Savour Litchfield Hills

Once again this year, TownVibe and Litchfield Magazine is hosting Savor Litchfield on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 1 pm to 4 pm at South Farms in Morris. Foodies and other fun-loving folk can enjoy tastes and sips from more than 20 restaurants and specialty markets from the Litchfield area, all in the beautiful surroundings of the 90-acre South Farms in Morris. In addition to fine cuisine, craft cocktails, artisanal wine, craft beer, and sweets, there will be live music by the Switch Factory, local business pop-up shops, a mixology session by Litchfield Distillery, and an art tent for kids by Art Room Atelier.

Litchfield Distillery brand ambassador and award-winning mixologist Dimitrios Zahariadis will provide a special mixology session. He will build three delicious cocktails perfect for late summer and early fall, sharing tips that can help people take their cocktails to the next level.

The restaurant and spirits list is still growing but to date includes BritsBrand, Ciesco Catering, Community Table, Fifth State Distillery, Hopkins Vineyard, John’s Cafe, Josh Cellars, Litchfield Distillery, Market Place Tavern Litchfield, Mayflower Inn & Spa, Mine Hill Distillery, Spring Hill Vineyards, Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Sweet Lab Confections, The BakeHouse of Litchfield, West Shore Seafood, White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant.

They will be creating an array of delicious and diverse options for participants. Cuisine ranges from sustainable and seafood-focused to old-school Italian comfort food to handmade caramels. The event will also offer various wines, beers, and spirits to create the perfect ensemble—all available for one ticket price. Local businesses that will be on hand include The Spa at Litchfield Hills, Byrde + the b, J. McLaughlin, Oliphant, Forsythia Skin Care, and Shop Cathy B.

Pre-purchased general admission is $50, which includes food, drink, and entertainment all afternoon. A VIP pass is $100 and provides food, drink, entertainment, private parking, and access to a lounge with TV and food service. Children 15 and under are $20. Day-of-the event tickets are $60 for general admission and $110 for the VIP lounge. Tickets can be purchased at savorlitchfield.com.

Discover the Best Kept Secrets in Connecticut Housatonic Heritage Walks in September

Countless trails meander through the woodlands and valleys, meadows, and wetlands of the Litchfield Hills. There are walks that follow the footsteps of Native Americans, and those that go through historic districts, and past industrial remnants that reflect a legacy of hard work and determination. Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills gives hikers a myriad of experiences to choose from, and, each weekend in September, the Upper Housatonic Heritage Area has made choosing where to hike easy.

 The Upper Housatonic Heritage Area has organized 71 hikes in the Litchfield Hills and the Berkshires of Massachusetts that run the gamut, offering something for everyone. Now in its’ 18^th year, Housatonic Heritage Walks takes participants through some of the region’s most scenic, historic, and cultural sites, many are not well known and, are the best-kept secrets in the State! Best of all, the walks that take place on September 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 are guided by local experts, and are free of charge.

Picture Perfect Peaks

If you enjoy scenic views, don’t miss the hike to the summit of the Marie Moore Preserve in Sharon on Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. This little known hike leads to a summit that offers exceptional views of three states as well as the peaks of Bear Mountain, Mount Everett, and Mount Gridlock.

On Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. get ready to hike through the Cobble Brook Vista Preserve and the Kent Mountain Preserve with members of the Kent Land Trust. This hike is amazing because it encompasses a variety of habitats including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. A highlight that you will see along the way includes charcoal mounds from the iron industry as well as unforgettable views of the Housatonic River Valley.

Native American Culture

If you have always wanted to walk in the footsteps of Native Americans don’t miss the walk conducted by Archaeologist, Dr. Lucianne Lavin on the woodland trails of the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington on Sept. 8 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The walk will include a visit to the replicated 16^th century Algonkian village and the chance to learn how Natives peoples used plants for medicinal purposes. If you have the time, visit the museum - it has one of the most extensive collections of Native American artifacts in New England as well as Wigwam Escape that teaches participants how Native Americans thrived in 1518.

