Category: New England Travel

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.

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Registration is Open for the Human Dog Sled Team @ JumpFest & the U.S. Eastern Ski Championships in Salisbury, CT

Organized by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association, 97th JumpFest & the Eastern Ski Jumping Championships, are taking place this year on Friday, February 3, Saturday, February 4, and Sunday, February 5 @ Satre Hill. This prestigious event isn’t just about the aspiring Olympic ski jumpers, it also offers loads of fun, and one of the quirkiest competitions found anywhere… the Human Dog Sled Race!

The good news is that registration is now open for the Human Dog Sled Race, which is taking place on Friday, February 3. The Human Dog Sled Race begins just after the Target Jumps scheduled for 7 p.m. end. This is the chance for you and five of your friends to get together and be creative with the added bonus of entertaining others. It is easy and fun to do and worth at least a year of bragging rights and Instagram photos!

At Friday’s February 3rd Human Dog Sled Race your team will compete for trophies in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories as well as a people’s choice award for best costume/sled. This evening event is professionally announced and a crowd favorite. To register for this entertaining and unforgettable event contact Brian @ info@jumpfest.org and tell them that you want to register. The Association will respond with all the documentation and rules. Registration is just $25 per team and is used to help sustain the mission of the Association.

Participating is easy. All you have to do is to gather up a kennel of friends who are at least 18 years old and have a moderate level of fitness because this course is not without peril! The course is just over .3 miles in the snow. The teams consist of six people that include five pulling and one riding. Many contestants dress for the occasion to raise team camaraderie.

Next, and this is when the fun really starts, you will design your own sled that can be anything from elaborate, whimsical, or techy, to something as simple as an inner tube. The point is to have fun for a good cause because proceeds go to help sustain the mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association.

Also, keep in mind that Friday night of Jumpfest is a great time! An eighth of a mile of luminaries guide you to the site where there are two roaring bonfires to keep you toasty, and plenty of food and beverages to snack on. The target ski jumping and the Human Dog Sled Races are held under the lights!

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION
The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross –country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut, and the Eastern United States.

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The 44th Norwalk Oyster Festival Fri., Sept. 09, Sat., Sept. 10, and Sun. Sept. 11 @ Veterans Park, Norwalk

One of New England’s favorite events, the Norwalk Oyster Festival presented by First County Bank is back in full swing in 2022. There is no better way to say goodbye to summer, than at the three-day festival-taking place from Friday, September 9th through Sunday, September 11th at Veterans Park, adjacent to Norwalk’s historic harbor. “Performances by nationally known musicians, incredible family entertainment, and “Kids Cove” activities are free with admission, making it fun for the whole family,” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association, and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “For 15 years First County Bank has supported us, helping to make the Norwalk Oyster Festival a longtime Fairfield County tradition.” “As the official end of summer celebration, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is something that First County Bank and the Fairfield County community looks forward to year after year,” said Robert Granata Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First County Bank.

For the Whole Family
There are so many ways for families to have fun this year. Nationally enjoyed professional entertainment will be taking place throughout the day at various locations on the festival grounds. If you are feeling lucky, head to the midway where you will find a variety of exciting games of chance. Don’t miss the mind-boggling act called Big Bee the Transforming Robot Car. Kids are thrilled to watch a regular car turn itself into a 15- foot action robot and, then get their photo taken with it! There is always something around the next corner that amazes and delights young and old alike. Here is a partial list of some of the acts you can catch, free of charge with the price of admission.

Ready Go Dog Show
This year the whole family will enjoy the Ready Go Dog Show that packs plenty of oohs and aahhs with its combination of comedy, family fun, and amazing high-flying canine athletes. The show consists of rescued dogs and features champion Frisbee dogs, thrill-seeking diving dogs, and the highest box jump dog in the world! A highlight for the audience is the chance to meet and greet the four-legged stars of this thrilling show after their riveting performance. The Ready Go Dog Show has been seen on the FOX game show, Game of Talents, ESPN, the Today Show and Friends, and many others!

Sheffield Island Circus
Pink cotton candy, the smell of popcorn, glittering costumes, and the astounding feats of daredevils make the Sheffield Island Circus something magical. Show favorites include clowns whose laugh-out-loud antics will have children rolling with non-stop laughter!

The circus fun doesn’t stop there. For thrill-seekers, there is the terrifying Globe of Death motorcycle performance that keeps spectators at the edge of their seats. The performers have been amazing audiences around the world, as two or more motorcycles run together in the large steel globe known as the “Globe of Death.” This energetic act is perfect for all ages because it always delivers the “wow” factor. Other acts include the performance of elegant aerial tricks from more than 20 feet up in the air and the colorful and fast-moving hula-hoop show.



