Nearby New York City Travel – Page 4

August Cooking Classes @ Husky Meadows Farm

August at Husky Meadows Farm, a working certified organic farm located in Norfolk, Connecticut is a special time of year. The garden on this 300-acre farm is at its peak for summer produce. With this in mind, Husky Meadows Farm is offering a series of cooking classes in August and early
September to celebrate their peak gardening season and more. What makes these cooking classes special on this working certified organic farm, is that participants will learn techniques from professional chefs and guest instructors that know how to bring out the freshest flavors from the produce grown right here on the farm.

Husky Meadows Farm’s cooking classes are open to all skill levels. The hands-on classes are small with no more than ten participants. Tracy Hayhurst, the Culinary Director, has enjoyed over 25 years in the field of nutrition as a consultant and celebrated chef. Hayhurst’s passion is to share her deep understanding of fresh fruit, veggies, and locally grown products with participants and to teach them the best ways to cook them. “It gives me great joy to share my knowledge of creating delicious meals because I believe sharing a dinner or lunch together is a primal bonding experience that defines our humanity,” says Hayhurst. For more information and to book a cooking class, click here.

On August 18, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Husky Meadows Farm is offering a “Build a Bouquet Happy Hour” that is a perfect introduction of how to grow and care for cut flowers at home. The event begins by going into Husky Meadows’s organic garden and choosing freshly picked flowers then heading back to build a flower bouquet with the farm crew. Enjoy sipping wine, signature non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks while creating your floral arrangement. Best of all, you will take your arrangement home and enjoy it for days to come.

Its so much fun to build a cheese board @ Husky Meadows

In New England, there are a multitude of artisanal cheese makers and this class will introduce you to some of the best. On August 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. join Genevieve Watts at the “Build Your Own Cheese Board” to learn how to build an unforgettable cheese board that will be gobbled up at your next soiree. Watts is a San Francisco native and has been a cheese monger at The Cheese School which teaches the in-depth study of cheese varieties and production. Watts also was involved with Cheese Plus which specializes in gourmet cheeses, and Cowgirl Creamery which specializes in artisan and organic cheese. Need we say more? In this informative class, cheese lovers will learn how to build a balanced and delicious cheese board for entertaining while sipping wine and non-alcoholic pairings that compliment the luscious cheese participants will taste.

To herald the end of summer, Husky Meadows is hosting a very special cooking class… “Campfire Cooking.” There is something romantic about campfire cooking, even for those of us that don’t like to camp! A carefully tended open fire with food sizzling and friends sitting around swapping stories are how memories are made. On September 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 pm, Husky Meadows Farm is hosting the not to be missed, Campfire Cooking Class. The process of cooking on an open fire not only brings out some real and unexpected flavors it also becomes an enjoyable experience. This hands-on cooking class at Husky Meadows goes far beyond burgers and steaks and will show their campfire guests how to get creative around the campfire as they learn to make everything from starters with garden fresh veggies to desserts. Cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages add to the ambiance, not to mention, the beauty of the landscape at Husky Meadows Farm.

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.

August 2, 2023

JanetLeave a comment

Washington’s Institute for American Indian Studies Holding Green Corn Festival Brings Visitors and Indigenous People Together August 13

The Institute for American Indian Studies, located in Washington, CT, is holding its 18th annual Green Corn Festival on Sunday, August 13th from Noon to 4:00 pm at River Walk Pavilion, 11a School Street, in Washington, CT. This festival gives visitors a glimpse into Native American life and traditions.

Corn is an integral part of the annual lifecycle of Native American people that have welcomed the season when corn ripens with a celebration for centuries. In recognition of this time-honored tradition, join IAIS Museum Staff as they welcome the first corn of the summer 2023 season with flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe), drumming, children’s activities curated by the Institute’s staff like making corn husk dolls to take home, and traditional stories told by a professional Native American Storyteller.

For shoppers and collectors, don’t miss the vendors that are selling Native American-inspired arts and crafts at a variety of price points. All the festivities are taking place in a beautiful park with a sheltered wooden pavilion, picnic tables, and plenty of free parking.

