Celebrate the 9th Annual Winter Weekend in Norfolk – February 21 & 22, 2026

 Get ready to experience winter at its finest during the 9th Annual Winter Weekend in Norfolk (WIN), happening Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22. Set in the hills of northwestern Connecticut, every winter Norfolk transforms into a lively hub of creativity, community, and cold-weather charm. Whether you're drawn by outdoor adventures, art exhibits, or toe-tapping live music, WIN brings together the best of small-town charm and seasonal cheer. Enjoy everything from concerts to hands-on workshops and family-friendly events—all wrapped in the winter beauty of New England. The best part of WIN is that most events are free! For a full lineup and details of events and activities, be sure to visit weekendinnorfolk.org 

Instagram worthy photos abound at WIN

Free Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

 You may want to start your adventure by joining photographer Doug McDevitt for a hands-on Winter Photography Workshop, where you’ll pick up expert tips on capturing the season’s natural glow and composing truly stunning shots. Then, step outside and explore the breathtaking, unspoiled beauty of Norfolk—a true winter wonderland just waiting to be framed. It's the perfect chance to sharpen your skills while creating images worthy of Instagram! 

Go on a photo safari!

Nature lovers, you won’t want to miss the Norfolk Conservation Committee’s native wildflower seed giveaway! It’s the perfect chance to pick up some seeds and learn how to transform your own backyard into a buzzing pollinator paradise. If you lean more toward art and history, you’re in for a treat—take a tour of the stunning stained glass windows at Battell Chapel, Church of Christ Congregational and Immaculate Conception Church. These breathtaking works are historic masterpieces by renowned artisans like Louis Comfort Tiffany, D. Maitland Armstrong, and Franz Mayer of Munich. 

Exquisite stained glass windows by masters of the genre

For history buffs and fashion enthusiasts alike, The Romance of Worth: The Eldridge Sisters and the Centennial at the Norfolk Historical Society is a must-see. This captivating exhibition unveils decades of history through the lives of the Eldridge family, with a special spotlight on two bespoke gowns made by the House of Worth, the legendary 19th century Parisian fashion house credited with inventing haute couture. To deepen the experience, visitors are invited to a special gallery talk offering rare insights into the painstaking process of restoring these delicate garments for display. 

See a shoe fit for Cinderella!

For fans of interior design and historic craftsmanship, WIN offers another wonder: a live demonstration of the ancient art of chair rushing—a practice dating back to the 4th century BCE, at the Berkshire Store. Artisan Susannah Anderson brings this timeless skill to life, weaving reeds and natural fibers to create supportive, beautiful seats right before your eyes. Rushing, along with other seat-weaving techniques such as cane and Danish cord, reflects generations of practical artistry that remains relevant in artisanal furnishing today. After soaking in fashion history, and living craftsmanship, round out your WIN day out at Joseph Stannard Antiques & Design’s open house. 

Watch a beloved heirloom come back to life and usefulness

Art aficionados can dive into Norfolk’s vibrant scene as well. Explore two artists’ studios, Ruthann Olsson’s and Cheryl Heller’s, and connect with artists Katie Atkinson and Jeremiah Bickford during special Meet the Artist sessions to uncover the inspiration behind their work. And be sure to see the pop up art show by the Norfolk Artists & Friends at Wildwood 1880, a classic Victorian inn; they’ll be holding an early bird reception on Friday evening. Wildwood 1880 is also hosting a pop-up bakery and bookshop to add to the fun. 

Experience the magic of pop-ups at Wildwood1880

Sports enthusiasts, don’t miss the action at the Norfolk Curling Club, where you can soak up the excitement of live curling matches while enjoying refreshments in a cozy atmosphere. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the fascinating strategy and teamwork behind one of the world’s oldest sports! If you’re a fishing fan, there’s a special Fly Tying workshop—perfect for both curious beginners and seasoned anglers eager to refine their craft. 

Learn about the ancient sport of curling

Families are well taken care of, too. On Sunday, the Hub transforms into a downtown haven for kids, offering children’s films, hot chocolate, and popcorn—all the ingredients for a perfect family outing on a chilly day, courtesy of the Hub and the National Iron Bank. And, up at Botelle Elementary School, there’s a blizzard of fun things for kids and their parents to do. As always, Norfolk’s love for music comes alive at this year’s Winter WIN. 

