Tag: #CTVisit

The Timeless Charm of Old-Fashioned Donuts @ Winter WIN – Feb. 22 & 23

The humble donut has been a favorite in America for centuries, tracing its roots back to the 1600s when Dutch settlers introduced their “olie koeken” or “oil cakes” to the people of New York, or New Amsterdam as it was known back then. Among the many delightful variations that have evolved over the years, one stands out as the ultimate nostalgic classic: the old-fashioned donut. With its crispy exterior, cakey interior, and perfectly imperfect shape, this donut is a delicious reminder of simpler, more comforting times.

What makes the old-fashioned donut so special? To truly appreciate what makes it different, it’s worth comparing it to its yeast-based cousins. Yeast donuts rely on, well, yeast, to create a light, airy texture and often depend on toppings – think glossy glazes or decadent fillings – to provide flavor. The old-fashioned donut, on the other hand, belongs to the cake donut family. Made with baking powder or baking soda as the leavening agent, the dough rises instantly during frying, resulting in a dense, muffin-like texture and rich flavor that stands on its own. Its cracked, rustic appearance – a possible nod to the original Dutch “oily cakes” – only adds to its charm.

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about biting into a warm old-fashioned donut. Maybe it’s the way the crispy exterior gives way to a dense, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Perhaps it’s the simplicity of its flavor, which doesn’t rely on sugary coatings but still pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or milk. In a world where extravagant toppings and wild fillings dominate, the old-fashioned donut stands tall as a timeless classic. Its simplicity, versatility, and comforting taste make it a favorite for purists and adventurous eaters alike.

If you’re craving this sweet, nostalgic treat, mark your calendar for Weekend in Norfolk on February 22 and 23, 2025. Stop by the Berkshire Country Store at 6 Station Place for authentically crafted old-fashioned donuts that are sure to take you back in time. Even better, show your WIN schedule (available at the Hub just steps away) to enjoy 50% off your donut purchase. Pair it with a cup of coffee, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate indulgence – a treat as rich in history as it is in flavor. Sometimes, the simplest things really are the sweetest – especially at WIN!

JanetLeave a comment

Hot Chocolate Festival @ White Silo Farm

There is no better way to warm up to winter than sipping on Hot Chocolate at White Silo Farm in Sherman. On Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. White Silo Farm is celebrating its third hot chocolate and s’mores festival!

Guests will have the chance to taste four types of hot chocolate – white, milk, dark, and Mexican. It is fun to top off your cups with homemade marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and other fixings. They have also added homemade S’mores to eat with your hot chocolate(s). Bring your friends and enjoy a WARM afternoon in their winery, it is an ideal way to spend a cold winter day. Special food items to pair with your hot chocolate will be available to purchase To add to the fun, there will be live music on both days from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Saturday Al Rivoli will perform and on Sunday Don Lowe will be at the farm to entertain guests.

The price is $25 per person. It includes one glass of wine or nonalcoholic beverage to sip with your hot chocolate(s). They have scheduled two sessions each day, the first from 12 noon – 2 p.m. and the second from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Advance tickets are required and limited. We hope that you can join us. For tickets click here.

JanetLeave a comment

Skiers Soar Through the Air Feb. 2-4 @ Salisbury’s Jumpfest

This year if you are looking for a new winter sport to fall in love with ski jumping may be the exact option for you! One of the best places to see this highly respected sport on the East Coast is at Salisbury’s Jumpfest on Friday, February 2nd Saturday, February 3rd, and Sunday, February 4th. The thrill of this event is that there are often Olympic hopefuls competing. And, even if there is no snow where you live, Satre Hill is always glistening in all its Alpine beauty, with white powdery snow thanks to the Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s (SWSA) state-of-the-art snow guns.

Let’s face it, some of us can’t ski, let alone fly through the sky with the hope of landing with elegance. Watching ski jumpers, many of whom just might be future Olympians is an unforgettably thrilling experience. One thing that keeps this sport exciting is that the margins are so fine and unpredictable that there is always a wide variety of winners and performances. Once you realize how difficult and technical this sport is it becomes even more interesting and inspiring to watch, live. “Salisbury’s Jumpfest is going to be bigger and better than ever,” said Willie Hallihan, SWSA Director. “It’s a winter event that you won’t want to miss. The hint of frost in the air, the sound of ringing cowbells, and the crowds cheering on their favorite as the skis slap the landing hill make this event one of a kind.”