If you have always wondered what Indigenous food tastes like, you will be able to try some authentic Native American cuisine and more at the Green Corn Festival. Jason Cogswell Lamb, Schaghticoke, of Mashquanon’s Wetu will be cooking up some of his favorite contemporary and traditional indigenous cuisine sure to delight the palette. GV Bites Food Truck will be whipping up Colombian fusion food, and Polar Sweets Ice Cream will be serving more than 40 flavors of ice cream that will help beat the heat!

The annual highlight of the Green Corn Festival is the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Meeches, from the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Each dance performed has an uplifting and unique story or purpose. Some use movements that imitate animals and others represent an aspect of cultural significance. These traditional dances are sure to delight because they evoke the beauty, honor, and tradition of Native People. The Quahog Bay Drum Group led by Devin Wixon from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Nation will accompany the dances. The dancing will take place at 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m.

Admission for this event held rain or shine, is $15 for Adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for children, $10 for IAIS Members, and free for members’ children. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated, click here to register https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/13017.

About Green Corn
The expression “Green Corn” refers to the first ripened sweet corn that you can eat. The Green Corn Ceremony is marked with dancing, feasting, fasting, and religious observations. In the Eastern Woodland areas, Native people depended on three staples – corn, beans, and squash. These food items were so important that they were called “The Three Sisters.” The Three Sisters were mixed together to make a vegetable dish called succotash that is still popular today.

About 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 the 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.

August 1, 2023

JanetLeave a comment

Seaport Association Participates in Summer @ the Museum – Funding Provided by a Grant from CT Humanities

The Seaport Association was awarded a grant from CT Humanities for participating in Connecticut Summer at the Museum 2023 initiative. This program invites Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult to visit participating museums free from July 1 through September 4, 2023.
CT Humanities is honored to partner with the CT Office of the Arts again to administer the CT Summer at the Museum Initiative in 2023. The Department of Economic and Community Development, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, Connecticut State Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood, and Connecticut Humanities, will deliver these financially accessible summer enrichment opportunities to families and children of all ages using funding provided through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act).

“The Summer at the Museum program in 2022 was very successful. We were delighted to be able to introduce so many new children to Sheffield Island Lighthouse and can’t wait to do it again this summer. We are very proud to be among the grant recipients,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. “This grant program allows us to expand our reach and also helps us achieve our mission of education by introducing children from Connecticut to our historic lighthouse and its maritime history, which is such an important part of Connecticut’s cultural heritage.”

In accordance with this program, the Seaport Association has set aside a limited number of free seats at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for a three-hour cruise to Sheffield Island for Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult from July 1 – September 4, 2023. Reservations must be made in advance online only. There are a limited number of tickets allocated each day. To make reservations for a cruise to Sheffield Island Lighthouse Museum click here. Tickets are subject to availability. Special events are excluded.

Children will enjoy a narrated tour on the way to the island and an hour and a half of picnicking on the beach or in the new wooden pavilion, touring the historic lighthouse, looking for shells on the beach, and taking a walk through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge to view the colorful sea birds sheltered in the marshes and sandy shoreline of the island. An added bonus is the telescope installed by the Seaport Association which is free to use and affords fabulous views of the Connecticut coastline and the skyline of Manhattan. A visit to Sheffield Island is an interactive and immersive learning experience, which is a cornerstone of the Seaport Association’s mission.

About the 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.

About Connecticut Humanities
CT Humanities (CTH) is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org.

About Connecticut Office of the Arts
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is the state agency charged with fostering the health of Connecticut’s creative economy. Part of the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, the COA is funded by the State of Connecticut as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.

July 6, 2023

JanetLeave a comment

Jam @ the Dam – July 15 – Tickets on Sale Now!

