Take a Harbor Cruise on the 4th of July Week and Weekend with the Seaport Association

The Sheffield Island Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of Connecticut’s maritime history.  This historic lighthouse and light keeper’s cottage is located at the southern end of Norwalk’s necklace of islands on the west entrance of the Norwalk River in Long Island Sound. One of the best ways to kick of the season is to take a cruise on the C.J. Toth on Wednesday, July 1, Thursday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3 at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 2 p.m., there will also be a sunset cruise on all three days beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets for this exciting excursion must be purchased in advance by clicking here .

And, if you are looking to start a summer tradition or renew one, reserve your tickets for a fabulous 4th of July weekend ride with the Seaport Association this summer!  The boat will be going out on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5 at 12 noon, and at 3 p.m. and the sunset cruise will depart on both days at 6:30 p.m. For tickets click here.

This year the Seaport cruise will take you on a breathtaking tour of the outer Norwalk Harbor where passengers will get a birds-eye view of this active and fascinating place, from the water! The cruise will then take visitors on a cruise that will take them up close to three historic lighthouses that have protected the harbor for centuries. Have your camera at the ready for unique water views of Green's Ledge and Pecks Ledge, two of only 33 remaining spark plug lighthouses that remain in the United States. The real highlight of this cruise is to see Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut's iconic maritime treasure up close and from the water. Sheffield Lighthouse has been a beacon to mariners since 1868 and to see it from the water, like mariners of old is a very special experience. 

If you can't make it on this cruise, no worries, the Seaport Association is running two daily cruises and one sunset cruise Wednesday - Sunday through August. All tickets must be purchased online in advance and all passengers must follow the Seaport's COVID protocols and must wear a mask. For the protocols click here.

 

 

Safety Guidelines @ Stamford Museum and Nature Center

The Museum and Nature Center will be open daily from 9 am to  5 pm. and no pre-registration is required. Below, please note the safety regulations.

Planning Your Visit

• Parking and entry will be at the Knobloch Family Farmhouse ONLY at 151 Scofieldtown Road

. • Scan our SM&NC QR Code to view these guidelines and our Site Map.

• Concluding your visit, please exit to the Farmhouse Parking Lot via the paved path behind the Maple Sugar House.

• Meadow tables are spaced apart for your picnicking pleasure, please tidy up after use for other guests. Our Safety Requirements

• Adults & children over the age of 4 must wear a facemask while indoors, on the playground, or anytime when social distancing is not possible.

• We ask that you stop at our Handwashing Stations upon arrival and before touching the animals. • Social Distancing must be strictly adhered to at 6 feet. Avoid Bottlenecks. Be patient and kind

 • Children must be closely supervised at all times. What’s OPEN at this time • Heckscher Farm and Organic Garden, Nature’s Playground (open 6/17), our hiking trails including the Orange Adventure Trail, and the Wheels-In-The-Woods trail, as well as the Bendel Pond Meadow

• On June 17, our Bendel Mansion building and Museum Galleries will open for our wonderful summer exhibition, Art and the Animal, the flagship showcase of work from the Society of Animal Artists. Exhibition on view through September 7, 2020.

 

2020 Seaport Association New Cruises Tales of Pirates, Native Americans, Merchants, and Lighthouses

There is nothing more refreshing than the cool, clean sea breeze flowing through your hair and the sun on your face while taking a cruise through the scenic Norwalk Harbor to a trio of Lighthouses with the Seaport Association. 

 

This fascinating two-hour cruise begins with a leisurely cruise through the historic Norwalk Harbor. Passengers will hear the tale of how Native Americans shared the joy of eating oysters with early English settlers, a Norwalk specialty still enjoyed today. The harbor area has a rich history of commercial shipping with 18th c. sloops sailing to ports as far as the West Indies and, the engaging stories of Norwalk's waters that once teemed with pirates. In the 19th century, prominent manufacturing companies lined the banks of the channel including the Norwalk Lock Company and the Lockwood rolling and slitting mill that once churned out high-grade iron ore. Today, the channel serves water-dependent commerce and recreational marinas.

 

On this cruise, passengers will see two of only thirty-three remaining sparkplug lighthouses still in existence in the United States. Named sparkplug because of their unique shape and water-tight structure made of metal, Peck Ledge built-in 1906, and Greens Ledge constructed in 1902 are maritime gems that passengers will get the rare chance to view, up close. Legend has it that Greens Ledge was named after a pirate that sailed with the infamous Captain Kidd. It is said that he was executed and tied in chains to Greens Ledge as a warning to deter the dastardly deeds of marauding buccaneers. This is just one of many intriguing stories you will hear on this new cruise!

