Author: Janet

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

Discover the Arts in Cornwall: 19th Annual Artist Open Studio

The quaint and picturesque villages of Cornwall and West Cornwall, nestled along the scenic Housatonic River, are once again opening their doors—and their studios—to art lovers and curious visitors alike! On Saturday, August 30, from 1 PM to 5 PM, the community proudly presents the 19th Annual Artist Open Studio—a truly delightful and immersive experience that welcomes you into the creative spaces of some of the region’s most talented artists.

A beloved tradition, this Open Studio event beautifully showcases the vibrant and thriving arts scene that defines these charming villages. From fine art and photography to sculpture and mixed media, you’ll have the unique opportunity to interact directly with local artists, explore their studios, and get an inside look at their creative process. Whether you’re inspired by geometric sculptures, enchanted by handmade shoes, or drawn to the earthy beauty of pottery, there’s something here to capture every imagination.

A true highlight awaits at the Souterrain Gallery of the Wish House, where three amazing artists will be working on their latest creations. Meet Tina Puckett, an award-winning weaver of national and international acclaim, as she crafts her newest series of woven art. Visitors are even invited to help name Tina’s latest woven sculpture—adding an extra touch of creative fun to your visit!
Best of all, this event is free and open to the public—no tickets required! Just bring your curiosity, appreciation for the arts, and a sense of adventure. Whether you’re an art collector, a weekend traveler, or simply a lover of charming New England villages, this event promises a memorable afternoon filled with creativity, community, and inspiration.

For a map of locations https://cornwallct.org/event/cornwall-open-studio-2025/

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Celebrate the End of Summer in Style at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

Make the most of summer’s last hurrah at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place September 5–7 at Veterans Park (42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk). Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by Mohegan Sun Online Casino, this vibrant festival is more than just a celebration—it’s the largest annual fundraiser supporting the preservation and restoration of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a true Connecticut maritime icon. With tickets available online and at the gate, this festival offers exceptional value, especially with all entertainment included in the price of admission and free entry for children 12 and under on Sunday with a paying adult, sponsored by Nuvance Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, making it one of the most family-friendly events around.

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival in addition to nationally acclaimed family entertainment, all included with admission to the festival. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

A Star-Studded Music Lineup
This year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is turning up the volume with an unforgettable lineup that’s sure to have you dancing all weekend long! From national recording artists on the Optimum Main Stage to regional favorites under the Abbey Tent, music takes center stage. Music lovers are in for a treat with this year’s impressive entertainment line-up. Country sensation, Parmalee, the most-played group on Country Radio in 2022 and 2023, will headline Saturday night. Their high-energy performance will feature fan favorites like “Carolina,” “Close Your Eyes,” and their latest single “Cowgirl.” The musical excitement kicks off Friday with Nashville and Margaritaville night – Rock Country Nights, will open for Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band. Sunday wraps up with VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey, performing fan favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.”



Introducing the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Lounge
This year, the Mohegan Sun Online Casino is unveiling its exclusive VIP Lounge — a luxurious, casino-inspired escape right in the heart of the festival. For just $50 per day, guests aged 21+ will get admission to the festival, all-day access to plush seating, three complimentary adult beverages, and a selection of tasty bites. But the VIP perks don’t stop there. Lounge guests will also be treated to exclusive giveaways and premium swag. One-day passes are available for September 5, 6, and 7, so grab yours online or at the gate. As Colin Mulhern, Event Manager for Mohegan Sun Online Casino, puts it: “Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk residents’ backyards!”

Unforgettable Family Fun: Lumberjacks & Leaping Dogs!
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is packed with laughter, action, and jaw-dropping feats that bring the world of logging to life. Watch as burly World Class and World Champion Lumberjacks go head-to-head in epic battles of muscle vs. machine, showcasing skills like logrolling, axe throwing, and springboard chopping. From the razor-sharp Misery Whip crosscut saw to dragster-speed chainsaws, this high-energy show blends tradition with modern-day excitement—and it’s been wowing audiences across the globe for over 33 years!