Many of us are fond of live music. The chills that go down our spine when we hear that one lyric live, that is meaningful to us, or when our favorite artist takes the stage is so exciting. There is nothing like that feeling! With that in mind, local businessman, George Zwally, owner of Z-Topia Entertainment has organized the state’s newest family-friendly extravaganza, Jam at the Dam. This event is taking place on Saturday, July 15 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 1545 Monroe Tpke. at the site of the Old Stevenson Dam/lumber yard in Monroe.

Zwally has always enjoyed giving back to the local community and thought that this massive piece of property would be the perfect spot for an event that offers fun for the entire family. “I want this to be one of the most fun and approachable festivals in the state. I wanted to create an event that offers audiences the chance to see world-class acts in a relaxed setting, and one that won’t break the bank,” said Zwally. “I want to offer folks a wide-ranging potpourri of music, food, and rides that will be uplifting. I think it is so special to be able to gather together in one place to celebrate music, our town, and our heritage with friends, new and old,” added Zwally.

In addition to performances by local bands, the star-studded entertainment line-up won’t disappoint. The Jam will kick off at 6 p.m. with a performance by John Waite who will be performing his catalogue of hits from his 40-year career as a solo artist. Get ready to get up and dance to some of the most loved songs from the 1980s and 1990s like #1 Worldwide hit ‘Missing You’, The Baby’s, ‘Isn’t It Time,’ “Bad English,” and ‘When I See You Smile.’ Waite’s impressive performance includes everything from power ballads to new-wave-styled pop that will have you rocking.

At 8 p.m., the headliner, Thompson Square, takes the stage. This famous Nashville, Grammy Nominated dynamic duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson has won multiple awards and appeared on many primetime TV specials. They’ve been praised as “remarkable” by Taste of Country, “deeply personal and emotional” by Sounds Like Nashville, and “vivacious” by Rolling Stone. One thing that has resonated with audiences around the world is the connection that this husband and wife team has with each other. Their music radiates with an intensity that draws audiences in. Gorgeous vocals, and heartfelt lyrics that give the music a timeless quality and country feel are highlights of their performance which includes their hits like “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” “If I Didn’t Have You,” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About.” Thompson Square’s openness with their audience makes them one of the most intimate acts today, and one that is hard to forget.

In addition to the exciting music line-up, there will be a beer and wine garden for those that work up a thirst as well as a variety of food trucks that are sure to please almost any palate. Remember to bring your lawn chair and sit back and relax @ Jam at the Dam.

Tickets are going fast for this sell-out event and are now available online at https://www.jamatthedam.com and at the gate the day of the event. Tickets cost $45 and include full access to the concerts. Children 13 and under are free with one paying adult. Food trucks and the beer and wine garden are at an additional cost. Free parking is available at 421 Old Zoar Road in Monroe.

If you’re looking for great food, tasty brews, world-class music, and outdoor fun for the whole family, head to “Jam at the Dam” on Saturday, July 15th.

June 16, 2023June 16, 2023

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

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.

May 2, 2023

JanetLeave a comment

Winter Weekend in Norfolk – February 25 & 26 – Will Cure Your Cabin Fever!

For the past six years, Winter Weekend in Norfolk has warmed the hearts of locals and visitors alike by offering revelry as a respite from long, arduous winter days. This year, Winter WIN is taking place on Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26. It is just the ticket to fight off those winter blues with a series of town-wide events held both indoors and outdoors. So bundle up and head to Norfolk and get ready to embark on a series of fun and educational winter events that are sure to please the whole family. Best of all, every event has been carefully planned by a team of dedicated volunteers, and most are free of charge.

New This Winter
There is nothing more exciting than the premiere of a new show. On Saturday, the Norfolk Library is hosting the world premieres of two, one-act plays, “Let’s Play” and “Barren” by two local playwrights, followed by additional performances on Sunday. Both plays will be performed on February 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on February 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. These performances are perfect for pre-teens and up.

Do you want to know your future? It is easy to do @ WIN! Norfolk’s Wellness Center for Healing, Healing Nest is offering three-card Tarot Readings and 15-minute Reiki treatments from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. each afternoon at no charge. Tarot Cards are probably one of the most popularly used tools of divination in the world today. The Healing Nest also offers unique healing products to enhance individual and community wellness and well-being.