 

The grand finale of the harbor cruise is to pass by historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, the undisputed icon of Connecticut’s maritime heritage. Located at the southern end of Norwalk’s necklace of islands the current Victorian styled lighthouse was built in 1868 of limestone masonry. It is a classic -- replete with a distinctive octagonal light tower in the gable that offers views of the Manhattan skyline. You will also see a wildlife refuge, cute lightkeepers cottage, and the new wooden pavilion that is available for rent and ideal for special events. 

The real bonus of the new Seaport Association’s cruise is that it gets people out of the house, in the fresh air, and on the water. It is a chance to unwind and re-energize in the scenic beauty of Long Island Sound that extends in every direction.

 

Cruise Schedule and Details

Starting Saturday, June 27 the Seaport Association will run day time cruises at 12 noon and 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through September. Sunset Cruises will be offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, at 6 p.m. through September. Weekday cruises begin on July 1, with daytime cruises offered Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., and on Thursday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The boat will not run on Monday and Tuesday.

 

All ticketing will be “contactless, or tickets click here or call 203-838-9444. Adult tickets are $30, children 12 and under $18, and a family pack for four passengers is $75. Sunset cruises are $30 per person. The boat sails promptly as scheduled so it is best to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure. The Association cannot accept cash or transaction at the Seaport Dock.

 

This year the Association is limiting the number of passengers to 25 people making social distancing a breeze in their comfortable vessel. All passengers are required to wear safety masks. In keeping with the most current safety and health protocols, the Association will offer hand sanitizer onboard and has established an extensive cleaning and hygiene regiment that goes above and beyond current regulations.

 

“Clambakes To Go” for Fathers Day!

The fun and novel “Clambakes To Go” are selling quickly as Father's Day approaches.  These clambakes come in one pot to conveniently cook at home and are only available for pick-up on Sunday, June 21^st which is Father's Day.  Orders can only be made online at www.Chowdafest.org by Friday, June 19^th at 11pm.  Unfortunately, only orders made online by this date can be accepted.

Each clambake includes a live, banded 1.5 lb lobster, clams, mussels, sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob plus it comes all in one pot that the customer keeps and cooks in.  Cooking is both easy and quick as you just add water, beer, or wine to each pot which takes between just 20 and 40 minutes depending on how many clambakes are in each pot.

 

“Sales have been brisk as Father's Day draws closer,” said Jim Keenan, Chief Experience Officer of Chowdafest who is organizing the effort.  “We have no idea what the demand will be so we had to limit these clambakes.  Hopefully, people will order early before we run out” he added.  Meals are $42 each.

 

“Clambakes To Go” can only be picked up in Westport on Sunday, June 21st at pick-up times chosen by the customer online between Noon and 4pm.  Order tickets will be scanned in and then delivered to your car in line.  For pick-up details, please visit www.chowdafest.org.. 

 

To make this “curbside clambake” more special for the occasion, the clambakes will include complimentary beer from Sam Adams to both cooks with and toast your Dad, seltzer-ade from Polar Beverages, butter from Cabot's Creamery, plus lobster bibs, wet naps and a unique lobster tool compliments of Aitoro Appliances and Knot Norm's Catering.  All are available with each pot while supplies last and the recipient must be over 21 with ID to accept the beer.

 

For additional information about this Taste of Summer effort by Chowdafest please visit  www.ClamBakeToGo.com or visit www.Chowdafest.org.

 

The Taste of Summer is sponsored by Aitoro Appliances, Cabot Creamery, CCO Habitats, Friends of Sherwood Island, Knot Norm's, Polar Beverages, Sam Adams and The Westport Hub.

 

 

Stamford Museum and Nature Center Opens June 17

The Stamford Museum and Nature Center has planned to reopen on June 17, 2020. They have noted that the facility will be open to all visitors and no pr-registration is necessary. 

In addition to all of the outdoor activities including Nature's Playground the Bendel Mansion building and Museum Galleries will also reopen for the new summer exhibit called Art and the Animal. This is the flagship exhibition of The Society of Animal Artists, which is regarded worldwide as the most prestigious artist membership organization dedicated to the theme of animals in art. A juried exhibit for art and animal lovers alike, visitors will get a chance to view more than 50 diverse artworks combining natural history and fine art in various styles and ranging in medium from oils, and watercolors, to exquisite pencil and ink works, paper cutouts and sculpture.

The Society’s 59th Annual Exhibition premiered at The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio.  The mission of The Society of Animal Artists is to promote excellence in the portrayal of animals, domestic and/or wild, in art. The Society was founded in 1960 and over the past 60 years, works created by members of The Society of Animal Artists have established new standards of artistic preeminence in fine art. ​Art and the Animal ​ Annual Exhibits and Touring Exhibitions have been featured at more than 60 venues including museums and zoos, and art, cultural and science centers throughout North America.  

The Gallery will allow a maximum of 15 gallery guests at a time to ensure social distancing. For complete regulations related to COVID_19 click here.

