Think snowy scenes reminiscent of Currier & Ives prints, or think Norman Rockwell--wait, make that Thomas Kinkade--and you'll know what the Litchfield Hills in Connecticut look like in frightful-weather-outside winter. But you can't guess from the pictures alone what kind of variety there is to be had in the fun department: outdoor play, indoor romance and restful spells away from your usual hurley-burley. And for as little as $99 a night for a double room (champagne and breakfast for two, to boot).
The Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau has conjured up a whole slew of deals, plus beaucoup activities ranging from sleigh rides to skiing, snowboarding to birdwatching, antiquing to skating and more during the waning winter and early spring months.
Old-fashioned sleigh rides are available in Norfolk at the Loon Meadow Farm, with lap robes and steamed hot mulled cider. Forty-minute rides are $95 for two, $125 for up to four persons. Phone 860/542-6085. In Morris, the Ellis Coach and Carriage Service will take you across fields and along trails for 45 minutes, a ride of up to four passengers costing $100. Phone 860/567-1114.
Skiing, snowboarding, skating, sledding, tubing and snow biking are available at a small, family-oriented mountain called Woodbury Ski & Racquet, Route 47, Woodbury, phone 203/263-2203. You can get one hour of expert instruction, with rentals, and spend all day on the slopes there for $55 for skiers, $60 for snowboarders, $49 for children.
You can observe the great American bald eagle in an organized watch every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 3 (through March 19, 2003) at the Eagle Observation Area near the Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station, by reservation only, but free. Phone 800/368-8954 from Tuesdays to Fridays (9 to 3) for information, driving directions and reservations.
And come March, the hunting season (for antiques, that is) begins here, when "New England's largest outdoor market," the Elephant's Trunk, opens. That's 55 acres on Route 7 south of New Milford. Nearby, the Woodbury Antiques and Flea Market has over 150 dealers from throughout New England. For more information on the Elephant's Trunk, phone 860/355-1448. Just to whet your appetite, think of more than 300 dealers offering almost anything you can imagine. The owners estimate that about 30% of the market is antiques, another 15% collectibles, the balance, perhaps, "junque." Admission is $1, and the market is open every Sunday, weather permitting, from 7 to 2:30, though one gate opens at 6 if you're an early bird.
The phone number for the Woodbury Antiques and Flea Market is 203/263-2841. It's held on Main Street (Route 6) about a quarter of a mile below the junction of Routes 6 and 64, on Saturdays from 7 to 3, through November. There are also about 40 upscale antique shops on Woodbury's Main Street.
Samples of moderately-priced packages at hotels include the aforementioned $99 at the Hilton Hotel Southbury, where their Bounce Back deal includes an executive room, bottle of champagne and full breakfast for two in the hotel restaurant or in your room, plus late checkout to 3 PM.
For many more deals and packages, contact the Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau at 860/567-4506 or visit their Web site at www.litchfieldhills.com.