#thingstodoinCT – Connecticut Travel

Why Nature is the Best Medicine — Experience it at Great Mountain Forest

In today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, it’s easy to forget how healing nature can be. Yet for centuries, humans have found peace and rejuvenation in forest environments, drawn by the quiet atmosphere, fresh air, and the simple beauty of trees swaying in the breeze. Few places embody this restorative experience better than Great Mountain Forest, a 6,000-acre gem spanning Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Here, the ancient practice of forest immersion—also known as Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing—can be truly embraced. This isn’t about hiking or physical exertion; it’s about slowing down, engaging all five senses, and reconnecting with the natural world in a meaningful, mindful way.

Scientific research has consistently shown that spending time in forest environments can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, boost the immune system, and enhance cardiovascular health. At Great Mountain Forest, these benefits are just a walk away.

With 13 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging, Great Mountain Forest offers something for everyone. More than 16 trails weave through diverse ecosystems, where there are a multitude of sensory experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re listening to the whispers of rustling leaves, looking for wildlife, catching the earthy scent of moss and pine, or watching sunlight flicker through the canopy, each step brings you closer to nature—and to yourself.

Old Man McMUllen Pond, Gt. Mtn. Forest, Norfolk, CT Photo credit Tom Blagdon

Whether you’re a beginner enjoying the peaceful Tamarack Interpretive Trail around a dragonfly-dotted pond or an adventurer exploring the historic Charcoal Pit Trail, where remnants of 19th-century industry meet modern conservation, there’s a path for everyone. More adventurous explorers can venture into the Tobey Bog Trail, a unique ecosystem rich with pitcher plants and black spruce trees, or stand in awe among 400-year-old hemlocks on the North Forty Trail. Each trail offers a distinct sensory experience designed to help you slow down and truly be present.

More than just a place to walk, Great Mountain Forest is a living classroom. With year-round guided walking tours, tours, educational programs, and hands-on workshops in sustainable forest management, visitors of all ages can deepen their understanding of the natural world and their place within it. As Michael Zarfos, Executive Director of GMF, puts it: “In an age dominated by artificial surroundings and constant noise, forest immersion is a simple, powerful return to our roots.” At Great Mountain Forest, that return is always just a walk away.

For event information and to download maps, visit greatmountainforest.org. To sign up for the Woodland Academy, visit greatmountainforest.org/woodlandacademy.

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests, now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

Photo credit: Tom Blagden

June 26, 2025

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Creative Day at Whiting Mills – May 11 Take a Free Class with Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On May 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the general public will have the opportunity to unleash their inner artist and let their creativity run wild at Whiting Mill’s “Creative Day” where a variety of classes and workshops are offered at no charge. It is the ideal way to step away from the mundane and get your creativity flowing by signing up for up to three classes. Jewelry makers, candle and soap makers, painters, photographers, special effect make–up artists, and a nationally awarded woven arts weaver have joined together to celebrate and nurture the creative spirit that lives in all of us.

The general public is invited to Whiting Mills located at 210 Holabird Rd. in Winsted at 9 a.m. to sign up for two classes of their choice. After completing their two-morning classes that run from one hour to one and a half hours long, they can sign up for one additional class that is not filled up at noon. The artists can offer these classes for free because of grants from a variety of sponsors. All materials are provided and participants will leave with a piece of art that they have created under the guidance of professional artists and craftspeople. In addition to classes, there will be a series of demonstrations throughout the building to show what the creative process entails and to encourage folks to pursue their dreams in the creative arts.

The classes offered by Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art, located in Studio 305, are three of the most coveted of the day because it gives people the chance to work with a nationally and internationally awarded artist. These intensive and fun classes are limited to six people per session and will run about an hour and a half. The lucky folks who sign up for these classes will leave with a small basket that they have handcrafted from Tina’s hand-dyed reeds. The studio itself is a pleasure to explore because it is a treasure trove of hand-woven work that includes baskets, bowls, sculptures, and wall hangings. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and woven with hand-dyed reeds into beautiful dynamic shapes in delightful color combinations that won’t be found anywhere else. They are an inspiration and may encourage participants to sign up for one of Tina’s extensive group classes that she offers throughout the year for all levels of weaving acumen.

This is the second annual Creative Day at Whiting Mills that is being held to have fun while learning new skills to encourage participants to keep creating!