Family Fun abounds at WIN

Warm up with an exciting lineup—feel the energy of a brass quintet at the Norfolk Library, relax to the soulful sounds of Michael Cobb’s at The Hub, and be dazzled by award-winning pianist Po-Wei Ger’s classical concert. In addition to all these free events, there’s so much more happening. The Icebox Café and Berkshire Country Store are rolling out WIN Weekend specials you won’t want to miss, and two pop-up bakeries are joining the fun with irresistible treats. 

Scrumptious goodies

Then there are events that are ticketed, including a mushroom workshop, or that request a donation, such as an evening coffeehouse with live music and refreshments. 

Mushroom magic at Husky Meadows Farm

For a full schedule and the latest updates, visit weekendinnorfolk.org The WIN Committee, now in its twelfth year, is a volunteer-powered team dedicated to organizing Norfolk’s Summer and Winter WIN festivals. With support from town officials, the Economic Development Commission, and countless local organizations and individuals, these events welcome visitors from near and far to experience all that Norfolk has to offer

Experience the Art of Chair Rushing and Caning with Susannah Anderson @ Weekend in Norfolk

On Sunday, February 22, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Berkshire County Store, during Weekend in Norfolk, you will find Susannah Anderson, immersed in a craft that ties beauty, patience, and heritage together: chair rushing and hole to hole caning. With every meticulous weave, Susannah breathes new life into worn chairs, preserving heirloom furniture, and the rich, layered stories embedded in each seat. 

Susannah’s path to chair weaving began with a deeply personal motivation: a family heirloom. "When my in-laws downsized, they passed on a few pieces of furniture, including a pair of worn Danish modern chairs,” she recalls. Intrigued, and determined to restore them, she dove into online tutorials. In 2019, she re-wove the chairs. What many craftspeople love about rushing and caning is the almost the meditative rhythm of wrapping and knotting. There is something magical about watching the geometric patterns gradually unfold, transforming a tired chair back into both beauty and usefulness. For Susannah, each woven chair, is more than just a piece of furniture, it's a labor of love and a thread connecting decades of use. 

That initial spark soon ignited a wider passion. From Danish cord to ash splint, from a neighbor’s heirloom chair to a canoe seat her father was restoring, each new project added to her skill set. "I see rushing and caning as a way for people to be able to use a chair they love. If someone has had a chair with a broken seat for years it must mean something to them, to save it and be willing to put money into getting it fixed - or even a beloved thrifted item. People seem very glad to be able to use their chairs again," Susannah shares. 

Woven rush seating has a long and fascinating history, stretching all the way back to ancient Egypt, where bulrushes were transformed into strong, comfortable seats. Over the centuries, this craft grew in popularity—particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries in England and Colonial America, where country-style ladder back and spindle back chairs became household staples. Although the art of rush seating saw a decline in the 20th century, largely due to the loss of skilled craftsmen during wartime, it’s now making a wonderful comeback, thanks to renewed interest in the Arts and Crafts Movement. 

Today, rushing a chair involves working with both durable twisted paper—known as fiber rush—and natural materials like bulrush or twisted cattail leaves. The result is a beautifully textured, sturdy seat that combines practical strength with nostalgic charm. Chair caning, by contrast, uses the glossy outer layer of rattan palm vine to create a seat that’s lightweight, breathable, and remarkably strong. Whether cane is hand-woven through holes or pressed in as a pre-woven mesh, each technique adds its own distinctive touch. 

Susannah, a painter, brings her keen artistic eye and a true passion for craftsmanship to every restoration project. She carefully assesses each chair’s needs and applies time-honored techniques to restore its beauty and function. While the process may look effortless, it demands patience, strong hands, and meticulous attention to detail.

 Keeping these age-old crafts alive is not without its challenges. Materials are more expensive now, and handmade work is always a labor of love. As Susannah notes, “Trying to keep a project affordable, while making a living, as we say, is the ongoing challenge.” Yet, her commitment to restoration over replacement, and preservation over mass production, shines through in every project. 

