Hit the Trail with Housatonic Heritage Walks Sept. 17 - Oct. 2

 Labor Day weekend has passed marking the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of what is known as Indian summer.  Although daytime temperatures in September have been warmer than usual, the evenings have been cool and crisp heralding the beginning of the fall foliage season.

 Hiking is an ideal way to explore the unspoiled landscape of the Litchfield Hills; and one way to do this is by participating in one of 60 plus guided hikes organized by the Upper Housatonic Valley National HeritageArea.   The Housatonic Heritage Walks will take you 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 participation in these guided walks are free of charge.

The annual Housatonic Heritage Walks kicks off on September 17 & 18, 24 and 25 and finishes up on October 1 and 2.  The hikes range from easy to challenging.  The tenderfoot and the seasoned outdoors person can both feel their spirits lift as they roam the hills and valleys of the unspoiled Litchfield Hills.

 On Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. families will enjoy a hike past Bulls Bridge, a historic covered bridge in South Kent and along the Appalachian Trail overlooking the Ten Mile River.  Along the way participants will learn about the history of the bridge and the Appalachian Trail as they keep their eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife -- so don’t forget your binoculars. This hike is 2.5 hours long trail. To register call 413-528-8002.

 The early history of the Litchfield Hills shows that it played an important role in the Revolutionary War as well as in our nations industrial development because of the production of iron ore.  If Connecticut’s industrial history is of interest to you don’t miss the hike, Cannons at 20 Paces on September 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.  Take a short walk along the Housatonic River in Falls Village on a sun-dappled trail that was once the site of an industrial complex. As you walk along this ¼ mile trail look for 19^th century foundations that stand as a testament to the iron industry that once thrived in this bucolic village more than 150 years ago.  Participants will learn about how this factory produced the most powerful cannon of the Civil War.  This hike is also scheduled for September. 24 and October 1 at 11 a.m.

On Sunday, September 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 hikers will enjoy a leisurely ¼ mile stroll through an orchard of 300 chestnut trees 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 and the efforts of the Great Mountain Forest to revive them.

Hikers are invited to explore Coords Preserve with town historian and Warren’s land trust officer on Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hikers will have the opportunity to walk through a variety of habitats including a wetland area, and hardwood forest.  A highlight of this walk is the exploration of an old cellar hole and a stroll around a beaver pond.  Make sure to wear sturdy footwear on this three mile hike that will take about two hours.  To register call 860-868-6724.

If you are intrigued by caves, and want to scramble over rocks and squeeze through a tunnel don’t miss one of the three one- hour guided tours of Torys Cave in New Milford on Saturday, September 24 at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.  This small cave whose tunnel descends more than 50 feet into the earth and opens up into a small room is one of the very few that are open to the public in Connecticut. Participants will learn about caving, bat biology and how this cave is managed.  Make sure to wear long pants and shirts, sturdy boots and don’t forget gloves.  Pre-registration is necessary; to register call 860-927-1927 or email info@weantinoge.org.

Visit three forest preserves located in Cornwall on October 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 pm to learn about the natural history of white pine trees. The hike begins at the historic Cathedral Pines that was nearly destroyed in a 1989 tornado that devastated the area.  Hikers will see first hand how regrowth is re-establishing this forest. The next preserve is Ballyhack that is well known for its beautiful old growth pines and the final destination is Gold’s, an old growth pine forest that has been thinned many times to promote regeneration. There is about 2 miles of easy walking trails and a 4-mile drive between each of the preserves. To register 860-672-2325.

If you are interested in geology, don’t miss the tour of the new wing of the CT Antique Machinery Association’s CT Museum of Mining and Mineral Science on October 2 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in Kent. This evocative museum traces the story of Connecticut’s geological history and explains how the landscape was formed.   This gem of a museum houses one of the most extensive and varied collections of Connecticut minerals on display in the state.

For detailed information on additional hikes being offered by the Housatonic Heritage Area and for other dates these hikes are being offered, visit http://housatonicheritage.org/events/heritage-walks 

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Flea Market @ Lockwood Mathews Mansion Sept. 18

For anyone who loves to hunt for treasures, repurposed furniture, decorative accessories, and curiosities of all kinds, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum's Old Fashioned Flea Market is the place to be. The event, will take place on Sunday, September 18, 2016, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. at 295 West Avenue in Norwalk, CT, in Mathews Park.