May 3, 2024

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Moccasin Workshop 4/30 @ Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is holding a Moccasin Making Workshop on Saturday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will not only leave this workshop with a pair of moccasins that they have made, they will also leave with a greater understanding of the cultural significance this footwear has with Native American communities throughout the country.

Across the United States, many Native American tribes created different styles of moccasins to suit their environment. The word moccasin itself comes from the Algonkian language – meaning “shoe.” They can be hard or soft-soled, ornately beaded, or plain, fur-lined, or cuffed. In short, the style of moccasins is as diverse as the many different tribes that they originate from.

Traditionally, in the Eastern Woodlands, including Connecticut, soft-soled moccasins were commonly made out of a single piece of deer, elk or moose hide, and hand-sewn using sinew. A characteristic making it an Eastern Woodlands moccasin is the center seam that is gathered at the toe giving it a pucker shape. Today, moccasin-inspired shoes find their way into modern designs and fashion statements, even as Native culture keepers continue the centuries-old tradition of moccasin making.

This fascinating three-hour workshop, led by Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, and Educational Outreach Ambassador for IAIS promises to be fun and informative. Participants will make a pair of pucker toe style moccasins out of deer hide while listening to the history of moccasins. It is a powerful feeling to make something that you can use in your everyday life, using methods that people have used for generations.

This workshop is recommended for adults and children ages 8 and up due to the dexterity required for sewing. To register for this workshop head to the website http://www.iaismuseum.org, call 860-868-0518, or email events@iaismuseum.org. The cost of this workshop, which includes all materials, is $80 for non-members of the museum and $70 for members.

About The 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 a 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, in Washington, Connecticut.

March 27, 2024

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Litchfield Restaurant Week Returns for 2nd Year March 22 – 29

Litchfield Restaurant Week returns for a second delicious year on March 22 – 29 and will feature 20 destinations ranging from bakery cafes and delis to pizza places, gourmet shops, and fine dining establishments.

Each venue will offer a three-course prix fixe menu at $25, $35, or $45, some for lunch/during the day, others for dinner, and some for both lunch and dinner. See the official Restaurant Week page on the Visit Litchfield CT website (visitlitchfieldct.com) for a full list of participants, their locations, and their website and social media links. Restaurant Week menus will be added to the page in early March.

Litchfield Restaurant Week includes Connecticut’s Chef of the Year for 2023, David DiStasi, and his Materia Ristorante in Bantam, which was named Restaurant of the Year in Litchfield County by the Connecticut Restaurant Association and honored with a 2024 Overall Excellence award from Connecticut Magazine’s dining experts.

Many other participants also earned top awards from Connecticut Magazine’s dining experts, including Best Traditional American for The Village Restaurant, Best New American for West Street Grill, and At the Corner – which also won a Best Beer List award. Petraroia Deli won for Best Deli/Sandwich Shop, and Meraki for Best Lunch, Hidden Gem, and Best Deli/Sandwich Shop.

Litchfield Distillery is also participating in Litchfield Restaurant Week, and last year the craft distillery donated a bottle of its spirits to each participating restaurant that featured a cocktail or food item incorporating those award-winning spirits.

Visit Litchfield CT is the official source of news and updates about Litchfield Restaurant Week, which is sponsored by the Town of Litchfield CT Economic Development Commission.

March 12, 2024

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Liz Callaway to perform Broadway Rhapsody on July 1 with Sherman Chamber Ensemble in New Milford

The Sherman Chamber Ensemble announces a special event that music lovers won’t want to miss! This unique concert will showcase the cultural richness and diversity of American music, bringing together two of the most beloved genres – the timeless melodies of Broadway tunes and the iconic sounds of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue – in a stunning performance. It will be an unforgettable evening.

BROADWAY RHAPSODY, a night filled with iconic and timeless Broadway hits featuring the incredible Liz Callaway will take place on Saturday, July 1 at 7 pm at the Maguire Auditorium at Canterbury School in New Milford.

The Ensemble’s Executive Director Liba Furhman said, “Get ready for an evening of unbeatable music! Liz is a superstar, and has a unique ability to captivate the audience and make them feel like they are a part of the experience.”

