Author: Janet

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

Celebrate the 12th Annual Quince Festival at White Silo Farm & Winery – November 1, 2025

Don’t miss the grand finale of the season at White Silo Farm & Winery as they host their 12th Annual Quince Festival on Saturday, November 1st, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. This beloved tradition celebrates a fruit with deep New England roots — the quince — once a staple in colonial kitchens and prized for its vibrant flavor in jams, preserves, and baked goods.

A Colonial Fruit with History
Quince, often overlooked today, has a rich heritage dating back to early American colonists who valued its high pectin content for making jams and jellies before gelatin was widely available. The estate-grown quince at White Silo continues this tradition each fall, highlighting its fragrant aroma and unique taste in a variety of creative dishes.

Festival Details and Menu
This year’s festival promises an unforgettable tasting experience with a curated menu inspired by the farm’s fresh quince harvest. The $27 per person ticket includes four gourmet items made on-site:

NY Times-inspired quince recipe featuring bacon, cipollini onions, and a balsamic reduction

Quince and butternut squash soup – warm, seasonal, and savory
Membrillo and cheese empanada – with the perfect balance of sweet and salty

Gingerbread with poached quince – a fragrant dessert with autumn spice

Enjoy these culinary delights amidst the picturesque scenery of White Silo’s vineyard and farm while enjoying live music performed by Robert Pirotta.

Please note: Reservations are required for food items only. The festival is family-friendly, and dogs are welcome in outdoor areas.

Bonus Entertainment – October 25
Can’t wait for the main event? Come early and get into the festive spirit with an afternoon of live music on Saturday, October 25th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM featuring the dynamic folk group Girls from Away.

Don’t Miss It
With crisp fall weather, delicious food, and lively music, the Quince Festival wraps up the White Silo Farm & Winery event season on a high note. Mark your calendar for November 1st, and secure your spot for this cozy, culinary harvest celebration.

For reservations and more information, https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/whitesilofarm/items/266782/calendar/2025/10/?flow=4938&full-items=yes

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Danbury Concert Association presents “Piano Four Hands” with Andrew Armstrong and Jeewon Park on Sunday, October 26 at 3 p.m.

The Danbury Concert Association (DCA) will present “Piano Four Hands” when two virtuosos, Andrew Armstrong and Jeewon Park, take to the keyboard together on Sunday, October 26 at 3 p.m. The second concert of the DCA’s 2025/26 series, featuring Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” Grieg’s “Four Norwegian Dances, op. 25,” and other works by Fauré, Mozart, and Schubert, will take place at the Visual & Performing Arts Center of Western Connecticut State University.

Single tickets are available at $25 from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dca-presents-andrew-armstrong-and-jeewon-park-piano-tickets-1757648858049?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Subscriptions to the remaining three concerts of the 2025/26 series can be purchased on www.danburyconcert.org. Free admission for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission, lets young music lovers experience a live concert – and even meet the performers in person at a meet-the-artists reception that’s open to all.

About the Performers
New Canaan native Andrew Armstrong has been praised for his passionate expression and dazzling technique, delighting audiences across Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the United States, appearing at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and other venues. He also serves as Artistic Director of several music series in South Carolina, New York City, and Worcester, MA.

Since her debut at age twelve with the Korean Symphony Orchestra, Jeewon Park has captivated audiences worldwide. Her playing has been described as “ravishing in execution, radiant in timbre,” exhibiting “ultimate grandeur and sheer delight,” with warm musicality and effortless virtuosity.

About the Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC)
The Veronica Hagman Concert Hall has been a premier performance venue since the VPAC opened on the university’s west side campus in 2014. The acoustics are excellent, and the vibe is at once casual and refined. With the hall’s open, in-the-round seating (for up to 350) each concertgoer can sit back and enjoy the artist-audience connection.

Upcoming Performances
The DCA’s series will continue with pianist Ilya Yakushev on March 22, 2026, and cellist Sophie Shao & Friends on June 7, 2026. Concerts are on Sundays at 3 p.m., and each is followed by a meet-the-artists reception. For details see www.danburyconcert.org.

About the Danbury Concert Association
The Danbury Concert Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, has a volunteer board that organizes its series. Kathryn Taylor Kloss, President, notes that “Community music began flourishing in the early days of the U.S.! In the 1930s, Danbury was fortunate to have a very active group (the Danbury Music Centre) which led to the creation of the DCA, devoted to presenting professional performances. Today, thanks to support from individual and corporate donors, and granting organizations like the Danbury Cultural Commission, we continue that mission, now in the beautiful concert hall on the WestConn campus. We invite everyone who wants to experience live music ‘where they live’ to come to our concerts.”

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Pedal Through Autumn Splendor: Tour de Forest Bike Event Returns October 18

Cyclists and nature lovers alike are invited to gear up and get outside for this year’s Tour de Forest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with proceeds supporting two local nonprofit organizations: Great Mountain Forest and Norfolk Rails to Trails.

This one-of-a-kind annual event is the perfect chance for gravel riders of all experience levels—including newcomers- to explore the sweeping beauty of Norfolk’s Great Mountain Forest, one of Connecticut’s largest undeveloped woodland areas. Even better, if you register before October 10th, you’ll have a shot at winning a free overnight stay at the award-winning Manor House in Norfolk!

There’s a course for every rider: tackle the challenging 30-mile Icebox Gravel route starting at 9:30 am, or opt for the classic 13-mile Tour de Forest ride at 10 am. Both routes wind through a mix of gravel and paved roads, offering breathtaking views and a high chance of spotting local wildlife along the way. The roads are carefully maintained to support conservation, research, and recreation—so you’ll be riding for a good cause!

