Weekend Adventures In CT: Eagles, Goats, Farmers Markets & More

CONNECTICUT — It's totally freezing outside, which in Connecticut terms means… Farmers Market, anyone?

The Niantic Winter Farmers Market begins its residency at the Smith's Acres greenhouse on Jan. 11 and will be laying out The Good Stuff every Saturday from 2-4:30 p.m. through Apr. 12. The list of vendors is choice.

The Wallingford Winter Farmers Market also boasts an extensive tally of suppliers. It began last weekend and will continue each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Apr. 26.

In New Milford, the Indoor Farmers Market at The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm is now open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. While you're there, book yourself into a cooking class, then walk it all off along the open-to-the-public walking trails found on the sprawling 44-acre property.

You probably won't see any bald eagles there, but you will have a good chance to spy one of the magnificent birds in Plainfield on Saturday, if you know where to look. That'd be at the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery, where rangers will be presenting "Soaring Over the Last Green Valley: A Walk to See Bald Eagles" on Jan. 11 and 25 at 10 a.m. (rain dates are Jan. 12 and 26). Organizers promise an easy walk over level ground around a location that has been a successful spot to see eagles perching, hunting and flying. Bring your binoculars, and have your phone ready to grab some insta-eagle selfies.

There are no eagles to be found at Bradley Mountain Farm in Southington, but there are plenty of goats. Over the next few weekends and school holidays, the herders will be bringing them to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield for "goat strolls" around the acreage. The 30-minute walks let families roam around the pond at Lyman Orchards and take their goat foraging around the grounds. It's a great escape for parents with young ones off from school on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents' Day: Sunday, Jan. 12, Monday, Jan. 20, Sunday, Feb. 2, and Monday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are available online here.

Are beer and honey "two great tastes that taste great together"? Only the bees and brewmeisters knew for sure — that is, until apiarists at the Humble Bee Honey Company in Watertown cracked the code. One of them will be on hand to spill the tea on this match made in Connecticut foodie heaven on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury. Brass Works Brewing Company is supplying the suds, from 1-3 p.m. What pairs better, buckwheat and double Bock, or Manuka and malt liquor? Find out at "History, Hops, and Honey." Tickets are available online here.

The United States Coast Guard Band will be performing a free chamber concert at Colony Hall at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford on Sunday, Jan. 12. The 2 p.m. matinee recital will feature an international repertoire featuring the USCG Band's exceptional brass and woodwind players.