In addition, Furhman said that following the performance, audience members can “go down the hill from Canterbury and enjoy the fireworks in downtown New Milford to top off the night!”

Callaway is an award-winning actress, singer, and recording artist, who has graced Broadway stages in Miss Saigon, Cats, and Baby. She is well-known as the singing voice of Kiara in The Lion King II, Princess Jasmine in the Aladdin sequels, and Anya in the Oscar-nominated film Anastasia.

Callaway has an international following and is in demand, traveling extensively from coast to coast. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence is drawing in crowds and leaving them wanting more.

The concert will showcase George Gershwin’s masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue from the Jazz Age of the 1920’s – one of the most recognizable and beloved compositions. The Ensemble is excited to give their audience the opportunity to experience noted pianist Ted Rosenthal’s unique take on its timeless magic.

Joining Callaway and Rosenthal are Susan Rotholz (flute), Michael Roth and Jane Chung (violin), Sarah Adams (viola), David Bailen (double bass) and Artistic Director Eliot Bailen (cello). Together, they’ll transport you to the world of Broadway with their renditions of some of the most beloved songs of all time.

General Admission tickets are $45, and include an After Concert Toast. Children ages 15 and under are admitted free.

In addition, premium tiers of seating including Patron and Maestro, start at $125 and $250 respectively and include Reserved Seating and a Pre-Concert Celebration, kicking off at 6 pm.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.SCEmusic.org. General Admission tickets will be available at the door. For information or reservations call 860-355-5930 or email info@SCEmusic.org.

Beethoven’s contributions to classical music are immeasurable, and his legacy is still felt today. The Ensemble will showcase some of his greatest works at a pre-season “All Beethoven” concert on Saturday, June 17, 7:30 pm at the JCC in Sherman. The program includes a Duet with Two Eyeglasses for viola and cello, Serenade for flute, violin and viola, and Trio in C Minor, Op. 9 No. 3. Performers are Susan Rotholz on flute, Doori Na on violin, Sarah Adams on viola, and Eliot Bailen on cello.

On August 11 at St. Andrews Church in Kent, and August 12 at the JCC in Sherman, at 7:30, the Ensemble will present “Lullabies and Dreams.” The program includes Lullaby for String Quartet by George Gershwin, Lyric for Strings, by George Walker, Quintet in A Major, Op. 51 For flute, violin, two violas and cello, by Friedrich Kulau and String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10, by Claude Debussy. Featuring Susan Rotholz (flute), Doori Na (violin), Lis Perry (violin), Richard Wolfe (viola), Eliot Bailen (cello)

The summer season ends with “Gone Fishing” on Friday, September 1, at St Andrew’s Church in Kent and Saturday, September 2, at the Lake Mauweehoo Club, at 7:30 pm. Selected works include Five Pieces for flute, violin and piano by Dmitri Shostakovich, A Fish Will Rise for flute, clarinet and piano by Chris Rogerson, Techno Parade for flute, clarinet and piano by Guillaume Connesson and Trout Quintet in A Major, D-667 by Franz Schubert. Performers are Susan Rotholz (flute), Alan Kay (clarinet), Doori Na (violin), Margaret Kampmeier (piano), Sarah Adams (viola), Eliot Bailen (cello), Peter Weitzner (bass)

Tickets for these concerts are $25 and children ages 15 and under are admitted free. A three-concert subscription is also available. To download the complete season schedule and purchase tickets, visit http://www.SCEmusic.org.

ABOUT THE SHERMAN CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
World Class Music, Close to Home
Founded in 1982 by cellist Eliot Bailen, Artistic Director, and flutist Susan Rotholz, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble offers a year-round schedule of performances for all ages at venues in Connecticut and New York.

Guided by its mission to bring world class musicians to our communities and schools to perform a diverse range of music with an approach that is intimate and inclusive, the SCE has been described by The New York Times as “about as close as it gets to the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert.”

SCE’s music spans from Baroque to contemporary classics, including a summer chamber music series, educational activities and a year-round slate of musical events showcasing the best of live musical performance, from classical to bluegrass to jazz – plus children’s and family concerts, school residencies and pop/rock coffeehouses.

In addition to concert subscription and ticket sales, support comes from private foundations, local businesses and many generous individual donors as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development Office of the Arts, from CT Humanities and from the NW CT Arts Council.