perience camp life as Litchfield’s men did more than a century and a half ago. Students of the Litchfield Montessori School will act as Junior Curators to re­search, design, and create a special por­tion of the exhibition.

The Hour of Conflict will run through the 2012 and 2013 seasons at the Litchfield History Museum, located at 7 South Street in Litchfield. There will be a special exhibition opening for members on Friday, April 13 at 6:30 pm following this year’s Annual Meeting. The exhibition will open to the public on April 14. For more information visit www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org or call (860) 567-4501. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 to 5 and Sunday 1-5. The admission costs are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, students, and children over 14. Members, law students, and children under 14 are free. These prices include the cost of admission to the Tapping Reeve House and Law School.


About the Litchfield History Museum

The Litchfield Historical Society, founded in 1856, is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Litchfield County, Connecticut through its museum, research library and historic house. The Ingraham Memorial Research Library houses local business and organizational archives, manuscripts and family papers, reference books, and genealogical material. The Tapping Reeve House, built in 1774, and the 1784 Law School interpret the family and home life of Tapping Reeve and his role in the development of American legal training. The Historical Society is a private non-profit organization supported by an active and growing membership.

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Lamothe’s Sugar House Maple Sugaring Weekends Through March

Lamothe's SugarHouse, Burlington CT

If it seems as though this winter will never end, take heart, the sweet scents of maple syrup in the making clearly announces that spring is coming—and this is a good reason to plan a visit to Litchfield Hills.

Although self-guided tours and samples of maple syrup products are available year round – one of the most exciting time to visit Lamothe’s Sugar House in Burlington Connecticut is on any given weekend in February and March.

The Lamothe family started farming in 1971 with a few pigs and a vegetable garden. They began making maple syrup for their own use with a modest 7 taps. As word got around, so did requests from far and wide to purchase the precious maple syrup they made.

Lamothe’s has come a long way since their first 7 taps; today, Lamothe’s is Connecticut’s largest sugar house with more than 4,000 taps and a state-of-the-art sugar house.

On weekends, in February and March, Lamothe’s offers free tours on their farm from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Visitors will learn how maple syrup was discovered and how it developed over time and is made today. Visitors will see how maple syrup and sugar are made and enjoy delicious samples. Complimentary coffee and hot cider is also served. Store hours are Mon. – Thurs. 10-6, Fri.-Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 12 – 5.

Showroom at Lamothe's Sugarhouse

Lamothe’s maple syrup is available in Grade A Light Amber, Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber, and Grade B. They suggest that you serve their maple syrup on ice cream and cereal, as well on pancakes or waffles.

Lamothe's Products

Lamothe’s also makes a full array of maple sugar based products from granulated make sugar to popcorn, spices, sauces, preserves and spreads to name a few.

Some of the candy that Lamothe’s makes includes pure maple candy including Pure Maple Flavor Drops and Maple Walnut Caramels, Maple Salt Water Taffy and Peanut Clusters. For a wonderful snack try the Maple Sugar Coated Nuts and maple farmhouse kettle corn.

Consistently innovative, Lamothe’s also makes spice rub for pork and chicken from maple sugar and spices, savory sugar and spice, maple barbeque sauce and a maple tinted marinara sauce.

Lamothe’s even offers a line of unique New England bridal or shower favors such as a lovely 100ml plastic container of maple syrup, or several elegant imported glass containers in 40 or 50 ml sizes. They also offer pure maple candies in one, two, or four packs that are tied with a ribbon in the color of your choice.

Favor Boxes

On March 3, Lamothe’s is hosting Billy Steers the Connecticut Author of “Tractor Mac” at the sugarhouse from the 11am-3pm to do a book signing, reading, meet & greet visitors. Billy Steers illustrates all of his own books and will be bringing Tractor Mac for the children to take pictures with.

Lamothe’s Sugar House is located on 89 Stone Road, Burlington, CT (860-675-5043). For more information visit their website at www.lamothesugarhouse.com.

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Halloween Spooktacular Cooking Class at The Silo Cooking School New Milford CT

For years, The Silo Cooking School has provided chefs of all ages with great learning experiences – combined with fun. The tradition continues on Saturday, October 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Halloween Spooktacular Class – “It Came From the Kitchen” taught by Silo Cooking School Assistant Director Nancy Stuart Ploch. The class is geared for children ages five to eleven.

Little monsters will go batty conjuring ghoulish delights such as Vampire Blood (Tomato) Soup, Chopped Fingers, Monster Eyeballs, Warlock’s Brew and more! This hands-on full participation class teaches valuable skills in reading, math, and teamwork.

The class fee is $50 per child. For more information and to register visit www.hunthillfarmtrust.org, or call (860) 355-0300. Registration is also available at The Silo during regular business hours. The Silo Gallery and store are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The Silo Cooking School at Hunt Hill Farm, 44 Upland Rd, New Milford, CT. 860.355.0300; www.hunthillfarmtrust.org

The Silo Cooking School at Hunt Hill Farm offers recreational demonstration and hands-on culinary classes taught by local and celebrity chefs for students ages five to 85 in a unique country setting. Upcoming classes include October 23’s Autumn in France with Chef Mary Kravec and a two-part demonstration series featuring Celebrity Chef Sara Moulton on Friday and Saturday November 4th and 5th.

Although not a cooking class, The Silo is hosting a fascinating event– “The Silo and the Supernatural” on October 30 from 4pm to 6 pm. Participants will enter the realm of the paranormal with The Northwest Ct Paranormal Society’s professional investigator John Zontok and Bob Mills, a professional photographer who helps the team differentiate true paranormal pictures from forged images. Tools of the trade, the history of paranormal photography, and audio of ghostly voices and videos of what could be a revolutionary soldier will be shared and experienced. Local hauntings, including a Barkhamsted barn investigation featured on the Animal Planet’s “The Haunted” series and “My Ghost Story are highlights of this macabre evening of paranormal fun. Due to the nature of this program, ages 12 and up please. (860-355-0300). www.hunthillfarmtrust.org

About The Silo Cooking School and Hunt Hill Farm Trust

The Cooking School is part of the Smithsonian Institution affiliated Hunt Hill Farm Trust, a non-profit organization. Hunt Hill Farm Trust is a vibrant and unique regional resource, offering the public the opportunity to explore music, art, cuisine, crafts and literature in a setting of historic farm buildings and permanently protected open space.

Hunt Hill Farm also includes The Silo Gallery, The Skitch Henderson Museum, and The Silo Store, which sells giftware, tabletop, foods and kitchen items.

Drawing on the creative legacy of Skitch and Ruth Henderson, the Henderson Cultural Center at Hunt Hill Farm, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, is a vibrant and unique regional resource, offering the public opportunities to explore music, art, cuisine, and permanently protected historic open space.

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