1. Cornucopia At Oldfield
City: Southbury, CT
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (203) 267-6772
Address: 782 Main St. North
Description: Southbury doesn’t seem like it should be part of New Haven County, and even the innkeepers at the Cornucopia announce their presence in the Litchfield Hills, which geographically they certainly are. Built in 1818 by John Moseley, the house is in Southbury’s historic district and on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains over 2 acres of gardens and lawn, as well as a large flagstone patio and swimming pool for you to relax in. Inside, large public rooms with original fireplaces and 5 guest rooms with private baths are full of modern amenities for modern travelers. Innkeepers Christine and Ed Edelson love to help you plan your activities, and expect a nice conversation in the Keeping Room over a plate of cheese and a few glasses of wine.
2. Southford Falls
City: Southbury, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 264-5169
Address: 175 Quaker Farms Rd.
Description: This is a great, free, short stop off the side of Route 188 in Southbury. A hundred years ago, the Diamond Match Company made its revolutionary friction matches here, and it was turned into a state park in 1932. There are several scenic waterfalls here; just park and walk down the hill, following the red trail along Eight Mile Brook. However, if you have a little more time, take the red trail for a loop back in the woods. This is also a designated trout park, so you can throw a line into Papermill Pond. People bring their lunches here and picnic by the roar of the falls, and you’ll see painters and poets lining the rocky outcrops in the summertime.
3. Shepaug Bald Eagle Observation Area
City: Southbury, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (800) 368-8954
Address: 2299 River Rd.
Description: Right next to the Shepaug Dam along the Housatonic River is one of the great places to view nesting bald eagles in Connecticut during January, February, and March. Run by three organizations—Northeast Utilities, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Audubon Society—this observation area with its blind and spotting scopes is staffed by volunteers. Bring your binoculars and your patience; watching for eagles can take a while. In the meantime, you’ll probably see goshawks and great blue herons. There is a nice nature trail that takes you past the dam along the shores of Lake Lillinoah. This is a completely free activity, but you need to make reservations to do it. Give them a call and take a day to appreciate and maybe even fall in love with our national bird.