Riverside Walks & Industrial Heritage

A walk on the Trinity Riverside Trail on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. led by the Cornwall Conservation Trust is so beautiful because the trail wends its way along the banks of the Housatonic River. This is an easy walk along the old river road that connected the villages of West Cornwall and Cornwall Bridge before the construction of the railroad. This is one of the longest and most beautiful river walks in the area with the added bonus of old stone works at the end of the trail that gives hikers a glimpse of the industrial past from today’s bucolic environment.

If you enjoy Industrial and Civil War history don’t miss the walk hosted by the Salisbury Association Historical Society on Sept. 15 and Sept. 29 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – it is fascinating. Walking along a shaded path adjacent to the serene flow of the Housatonic River, participants are urged to try to imagine this area as a bustling hive of industrial activity and smoke. One of the results was the production of the most powerful cannons of the Civil War -- the surprise revealed on this walk is who and what was ultimately compromised.

On Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the Warren Historical Society is leading a walk through the woods of the Warren Land Trust that will highlight the site of two charcoal pits that played an important role in the industrial mining heritage of the Litchfield Hills.

Downtown – Historic and Surprising

If a short stroll through a downtown area of a quaint historic village is more to your liking, then head out to Falls Village on Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to noon. The Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society will take you on an unforgettable walk through this village that seems like it is lost in time. One highlight of this easy stroll is to check out the Museum at the Depot. Lunch is always a welcome treat at the historic Falls Village Inn and scenic photos, not to be missed of the “Falls”, in Falls Village – don’t forget to Instagram a few!

On Sept. 28, get ready to explore one of Connecticut’s longest and most interesting village greens with the Sharon Historical Society from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. As you stroll the Sharon Green, you will feel as though you have stepped back in time -- this is one of the most elegant village greens in the Connecticut. On this walk you will learn the history and stories behind the gracious homes and buildings that line this iconic and photogenic village green.

If you like new and thoughtful historic exhibitions, don’t miss a guided tour of the Gunn Historical Museum’s  “An American Story,” on Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. You will be absorbed by this articulate exhibition that represents the lifestyle of the Litchfield Hills in this unspoiled town and documents the people, places, and events that epitomize it through narrative, and images that are evocatively displayed in a 1781 colonial home.

Wonders of the Wetlands

On Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. – noon get ready to explore a magical place that is alive with unspoiled natural beauty and wildlife overseen by the Sharon Land Trust. The serenity of the wetlands, the unfettered wildlife and a 100- foot long wooden boardwalk gives hikers a sneak peek into this unspoiled habitat that makes this experience fulfilling and memorable.

For the love of Chestnut Trees

Like the ocean, trees are the sentinels of our environment; and on Sept. 21 from 1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m. hikers will enjoy a leisurely stroll through an orchard of 300 chestnut trees curated at Green Mountain Forest in Falls Village. At one time the American chestnut was the most predominant tree in eastern forests. Hikers will learn about the devastating blight imported on Asian chestnuts that forced the American chestnut into extinction. The efforts of the Great Mountain Forest to revive them are remarkable and this walk will leave you educated and inspired.

The Importance of Family Heritage

Head to Kent on Sept. 22 for a walk on the Pond Mountain Trail to explore the deep roots of Kent’s last ironmaster, John Hopson at the Kent Iron Company and to experience the beauty of family ties and conservation – an experience that teaches so much about stewardship. Inspired by her father, this trail and land trust was preserved by his daughter, Myra who loved nature and was passionate about conservation and was a trailblazer in the Connecticut Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. As you look at the views that surround you – and, see yourself reflected in one of Connecticut’s deepest glacial ponds, pause and remember how important connections are.