Jumpfest offers three days of heart-pounding excitement and competitions to watch. The tower stands 70 feet atop Satre Hill and jumpers perch on their bar 350 feet above the ground. As the go flag is dropped they speed their way down the 300-foot run, picking up speed along the way. Imagine watching as jumpers soar up to 200 feet through the air at speeds of 50 miles an hour! There are only six ski jumping venues on the East Coast and Salisbury is one of the oldest and most respected because of past hopefuls that competed in the Olympics.

Friday’s events kick off when the gate opens at 6 p.m. The highlights of the night begin with Target Jumping at 7 p.m. The popular Human Dog Sled Race follows the Target Jumps where teams of six compete in this madcap event for a variety of prizes. There are only half a dozen places or so in the country that host this type of event and most of them are pretty far from Connecticut making this a spectacle of fun something not to be missed! To enter, email info@jumpfest, attention Brian. The fee to enter is a modest $25 per team that includes free entrance to Jumpfest! Proceeds benefit SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs.

On Saturday, February 3, the small hill opens at 8 a.m. for practice jumps. The Junior Competition on the 20-meter and 30-meter hills starts at 9:30 a.m. and is followed by the Salisbury Invitational Ski Jump on the 65-meter hill at 1 p.m. The day ends with the Snowball Fundraiser at the Lakeville Town Grove with music by the Steve Dunn Band.

On Sunday, February 4 the 65 meter hill opens at 11 a.m. The Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships, the big event of the weekend begins at 1 p.m. The crowd murmurs as they watch these expert athletes sit on a bar at the top of the hill waiting for the signal to go. You can almost feel the focus. Jumpers lead with their helmet; throw their hands back, and crouch low into a tuck with a flat back for aerodynamics. Balance and flexibility are the order of the day. The most critical part of the jump is the take-off which lifts the jumper’s body for flight. Most folks can’t believe how quickly time flies when watching this sport, a mere 20 seconds or so from the top of the hills to the bottom! The winners of the Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships will make up the Eastern Division of the Junior National Team and will be named after this competition awards ceremony concludes.

To add to the festivities there are food trucks, craft beer, hot toddies, and bonfires to enjoy against the backdrop of skiers flying through the air! And, if you work up an appetite, no worries, the Cook Shack offers a range of burgers, dogs, hot chocolate, and more, and the Low N Slow Food Truck serves BBQ, authentic poutine, mac n’ cheese, and many other selections on three days. There will also be a wine tent, a hot toddy tent, and the Great Falls Brewing Company’s beer tent.

Tickets will be available at the gate and are $15 for adults on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free all three days. The cost of the Snowball is $20 and includes a cash bar, music, raffles, and pizza at 10 p.m. The ski jump complex is located at Satre Hill on Indian Cave Road in Salisbury. Before setting out check www.jumpfest.org for updates, scheduled changes, or more information or email the Association at info@jumpfest.org.

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.

JanetLeave a comment

Take Part in Salisbury’s JumpFest Human Dog Sled Race February 2 @ Satre Hill

Jumpfest, organized by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA), isn’t just about aspiring Olympic Ski Jumpers, it also offers tons of fun including one of the most sought-after winter events found only in six or so other places around the world…the Human Dog Sled Race! As a beloved tradition at Jumpfest, this year’s Human Dog Sled Race is taking place on Friday, February 2 at Satre Hill in Salisbury. The race will begin just after the Target Jumps conclude around 8:30 p.m. The ticket booth opens at 6 p.m. and that is when team members should arrive to organize their sled and confirm their registration.

If you are wondering what a Human Dog Sled Race is…think traditional dogsledding with a twist! Participating is easy. All you have to do is gather up a kennel of friends who are at least 18 years old and have a moderate level of fitness because this .3-mile snow course is not without peril. The teams consist of six people including five pulling the sled and one riding in it.

Teams compete for trophies in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories. In addition to awards for speed and fleet of foot, a very special award is given out, the People’s Choice Award for the Best Costume and Sled, making designing your sled part of the fun and challenge. Sleds can be made from just about anything that will glide over the snow track. They can be as simple as an inner tube, elaborately colorful contraptions, or techy steam-punk inventions! Let your team’s imagination run wild! Many contestants dress for the occasion to raise team camaraderie.

Registration is open through February 1; just send an email to info@jumpfest, attention Brian to enter. The fee to enter is a modest $25 per team that includes free entrance to Jumpfest! Proceeds benefit SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs.

An added bonus is that Friday night of Jumpfest is an all-around great time in a beautiful alpine setting. An eighth of a mile of luminaries guide visitors to the site where there are two roaring bonfires and plenty of food and beverages to snack on. The target ski jumping and the Human Dog Sled Races are held under the lights, and both are professionally announced.! For more information about Jumpfest https://jumpfest.org

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.

JanetLeave a comment