Month: January 2026

Sip, Shop, and Fall in Love with Handcrafted Art at Whiting Mills

The world over, February is considered the month of love. There is no better way to celebrate than with a unique and heartwarming experience at the Annual Valentine’s Day “Sip and Shop” on February 8 from 11 am to 4 pm at Whiting Mills in Winsted.

This event offers more than just shopping—it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and joy nestled within the historic walls of a beautiful 19th century restored mill. With more than 40 artisan studios to explore plus pop-ups, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the hum of creativity, the sparkle of handcrafted treasures, and a festive atmosphere perfect for celebrating romance, friendship, and a little self-love.

Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art – A Studio That Speaks from the Heart
Nestled within the rustic, Instagram-worthy walls of Whiting Mills, you’ll find Tina Puckett’s cozy working studio, #305—a place where fine art and heartfelt craftsmanship come together. Tina creates intricate baskets, bowls, wall hangings, and sculptures using her signature hand-dyed reeds and hand harvested natural materials like bittersweet vines and seagrass.

Each piece is one of a kind—a perfect metaphor for the uniqueness of the person you’re gifting it to. Visitors love chatting with Tina about the stories behind her work, watching her weave in real time, and discovering the artistic process that transforms humble materials into timeless expressions of love.

Forget mass produced gifts – this February say, “I Love You” with a gift that feels truly personal. Whether it’s a romantic present, a thank-you to mom, or a surprise for your best friend, a handcrafted piece from Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art says it all.

Tina’s studio is open weekends in February from 11 AM to 4 PM or by appointment for a private shopping session. Gift certificates for weaving classes and baskets are also available. For more information visit tinasbaskets.com or call (860) 309-6934.

About Tina Puckett
Tina Puckett has been mastering the art of weaving since 1981. Her work incorporates hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and other natural materials, creating pieces that are as durable as they are beautiful. A true artisan, Tina’s woven art is showcased in galleries throughout the United States, though her Whiting Mills studio remains the heart of her creative world. For custom orders or inquiries, text Tina directly at 860-309-6934 or visit tinasbaskets.com

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Ready to Run Wild? Join the Legendary Human Dog Sled Race at Jumpfest! February 6

Get ready to make this winter legendary. JumpFest returns February 6-8, celebrating 100 years of ski jumping excitement, and you are invited to join the action! Don’t miss the chance to participate in JumpFest’s famous Human Dog Sled Race! Hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA), this is your ticket to outrageous fun, fierce competition, and memories you’ll be talking about all year. Best of all, on Friday night entry to Jumpfest is free to all.

On Friday, February 6, 2026, Satre Hill lights up for an electrifying night. Watch Olympic hopefuls soar off the jumps, then stick around as the Human Dog Sled Race kicks off under brand-new, state-of-the-art lights. This isn’t just a race—it’s a full-throttle spectacle you won’t find anywhere else.

Want in on the action? Cash prizes and ultimate bragging rights are up for grabs! Rally your crew of six (everyone 18+) and get ready to power your sled down a .3-mile snow-packed track. Five teammates pull, one rides shotgun—no huskies required, just pure human horsepower and plenty of laughs!

But speed isn’t your only weapon. The People’s Choice Award goes to the most creative costumes and wildest sled designs. Go steampunk, go retro, go totally out there—if you can dream it, you can race it. Blow the crowd away and claim your place in Jumpfest history!

Here’s how to join the fun:
Registration: Open now through Friday, February 6 at 6 p.m. Sign up at jumpfest.org.
Entry Fee: Just $25 per team—includes free Jumpfest admission!
Check-In: Arrive when the ticket booth opens at 6 p.m. to get set and secure your spot.
Race Time: The adrenaline starts pumping at 8:30 p.m., right after the Target Jumps.

Friday night at Jumpfest is the ultimate alpine party you’ll talk about all year. Picture this: glowing luminaries line your path, roaring bonfires keep you warm, and the food and drinks never run out. Feel the energy as professional announcers call out every twist and turn of the ski jumping and the wild Human Dog Sled Race, all set against a breathtaking winter panorama.

