Find Holiday Magic at Whiting Mills’ Holiday Open House – A Treasure Hunt of Handmade Gifts in a Historic

 f you love the idea of giving unique, artfully handmade gifts—especially for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list—Whiting Mills’ long-anticipated Holiday Open Studios event is the perfect place to discover your festive inspiration.

 

The Open House takes place on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Whiting Mills, 100 Whiting Street, Winsted, Connecticut—an award-winning creative community housed in a charming, historic brick mill dating back to the 1800s.

 

Stepping inside Whiting Mills during the holidays is like walking into a magical winter wonderland. With halls beautifully decorated for the season, visitors can embark on a holiday treasure hunt across dozens of studios filled with handcrafted wares. Whether you're seeking elegant pottery, aromatic candles, intricately woven baskets, or whimsical curiosities, you're bound to find heartfelt gifts that are sure to become cherished keepsakes.

 

A trip to Whiting Mills just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art in Studio #305! Step into the magical world of Tina Puckett, a master weaver whose remarkable talent has earned her both national and international acclaim. Tina’s creations—ranging from eco-friendly baskets and striking wall art to truly one-of-a-kind masterpieces—make for unforgettable finds, whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift.  And if you can’t decide what to choose, Tina offers gift certificates, redeemable for either her woven art or an inspiring basketweaving workshop. Her classes welcome teens and adults of all abilities, encouraging creativity and hands-on learning in a small, supportive setting. As Tina herself says, “My basket weaving classes offer an opportunity to build artistic skills and explore creative ideas, all while developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world.” What a wonderful way to kick off 2026 by giving something beautiful.

 

Alongside Whiting Mills' resident artists, special guest artisans and crafters will also be showcasing their creations, so the selection of unique, limited-edition gifts is bigger than ever. And if shopping works up your appetite, you can enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks—there’s something to satisfy every craving.

If you are unable to make it to the annual Open Studios, the Makers Shoppes at Whiting Mills are open every Sunday through December 14 from 11 am to 4 pm. Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts welcomes shoppers Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 4 pm through December.

 

Whether you're shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, Whiting Mills Holiday Open Studio’s is a one-of-a-kind seasonal experience where holiday magic, art, and community spirit come together under one historic roof.

A Season of Style: Holiday Decorating @ Ridgefield Holiday House Tour

The holidays are a magical time when our homes shine their brightest—warmed by twinkling lights, festive garlands, and the cozy glow of seasonal spirit. And if you’re looking for next-level inspiration to elevate your holiday décor this year, look no further than the Ridgefield Holiday House Tour on December 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each year, six remarkable properties, each with its own story and charm, open their doors to visitors, revealing how interior designers and homeowners weave timeless holiday style into every corner.

The Book Barn

You’ll step inside treasures like The Book Barn, a lovingly restored 18th-century barn that once housed Emmy Sloan’s bookshop and tea retreat, and the William Jones House, a stately Greek Revival home filled with period furnishings and enduring grace. The tour also features the elegant Lewis Bailey House, an early-Victorian Italianate villa linked to one of Ridgefield’s prominent businessmen.

The William Jones House

History enthusiasts will be captivated by the Edwin Benedict House, an early 1800s farmhouse with fascinating ties to the post–Battle of Ridgefield era, as well as the peaceful Rectory at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and its adjacent Colonial Revival sanctuary. 

On the Orchard Estate

For those who appreciate a touch of the contemporary, the Orchard Estate blends modern Colonial style with the rich legacy of its historic grounds, once known simply as “The Orchard.”

Lounsbury House - Event Central!

Serving as the heart of the festivities, on Main Street, the Lounsbury House, the former home of Governor Phineas Chapman Lounsbury, will glow with holiday lights and excitement. Here, guests can pick up tour tickets, browse the Holiday Market, and try their luck at the always-popular raffle featuring fabulous prizes from local businesses. Best of all, the Holiday Market and Raffle are open to the public, so everyone can join in the holiday cheer!

The Rectory

Tickets for the highly anticipated Ridgefield Holiday House Tour are on sale now at

https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/programs-events/house-tour/, and they're expected to sell out fast! Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 6, 2025, and get ready to experience the magic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose from convenient timed entry slots at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., or 1:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy bus transportation between beautifully decorated homes in southern Ridgefield, with two special sites just a short walk from the historic Lounsbury House. For more details or to secure your tickets, visit the website, email info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org, or call 203-438-5821

Whether you’re decorating a cozy apartment or a big family home, the Ridgefield Holiday House Tour proves that inspiration is just around the corner. Let this charming Connecticut event light up your creative spirit—then bring that glow back home.

The Lewis Bailey House

About the Ridgefield House Tour 

The Ridgefield Holiday House Tour is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the festive season while discovering the rich architectural tapestry that makes Ridgefield truly unique. Presented by the Ridgefield Historical Society and Tiger Hollow, Inc., this tour celebrates the town’s fascinating evolution, one stunning home at a time. As Llewellyn Cheng, event co-chair and founder of LL & Co. Architecture + Interiors, shares, “We’re proud to collaborate on something that supports both the town’s heritage and its sense of community. It’s a magical event that brings neighbors together in the spirit of the holidays.”