Sunday is Family Day Plus Rides and Wristbands
Sunday, September 11th is Family Day all day when all kids get in Free with one paid adult admission. Carnival rides are one of the most exciting and thrilling things you can do at the Norwalk Oyster Festival. One of the best deals around on Saturday and Sunday is the specially priced wristband @ $30 each which is available for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for everyone.

The Music
The 2022 has live music from dozens of bands on multiple stages throughout the weekend and features a variety of crowd-pleasing entertainment.

On Friday night, September 9, the Norwalk Oyster Festival kicks off with Jana Kramer direct from Nashville. Kramer is an actress, an AMC award-winning country music singer, and a New York Times best-selling author. Known for her role as Alex Dupre in the television series One Tree Hill, she started her music career in 2012, seven of her singles charted on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including the top 10 platinum-selling hits “Why Ya Wanna” and “I Got the Boy.” Kramer went on to win ‘New Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards and, in 2015, she was nominated for ‘Best Female Vocalist of the Year at the ACMs.

To get Saturday night rocking, Alex Shillo takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with his eclectic brand of rock and country music with a nod to his favorite, Bruce Springsteen. Shillo’s band is composed of top-notch musicians, that have performed with such artists as Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Gloria Gaynor, and John Cafferty, to name a few.

When Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, take the stage on Saturday @ 8:30 p.m. the party really gets started. Mike DelGuidice, a multi-instrumentalist, dynamic vocalist, singer, songwriter, and recording artist is currently on tour with Rock N Roll Legend Billy Joel. Mike DelGuidice and his band, Big Shot is known nationwide for performing a show of astonishing renditions of Billy Joel’s songbook, in addition to songs by Elton John, Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Marc Cohn, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, John Denver, James Taylor, Chicago, and a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more. DelGuidice is a world-class vocalist and can sing just about anything. “We are delighted to bring this world-class entertainer and his band to the 44th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

This year on Sunday, September 11, the Norwalk Oyster Festival wraps up with the high-energy music of Get the Led Out, a band that has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin. Hailing from Philly, this band of six accomplished musicians brings Led Zeppelin to the Main Stage in all its mythic glory. Their two energy-driven heart pulsing set spans the career of the legendary “Zep” in all its depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed live. Whether you like blues-soaked groove-driven rock anthems or more intimate acoustic sounds, by the end of the performance, you will understand why Get the Led Out has been hailed as “The American Led Zeppelin” nationally.



New This Year – Sheffield Island Laser Lightshow
New this year, the Sheffield Island Laser Lightshow promises to take you on a phantasmagorical journey. This 22- minute 3-D laser beam light show will be projected over the heads of the entire audience at the festival. The show is set to the music of Pink Floyd which is sure to carry the audience away with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and tons of smoke and haze effects. The show features bright colorful laser beams that sweep and move thru the sky at night along with animated artwork projected all over the stage. This professionally produced award-winning laser show will take place on Friday and Saturday night at the conclusion of the Main Stage entertainment to keep the party going just a little bit longer.

Arts and Crafts Galore
If you like to shop, head to the Arts and Crafts area where there’re more than 100 fine artists and crafters that display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, clothing, home décor, and wearable art are just some of the treasures to be found here. At the Seaport Tent, learn about Norwalk’s oyster history, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and browse specialty items on sale celebrating the island and lighthouse.

For the Foodies
Whether you are craving a salty or savory meal, a sugary treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, or an afternoon or evening snack, you’re guaranteed to find a favorite fair food at the Norwalk Oyster Festival and much more. After exploring the fairgrounds head to the International Food Court that dishes up everything from Mexican, Columbian, Greek, Jamaican, and Italian to funnel cakes, cotton candy, and, popcorn to name just a few goodies. New England favorites include fresh oysters shucked before your eyes, authentic New England lobster dinners, and fresh melt-in-your-mouth lobster rolls. Some of this culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise funds for their charitable causes. And, if you work up a thirst there are plenty of choices from lemonade, fruit, and soft drinks to our popular craft beer tent offering more than forty beers.

Where
The Norwalk Oyster Festival is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT.

Admission
This year pricing is Adults -$14, seniors – $10, Children – 5 to 12 years old $6 on Friday and Saturday, and Children under 5 are free. Sunday is Family Day and all children are free! To avoid the wait, tickets can be purchased online at http://www.seaport.org.

