Wine, Cheese & Art Please @ the Glebe House in Woodbury

It is hard to resist a glass of fine wine in a beautiful garden on a perfect summer evening, but when you add the unique visions of local artists Cynthia M. Gillette and Viktoria Stockmal it becomes an event to delight all of the senses. The Glebe House Museum’s festive new fundraiser “Wine, Cheese & Art Please” in the Gertrude Jekyll Garden on Hollow Road in Woodbury on Saturday, June 3rd (Rain Date: July 8th) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm promises to be a pleasurable event.

Surrounded by bursts of summer flowers and local artists sharing their unique talents, guests can sample delectable chesses from New Curds on the Block and fresh hand-cut seafood from To the Gills. Hors d’oeuvres and wine, including Walker Road Vineyard’s Gertrude’s Garden, will also be served.

Guests will have the opportunity to purchase art pieces from the artists, as well as participate in a silent auction of very special items chosen for this event. The museum will be open for the evening.

Tickets for the garden party are $30 per person and all proceeds will support the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden.
For online ticket sales by credit card & more information see the website at www.glebehousemuseum.org . To reserve tickets by check/cash, please call or email the Museum Director at 203-263-2855 / office@glebehousemuseum.org

Set in the picturesque Litchfield Hills in historic Woodbury’s village center, the museum welcomes visitors for a glimpse of Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The simple but elegant 18th-century farmhouse is furnished as the home of the Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family who lived in the “glebe” during the turmoil of the American War for Independence. The Glebe House was restored in 1923 under the direction of Henry Watson Kent, pioneer of early American decorative arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. One of the early historic house museums in the country, The Glebe House opened its doors to the public in 1925 and is celebrating its 98th anniversary this season.

In 1926, the famed English horticultural designer and writer, Gertrude Jekyll, was commissioned to plan an “old-fashioned” garden to enhance the newly created museum. Ms. Jekyll had a profound influence on modern garden design and is widely considered the greatest gardener of the 20th century. Although a small garden, when compared with the 400 more elaborate designs she completed in England and on the Continent, the Glebe House garden includes 350 feet of classic English-style mixed border with sweeps of red, yellow, and gold and cool waves of lavender and blue hues. It is the only remaining example of her work in the United States today and is currently in year two of a full restoration.

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Have Fun with Fermentation @ Husky Meadows Farm Stay Weekend

​The natural process of fermentation is a megatrend around the world. It not only delivers novel tastes and textures it is also healthy for you at the same time! If you have always wanted to learn more about this process, book a weekend farm stay from June 2 – June 4 at Husky Meadows Farm located at 30 Doolittle Road in Norfolk, Connecticut.

Snag your own little cottage on the farm for the all inclusive weekend

Located in a setting of great natural beauty on a bucolic 300-acre farm guests will experience two fun-filled days of fermented delights! The weekend begins with Rebecca Ellis, a pastry chef, and baker from the New York and Bay Area that specializes in ancient and heirloom grains and wild fermentation. In this workshop, Ellis will introduce guests to the magic of making sourdough bread. Another class is with Tracy Hayhurst, the Culinary Director of Seed and Spoon at Husky Meadows Farm. She will lead an engaging Lacto-fermentation workshop that will show guests how to make a Korean favorite, Kimchi, and other pickled veggies, and explain why they are good for gut health.

A highlight of the weekend is a behind-the-scenes tour with Colin Coan, the award-winning head brewer at Norbrook Farm Brewery, one of the state’s most popular meeting places. The tour is followed by a lavishly healthy dinner with beer pairings at Husky Meadow’s Seed and Spoon.

A behind the scenes tour with Colin is part of the Farm Stay

Back to their roots and why Husky Meadows Farm exists there is a session perfect for gardeners. Brett Ellis, the Farmer at Husky Meadows, will explain how he uses the process of fermentation to enrich the soil in the farm’s expansive gardens in addition to how he uses compost tea and koji-inoculated compost.

Have hands on fun in the kitchen!

Those who purchase the Fermentation Farm Stay package will enjoy an all-inclusive stay that includes two nights lodging in luxurious rooms, all meals, special signature drinks and beverages (including wine and cocktails), and all workshops, and tours. To book your stay click here.

Unwind @ an authentic New England Farm Stay Weekend

About Husky Meadows Farm
Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May – October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

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Join the Flock – Go On A Birding Safari with the Norwalk Seaport Association

There is nothing that says summer like a birding safari with the <a href="http://There is nothing that says summer like a birding safari with the Norwalk Seaport Association. Birding cruises are one of the most popular excursions operated by the Seaport Association because it brings adults and children up close to birds in their maritime natural habitat. Adding to the fun is the fact that Long Island Sound is a birding hot spot in Connecticut, a state that is rich in birdlife with more than 430 different species to spot.