The Ready Go Dog Show takes entertainment to new heights—literally! Featuring a cast of rescued canine athletes, this high-flying, tail-wagging performance combines comedy, talent, and heart in one unforgettable package. Watch Frisbee-catching, high-jumping, water-diving dogs steal the show with their amazing stunts and boundless energy. These pups do it all with passion, and after the show, you can even meet the stars during a special “meet n’ greet”. As seen on FOX, ESPN, and The Today Show, the Ready Go Dog Show is paws-down one of the most exciting family-friendly events around!

Savor Global Flavors & Shop Local Artistry
Food lovers, get ready for a culinary journey around the world—without ever leaving town. Indulge in a vibrant menu that spans continents, alongside classic New England seafood favorites, including buttery lobster rolls, creamy clam chowder, and freshly shucked oysters delivered right off the boat. If you love to shop and explore one-of-a-kind finds, don’t miss the Arts and Crafts area, where talented artists and crafters showcase everything from whimsical trinkets to practical pieces. Whether you’re on the hunt for handmade jewelry, eye-catching paintings, stunning pottery, or wearable art, there’s something here to match every style and budget.

Festival Essentials
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 5-12. Children 12 and under are Free with an adult paid ticket on Sunday, sponsored by Nuvance Health GoHealth Urgent Care, and children under 5 are free every day. Festival hours are Friday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wristband specials with unlimited rides for Saturday & Sunday (11a-3p) are available for only $35! Tickets for the festival and the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent are available online and at the gate. Click here for ticket information. For detailed parking shuttle information, visit https://www.seaport.org/norwalk-oyster-festival

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival
Now in its 47th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, a wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino
Mohegan Sun Online Casino is Connecticut’s premier online casino app with an array of online slots, table games, and live dealer games. Download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app today to receive exclusive promotions, rewards, and game offerings. Also, link your Mohegan Sun Momentum Card to the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app to earn Momentum Dollars and Status Points from anywhere in the state of Connecticut. https://ct.mohegansuncasino.com/

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Attention Classical Music Lovers: Pre-order Your Subscription to the Danbury Concert Association’s 2025/26 Performance Series and Save!

The Danbury Concert Association (DCA) proudly announces their 2025/26 performance schedule. Concertgoers can save on the full, four-concert series by ordering a subscription during August at the discounted rate of $75 per adult, just $18.75 per concert – a fabulous price for such world-class musicianship.

A Far Cry

First in the concert series is the triple Grammy-nominated chamber orchestra, A Far Cry, returning to the Visual & Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University on Sunday, September 21st at 3 p.m. The 15 Boston-based “Criers” will perform works by Caroline Shaw, Komitas, Osvaldo Golijov, and Benjamin Britten.

Upcoming Performances
Mark your calendars for the rest of the series, which includes “Piano Four Hands,” with Andrew Armstrong and Jeewon Park on October 26; pianist Ilya Yakushev on March 22, 2026; and cellist Sophie Shao & Friends on June 7, 2026. All concerts are on Sundays at 3 p.m. and each is followed by a meet-the-artists reception open to all. For details, visit https://www.danburyconcert.org/.

To order your discounted subscription, download a printable order form at https://www.danburyconcert.org.

Beginning August 21st, single tickets to A Far Cry’s concert will be available on Eventbrite at the regular price of $25 per adult. Admission is free for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission.

For music lovers of all ages, The Danbury Concert Association presents world-class entertainment at incredible prices – join us and see for yourself!

About the Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC)
The Veronica Hagman Concert Hall at VPAC at Western Connecticut State University has been a game-changing venue since raising its curtain in 2014. Featuring a tri-level, in-the-round seating experience for audiences of up to 350, this elegant space is where beautiful form meets the highest standards of functionality. State-of-the-art acoustics and lighting create exceptional sensory experiences for patrons and performers alike, rivaling the best concert halls in the country.

About the Danbury Concert Association
Nearly 100 years young, the Danbury Concert Association (DCA) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Their singular mission since their inception has been to present a series of local, affordable, live concerts by exceptional professional musicians who perform in the world’s greatest concert venues. Through the tireless work of their all-volunteer board, the DCA continues to attract the highest caliber performance artists to Danbury, giving music lovers a rare opportunity to experience the finest in classical entertainment without having to travel to New York, Boston, Philadelphia, or any far-off concert venue. For more information about the DCA (or to donate to their worthy mission), visit https://www.danburyconcert.org/.

