Tag: things to do in CT

Step Back in Time with Open-Fire Cooking Mother’s Day Weekend! At The Glebe House

Have you ever wonder how early New England settlers cooked up a hearty meal after a long day in the fields? Now’s your chance to find out! Join the fun at the Glebe House, in Woodbury on Saturday, May 10th from 12:00–3:00 PM, for a hands-on, open-fire cooking workshop with the legendary Frontier Mess Chuckwagon. This unique experience is the perfect way to kick off your Mother’s Day weekend—with a little history, a lot of flavor, and maybe even a touch of nostalgia for Mom’s home-cooked meals.

During this fun and interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to build and cook over a fire like a 19th-century trail cook, discover the tools of the trade (hint: there’s a lot of cast iron involved), and even help prepare a delicious meal and dessert right over the flames. With space limited to just 18 participants, you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time and a chance to savor the full pioneer experience.

Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just in the mood for something different, this workshop promises to be both educational and entertaining. Pre-registration is required, so grab your spot now! Tickets are $40 for Museum Members and $45 for Non-Members. Visit the website at http://www.glebehousemuseum.org to register and get ready to cook like it’s 1749!


Celebrate 100 Years of History—Gatsby Style
As if that wasn’t enough reason to visit, the Glebe House is marking a major milestone—100 years as a house museum! Join the celebration on Friday, June 27 at 6 p.m. at Aria in Prospect for an unforgettable evening themed “The Great Gatsby.” Expect an elegant night of live music, delectable food and drink, signature cocktail, and exciting silent and live auctions. Dress to impress and toast to a century of preserving history in style. For tickets and more info, visit
https://www.glebehousemuseum.org/general-4

A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Built around 1750, the Glebe House stands as a testament to Colonial craftsmanship and enduring community spirit. Rescued and restored in 1923 under the guidance of Henry Watson Kent, the visionary behind the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it opened to the public just two years later in 1925. Today, it continues to tell the stories of early America—one tour, one exhibit, and one unforgettable experience at a time.

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Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: A Celebration of Nature and Community April 25 – April 27

Mark your calendars! From April 25–27, 2025, the charming town of Norfolk, CT, will host the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: “Our Glorious Northwest Corner: Celebrating the Connectedness of All.” This inspiring three-day 8-event forum, presented by a collaborative of local organizations*, promises a rich lineup of activities centered on biodiversity, conservation, and our shared relationship with the natural world. “The Norfolk Earth Forum brings together experts, artists, and community members to address the critical biodiversity challenges facing our region and to celebrate our profound interconnectedness with all living beings,” said Erick Olsen, Pastor at Norfolk Church of Christ Congregational, which founded the first forum in 2024.

The forum kicks off with a special exhibition, “Imperiled Species in Our Community: The Biodiversity Crisis At Home,” running from April 10–30 at The Hub. This unique exhibit, on loan from the Salisbury Association, shines a spotlight on local endangered species and showcases an educational poster created by the Norfolk Land Trust. Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply curious about the environment, this exhibition offers a powerful lens into the biodiversity challenges right in our backyard.

The forum festivities officially begin Friday, April 25, with an opening reception and lecture by Tim Abbott, Conservation Director of the Housatonic Valley Association, who will discuss the national significance of local conservation efforts. The evening continues with a screening of “A Road Not Taken,” a fascinating documentary on Jimmy Carter’s solar energy initiatives.

Saturday, April 26, offers something for nature enthusiasts of all ages, with three events. Start your day with the “Books & Boots” nature walk, inspired by Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees, and join Bina Thomson and Hartley Mead as they explore the lives of trees in the South Norfolk Woodlands. Later, Dr. Mike Zarfos, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, will lead a walk through spring wildflower blooms. Finally, Craig Repasz from Lights Out Connecticut will shed light on the critical Connecticut Bird Atlas project and the urgent need for bird conservation.

On Sunday, April 27, families can enjoy a delightful Children’s Crafts Workshop creating toad houses, followed by an educational program on reptiles and amphibians with the Roaring Brook Nature Center. The weekend concludes on a magical note with Paul Winter’s breathtaking concert, “This Glorious Earth,” at the Church of Christ. Blending music with nature’s sounds, Winter’s performance celebrates the beauty of life on Earth, accompanied by an introduction to the concept of bioregionalism by Keetu Winter from Wellspring Commons.

Whether you’re walking among Norfolk’s wildflowers, learning from passionate conservation leaders, or simply soaking in the melody of nature itself, the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event that inspires both action and appreciation for the world around us. Visit www.norfolkhub.org/norfolk-earth-forum for more information and registration details, or look for event flyers with QR codes around town. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of our glorious Northwest Corner!

*Groups supporting the Norfolk Earth Forum: Church of Christ Congregational, Aton Forest, Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk Conservation Commission, The Hub, Norfolk Land Trust, Norfolk Library, Norfolk Rails to Trails Committee, Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, Manor House Inn, National Iron Bank

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Compete in Jumpfest’s Human Dog Sled Race for Cash Prizes: A Winter Tradition Like No Other January 31 @ Satre Hill

Get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure at Jumpfest, hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA). While aspiring Olympic ski jumpers take center stage, this event also delivers one-of-a-kind thrills with the wildly popular Human Dog Sled Race—a unique spectacle found in only a handful of places worldwide.