Regardless if you are a veteran or novice birding enthusiast this cruise is an ideal way to add seabirds to your list. This year, the Seaport’s vessel, the C.J. Toth, a 49- passenger vessel will head out at 8 a.m. and return to the dock at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 28, and Sunday, June 4, 11, and 18. This guided bird cruise is ideal for adults and children because it is a fun and educational way to experience nature.

Passengers on this eco-styled guided bird cruise are being led by birding enthusiast, James Leone, who has been birding for six-plus years. Leone is extremely knowledgeable about the identification status and distribution of birds in Connecticut and, specifically in Long Island Sound. “I am looking forward to helping people spot as many birds as they can and sharing my knowledge about their habitat, needs, and importance to the eco-system. I have identified 330 species of birds in Connecticut, and 300 birds in Fairfield County alone,” says Leone. It is exciting to be out on the water this time of year because you never know what will fly by – which makes every cruise different and exciting at the same time,” Leone added. In addition to birding in Connecticut, Leone has birded in Thailand and Costa Rica as well as all over the United States, spotting more than 1,200 birds. He has attended the prestigious birding program at Arizona’s Camp Chiricahua, where he developed a greater understanding of birds and their habitat, which he will be sharing with the lucky passengers on this cruise.

Egret Up Close With Fish Michael Brinkley

A special highlight of this cruise is the chance to spot birds at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on Sheffield Island. Because of the shape of the boat, you can really get close to the shoreline. Here you will see a variety of habitats that support nesting and wading birds. This spot is known for its small population of herring and great black-backed gulls that nest along Sheffield Island’s rocky shoreline. The importance of the Norwalk Islands to wildlife, especially migratory birds is enormous, and the special Bird Cruises hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association give nature enthusiasts the chance to spot these magnificent seabirds up close with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide.

Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the 8 a.m. departure. The vessel leaves from the Seaport Dock located on 4 North Water Street adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk. Parking is available at the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage. Tickets are available online in advance by clicking here and are $25 for children and $35 for adults. The Seaport Association advises reserving your Bird Cruise early because these popular excursions sell out. Make sure you include your email when reserving your ticket. If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather the Norwalk Seaport Association will contact you via your email.

Seagull with Crab Michael Brinkley

About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.”>Norwalk Seaport Association. Birding cruises are one of the most popular excursions operated by the Seaport Association because it brings adults and children up close to birds in their maritime natural habitat. Adding to the fun is the fact that Long Island Sound is a birding hot spot in Connecticut, a state that is rich in birdlife with more than 430 different species to spot.

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Celebrate Long Island Sound’s Bounty @ Docktails and Oysters June 3, 2023

Docktails and Oysters, a signature special fundraising event hosted by Norm Bloom and Sons, a fourth-generation oyster farm in Norwalk, on behalf of the Norwalk Seaport Association are back again this year, by popular demand on Saturday, June 3, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event sells out every year, so it is important to get your tickets early as they are limited.

This island-inspired party will get you in an “aloha state of mind” as you see folks in brightly colored Hawaiian shirts, listening to live music, sipping cocktails, and slurping the freshest oysters you will ever taste! “It’s a chance for people to celebrate the Seaport Association’s mission of preserving the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for future generations and have a little fun at an authentic oyster farm,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association.

Oysters have a long history in Norwalk that started with the Native Americans. Today, the techniques and processes used to farm Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom and Sons have been used for centuries, making them an extra special treat. If you have never had oysters, literally fresh off the boat this is your chance to eat your fill of them – so make sure you come hungry! It’s fun to watch the pros shuck the oysters right before your eyes (they make it look so easy) and set them on trays with lemons and an assortment of delicious sauces. The food and fun doesn’t stop there, as guests can snack on passed and tabled appetizers such as citrus grilled shrimp, house-smoked pork sliders, and blackened swordfish tacos with pineapple salsa, vegetable spring rolls, and black bean and corn salad, in keeping with the island vibe.

A highlight of the event is its location itself – the dock at Norm Bloom & Sons Copps Island Oysters, one of the few remaining traditional oyster farms in the United States. An added bonus is to learn how oysters are grown and harvested here and then shipped all over the world. The oyster beds are actually incubated under the dock where this event takes place. Part of the charm is to see how small oysters actually are when they start out! As soon as they are big enough, the oysters are “planted” on the sandy bottom of the Sound that surrounds the docks. This time-honored system of growing oysters makes them some of the best that you will ever taste, making it no surprise that Copps Island oysters are prized the world over for their sweet briny flavor and plump meat. Best of all, this is your chance to eat your fill of them for a good cause!

Tickets to this event are limited to 200 people and are $80 online and $90 at the gate if tickets are available. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance because this popular event sells out every year and there may not be tickets available the day of the event. For tickets click here, if you have questions, please call 203-838-9444.



