CONNECTICUT, USA — It's the first weekend of March, and it's also the start of meteorological spring! This weekend might see some showers, but it'll be warmer, and there are plenty of things to check out around the state if you're looking for something to do!
March is the last month to check out the Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises with The Connecticut River Museum! Experience the beauty and solitude of the lower Connecticut River during this special time of year. The cruise lasts about two hours and you can search for eagles and other winter wildlife. In the past, the museum said they've spotted up to 41 eagles, 3 types of grebes, foxes, swans, and many other kinds of animals, including seals! A naturalist joins the cruise to narrate and ensure you don't miss a thing! The last cruise is on March 13, so check out times and tickets here.
From birds to dinosaurs, you can head to the Connecticut Convention Center this weekend to check out Jurassic Quest! Happening Friday through Sunday, there's no better time than to play with baby dinosaurs, excavate some fossils, or even train a raptor while surrounded by sky-scraping dinos! It's the world's largest and most popular dinosaur event and is an exciting experience for the whole family. Times vary; head here to learn more and book tickets.
Even though it'll be a little warmer this weekend, you can warm yourself even more at the 27th Annual Old Saybrook Chili Fest! Happening Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., this is a fun-filled celebration and competition where attendees can sample various chili from over 25 local chefs! Attendees can vote for the best chili and crown this year's winner. All proceeds from the event benefit a scholarship program that helps local graduating high school seniors. The top three winning chefs can also receive a donation to a charity of their choice. Learn more about the event here.
March is Women's History Month, and you can kick the month off with a visit to the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks with their Women Take Flight event! Happening Saturday, this all-day event celebrates women in aerospace and will feature hands-on activities, flight simulators, and special guests. Attendees can meet pilots, engineers, and aerospace professionals from all over! It's an interactive and fun experience for the whole family. Learn more about the event here.
With meteorological spring and warmer weather, maple season is finally here! Head to the Stanley-Whitman House in Farmington for their Maple Day on Saturday! There will be a "living history" expert and museum professional to go through the cherished process of turning maple sap into syrup. They'll demonstrate how to tap a maple tree and how they turn it into the sugaring process and share anecdotes of this time-honored tradition by indigenous peoples of the Eastern Algonquin Peoples of the lower Connecticut River Valley! It's an event all maple and history lovers can enjoy! Learn more about the event here.
Speaking of something sweet, head to the University of Saint Joseph on Sunday for Connecticut's top spellers to compete to become the state's next Spelling Champion at the Connecticut Spelling Bee! Admission is free, and seating is first come, first serve. The spelling bee begins at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
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These aren't the only events happening this weekend. For more ideas, head to CT Visit.
See you next weekend!
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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