This year, the Human Dog Sled Race returns as a fan-favorite tradition, kicking off under the newly installed state-of-the-art lights at Satre Hill in Salisbury on Friday, January 31. New this year, teams will compete for Cash Prizes! The action begins around 8:30 p.m., right after the Target Jumps wrap-up. Planning to compete? Be sure to arrive when the ticket booth opens at 6 p.m. to check in, organize your sled, and lock in your spot for the race. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exhilarating winter event!

Are you curious about what a Human Dog Sled Race is? Think classic dogsledding but with a hilarious twist—no huskies here! Instead, you and your friends are the “power pups.” Here’s the scoop: gather a team of six – everyone must be 18+ and ready for some snowy action. Five teammates will pull the sled, while one lucky rider gets the best seat in the house—along with the laughs! The race spans a .3-mile snow track, so be prepared to bring your A-game. Compete for glory and cash prizes in men’s, women’s, or mixed categories, but speed isn’t your only ticket to victory. The ultimate prize? The People’s Choice Award, given to the team with the most creative costumes and sled design. Think outside the sled—inner tubes, steam-punk rigs, you name it. The crazier, the better! Dress to impress, unleash your team spirit, and let the snow-filled fun begin!

Registration is open through January 30, 2025. The registration form is online at jumpfest.org. The fee to enter is a modest $25 per team, including free entrance to Jumpfest! Proceeds benefit SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs. An added bonus is that Friday night of Jumpfest is a great all-around 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 newly installed state-of-the-art 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.

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Illuminate the Night: Join the Full Moon Walk with the Institute for American Indian Studies

Experience the magic of a nighttime winter walk under the last full moon of 2024 at the Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) on Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m. Embrace the whispers of the winter woods, the crisp air, and the scent of evergreens as you embark on this moonlit adventure.

The Magic of the Long Night Moon
This full moon, just before the Winter Solstice, takes the highest and longest path along the night sky. Known as the Long Night Moon, it shines above the horizon longer than most full moons, making this walk particularly special. Participants will walk along beautifully maintained wooded trails under this glistening celestial body, learning the various names Native Americans gave the December full moon and what it symbolized for them.

A Journey Through Time
As you walk, you’ll discover how different Native American peoples traditionally used the monthly cycles of the moon and nature’s signs to track the seasons. One of the highlights of this experience is witnessing the beauty of December’s full moon firsthand, just as Native American communities have done for centuries. Participants will learn that the Mohawks, among other Native American communities refer to this moon as the Cold Moon, aptly describing the chilly days and nights of the season.


The Perfect Ending

The woodland walk concludes at the recreated 16th-century Algonkian village, where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and traditional stories await. This unique setting provides the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the night’s experiences and the historical significance of the December full moon. Remember to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy shoes. If the weather looks iffy, check in with us using the contact info below. Space is limited, so pre-register using the link. Cost: $5 for IAIS Members, $10 for Non-Members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits, and a replicated 16th century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains and extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two eyed seeing,” visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates the more than 12,000 -year history of human habitation. T

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Learn the Cultural Tradition of Corn Husk Weaving @ Institute for American Indian Studies

During this month of gratitude, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is hosting a Corn Husk Weaving Workshop on Saturday, November 23rd at 1 p.m. Participants will learn the traditional art of weaving beauty from simple cornhusks into a seasonal craft perfect for gift giving.

Originating in South America, corn didn’t reach New England until about 1000 years ago. Corn was a useful crop that wasn’t grown just as a source of food. Many Native American traditions, including the Three Sisters Garden, various traditional stories, and annual ceremonies like the Green Corn Festival, encompass the cultural importance of corn including weaving art and everyday items from cornhusks.

A cornhusk is the outer leaf of the corn plant that protects the cob as it grows. Most of the time, this green outer shell is thrown out after corn is harvested. Readily available during the fall harvest season, skilled Native American artists and other artisans collect the husks and dry them until they turn an attractive shade of golden brown signaling that they are ready to be woven.

At this workshop participants will join an IAIS educator for a hands-on class where they will create crafts made from cornhusks to take home. Weaving with cornhusks has been around for thousands of years in Native American culture and this workshop presents a rare opportunity to experience a bit of Native American culture while creating something beautiful and meaningful.

Pre-registration for this workshop is required and can be made online at iaismuseum.org. The price to participate including all materials, is $20 for non-members and $10 for members of the Institute. If you have questions, please call 860-868-00518 or email events@iaismuseum.org

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two-eyed seeing”, visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates more than 12,000-year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

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Whiting Mills Spooktacular Event October 5 and 6 and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists’ Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters! Best of all the admission to this event is FREE.

Take a chance to win this basket!

One studio not to be missed is Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts which has been cleverly decorated with all things Halloween. Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting the studio don’t miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a beautiful Gothic black basket embellished by bittersweet that is brimming with Halloween candy!

If you can’t make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 5th and 6th, no worries, Tina’s studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina’s Baskets
Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in her studio #305/ Tina’s Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and as well at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

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