About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

JanetLeave a comment

A Mindful Stay for Body and Soul @ Husky Meadows Farm

Husky Meadows Farm located in the northwest Connecticut countryside is one of the best places in New England for a mindfulness farm stay. This five-day farm stay in Norfolk provides plenty of time to unwind along with interesting natural and farm-related activities focused on nourishing the body and mind.

Husky Meadows Farm, located on 300 unspoiled acres, distinguishes the experience of wellness and nourishment. There are meadows punctuated with wildflowers, blossoming well-tended orchards, apiaries buzzing with activity, a vegetable garden as far as the eye can see, and a formal garden perfect for relaxing any time of day. Guests can embrace fresh clean air and verdant greens, which lend life-giving energy ideal for rejuvenation.

The Nourishment for Body and Mind: A mindful farm stay at Husky Meadows from Thursday, May 18 through Monday, May 22, focuses on how the natural world inspires us to nourish ourselves, literally from the ground up. Throughout the stay guests will enjoy hands-on farm exploration with Farmer Brett Ellis and learn why soil health makes the farm’s vegetables taste like nature intended them to. Kitchen sessions, with Culinary Director, Tracy Hayhurst will show how to prepare fresh produce from the farm in simple, nutritious, and delicious ways. There will also be visits to the shitake mushroom yard with Rana Justice and, opportunities to learn how to forage responsibly.

Although there are plenty of hands-on activities, the highlights of the stay are the special sessions with Sandrine, a mindfulness facilitator, and somatic practitioner. Sandrine is known nationally and internationally for her ability to draw deep inspiration from the natural world we all belong to and share it in a magical and meaningful way. Sandrine will inspire us to delve deep into the natural world in order to understand the importance of inner nourishment by delighting in the present moment. She will guide walks in the gardens and forest bathing in the woodlands, so we can soak up the sights, sounds, and feel of our natural environment. These sessions are meant to encourage mindful practices to enrich our lives.

The Nourishment for Body and Mind: A mindful farm stay at Husky Meadows, from May 18-22, is inclusive of all lodging, meals, beverages, and programming throughout the stay. Rates for the five-day stay, for double occupancy are $3500 and $2500 for single occupancy. Local day passes including all meals and activities without lodging are $525. For more information, event tickets, and farm stay bookings visit huskymeadowsfarm.com or email tracy@huskymeadowsfarm.com

Unwind in magnificent gardens


About Husky Meadows Farm
Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May – October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

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Gear – Up for 2023 Summer Camp @ Institute for American Indian Studies

This summer the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut is offering six weeks of summer camp where Native American history will come alive through fun activities offered by the Educational Department of the Institute. Hiking in the woods, mock archaeological digs, educational games, listening to traditional Native American stories, learning new crafts, and working together to complete a group project are just some of the highlights. This year’s summer camp program encourages children to connect with nature, and appreciate culture more than 10,000 years old while enhancing their teambuilding skills and, making new friends. For more information https://www.iaismuseum.org/summer-camp/

Six weekly camps with different themes are offered from June 26 – August 11, for children six–twelve, Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is available online. For questions call 868-0518 ext. 453 or email gbenjamin@iaismuseum.org

Children that love archeology and wonder what tools archaeologists use to uncover clues will enjoy Puzzles of the Past: Putting it All Together, from June 26- June 30. Mock archaeological digs and learning how to use a variety of tools are part of the discovery in solving riddles from the past! If your child is curious about how to survive in the great outdoors, Take Shelter! One of Your Five Basic Needs runs from July 10 – July 14 and promises to be as fun as it is informative. This week’s programs show campers how important it is to understand the environment and how to construct shelters from it, just as Indigenous inhabitants of the Americas did centuries ago.

For children that think technology is just a modern concept, the July 17-21 session, Learning the ABC’s of Traditional Tech, might change their minds! This week, campers will learn about ancient technologies that were critical to survival and had nothing to do with computers or cell phones. Perfect to encourage the budding ecologist and children that love the environment, Stories of Survival: Native Lifeway’s in the Eastern Woodlands, from July 24-28, shows children how Native cultures have used their understanding and knowledge of the natural world to thrive for thousands of years.

Ideal for curious campers, Being Resourceful: Gifts of the Natural World, from July 31 – August 4, shares the ecological lessons from Native cultures that are inspiring and timely. This week’s highlights include learning animal tracking skills, identifying plants, and much more. If your child is creative and inquisitive don’t miss the final camp, August 7 – August 11, Etuaptmumk: A Different Way of Thinking. Through traditional Native American stories, mock archeological digs, and group projects, campers will learn the benefits of looking at things from two different perspectives – traditional Indigenous knowledge and Western Scientific thought.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

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