Hunt Hill Farm, once the home of the late Ruth and Conductor of the New York Pops, Skitch Henderson, embodies the spirit of conservation and giving, they gave up the farm so to speak and left this treasure connected with the Smithsonian to the Litchfield Hills – and the world. On Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. participants will learn how this cultural treasure of the Litchfield Hills grew, evolved, and is thriving as a cultural gem. The highlight of this visit is music and a BBQ prepared by one of Hunt Hill Farm’s culinary luminaries.

For detailed information including meeting points on all the hikes organized by the Housatonic Heritage Area click here. https://housatonicheritage.org/events/heritage-walks/

42nd Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival Set for September 6,7, and 8, 2019

Three days of fun, food, entertainment on multiple stages, plus special events for families and friends, from nine to ninety marks just some of the activities to be found at the 2019 Norwalk Oyster Festival hosted by the Seaport Association on Friday, September 6, Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8, 2019, at the 35-acre Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk “Our 42^nd annual festival is packed with value-added extras especially when you consider that all the entertainment including the headliners Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot, and Brian Howe, former lead singer of Bad Company is included in the ticket price,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. “Our mission has always been to preserve and share our maritime heritage, to help with the environment of Long Island Sound, and to have children experience our 151-year-old Lighthouse and Light Keepers Cottage. The funds raised from the Norwalk Oyster Festival helps us accomplish our mission,” adds Reilly. For tickets click here https://www.seaport.org.

The Music

The 2019 Norwalk Oyster Festival has live music from dozens of bands on multiple stages throughout the weekend and features a variety of crowd-pleasing entertainment. “The Oyster Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer. All the music and entertainment is free with the price of the ticket making it economical for the entire family,” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

On Saturday afternoon, September 7 the afternoon begins with Ripchord, the Official Band of the Connecticut National Guard that will play a variety of music from classical and jazz to rock and patriotic tunes. Saturday night starts to heat up when Alex Shillo takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with his eclectic brand of rock and country music. 

Saturday night’s headliner is Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot who has taken a night off from touring with Billy Joel to perform at the Norwalk Oyster Festival. This tribute band to the music of Billy Joel with some original music thrown in packs hit after chart-topping hit in an amazingly high-energy show that leaves audiences wanting more.

Get ready to swing into Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. with the Commanders that will perform music from the Big Band Era and beyond on the Main Stage. It is 5’oclock somewhere and at 2 p.m. Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band plugin on the Main Stage. So, put on your best “Parrothead” gear, grab some food and drinks from one of the nearby vendors and get ready to sing and dance along to some of the best of Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band and other tropical classics.

This year the Oyster Festival has a grand finale that begins at 5 p.m. when Brian Howe, former Lead Singer of Bad Company from 1986-1994, closes out the 42^nd Norwalk Oyster Festival with style, exuberance, and a blast from the past of some of our favorite songs ever. Howe has one of rock’s most legendary voices, and as he croons hit after hit he will have you dancing as the sun goes down. Today Howe is performing many popular songs by Bad Company like  “Feel Like Makin Love,” “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad,” “Can’t Get Enough,” and other hits. This is a performance worth waiting for and, the ideal way to end three days of music, fun, and food.

For the Whole Family – Seaport Circus Spectacular

This year the whole family will enjoy the Seaport Circus Spectacular that will include national acts from Circus Circus in Las Vegas, and star performers from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus and others.

This magical show includes several amazing acts like the death-defying performance created by the Dominguez Family. They have been amazing audiences around the world with riders challenging the Globe of Death, a giant metal cage, as well as their uncanny skill in navigating the inverted high wire. This energetic act is perfect for all ages because it always delivers the “wow” factor.

Hurling, whirling, twirling hula hoops combined with the amazing acrobatic performance of Nicole Taylor Weiss that defies the eye is another act in the Seaport Circus. Nicole grew up traveling the world with her circus parents learning the business of entertainment from a very young age. Nicole’s Hula Hoop show is high-energy fun at its best. She has been performing for Circus, Circus, Vargas and Cirque Musica, and with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

An all- around family favorite, the Hog Diggity Dog Review is also part of the Seaport’s Circus. A second-generation circus performer, Hans Klose works with 20 dogs and four pigs. The performing pigs, Roscoe weighing 750 pounds, and Shelton weighing around 700 pounds were part of Klose's act when he worked for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Klose travels throughout the country with his animals in a specially made RV that keeps them totally pampered. Hans care and love for his animals is apparent in his laugh out loud routine that will charm audiences young and old.