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Dive Into a Storybook Weekend at the Norfolk Library’s Annual Book Sale!

Book lovers, treasure seekers, and fans of small-town charm—get ready for one of Connecticut’s most beloved summer traditions! The Norfolk Library’s Annual Book Sale is back from August 23–25, and it’s more than just a chance to stock up on great reads—it’s a celebration of community, curiosity, and connection. Join us on Saturday, August 23, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM to kick things off. Then come back on Sunday, August 24, from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM—because starting at 3 PM, all books are FREE! But it doesn’t end there—Monday, August 25, is the grand finale, and you won’t want to miss it. From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, everything under the tent is completely FREE!

Imagine strolling through tables overflowing with over 30,000 books—from mystery and memoir to cookbooks and children’s classics—all nestled in the picturesque setting of the historic Norfolk Green. Hosted by the Norfolk Library Associates, this three-day event brings people of all ages together to support free cultural programming at the Library.

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Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or someone who just appreciates the charm of a beautifully bound hardcover, you’re in for a treat! From rare vintage gems to eye-catching photography and art books that are perfect for your coffee table, there’s a little something for every kind of reader. And here’s the real page-turner: most of these books come with steep discounts—and if you stop by on Sunday after 3 PM or anytime on Monday, many of them are free! That’s right—free books by the boxful. So bring a bag (or two) and get ready to discover your next favorite read without spending a dime. Come for the books, stay for the charm and community spirit that make this tradition so uniquely Norfolk.

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Celebrate with the Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies is celebrating 50 years since its founding in 1975 with two summer events. On Sunday, August 10, we will present our renowned Green Corn Festival in Hollow Park, Woodbury. The 20th year of this festival recognizes that corn is an integral part of the annual life cycle of Native American People and celebrates the time when the first tender ears are ripe for picking. Welcome the first corn of the season with drumming, dancing, Indigenous-focused activities, vendors, Native storytelling, and more! Enjoy the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Lamb Meeches (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation) and flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe). The event will occur rain or shine from noon to 4:00 pm. Tickets are available on the website: www.iaismuseum.org, and on the day of the event.

On Thursday, August 14, we will celebrate our 50th Anniversary with a gala at Hopkins Vineyard. Honorary Chairs Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation) and Matt Kent, Pilobolus Artistic Director, invite you to join IAIS for hearty hors d’oeuvres, wine and other libations, flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe), and a special dance performance by Pilobolus. Darlene, the Institute’s Outreach Ambassador and acclaimed Native storyteller, collaborated with Matt Kent to provide narration and insight on Indigenous-inspired dances. The evening will also acknowledge founding member Edmund Swigart, respected archaeologist and teacher, and the inspiring guidance provided by Adelphena Logan, an esteemed elder of the Onondaga Tribe.

Gala tickets range from Quinnetukut, Wigwam, and Three Sisters sponsorship levels to individual tickets. Reservations are available at http://www.iaismuseum.org. For additional information, email events@iaismuseum.org or call 860-868-0518.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies
The Institute for American Indian Studies is a museum and research center dedicated to tracing more than 12,000 years of Indigenous accomplishments and celebrating the vibrant lifeways of contemporary Indigenous communities. Exhibits, programs, and a replicated Algonkian village provide opportunities to learn about the Woodland Indians who have lived in the northeast since time immemorial.

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Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of WIN with Music, Art, Nature, and Family Fun!

This year marks a milestone 10th anniversary of the Weekend in Norfolk (WIN) celebration, and the town is pulling out all the stops! From Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3, the whole town is coming alive with a vibrant mix of activities, entertainment, and community spirit. Whether you’re a longtime local or first-time visitor, this is your chance to dive into everything that makes Norfolk special.

One of the biggest highlights is the brand-new Sidewalk Sunday, taking place from 12 noon to 5 pm at Robertson Plaza. The plaza will be bustling with energy as a diverse mix of local organizations, artists, and authors showcase their creations and share their passions. With the street closed to traffic, it’s a safe and welcoming space for families to enjoy live music, delicious bites from local favorites like the Berkshire Country Store and Norfolk Pub, and the vibrant community spirit that makes this WIN so special.