Whether you enjoy bargains, face-painting, or a stroll down memory lane, this is such an enjoyable event as it offers something to everyone. The highlight of this event is than 80 vendors that will offer a variety of items from new, and used, to vintage. Treasures for sale include an interesting assortment of antiques, furniture, collectibles, jewelry, household items, clothing, and toys. The adventure of this event is that you never know what you will find!

Another highlight of this event is the classic and antique car show that is sure to delight the car buffs in the group. Shop while listening to swing and jazz music  from 12p.m. -1 p.m. A flea market favorite is the all-American BBQ. A highlight of this event is the classic and antique car display from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

The Museum will also be open for mini-tours from 12 noon to 4 p.m.. Visitors will be invited to walk throughout the Museum's period rooms on the first floor and view an iconic Victorian era mansion for only $5.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark. For more information on schedules and programs please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

About the Flea Market

Proceeds will benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. The Museum has donated several booths to area nonprofits who will share their message and mission with attendees.

A Trio of Fall Exhibitions at the Mattatuck Museum

The Mattatuck Museum located on 144 West Main Street is hosting three different exhibitions highlighting a variety of sculptures from dry wall reliefs and Arabic abstractions to a series of paintings.

The first exhibit that runs from September 9 through October 23 and is called The Geometry of Passio. It is the work of Arthur Carter. Carter's abstract sculptures allude to human gestures and interactions and often reflect his interest in mathematics, graphic design and minimalism. Newspaper work instigated the shift to art-making. For Carter, the process of laying-out and designing newspaper pages generated an interest in graphics. He moved from the two-dimensional printed page to three-dimensions using stainless steel, a material that had been familiar to him since his days at Officer Candidate School where he learned welding. This exhibition will feature Carter's sculptures, paintings, and works on paper. There is a reception with the artist on Friday, September 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A second show, also on display from September 9 - October 23 is called A State of Strain and is the work of Ryan Roa. This exhibition features sculptural installations in multiple locations throughout the museum. In addition to his Space Drawings (created by stretching industrial bungee cords to capacity), the exhibit includes Roa's steel mesh floor sculptures, dry-wall relief sculptures, charcoal drawings and a light show in the storefront located across the Green from the Museum. There is a reception with the artist on Friday, September 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Rigorous and Surprising, the Art of Steven Naifeh begins on September 15 and runs through November 6 with a reception on September 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In painting and sculpture, Steven Naifeh explores the affinity between the geometric abstraction of Western art and the millennium-old tradition of Arab and Islamic abstraction. The 15 large-scale works in this exhibition reflect the many shared influences between them. Naifeh typically works in series, several of which are represented here. In some, the geometric form remains constant while scale and color change. Colors run a beautiful rainbow of jewel tones – gemstones and precious metals. Sometimes Naifeh translates his paintings into limestone sculptures. All offer rich ideas for exploration: formal beauty, the nature of abstraction and the intersection of mathematics and art.

For more information on the Mattatuck Museum and for a list of programs and events visit the website at http://www.mattatuckmuseum.org.  For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Ride the Rails - A Chocolate Decadence Tour!

On September 23 something sweet is going on in Thomaston Connecticut at the Railroad Museum of New England located on 242 East Main Street. Haight Brown Vineyard, Fascia's Chocolates and the Railroad Museum of New England have teamed up and are offering the "Chocolate Decadence Sunset Tour" that is a sure way to indulge in locally made wine and chocolate. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience, because the only other place in the world where you can take a "chocolate" train is in Switzerland.

 The event kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Thomaston Station off of Rte. 6 with a reception featuring hor d"oeurves, live music, wine and even wine tastings. The train departs the station at 7:15 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. there will be a bubbly toast on the face of the scenic Thomaston Dam. Don't forget to bring your camera or cell phone for photo opportunities.

 The trip continues as you pass lovely scenery while savoring fine wines from Haight Vineyard, Connecticut's first farm winery and chocolates from Fascia's, a chocolate company in Waterbury that has been making delectable chocolates for more than 50 years.

At 8 p.m. guests arrive for a private tour of Fascia's Chocolate Company. A visit to Fascia's gives you the chance to see how these delicacies are made, take a tour, taste treats, even try your hand at making your own custom bar of chocolates, and of course, load up on freshly made chocolates at the factory store. A freshly baked chocolate lava cake will also be served.