Games, rides, and many fun activities can be found at Kids Cove. There is face painting, and pint sized carnival games, plus cotton candy, popcorn, and candied apples. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is so family-friendly. There is a special wristband offer on Saturday and Sunday that entitles unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $25. Sunday is Family Day when kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult; there are also special kids meals and the $25 wristband for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

If you have always wanted a birds-eye view of the city, the fairgrounds and Norwalk’s beautiful coastline, climb onboard the 65 foot Gondola Ferris wheel to be treated to a unique and memorable ride you can write home about. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy. And, don’t forget your camera.

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.

For the Foodies

A favorite at any festival is the food, and the Norwalk Oyster Festival never disappoints. After exploring the fairgrounds head to the International Food Court that dishes up everything from Mexican, Columbian, and Italian to funnel cakes, cotton candy, and, of course, oysters fresh off the boat, authentic New England lobster dinners and fresh lobster rolls.  This culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise funds for their charitable causes. At the Seaport Tent, learn about Norwalk’s oystering history and browse specialty items on sale celebrating the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. And, if you have worked up a thirst, no worries head to the craft beer tent that offers more than forty beers.

Tickets

The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.seaport.org.  

Festival Hours: Friday, Sept. 6, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 7, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

For those that want to take the train, Metro North is offering a discount package with free shuttle service from the train station to the Oyster Festival.

Free parking and shuttle service available from Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall. Ample parking right over the bridge in the Maritime Parking Garage and other lots.

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 and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit www.seaport.org or call (203) 838-9444. 

Sherman Chamber Ensemble Summer Music Series Finale August 30 and 31

The Sherman Chamber Ensemble expanded its horizons this summer playing to audiences in Litchfield and Amenia in addition to multiple venues in Kent and Sherman. So it's entirely fitting that its final classical performance of the Summer Season is entitled Questions of Travel.

Performances on Labor Day weekend begin at 8 pm and take place on Friday, August 30 at St. Andrews Church in Kent and Saturday, August 31 at The Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse in Sherman.

The program includes Mendelssohn's Venetian Boat Song, female composer Edith Hemenway's Questions of Travel for flute, piano and cello, and English composer Sir Edward Elgar's Quintet for Piano and Strings, in A minor, Op. 84, written in the tradition of the great piano quintets of Brahms, Dvorak, Franck, Schubert and Schumann and a grand and magnificent ode to nature.

The program is a musical journey to Mexico, Venice, Scandinavia, America and England. Pianist Margaret Kampmeier joins Susan Rotholz (flute), Jill Levy (violin), Paul Woodiel (violin), Sarah Adams (viola), and Artistic Director Eliot Bailen (cello).

A “Meet and Greet the Artists” reception will follow the performances.

Also on Labor Day weekend the Ensemble presents its annual free Bluegrass Jamboree - Saturday, August 31 at 2 pm at the Lake Mauweehoo Club and Sunday, September 1 at the Kent Barns under the tree.

General Admission to the concerts is $30.  Senior and Student admission is $25.   Children 15 and under receive free admission when accompanied by an adult purchasing a regular admission ticket.  Tickets may be purchased at ShermanChamberEnsemble.org or by calling 860-355-5930.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door subject to availability.

The Sherman Chamber Ensemble was founded in 1982 to bring world-class live classical music performance to Western Connecticut and nearby New York State.  Its summer chamber music series has been described in The New York Times as "about as close as it gets to the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert." Additional events coming later this year include Labor Day weekend bluegrass jamborees; the annual "Live at the Lake" coffeehouse; and Thanksgiving weekend classical-jazz matinee performances.