And when you think the night can’t get any better, look up! Fireworks will erupt from the base of the towering 250-foot hill, painting the sky with color for miles around. It’s a show you’ll see, hear, and feel—lighting up Salisbury in celebration of a century of ski jumping tradition. There’s no better way to kick off 100 years of winter thrills!

All proceeds fuel SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs—so you’re not just racing for glory, you’re supporting future snow stars, too! Don’t just watch the action—be part of it. Dress up, team up, and let your wild side run loose. This is winter fun, Salisbury-style. For all the details and to register your team, visit jumpfest.org

About SWSA:
The Salisbury Winter Sports Association is on a mission to share the thrill of Nordic ski jumping, cross-country, and Alpine skiing with everyone. Through events like Jumpfest, we keep the spirit of winter sports alive in Salisbury, Connecticut, and beyond.

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Celebrate National Plan Your Vacation Day on January 27 with Tours of Distinction

National Plan Your Vacation Day is being celebrated this year on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This annual event is meant to inspire Americans to plan their vacation days for the year ahead — and actually take them. Tours of Distinction (ToD), a Connecticut-based tour operator that’s been in business for more than 50 years, is encouraging travelers to embrace this opportunity and make vacation planning stress-free by working with a professional tour operator.

Explore the Danube with like minded travelers

“We know that many Americans often don’t take all of the vacation time they get,” said Tyler Zajacz, President of Tours of Distinction. “Countless studies have shown that taking time off has tremendous benefits for our physical and mental well-being. Vacations give us a chance to explore new places, reduce stress, and strengthen bonds with family and friends. And if you really want a low-stress experience, let a tour operator do all the work.”

Vacations should be enjoyable, not a source of stress. Many travelers are turning to professional travel advisors and tour operators for good reason. By booking with a reputable tour company, travelers can rest assured that every detail—from flights and accommodations to attractions and meals—is expertly managed. “All the logistics are handled by us, so travelers can simply pick a destination and enjoy,” Zajacz explains. With decades of experience and a trusted domestic and global network of supplier partners, these professionals provide invaluable peace of mind and personalized support before, during, and after the trip, ensuring the best experience and value for their clients.

This year, Tours of Distinction is experiencing exceptional demand for both international adventures and unique U.S. vacations. Travelers are particularly drawn to Small Luxury River Cruises on the Danube, where guests can unpack just once and discover the charm of iconic European cities such as Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg, Linz, and Bratislava. These cruises offer a luxurious and relaxed way to truly immerse oneself in the heart of Europe.

For those seeking extraordinary experiences, our Total Solar Eclipse Tours provide exclusive opportunities to witness a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event in breathtaking destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt, and Morocco. As Zajacz notes, “What makes this experience so sought after, is that will not be another total solar eclipse in these locations for another 365 to 410 years.”

Step back in time at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

Domestically, Mackinac Island, Michigan continues to captivate travelers with its car-free Victorian village atmosphere, where transportation is exclusively by horse-drawn carriage. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and a touch of nostalgia. Additionally, the upcoming America’s 250th Celebrationwww.toursofdistinction.net/tours/landtours/americas-250th-adventure-tour/and our special Route 66 Centennial Adventure offers historic stops and commemorative events, along this historic route. Our escorted tours to iconic National Parks like Yosemite and the Big Five in Utah are also experiencing a spike in interest.

America’s National Parks iare inspiring

Whether you’re dreaming of an exclusive European cruise, a national park getaway, or a front-row seat to a rare total solar eclipse, Tours of Distinction crafts a wide array of curated travel experiences to suit every taste and budget. As Zajacz puts it, “If you can dream it, we can plan it. Let National Plan Your Vacation Day be your sign to reclaim your travel time—trust us to handle every detail.”

For more travel inspiration, tips, and to explore all 2026 tours, visit the Tours of Distinction website and begin planning the trip of your dreams—with none of the stress, and all of the distinction.

JanetLeave a comment