Guests depart Fascia's Chocolate Company at 9:15 and arrive back at the Thomaston Station at 9:30 p.m. The ticket price is $75 per person and includes a scenic train ride, wine, hor d' oeurves, Fascia's chocolates, your very own custom bar of chocolate, and dessert.

To reserve your ticket visit http://www.rmne.org.

Greenwich Makes History: An Evening with Lesley Stahl

The Greenwich Historical Society is hosting an event with the celebrated television reporter, Lesley Stahl, on October 5 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Greenwich Country Club located on 19 Doubling Road in Greenwich.

Who wouldn't want to spend an evening with Lesley Stahl, celebrated television reporter and recent New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Grandma: The Joy and Science of the New Grandparenting. Ms. Stahl will share her views on the current political landscape, family and the future.

As one of America's most recognized and experienced broadcast journalists, Lesley Stahl's career has been marked by political scoops, surprising features and award-winning foreign reporting. She has been a 60 Minutes correspondent since March 1991, with the 2016-2017 season marking her 26th on the broadcast.

Prior to joining 60 Minutes, Stahl served as CBS News White House correspondent during the Carter and Reagan presidencies and part of the term of George H. W. Bush. Her reports appeared frequently on the CBS Evening News, with Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and later on other CBS News broadcasts. During that time, she also served as moderator of Face the Nation, CBS News' Sunday public affairs broadcast. She has received numerous awards for her journalistic achievement including a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 2003.

There are limited VIP tickets for a pre-event reception and book signing are available for $1,000. General admission tickets are $250. A copy of Stahl's new book is included in the ticket price. Reservations required and can be purchased online. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Greenwich Historical Society's Fund for Program Enrichment, newly established to support program initiatives, including education, exhibitions, public programs, digital collections and preservation. 

For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Special Garden Conservancy Days in Litchfield Hills

The Garden Conservancy has announced today that private gardens in Litchfield Hills will be open to the public on September 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and that admission to tour the private gardens on the tour is $7 per person per garden with the exception of the Hollister House Garden located on 300 Nettletown Road where the admission will be $10 per person but also include entrance to the rare plant sale that they are hosting.

The gardens at Castlebrae Farm located in Roxbury surround an 18th century farmhouse and include a cottage like mixture of shrubs, perennials and annuals. Of special note is the blue border and the rose border.

Maywood garden located on a private Bridgewater estate is a sucken garden that features a wide variety of perennials that are protected by stone walls that tower over the garden and are ten feet high. There is a lovely rose garden that has been designed in the French style that is surrounded by a circle of hemlocks as well as a gazebo garden with flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The property also has incorporated a ledge garden on an exposed hillside as well as a white garden, herb garden and even an ornamental kitchen garden. Don't miss a tour of the 4,000 square foot greenhouse where many of these plants are grown.

Red Mill Farm in Washington boasts an informal garden that surrounds a home that dates to the 1840s. A highlight of this property is the pre- Revolutionary sawmill. Visitors will delight in the tropical and half hard container plants, trellises of roses and clematis as well as the garden of roses and perennials. Don't miss a walk to the mill pond through the woodland area past sweeping lawns and wildflowers.

Hollister House Garden also located in Washington is a romantic walled country garden in a setting of great natural beauty and surrounded by meadows, fields and a lovely eighteenth century farmhouse. This garden is colorful and rambles amid this unspoiled landscape in a profusion of colors and shapes. Exploring this garden is like going from room to room in a home, with each area offering something different and yet always including a fabulous vista of the surrounding landscape. The cost of entrance on September 11 is $10 per person but also includes entrance to the Rare Plant Sale that is being hosted by the Hollister House Garden. The Hollister House Garden is also open Friday 2 p.m to 5 p.m and every Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, May to September.

Explore Six Historic Homes in Torrington Sept. 9 & 10

The second annual Torrington House tour is taking place this year on Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the preview party is slated to be held on Friday, September 9 from  5 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

The The 2016 Torrington house tour will feature 6 interesting homes ranging in age from 1800 to 2013. These homes offer an array of style, size and personal décor. This year's tour also includes two re-purposed dairy barns... one of which hosts an antique flea market and one of which has been restored for private events. The house tour homes have been lovingly cared for and are literally a tour through Torrington's history.