The classic Edwin Benedict House

Each stop along the tour offers a captivating glimpse into Ridgefield’s past, allowing you to experience firsthand how the town has grown and thrived over the centuries. We extend a warm thank you to the Karla Murtaugh Homes Team, the event’s Presenting Sponsor, for their unwavering generosity and support. As Stephen Bartkus, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Historical Society, notes, “Karla and her team have long been champions of community events and nonprofits throughout Ridgefield. Their partnership helps keep this beloved tradition alive and thriving.”

Wreath Workshop at Great Mountain Forest Features Rare Conifers

 There’s nothing quite like getting into the holiday spirit by crafting your own festive wreath—especially when you’re working with fragrant greens foraged by the expert hands of the Great Mountain Forest (GMF) team. This year’s Holiday Wreath Workshop, taking place on December 6 and 7, is the perfect opportunity for crafters of all ages and skill levels to come together at the cozy Mountain House Barn, located at 200 Canaan Mountain Road in Falls Village. You’ll get to create a nature-inspired wreath that’s truly one-of-a-kind, featuring boughs from some of the world’s most unusual conifer species!

With two sessions offered each day—one from 9 am to 12 pm, and another from 1 pm to 4 pm—you can choose the time that works best for you. The workshop is just $40 per person, and all materials are provided, although it is recommended that you bring your own shears as well as your sense of fun and creativity! Tickets are available now at greatmountainforest.org/events

What sets wreath-making at GMF apart is its storied past, rooted in forestry experimentation, adaptability studies, and a love for global biodiversity. Back in the 1950s, GMF’s Ted Childs and forest manager, Darrell Russ, an early member of the Exotic Conifer Association, began planting conifer species from across the globe. Their goal was to showcase non-native trees for students, scientists, and visitors, and to see which trees would thrive in Connecticut. These living experiments not only delighted students and scientists, but also were helpful to Christmas tree growers searching for new and adaptable varieties.

 

Over the decades, GMF grew and sold thousands of Christmas trees—ranging from familiar white and blue spruces to lesser-known species like King Boris fir, Nordmann fir, and Meyerii spruce. Though large-scale tree production has ended, the legacy of those plantings lives on in some of the boughs available for this year’s wreath workshop, ensuring each wreath is truly one-of-a-kind. “We’re excited to share this living history with our community,” says Mike Zarfos, Executive Director of GMF. “Every wreath is a gateway abroad, crafted from conifers you simply won’t find anywhere else in Connecticut. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate both the holidays and our region’s forestry heritage.” 

Workshop attendees will enjoy a cozy, collegial atmosphere—snacks, hot cider by the wood stove, expert tips from GMF educators and trustees, and hands-on help to perfect their creation. Participants will also learn how to care for their wreath to keep it fresh, discover the story behind the unusual greens, and take pride in a sustainable decoration: all materials are locally foraged and compostable. 

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.

 

Dr. Ray Sullivan Returns to Present “The Hill That Made Middlebury Famous — or Infamous”

 The Middlebury Historical Society is delighted to welcome back Dr. Ray Sullivan, M.D., for another captivating evening of local history and storytelling. On Wednesday, November 19, at 6:00 p.m., Dr. Sullivan will present his brand-new lecture, “The Hill That Made Middlebury Famous — or Infamous,” at the Shepardson Community Center Auditorium, 1172 Whittemore Road, Middlebury. Admission is free and open to all.

French soldiers going up Breakneck Hill

Dr. Sullivan, a retired surgeon and acclaimed historian, is no stranger to Middlebury audiences. He gained a devoted following with his previous lecture, “Rough Medicine: The Medicine and Surgery of the American Revolution,” which packed the house and left attendees inspired by tales of 18th-century courage and innovation. This time, Dr. Sullivan turns his attention to a legendary chapter in Middlebury’s own past: the story of Breakneck Hill.

Nestled just outside town, Breakneck Hill is more than a scenic landmark—it’s the site where French troops under General Rochambeau camped during their arduous journey home from Yorktown in 1782. The hill’s forbidding name speaks to its perilous slopes and the countless legends that have grown up around it. Through a lively blend of historic maps, original documents, and firsthand accounts, Dr. Sullivan will separate fact from folklore, exploring how this dramatic episode put Middlebury on the map during the closing days of the War of Independence.

What sets Dr. Sullivan apart is his unique perspective as both a surgeon and a historian. Drawing on his medical background, he paints a vivid picture of the suffering and resilience experienced by soldiers—exhaustion, wounds, and illness—as they struggled through the New England landscape. At the same time, his meticulous research uncovers how these hardships forged powerful bonds between allies, and how the memory of this brief but significant encampment became woven into the fabric of local identity.

Dr. Sullivan in period clothes

This special lecture also supports the Middlebury Historical Society’s ongoing Rochambeau Memorial Project, which will soon see a bronze monument rise at Meadowview Park in tribute to the French soldiers who shared in America’s fight for independence. Dr. Sullivan’s engaging presentations and scholarly work continue to illuminate the human stories behind these historic events, reminding us all why places like Breakneck Hill still inspire reflection and gratitude today.

