❄️ Winter Wonders: Trains in Essex, Farm Life & Shorebirds

January 08, 2026

Happy Thursday! If you’re looking for easy ways to spend time together, get outside, or lean into a little winter nostalgia, today’s picks have you covered. From a classic family favorite to a behind-the-scenes farm visit and a coastal nature walk, this lineup is all about simple experiences that feel genuinely worthwhile.

Inside today’s email:

🚂 A beloved model train tradition that never repeats itself
🐄 A free open day at a working farm and education center
🐦 A guided winter walk to spot shorebirds along the coast
📗 This Month in CT History: A Decisive Vote That Helped Shape a New Nation
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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A timeless winter tradition filled with tiny details and big wonder

The Connecticut River Museum’s Annual Train Show is back for its 32nd year, and it’s once again delivering the kind of magic that keeps families coming back season after season. Created by artist and train enthusiast Steve Cryan, this immersive exhibit features a brand-new model train world built entirely from scratch—no reused designs, ever.

Each year’s layout is packed with intricate landscapes, multiple operating tracks, and clever visual surprises that reward careful looking. It’s a nostalgic, slow-down-and-stare experience that delights kids and adults alike, making it a perfect winter outing whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth.

Explore the land, meet the animals, and learn what makes this place special

Curious about what happens behind the scenes at New Pond Farm? This free Open Day invites visitors to explore the property, meet the animals, sample fresh dairy products, and connect with the people who bring this education center to life.

Set against a beautiful landscape in Redding, the day offers a relaxed way to learn about the farm’s history, habitats, wildlife, and wide range of educational programs. It’s welcoming, family-friendly, and a great chance to see how agriculture, conservation, and learning come together in one place.

Learn to spot and protect Connecticut’s wintering shorebirds

This guided Shorebird Walk offers a closer look at the birds that rely on Connecticut’s coastline during migration and winter months. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants will explore some of southeastern Connecticut’s best viewing spots while learning how to identify shorebird species and understand their seasonal journeys.

The walk covers about a mile of mostly level terrain and provides insight into how these birds use coastal habitats—and how people can help protect them. It’s a rewarding outing for birders, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the wildlife along our shores.

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TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

A Decisive Vote That Helped Shape a New Nation

In the late 1780s, the young United States was struggling under the Articles of Confederation, a system that left the federal government weak and the states largely on their own. For Connecticut, a trade-dependent state, that weakness came at a real cost. Interstate tariffs imposed by neighboring states hurt local merchants and made it clear that the existing system wasn’t working.

When the proposed U.S. Constitution was sent to the states for approval, Connecticut moved quickly. Delegates gathered in Hartford to debate ratification, and supporters argued that a stronger national government would stabilize the economy, end interstate trade barriers, and give Connecticut a reliable voice in national affairs. One of the most influential arguments came from Oliver Ellsworth, who highlighted how much money Connecticut was losing each year to import taxes under the old system.

The result was decisive. Connecticut’s convention voted overwhelmingly to ratify the Constitution, making the state the fifth to join the Union. The strong margin reflected both economic pragmatism and confidence in the new framework of government, including the balance of power created by the Connecticut Compromise. It was a moment when Connecticut firmly backed a stronger United States — and helped push the Constitution toward becoming the law of the land.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Middletown Movie Theater Closes Without Warning

The Metro Movies 12 theater in Middletown abruptly shut its doors this week, catching residents and city officials off guard. The longtime cinema, a staple for discount movie nights and community outings, closed after 27 years with only a brief online announcement, marking another loss for Main Street entertainment.

New Haven Police Chief Retires Amid Theft Allegations

New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson retired suddenly after admitting to taking money from a confidential informant fund, according to city officials. Assistant Chief David Zannelli has stepped in as acting chief while state authorities review the situation and determine next steps.

Overturned Kayak Sparks Search, Kayaker Found Safe

An overturned kayak in the Housatonic River prompted an emergency response in Derby, but the kayaker was later found safe at home. Officials say he fell into the water, lost his phone, and left the area to warm up, serving as a reminder to notify authorities if separated from equipment.

Scientists Say More CT Wildlife Needs Urgent Research

A new Wildlife Action Plan reports that more than a quarter of Connecticut’s plant and animal species need additional research due to population declines, habitat loss, and climate change. State scientists hope expanded monitoring and public involvement can help protect vulnerable species before they reach endangered status.

Thanks!

Thanks for spending a bit of your week with us! We hope today’s picks inspired you to get out, explore, and make the most of what Connecticut has to offer.

Enjoyed this email? Share it with a friend who’s always looking for something new to do and help spread the local love.

P.S. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!