The houses include the Grosskost House, a colonial revival brick house built in 1934, the Harley T. Alling House built in 1918, designed by the well-respected Torrington architect, Edwin H. Waterbury, and the Leslie E. Clark House built in the tudor style in 1930.  Also on the tour is a farmhouse, Giles Whiting House,  built in  1800 and  listed on the State Register of Historic Places, the Alpheus Hodges House, ca 1855 at The Inn at Mount Pleasant Farm built in the Gothic Revival style home around 1855 and a large barn built in 1860 and listed on the State Register of Historic Places.  The final house on the tour is called Inverness, it is a grand contemporary that was built in 2013; a highlight of this home is the 30 mile view overlooking Torrington and the Naugatuck River Valley.

The Preview Party on September 9 will begin with a bus tour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. of the featured homes.  The party continues from 7-9 party in the restored. post and beam barn at the Inn at Mt Pleasant Farm.The party includes: food, drink ,music and great ambiance. Preview Party attendees also receive free admission to the Saturday tour.

Tickets for the house tour on Saturday, September 10 are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the tour. The house tour includes a tour of six homes, shuttle bus (optional), and printed program. Some of the of the featured homes will have music and refreshments. Check in and shuttle buses are located at the NW CT Chamber of Commerce 333 Kennedy Drive Torrington. Tickets are available online.

Some like it hot... Darien Nature Center Hosts A Chili Challange

The Chili Challenge is back by popular demand on Saturday, September 17 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.  Hosted by the Darien Nature Center this will be the fourth year that local chefs  are rolling up their sleeves and competing for the title of "Best Chili."  The event will be held on the grounds of the Nature Center located on 120 Brookside Rd. in Darien.  Tickets are available online.

The competition will be fierce as competitors are a diverse group that includes participants from three firehouses, local restaurants and even grocery store staff that will create some of the most unusual and delicious chili that you will ever taste! There will be a panel of four distinguished judges, including the First Selectmen.

In addition to delicious chili, this event serves  up dancing to live music courtesy of the Truck Stop Troubadours, spirits, games and even a mechanical bull that is sure to keep everyone entertained. There will also be a variety of vegetarian and fish food options as well as culinary tastings from the Darien Cheese Shop and El Placerito Taco Truck. A highlight of this event is the silent auction that will feature many wonderful and valuable items and packages.

For more fall area event information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.http://www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Demonstration of Contemporary Nantucket-style Basket-making @ Wilton Historical Society

Basket artist Gail Halvorsen will demonstrate how she creates her artwork at this informal, informative gallery event on Friday, September 9 from 12:30 – 2:00 at the Wilton Historical Society. 

Her extraordinary work is now on view there in the Burt Barn Gallery in the exhibition Hickory, Ash & Reed: Traditional Baskets, Contemporary Makers.  Halvorsen’s contemporary Nantucket baskets are a distinctly American handcraft, harking back to the maritime cooper’s trade, which involves woodworking as much as basketry.  

At this event, participants will be able to see how the artist approaches the challenges of the art of basketry – materials, techniques and process. The demonstration will be followed by lunch with an informal question and answer session. 

Gail Halvorsen made baskets in her New Canaan, Connecticut workshop, set up years ago with the help of her renowned teacher, basket-maker and woodworker Harry Hilbert.  Teacher and student met in Hilbert’s workshop in 1994 where Halvorsen made her first “Nantucket” basket.  

Taken with the entire process of making a basket, she carefully selects her woods, makes her own molds, carves handles and waxes her finishes. “I am definitely drawn to certain colors and grains of wood. American cherry and curly maple are my favorites. The type of wood usually determines the shape and design of my basket. And, the hunt for beautiful wood is always an on- going challenge. You never know where you will find the perfect piece - fun!” she says. Facile with a woodturning lathe, band saw, drill press and other tools of the trade, Halvorsen credits the generous spirit of her influential teacher with her love of each aspect of the craft.

“I find the process of basket making to be stimulating, creative and calming. The choice of materials and design forms are endless and the repetitive motion of weaving allows one to be present and calm” says Halvorsen. 

The cost, including lunch, is $25 for Members of the Wilton Historical Society, $35 for Non-members. Space is limited, please register at info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257

The Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT  06897   www.wiltonhistorical.org

Hollister House Hosts Rare and Unusual Plant Sale

Perfect for garden enthusiasts, the Hollister House Garden located on 300 Nettleton Hollow Road in Washington has once again organized their annual ‘Rare and Unusual Plant Sale’ Saturday, September 10^th and Sunday, September 11^th.  Garden enthusiasts will discover rare plants from vendors from around the country at this special sale.  From local Connecticut based nurseries, to specialty nurseries from Pennsylvania to Oregon, eleven vendors will be on the premises with very unusual plants for sale.