Institute for American Indian Studies Modified Summer Camp June 26-August 7, 2020

We all know that this summer will be different. We also know that it is important for children to get out of the house and be engaged socially, mentally, and safely. With that in mind, the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut announced that they are opening a modified summer camp program of weekly themed outdoor fun and education that follows strict state guidelines. The Summer Camp is available one week at a time, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., from June 26 through August 7. The programs are geared for children ages 6-13. “We decided to offer our camp programs because we feel it can be a gateway back to normalcy for children. We expect these experiences will help our young campers face new challenges with resilience,” Chris Combs, Executive Director said.

There are so many benefits to sending children to summer camp, especially this summer. It gives children the chance to develop confidence and get unplugged; it allows them to make new friends, experience the great outdoors, and to explore new interests while learning at the same time. “This year, parents can definitely expect to see safety as the first and foremost focus at our camp, Chris Combs, Executive Director said. “ For all of our staff, the health and safety of our campers is paramount. All camp activities will be held outdoors and there will be regular sanitizing, social distancing, and smaller group activities as well as staggered arrivals and pick-ups, all in accordance with guidance issued by various state and federal agencies,” Combs continued. For more information, registration and protocols click here 

Camp Director Gabriel Benjamin and Assistant Camp Director Susan Scherf have developed a range of exciting activities and projects that follow current health guidelines. Each week, campers will join experienced educators on a journey through one of several themes that relate to the museum's core mission, such as ecology, archaeology, and traditional skills. While hiking in the woods, playing games, and creating crafts, campers will practice survival skills, teamwork, and problem-solving as they develop confidence while experiencing the great outdoors, and making new friends. Besides the memories that will last a lifetime, campers will learn valuable skills and connect with a culture that has more than 10,000 years of history in this area.

Summer Camp Themes

Weekly camps will have different experiences. On June 29- July 3 the theme is “Wonderful Wildlife” and will include exploring the forests and rivers of the Eastern Woodlands. The camp running from July 6- July 10 will focus on the gifts of the natural world and how Native Americans used their understanding of the natural world to thrive for thousands of years right here in Connecticut.

On July 13 to July 17, children will learn outdoor survival skills similar to those used for centuries by Native Americans. And, if your children love science and technology sign them up for the week of July 20-24 to learn how people of the past figured out creative ways to move around, construct shelter, find food, and make tools."

For budding archeologists and kids that are intrigued by puzzles, don’t miss the July 27 – July 31 camp where they will learn how to dig and discover.

The last camp of our 2020 summer season, from August 3-7 is for kids that like a challenge – and don’t they all! If your kids want to be amazed, sign them up, and challenge them to put their skills to test! They will come away enriched and confident.  

About The Institute for American Indian StudiesLocated on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16^th 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.

Wilton's Farmer's Market Opens June 3, 2020

The Wilton Historical Society located on 224 Danbury Road in Wilton will be holding its Farmer's Market every Wednesday from 12 noon to 5 pm starting in June. The Wilton Farmers Market will run through October 28, 2020.

The market is comprised of local farmers and artisans who come together and provide shoppers a venue to purchase the finest locally sourced products. Featured are local Connecticut farmers offering seasonal and organic produce, fresh baked goods and pastries, food trucks with a selection of lunch items, local artists and crafters featuring their original and one of a kind art pieces, craft breweries for non-alcoholic beverages and premium imported Italian goods direct from Italy to name a few.
With the onset of COVID-19, they will be implementing new guidelines for the 2020 season. The goal is to provide a safe market environment while limiting potential exposure to consumers, food, volunteers, vendors, and market manager. The operating guidelines are as follows:

• They will limit the number of customers within the market at one time. Each vendor is allowed one shopper per space at a given time.
• The recommended social distancing protocols of six (6) feet of separation between individuals will be applied by placing markers six (6) feet apart in front of vendors and around the market where necessary.
• Foot traffic will be one-way. A designated entrance for shoppers will be staffed to implement proper headcount within the market during hours of operation.
• All shoppers MUST wear a cloth face covering at the market. We encourage families to limit the number of people coming to the market to the primary buyer only.
• Per Executive Order 7S, all market managers, staff/volunteers, and vendors must wear gloves and face masks at all times if they’re interacting with customers and/or handling products.
• If a customer brings a reusable bag, vendors are not required to handle the bag or fill the bag.
• Each vendor will wipe down the EBT/credit card terminal with an approved disinfectant after each use.
• Each vendor will have their own hand sanitizing station available.
• Each vendor is responsible for intermittently wiping down and disinfecting their work area and high touch points on the shopper's side of their tables.
• Picnic tables will be off-limits to shoppers for dining purposes.
• We HIGHLY recommend pre-ordering with vendors that are offering online orders. A designated “pick up only” table by the pedestrian entrance of the market will be available for quick accesses.