If you have always wanted to learn about fly-fishing but didn’t know where to start, don’t miss the fly-fishing workshop taking place on Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hub, located at 2 Station Place in the center of town, just off Rte. 44. A local expert conducts this informative and fun workshop, and will share tips and fish tales! Whether you are a first-time fly fisher or you’ve been fishing for quite some time, this workshop is designed to enhance your skills, review the types of appropriate gear, and teach you the art of knot tying and fly picking.

Husky Meadow Farms located on 30 Dolittle Road, a few miles from the center of town, is hosting an open house on Saturday, February 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This certified organic farm grows a wide variety of vegetables and tends antique fruit trees that are on the property. Visitors to the open house will be treated to delectable treats from the kitchen, and have a sneak peek at the guest rooms. A highlight of the visit is to see a shiitake mushroom inoculation demonstration and to meet the new farmer, Brett Ellis, who recently relocated to Norfolk from the prestigious French Laundry Restaurant where he was the head gardener. For those that want to extend this experience, Husky Meadows is also offering a special “Meet the Farmer Dinner” at 6 p.m.

In recent years, the art of knitting, a craft that has been around since the 5th century has had a resurgence, and it is now popular among people of all ages. If you love to knit, don’t miss the Norfolk Knitters yarn sale on Saturday, February 25; from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fine yarns, knitting books sure to inspire, and notions are just some of the offerings that can be found at this sale, where all proceeds go to help local charities.

The Great Outdoors
Winter is the perfect season to explore the great outdoors and there is nowhere better to do this than on Norfolk’s miles of trails that are meticulously maintained by the Norfolk Land Trust. Whether you go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply take a stroll through the woods, there is always something to see.

A highlight on Saturday, February 25 at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. is to take a walk on the wild side with Great Mountain Forest staff. On this guided walk with a wildlife professional participants will learn how to detect and understand the signs wildlife leaves us along the trail.

For families, on February 25, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a roaring bonfire, a hot chocolate table, and skating at the Town Rink on 50 Mountain Road. This is the perfect activity for families…don’t forget the marshmallows!

On Sunday, February 26, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a winter hiking adventure at Haystack Mountain State Park located on Rte., 272. Participants will learn to identify trees and shrubs based on their winter appearance and look for wildlife that forages for food along the trail.

For Art Lovers
For art lovers, there is an art show of beautiful landscapes and flowers in oil by Lilly Woodworth at the Hub, an art show of Caryn King’s floral paintings in oil at the Norfolk Library, and an art show at the Guilded Artisan, of works by Ani Jenkins, whose wood sculptures are breathtaking.

Norfolk is famous for its magnificent stained glass windows. Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour of the Tiffany stained glass windows at the Immaculate Conception Church and the Battell Chapel.

The extraordinary stained glass windows by Tiffany at the Battell Chapel depict the four seasons. The center window shows a brilliant sunrise, to its left, are spring and summer, and to the right, are autumn and winter. In addition, there are three large stained glass windows designed by D. Maitland Armstrong of opalescent glass using a special layer technique that creates a great depth of field and a shimmering effect, especially on a sunny day. The Battell Chapel will be open on Saturday, February 25 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and on Sunday, February 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Immaculate Conception Church will be open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and docents will be on hand to talk about these magnificent stained glass windows. Here visitors can view ten exquisite stained-glass windows designed by architect Alfredo Taylor and created by Franz Mayer & Company of Munich, Germany. At the time, this company was awarded the status of “Royal Bavarian Art Establishment by King Ludwig II and was named by Pope Leo XIII as a “Pontifical Institute of Christian Art.” Today the company is managed by the fifth generation of family members and works with renowned artists around the world.

ABOUT THE WIN (WEEKEND IN NORFOLK) COMMITTEE
Now in its seventh 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 in order to welcome people from near and far to this lovely town in the Litchfield Hills.