Hours: Friday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 10, from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 11 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Parking & Shuttles
Free parking and shuttle buses are available at these locations:
9/10 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach 5:30– 11:30 p.m.
9/11 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
9/12 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Fee Parking
Webster and Haviland Street parking lot, and the Maritime and Iron Works garage. All are within walking distance of the festival.

About First County Bank – Presenting Sponsor
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $1.7 billion, and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage. The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival. In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse; its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit http://www.seaport.org or call (203) 838-9444.

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Jazz in the Garden @ Torrington Historical Society August 26

Renowned Torrington saxophonist Kris Jensen and the Kris Jensen Jazz All-Stars will present an evening of music drawing from the great American songbook in a program ranging from swing standards to blues, soul and pop. The Jazz All-Stars will be joined by Linda Ransom, vocalist. Musicians include Doug Schlink on piano, Stephen Porter on bass, and Jocelyn Pleasant on drums.

The concert series, located on the grounds of the historic Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, 192 Main Street, is sponsored by Northwest Community Bank and Union Savings Bank. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket and are welcome to bring refreshments. Tickets for all concerts are $15 for Torrington Historical Society members and $18 for non-members. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive in Torrington. For tickets click here

Sponsored by Northwest Community Bank & Union Savings Bank

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Make it a Beach Party to Remember! Sheffield Island @ the Beach July 23, 2022 With the Norwalk Seaport Association

Kick off your sandals, sink your toes in the sand, and grab a cold drink, listen to the music and the sound of the waves because summer 2022 is here. And, what better way to celebrate than with the Norwalk Seaport Association, right on beautiful Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. On Saturday, July 23, the Norwalk Seaport Association is hosting an in-person seaside celebration, Sheffield Island @ The Beach from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Culinary Delights, Signature Drinks, Music & More!

The Seaport Association has whipped up a recipe for a night to remember! The festivities include delectable specialties from the land and sea by Ripkas Beach Café’s, Chef Clyde, highly esteemed for his culinary creativity. A highlight of Sheffield Island @ the beach will be a Raw Bar of fresh, local clams and oysters that can be washed down with signature cocktails like the Seaport Swizzle, beer, wine, a selection of soft drinks, and infused water.

The culinary delights don’t stop there! For example, delicacies that may be included on the menu for seafood lovers could be mini crab cakes, fried oysters, conch fritters, and, other delights to name a few. Meat lovers aren’t left out and might enjoy mini Cubano bites, coconut curry chicken sate, mini beef kebobs, and more. Vegetarians can indulge at the cheese, crudités, and tapenade tables as well as at the wood-fired pizza station. Many more tantalizing goodies will be served at this amazing beach party that is not to be missed!

Friends, Sunsets, & Laughter all for a Good Cause

A beautiful sunset, seeing friends, S’mores on the beach, fire pits, and music add to the convivial ambiance of this seaside celebration. The tickets @ $125 per person are on sale now and are limited to 125 people. Tickets are available online at seaport.org or by calling the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444, so get them today so you don’t miss out on the fun. Proceeds from this event will be used in the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s Maritime Icon.

About the Seaport Association
The Seaport Association in Norwalk 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.

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An Ecology Walk Along the Shepaug River With the Institute for American Indian Studies

A summer walk along the Shepaug River that runs through Washington is a rewarding experience, especially when guided by IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf on Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m. The cost of this program hosted by the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children, and $5 for members. This hike is perfect for nature lovers and will have them looking at the natural world in a new and exciting way.

Fun on the Shepaug

The Shepaug River whose Native American name means “rocky waters” has a long history of habitation. Native Americans have lived overlooking this river for thousands of years. Many stone tools and items such as bone needles and punches, wooden spear shafts, tool handles, and much more have been found in archeological excavations along the banks of the Shepaug.

Rivers are considered the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. On this guided walk participants will learn that Native peoples traditionally recognized that all beings are interconnected. An important life lesson of this walk is to realize that we can learn about our environment by observing wildlife, plants, trees, and flowers. Summer is one of the best times to observe wildlife along the Shepaug from watching a great blue heron hunt to listening to frogs croaking, and feeling the exoskeleton of a crayfish. Walking along this babbling river Susan will discuss animal adaptations and explain what to look and listen for when trying to identify different species in the Eastern Woodland environment.

Participants should wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes, and be prepared to walk about a mile along the river with frequent stops along the way. Participants are encouraged to bring water and extra shoes or sandals to change into down by the river. Space on this hike is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve your space visit http://www.iaismuseum.org to reserve a space through Eventbrite. If you have questions, call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

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