Author: Janet

I like to share travel deals, destinations, and travel tips!

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.

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Salisbury Winter Sports Association Ski Swap & Sale Returns December 6

As the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) approaches its 100th anniversary, the organization is launching a milestone year of celebrations with the return of a beloved local tradition: the Annual SWSA Ski Swap and Sale, happening Saturday, December 6, at the Lakeville Hose Company, 4 Brook Street, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Equipment pick-up and payment will follow from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.

For decades, SWSA has been at the heart of winter sports in the Litchfield Hills, offering opportunities for everyone—from beginners to competitive athletes—to engage in ski jumping, Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. The annual Ski Swap and Sale is both a practical and festive kickoff to the winter season, helping families and individuals gear up affordably while supporting a local legacy.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your gear, cash in on unused items, or introduce your family to winter sports, the SWSA Ski Swap and Sale is the place to start. Bargain-hunters and winter adventurers alike can expect:
Used skates starting at $2
Skis and snowboards begin around $50
Ski boots starting at $10
A wide variety of new winter gear, including gloves, goggles, parkas, hats, and socks, along with snowshoes and both downhill and Nordic ski equipment, at discounted prices

Have gear to sell? Bring your used items to the Lakeville Hose Company on Friday, December 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Accepted items include:
Downhill and cross-country skis, boots, and poles
Ice skates and hockey equipment (no sticks)
Snowboards and snowshoes
Please note: clothing will not be accepted.

On Saturday between 11 a.m. and noon, sellers may pick up unsold items and proceeds. Best of all—SWSA takes no commission, meaning 100% of the proceeds go back to the equipment owners. Any unclaimed items after noon become the property of SWSA. Proceeds from the event help fund SWSA’s youth ski programs, which offer ski jump training, Alpine and Nordic skiing instruction, and winter camp experiences led by a former SWSA jumper and U.S. Junior National Team member. These programs aim to instill not only technical skill but also confidence and a lifelong love of winter sports.

About SWSA
SWSA, a proudly all-volunteer, nonprofit organization with a 91-year tradition, is also gearing up to host the region’s most thrilling winter competition event: the Jumpfest Tournament and U.S. Eastern Ski Jumping Championships, scheduled for February 6–8, 2026. For more details about the Ski Swap and other centennial celebrations, visit Jumpfest.org.

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A Season of Style: Holiday Decorating @ Ridgefield Holiday House Tour December 6, 2025

The holidays are a magical time when our homes shine their brightest—warmed by twinkling lights, festive garlands, and the cozy glow of seasonal spirit. And if you’re looking for next-level inspiration to elevate your holiday décor this year, look no further than the Ridgefield Holiday House Tour on December 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each year, six remarkable properties, each with its own story and charm, open their doors to visitors, revealing how interior designers and homeowners weave timeless holiday style into every corner.

The Book Barn at Twilight

You’ll step inside treasures like The Book Barn, a lovingly restored 18th-century barn that once housed Emmy Sloan’s bookshop and tea retreat, and the William Jones House, a stately Greek Revival home filled with period furnishings and enduring grace. The tour also features the elegant Lewis Bailey House, an early-Victorian Italianate villa linked to one of Ridgefield’s prominent businessmen.

The William Jones House

History enthusiasts will be captivated by the Edwin Benedict House, an early 1800s farmhouse with fascinating ties to the post–Battle of Ridgefield era, as well as the peaceful Rectory at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and its adjacent Colonial Revival sanctuary.

For those who appreciate a touch of the contemporary, the Orchard Estate blends modern Colonial style with the rich legacy of its historic grounds, once known simply as “The Orchard.”

The Orchard Estate

Serving as the heart of the festivities, on Main Street, the Lounsbury House, the former home of Governor Phineas Chapman Lounsbury, will glow with holiday lights and excitement. Here, guests can pick up tour tickets, browse the Holiday Market, and try their luck at the always-popular raffle featuring fabulous prizes from local businesses. Best of all, the Holiday Market and Raffle are open to the public, so everyone can join in the holiday cheer!