The day kicks off at the Norfolk Curling Club, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. After your ride, refuel with delicious shots of maple syrup made by the Great Mountain Forest team and a cash bar at the club. All proceeds benefit the programs of Great Mountain Forest and Norfolk Rails to Trails, organizations dedicated to preserving the land and improving public access to Norfolk’s unique natural resources.

Registration is just $50 per adult, $25 per teen, and free for young riders. So why not gather your friends and family and make a day of it? As Mike Zarfos, PhD, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, says: “When we are in the forest, we feel inspired, healed, and strengthened. Join us for a ride that’s good for your heart and soul—and enjoy sweet and savory treats at the finish!”

Register here to secure your spot http://www.bikereg.com/norfolk-ct-tour-de-forest

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship, one of the largest research, education, and recreation forests in southern New England. For more than a century, we have demonstrated how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we spread 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 – a true jewel in the heart of NW Connecticut.

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Discover the Best Apple Cider Donuts in Connecticut

Fall is in full swing—crisp air, cozy vibes, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of apple and spice everywhere you go. If you’re in Connecticut, you know it simply isn’t autumn until you’ve indulged in a warm, cinnamon-sugar-dusted apple cider donut. These seasonal delights are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a cherished local tradition, found at orchards and farms across the state.

Connecticut boasts some of the best spots for cider donuts, each offering their own special twist on this classic recipe. From the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the country to charming, family-run orchards, there’s a perfect donut waiting for every fall enthusiast. Not sure where to start your donut quest? Here are a few can’t-miss destinations:

Beardsley Cider Mill and Orchard, Shelton beardsleyscidermill.com

Rogers Orchard, Southington rogersorchards.com

Averill Farm, New Preston averillfarm.com

Lyman Orchards, Middlefield lymanorchards.com

Blue Jay Orchards, Bethel bluejayorchardsct.com

Hogans Cider Mill, Burlington hoganscidermill.com

March Farms, Bethlehem, marchfarm.com

Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, treat yourself to this quintessential fall experience—because in Connecticut, autumn isn’t truly complete without a cider cinnamon-sugar donut in hand!

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Join Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art @ Spooktacular Weekend at Whiting Mills, an award winning Artists Enclave

Mark your calendars for a hauntingly delightful experience on Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whiting Mills, at 100 Whiting Street, will magically transform into a Halloween wonderland brimming with ghosts, goblins, witches, and wickedly creative fun!

Step inside over 30 vibrant artists’ studios, each open and ready to enchant you with frightful delights, curious oddities, and whimsically spooky creations. Whether you’re searching for handmade treats, unique Halloween décor, or simply want to soak in the festive spirit, there’s something spooktacular for everyone.

Looking for a hauntingly delightful stop this Halloween season? Don’t miss Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts, Studio #305, where internationally acclaimed artist Tina Puckett transforms her studio into a celebration of spooky splendor! Step inside a world of creativity, with baskets, sculptures, and wall hangings all dressed up for frightful fun. As you wander through her festively decorated studio, don’t forget to enter the drawing for a chance to win a stunning Halloween basket—expertly handwoven, adorned with bittersweet vines, and filled to the brim with delicious Halloween treats!

Can’t make it during the ghostly gathering weekend? No worries! Tina’s ghoulishly gorgeous studio will remain Halloween-ready every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the month of October. And if her magical creations inspire you, you can learn more, sign up for her popular classes, or browse her breathtaking woven artworks that include wall hangings, baskets, bowls, and sculptures at www.tinasbaskets.com



Meet the Artist
Tina Puckett isn’t just any artist—she’s a true visionary who has been weaving her magic since 1981, using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and natural found materials like beads and seagrass. Her awe-inspiring creations have graced galleries around the world, but you can experience them up close right in her Winsted, Connecticut studio at Whiting Mills, Studio #305. Catch Tina in action on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or schedule a private visit by texting 860-309-6934. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this hauntingly beautiful celebration of art!

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Goundbreaking Ceremony Announced for Rochambeau Memorial in Middlebury

The Middlebury Historical Society is proud to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rochambeau Memorial, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Meadowview Park, Middlebury. This significant event marks the official commencement of construction on a bronze monument dedicated to General Rochambeau and the French soldiers whose historic march through Middlebury played a pivotal role during the American War of Independence. The public is warmly invited to attend this milestone occasion, which will proceed rain or shine.

Esteemed guests at the ceremony will include Tony Falcone, the sculptor entrusted with creating the memorial, and Larry Janesky, the benefactor whose generous leadership support has been instrumental to the project’s realization. They will be joined by officers of the Middlebury Historical Society and local public officials.

As Robert L. Rafford, President of the Middlebury Historical Society, notes, “This is the moment where vision becomes reality. The Rochambeau Memorial will honor the alliance that helped secure America’s independence and remind us of the sacrifices made on our own soil.”

The groundbreaking also launches a comprehensive fundraising campaign, inviting individuals, families, and businesses to contribute to the creation of this lasting legacy. Donors will be recognized both at the memorial site and in all campaign materials as the project progresses.

About the Rochambeau Memorial Project
An initiative of the Middlebury Historical Society, the Rochambeau Memorial Project seeks to commemorate the crucial French contribution to American independence, with emphasis on General Rochambeau’s army encampment in Middlebury. The bronze statue, crafted by Tony Falcone, will be prominently located in a new plaza at Meadowview Park.

About the Middlebury Historical Society
Celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 2025, the Middlebury Historical Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Middlebury, Connecticut. The Society maintains archives, offers educational programs, and spearheads community initiatives to foster a deeper appreciation for local heritage.

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