Dr. Ray Sullivan served for over thirty years as a general and oncologic surgeon at Waterbury Hospital Health Center, including as chief of staff. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Medical Advisor for the Brookfield Health Department, he is also an author, lecturer, and Revolutionary War reenactor whose passion for the past brings history to life.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience living history in your own backyard! No reservations are needed. For more information, visit www.middleburyhistoricalsociety.org or email 
or email president@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org.

Tours of Distinction Announces Five New Tours for 2026: Experience the World—And the Cosmos—Like Never Before

 Tours of Distinction (TOD), a premier provider of curated travel experiences, is excited to announce the launch of five brand-new tours for 2026. These immersive journeys are created for travelers who seek to see new places, and, more importantly, to experience them. “At TOD, we don’t believe travel is just about checking off destinations—it’s about immersing yourself in life-shaping, memorable moments,” says TOD's President, Tyler Zajacz. “These five new experiences are created to awaken your curiosity, rejuvenate your spirit, and enrich your understanding of the world.”

 Explore the New 2026 Tours

1. Spain’s Solar Eclipse Journey

Travelers will embark on an epic ten-day journey through Spain, visiting iconic cities, such as Barcelona, Valencia, Cordoba, Madrid, and Seville, culminating in a once-in-a-century celestial event. From the surreal architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona and cooking classes in Valencia, to the Moorish grandeur of the Alhambra in Granada, this tour reveals layers of historic and cultural discovery. The tour ends with a breathtaking viewing of the total solar eclipse in Segovia on August 12, 2026. Click here for the trip itinerary

The majestic Alambra

2. Iceland’s Solar Eclipse and Natural Wonders

On this tour, we will experience the 2026 total eclipse amidst Iceland’s stark natural beauty. Over the course of six days, you’ll explore glacial lagoons, traverse ancient lava fields, marvel at steaming geothermal wonders, and stand in awe before majestic waterfalls. Iceland’s mild summer temperatures and famously dark skies create the perfect conditions for viewing this astronomical event. It’s a rare opportunity to combine the thrill of a celestial spectacle with the raw, untamed beauty of one of the world’s most captivating destinations! Click here for trip details.

Iceland's Waterfalls... you will lose count!

3. Buffalo Round Up in South Dakota

Adventure tour enthusiasts and lovers of American history, get ready to ride into the heart of the Wild West with the launch of our brand-new immersive journey to South Dakota - a perfect blend of breathtaking wildlife, storied history, and awe-inspiring landscapes. This new travel experience offers a front-row seat to one of North America's most breathtaking wildlife spectacles—the annual Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park, where 1,300 buffalo thunder across the prairie. Our carefully curated adventure also takes you to the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park, the iconic faces on Mount Rushmore, the stirring Crazy Horse Monument, and the storied streets of Deadwood. And for a dash of nostalgia, you’ll hop aboard a scenic 1800s-era train ride through the legendary Black Hills. Whether you’re passionate about frontier legends or eager to witness the pageantry of the West, this unforgettable journey promises to make you part of the story. Click here for trip details.

History in Stone

4. Grand South Asia Journey: Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

This immersive, multi-country experience invites travelers to explore dynamic capitals, ancient civilizations, and artisan traditions while enjoying carefully guided access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant markets, and soul-stirring natural beauty. Southeast Asia is a mosaic of traditions, flavors, and breathtaking sites. This journey is thoughtfully crafted to strike the perfect balance between meaningful cultural encounters and exciting, hands-on fun. Picture yourself learning the secrets of local cuisine in a lively cooking class, gliding through the Mekong Delta in a bamboo basket boat, and strolling the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. Witness the magic of the sun rising over Angkor Wat, and feel awe-inspired by the glittering grandeur of Thailand’s Grand Palace. Every step is designed to immerse you in Asia’s most enchanting locations, promising memories that will last a lifetime. Click here for trip details.

Visit the largest temple in the world  in Cambodia

5. America 250 - A Heritage Tour

 In a stirring tribute to the enduring spirit of liberty and America's 250th birthday, TOD has created a journey tracing the birth of American freedom. This immersive, multi-city tour spans the historic Northeast Corridor, marking sites where courage and rebellion launched a nation. Stroll through the charming streets of Boston, Concord, and Lexington, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes. Feel the echoes of courage at every turn, and relive the moments when rebellion sparked the dawn of a new nation.

See the Concord Minute Man

Your adventure continues in New York City, where you’ll stand in awe before two of America’s most iconic symbols: the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These legendary landmarks served as gateways of hope for countless immigrants seeking a new life. In Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, you’ll explore Independence Hall—where the Declaration of Independence was signed—and reflect on the resilience that defined Valley Forge. Our tour’s grand finale awaits in Washington, D.C., with a visit to Mount Vernon, the picturesque estate of George Washington himself. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the enduring ideals of liberty, sacrifice, and unity. Click here for trip details.

Beautiful Barcelona 

Travel in 2026 is not just about seeing the world—it's about redefining how and why we explore it. Whether you're joining a new tour that supports emerging economies or chasing celestial wonders across Europe, this year promises meaningful and transformative experiences.