The Lewis Bailey House

Tickets for the highly anticipated Ridgefield Holiday House Tour are on sale now at
https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/programs-events/house-tour/, and they’re expected to sell out fast! Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6, 2025, and get ready to experience the magic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose from convenient timed entry slots at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., or 1:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy bus transportation between beautifully decorated homes in southern Ridgefield, with two special sites just a short walk from the historic Lounsbury House. For more details or to secure your tickets, visit the website, email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org, or call 203-438-5821

Lounsbury House – 316 Main Street – Event Central!

Whether you’re decorating a cozy apartment or a big family home, the Ridgefield Holiday House Tour proves that inspiration is just around the corner. Let this charming Connecticut event light up your creative spirit—then bring that glow back home.

The Rectory


About the Ridgefield House Tour
The Ridgefield Holiday House Tour is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the festive season while discovering the rich architectural tapestry that makes Ridgefield truly unique. Presented by the Ridgefield Historical Society and Tiger Hollow, Inc., this tour celebrates the town’s fascinating evolution, one stunning home at a time. As Llewellyn Cheng, event co-chair and founder of LL & Co. Architecture + Interiors, shares, “We’re proud to collaborate on something that supports both the town’s heritage and its sense of community. It’s a magical event that brings neighbors together in the spirit of the holidays.”

Each stop along the tour offers a captivating glimpse into Ridgefield’s past, allowing you to experience firsthand how the town has grown and thrived over the centuries. We extend a warm thank you to the Karla Murtaugh Homes Team, the event’s Presenting Sponsor, for their unwavering generosity and support. As Stephen Bartkus, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Historical Society, notes, “Karla and her team have long been champions of community events and nonprofits throughout Ridgefield. Their partnership helps keep this beloved tradition alive and thriving.”

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Wreath Workshop at Great Mountain Forest Features Rare Conifers

There’s nothing quite like getting into the holiday spirit by crafting your own festive wreath—especially when you’re working with fragrant greens foraged by the expert hands of the Great Mountain Forest (GMF) team. This year’s Holiday Wreath Workshop, taking place on December 6 and 7, is the perfect opportunity for crafters of all ages and skill levels to come together at the cozy Mountain House Barn, located at 200 Canaan Mountain Road in Falls Village. You’ll get to create a nature-inspired wreath that’s truly one-of-a-kind, featuring boughs from some of the world’s most unusual conifer species.

With two sessions offered each day—one from 9 am to 12 pm, and another from 1 pm to 4 pm—you can choose the time that works best for you. The workshop is just $40 per person, and all materials are provided, although it is recommended that you bring your own shears as well as your sense of fun and creativity! Tickets are available now at greatmountainforest.org/events

What sets wreath making at GMF apart is its storied past, rooted in forestry experimentation, adaptability studies, and a love for global biodiversity. Back in the 1950s, GMF’s Ted Childs and forest manager, Darrell Russ, an early member of the Exotic Conifer Association, began planting conifer species from across the globe. Their goal was to showcase non-native trees for students, scientists, and visitors, and to see which trees would thrive in Connecticut. These living experiments not only delighted students and scientists, but also were helpful to Christmas tree growers searching for new and adaptable varieties.

Shearing trees, 1977

Over the decades, GMF grew and sold thousands of Christmas trees—ranging from familiar white and blue spruces to lesser-known species like King Boris fir, Nordmann fir, and Meyerii spruce. Though large-scale tree production has ended, the legacy of those plantings lives on in some of the boughs available for this year’s wreath workshop, ensuring each wreath is truly one-of-a-kind. “We’re excited to share this living history with our community,” says Mike Zarfos, Executive Director of GMF. “Every wreath is a gateway abroad, crafted from conifers you simply won’t find anywhere else in Connecticut. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate both the holidays and our region’s forestry heritage.”

Workshop attendees will enjoy a cozy, collegial atmosphere—snacks, hot cider by the wood stove, expert tips from GMF educators and trustees, and hands-on help to perfect their creation. Participants will also learn how to care for their wreath to keep it fresh, discover the story behind the unusual greens, and take pride in a sustainable decoration: all materials are locally foraged and compostable.

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.

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