Those lucky enough to visit her Sunday demonstrations get to witness something special: not just the repair of a chair, but the revival of a tradition. Each seat restored is a piece of history woven by hand, carried forward by dedication and artistry

For more information on Weekend in Norfolk visit http://weekendinnorfolk.org And, for information on the studio of Susannah Anderson visit https://www.susannahandersonart.com

Join A FREE Winter Photography Workshop @ WEEKEND inNorfolk — A Picture-Perfect Experience Awaits!

Join us for a picture-perfect adventure at the Weekend in Norfolk's Winter Photography Workshop on Saturday, February 21, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, led by talented photographer Doug McDevitt. There’s something truly enchanting about Norfolk, Connecticut in the winter—the crisp air, snow-laden pines, and timeless New England charm make it a dream location for photographers of all levels. What better way to embrace the season than by exploring your creativity in this magical setting?

A Splash of Color photo Doug McDevitt

This friendly, immersive workshop is free and open to everyone, whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills. Doug will guide you through both the technical and artistic sides of photography, covering everything from the unique advantages of film and digital cameras to composing more dynamic images and mastering natural light in winter landscapes. You'll also pick up real-world shooting strategies and learn how to maximize your camera’s settings for the best results.

The cascading beauty of Buttermilk Falls: photo:  Doug McDevitt

The workshop is thoughtfully divided into two parts:

• Classroom Session (1 hour inside the Norfolk Hub), where you'll dive into techniques and tips
• Hands-on Photography Walk (2 hours in scenic City Meadow), where you’ll practice capturing Norfolk’s winter beauty alongside fellow enthusiasts

Share your images with fellow photographers

Just bring your camera of choice (DSLR, mirrorless, smartphone, or film), bundle up in warm clothes, and come ready to explore! This isn’t just a learning experience—it’s a creative adventure in a storybook setting. Don’t miss the chance to see Norfolk at its winter finest and connect with a community of like-minded photography lovers. Come for the photos, stay for the inspiration!

For more information https://weekendinnorfolk.org

Discover American Coffee Culture at the “Boycott Tea!” Party Sunday, Feb. 15

Step back in time and taste the revolution at the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) this Sunday, February 15, 2026, for the launch of its bold new series: Tavern Culture: One Sip at a Time. The kickoff event, titled the “Boycott Tea!” Party, celebrates a defining moment in American culture—the shift from tea to coffee—and invites you to sample its rich legacy. 

☕ Why Coffee, Not Tea? 

In the wake of rising tensions with Britain during the 18th century, Americans began shunning tea in protest of taxation and imperial control. That cultural rebellion planted the seeds of the nation's modern-day love affair with coffee. Now, centuries later, you can explore that flavorful heritage in an engaging, sensory-filled program that brings history—and a fresh cup—to life. 

 🎤 Featured Guests 

The event will be hosted by KTM&HC’s Chief Curator, Catherine Prescott, and will feature Anne Mercer, co-owner of the acclaimed Connecticut-based roastery Victus Coffee. Together, they’ll unpack the intertwined stories of revolution, resistance, and roast while highlighting how colonial coffee preparation compares with modern techniques. Guests can look forward to: Fascinating historical insights into early American dining and drinking culture Live coffee brewing demos Tastings of multiple locally roasted coffees, including a historically inspired brew by Victus Coffee 

⏰ Event Details Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026 Time: Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for refreshments; program runs 2–3 p.m. Location: Garden House, Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center Tickets: $20 general admission, $12 for museum members (a 40% discount!) Register here https://keelertavernmuseum.org

About the Series 

Inspired by KTM&HC’s popular History on Tap event, the new Tavern Culture series will run through 2026. Each session pairs insightful dialogue with mouthwatering drink tastings,—from brewers to historians and culinary creatives.  Learn More For additional event details or to see the full series schedule, visit the official Boycott Tea! Party event page. 

Location: Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT Info Contact: info@keelertavernmuseum.org Celebrate tradition with a twist—sip history this Sunday!