Music lovers are in for a treat, as free performances abound all weekend long. From Friday night’s concert on the Green featuring Pat Attanasio to multiple Saturday showcases including the Emerging Artists at the Music Shed and popular local acts like the Grantville Dawgs and the Carol & Nick Jazz Duo, there’s something for every musical taste. Sunday rounds out the musical offerings with performances by Elias Neuman-Donihue, Julia Autumn Ford, and Mike Cobb at Robertson Plaza, plus a free children’s concert at the Music Shed.

Discover the beauty and wonder of nature with WIN’s unforgettable outdoor experiences. Join a guided birding walk through the scenic Barbour Woods, or dive into 90 years of climate history at Great Mountain Forest’s historic weather station, where science meets storytelling. Whether you’re a curious explorer or a nature enthusiast, you’ll uncover how past weather data is shaping modern forecasting. Prefer to take things at your own pace? Stroll through Connecticut’s most charming Historic District on a self-guided walking tour, where centuries-old architecture whispers stories of the past. Or, if you’re craving adventure, explore Norfolk’s many trails and experience the raw, rugged beauty of the local landscape. Whatever your style, there’s a path waiting for you.

Families with children will find plenty to engage young minds and bodies, from a West African music and dance workshop with award-winning artist Iddi Saaka at the Norfolk Library, to Sunday morning yoga and meditation on the Village Green. And don’t miss the hands-on art and water play at Bottelle School, where kids can craft their masks and cool off under a fire truck’s refreshing spray!

Step back in time at the Norfolk Historical Society’s new exhibit, “A New Birth of Freedom: Norfolk in the Civil War.” This captivating display delves into the town’s role leading up to and during the Civil War, highlighting the brave individuals who fought to preserve the Union. On Saturday, August 2, history buffs can further enrich their experience with a guided tour of Center Cemetery, led by Barry Webber, the Society’s executive director.

For fishing enthusiasts, join expert fisherman Doug McDevitt, who is offering fly fishing seminars perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. With personalized instruction limited to five participants per session on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll receive hands-on guidance in the art of Spey casting, courtesy of equipment provided by Orvis of Avon. Nature lovers can also enjoy a peaceful Sunday stroll, August 3, through two private gardens linked by beautifully designed pathways and lush shade plantings—a serene escape for any garden enthusiast.

Meanwhile, cultural explorers will want to stop by the Connecticut Asia Cultural Center on Saturday, August 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for its annual festival. Visitors will be treated to immersive exhibits on Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Christian, and Inca cultures, along with vibrant performances like the Tai Chi Fan Dance. Enjoy a complimentary Asian lunch box, participate in a Dragon Boat Racers competition, and attend engaging seminars and a traditional tea ceremony.

This beloved event invites visitors to experience a rich tapestry of timeless activities, from heartfelt wedding vow renewals on the Green to captivating tours of Tiffany’s stained glass windows and the historic WhiteHouse. And of course, no community celebration is complete without cherished local traditions. Indulge in nostalgic delights like the blueberry Betty and ice cream social at Meadow Brook apartments on Saturday, or share in the joy of the children’s concert and ice cream social at the iconic Music Shed on the Battell estate on Sunday. Whether you’re reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, Summer WIN offers something special for everyone — a true celebration of connection, heritage, and joy.

With most events free and spread conveniently around town, you can explore at your own pace and find something for every interest and age group. Don’t miss this unforgettable summer celebration—check out the full schedule at weekendinnorfolk.org

ABOUT THE WIN (WEEKEND IN NORFOLK) COMMITTEE

Now in its tenth year, the all-volunteer WIN Committee organizes two town-wide events annually: the Summer WIN and the Winter WIN. Norfolk’s town officials, the Economic Development Commission, and many local organizations, institutions, and individuals support these two town-wide festivals to welcome people from near and far to this lovely town in the Litchfield Hills. Information about both festivals is available online at weekendinnorfolk.org.

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