Visitors can choose two ways to attend this event   The first, is the ‘Early Buying’ option on Saturday, September 10^th that includes admission to one of the most premier gardens in New England as well as admission to an exclusive cocktail party that takes place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  The cost is $45 per person.  The second option is the ‘All-Day Plant Sale’ on September 11^th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.   The cost for Sunday's all day plant sale is $10 per person and includes admission to the garden and plant sale. 

Plant Sales held in the fall offer ideal timing for garden planning”, says George Schoellkopf of Hollister House Garden “it is true that most shrubs and trees and many perennials are perfectly happy to be planted in the fall and will gather strength over the winter to give a decent first showing the following spring, whereas plants planted in the spring will take another year to settle in and can suffer from drought their first summer. It is our goal to present plants at our sale which would not ordinarily be available for purchase to the general public. To that end we have gathered together a carefully chosen group of specialist growers who offer a truly outstanding choice of the latest hybrids in addition to hard-to-find classic shrubs, trees and herbaceous perennials.”

Cricket Hill Garden Chinese Peony

The eleven nurseries that will be on premises for the ‘Rare and Unusual Plant Sale’ include; Berkshire Orchids, Broken Arrow Nursery, Conifer Kingdom, Cricket Hill Garden, Falls Village Flower Farm, Garden Vision Epimediums, The Green Spot, Linden Hill Gardens, McCue Gardens, Meadowbrook Gardens and Opus.  “I look forward to the Hollister House Plant Sale every year. It’s the fall equivalent of Trade Secrets, with an exceptionally well informed group of nursery people and plant connoisseurs in attendance.  I will be bringing a wide variety of bare root and potted tree and herbaceous peonies ready for fall planting. I will also have a great selection of unusual fruit trees; espaliered mulberries, antique cultivars of Perry pears, as well as PawPaws and American persimmons.” says Dan Furman of Cricket Hill Garden. 

The Rare and Unusual Plant Sale ‘Early Buying and Cocktails in the Garden’ tickets for Saturday, September 10^th are $45 and available through reservation at http://www.hollisterhousegarden.org/events/cocktails-and-early-buying-at-the-sale-of-rare-and-unusual-plants/.  Tickets for the ‘All-Day Plant Sale and Garden Admission will be available for $10 purchase at the gate.   For more information visit the Hollister House Website   For more area information on Litchfield Hills visit www.litchfieldhills.com

About Hollister House Garden

Hollister House Garden is open to visitors April 30th through October 1. Friday hours are 2-5PM and Saturdays 10-4PM. Private group visits are welcome weekdays by appointment only.  Directions to the garden’s 300 Nettleton Hollow Road location are also available on the website.  Contact:  Pamela Moffett, 860-868-2200 or email: office@hollisterhousegarden.org. 

Labor Day bargains for three days @ Hitchcock Chair Company!

Perfect for bargain hunters and for collectors of fine furniture at affordable prices, thehe Hitchcock Chair Co., Ltd.,  located in the quaint village of Riverton nestled along the banks of the Farmington River in the Litchfield Hills is once again celebrating the end of summer with their historic Barn Sal Owners Rick Swenson and Gary Hath are hosting this Barn Sale at the main barn at the Riverton Fairgrounds located in the center of Riverton on Rte 20 and in their retail store at 13 Riverton Road, Riverton, CT on September 3, 4, and 5 from 10:00 am through 5:00 pm each day.

In the barn, shoppers will find special savings on brand new chairs and tables, as well as scratch and dent pieces, factory seconds, fully restored items, and "gently used" furniture. This year's sale will also feature a hundreds of restored and "as is" items from the historic Yankee Pedlar Inn, which recently closed. Visitors are also invited to go to the main retail store at 13 Riverton Road for sale prices on all in stock merchandise and to see special one-of-a-kind pieces.

The Hitchcock Chair Co., Ltd. is one of the few furniture companies with 100% of pieces made from start to finish in the United States. Wood from northeastern states, parts manufacturers in New England and Pennsylvania, every piece created by hand in their Riverton factory. 

For more information, visit  www.hitchcockchair.com, or contact the store at 860-738-9958. For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com