Sweeten Up Your Holidays with Handmade Chocolates!

Get ready to sweeten your holiday season with Thorncrest Farm and Milk House Chocolates in Goshen, Connecticut! This charming farm is crafting pure magic with its handmade, farm-fresh creations, perfect for spreading cheer and delighting chocolate lovers of all ages.

From whimsical Chocolate Santas and Jolly Snowmen to enchanting Snow-Capped Chimneys and intricately molded Chocolate Nutcrackers, their festive collection adds a touch of wonder to any holiday gathering. Imagine a Chocolate Christmas Tree as your centerpiece—both stunning and scrumptious! And let’s not forget their truffles—over 45 flavors, made fresh daily throughout the season.

Looking for a standout gift or stocking stuffer? Santa’s Chimney is a must-have. This white chocolate masterpiece features Santa with his sack of presents on one side and a festive wreath on the other—a unique treat that’s as delicious as it is charming. Another favorite is the Jolly Snowman, standing 3 ¼ inches tall and available in creamy Milk or rich Dark Chocolate. Tuck him into a stocking or place him at each setting on your holiday table for an extra sprinkle of joy.

And the indulgences don’t stop there! Don’t miss the dark chocolate peppermint bark, beautifully molded Nutcrackers, or the irresistible pecan caramel turtle eggs, freshly made in their creamery every day.

Whether you’re gifting, decorating, or treating yourself, Thorncrest Farm’s chocolates are the perfect way to make the season merry and bright. The shop is open now through Christmas Eve, Monday - Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Soar into Winter Fun: Junior Jump Camp At Satre Hill, Salisbury

When the snow starts to fall, there is no better time to embrace the outdoors and try something new and exciting! Once again this year the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) is hosting its annual Junior Jump Camp on Friday and Saturday, December 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Satre Hill, Indian Cave Road, Salisbury, Connecticut. This fun-filled introduction to ski jumping is open to children aged 7 and up. This unforgettable two-day event is packed with fun, learning, and just the right amount of thrill.

Does your child have a taste for winter adventure? Love a good challenge? Or maybe, just enjoys being outdoors in the fresh winter air? This camp is tailor made for them.

 Best of all this two-day camp doesn’t require any prior experience. Children participating in this program should bring their own helmet and alpine skis. Although all levels are welcome, beginners will learn the basics of ski jumping including techniques for jumping safety. When participants feel comfortable, they can jump the smallest of jumps on their alpine skis. Jumping equipment is provided at no extra charge when they are ready for it. This experience isn’t just about individual skills it fosters camaraderie, good sportsmanship, and confidence.

 

Affordable Family Fun

 The cost for this two-day escapade is just $50 per child! That’s two full days of instruction, fun, and memories that will last a lifetime. Lunch is also included. To register please email kennethsbarker@gmail.com or visit jumpfest.org. Spots are limited so don’t wait to long to start your children on this winter adventure.

 

About Salisbury Winter Sports Association

The Mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint our nearby communities, especially the children, with Nordic ski-jumping, cross country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment and lifelong pursuit. As part of its mission, SWSA hosts and perpetuates the annual ski-jumping competition on Satre Hill to sustain ski jumping in Salisbury and the Eastern United States.

Beecher Memorial Restored On the Litchfield Green

Since 1908, a memorial to the Beecher family has stood in the center of Litchfield. Members of the Litchfield County University Club raised funds for a field stone monument on the East Green, on the site where Lyman Beecher preached between 1810 and 1826.

The group commissioned a bronze tablet and medallion featuring the likenesses of two of Lyman’s children, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry Ward Beecher, both of whom were born in Litchfield. (Harriet Beecher Stowe is known best as the author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and Henry Ward Beecher was a clergyman and social reformer who supported the abolition of slavery.)

A century later, the memorial was in jeopardy. A widened road and overhead branches accelerated the monument’s deterioration and obscured its visibility. A group of volunteers organized in 2021 to plan for the memorial’s future. The committee, representing organizations and interests across Litchfield, created a restoration plan that prioritized making the memorial more accessible to pedestrians, maintaining the monument’s historic character, and using more durable materials and methods.

The restoration work is now complete. The public is invited to the rededication of the Beecher Memorial on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Litchfield (21 Torrington Rd.). The event will begin with welcome remarks and a brief history of the Beecher Memorial, followed by a presentation of the restored monument on the East Green. A reception will follow inside the First Congregational Church. 

The restoration work was generously funded by a grant from the Seherr-Thoss Foundations of Litchfield, with additional support from the Borough of Litchfield, Litchfield County University Club, and Greater Litchfield Preservation Trust. The relocation and restoration of the memorial’s stonework was completed by Litchfield resident and excavation contractor Matt Blasavage. Francis Miller of Conserve Art LLC, a leader in the conservation of monuments and outdoor sculpture, completed restoration of the bronze medallion and plaque.

Illuminate the Night: Join the Full Moon Walk with the Institute for American Indian Studies

Experience the magic of a nighttime winter walk under the last full moon of 2024 at the Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) on Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m. Embrace the whispers of the winter woods, the crisp air, and the scent of evergreens as you embark on this moonlit adventure.

The Magic of the Long Night Moon

This full moon, just before the Winter Solstice, takes the highest and longest path along the night sky. Known as the Long Night Moon, it shines above the horizon longer than most full moons, making this walk particularly special. Participants will walk along beautifully maintained wooded trails under this glistening celestial body, learning the various names Native Americans gave the December full moon and what it symbolized for them.

A Journey Through Time

As you walk, you'll discover how different Native American peoples traditionally used the monthly cycles of the moon and nature’s signs to track the seasons. One of the highlights of this experience is witnessing the beauty of December's full moon firsthand, just as Native American communities have done for centuries. Participants will learn that the Mohawks, among other Native American communities refer to this moon as the Cold Moon, aptly describing the chilly days and nights of the season.

The Perfect Ending

The woodland walk concludes at the recreated 16th-century Algonkian village, where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and traditional stories await. This unique setting provides the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the night’s experiences and the historical significance of the December full moon. Remember to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy shoes. If the weather looks iffy, check in with us using the contact info below. Space is limited, so pre-register using the link https://www.iaismuseum.org/event/winter-moon-walk-4 Cost: $5 for IAIS Members, $10 for Non-Members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits, and a replicated 16^th century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains and extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two eyed seeing,” visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates the more than 12,000 -year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

New Culinary Classes for 2025 at Undermountain Pantry

As the winter chill sets in, there's no better time to warm up with hearty, delicious meals. This season, Undermountain Pantry in Falls Village is offering an exciting lineup of hands-on culinary classes designed to celebrate the art of seasonal eating. From diversifying your cooking techniques to savoring a meal with fellow food enthusiasts, our sessions are a delightful way to expand your culinary horizons. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now!

January 11: Anti-Inflammatory Reset 

January 25: Root Vegetables Deep Dive 

February 1: Hearty Winter Soups 

February 8: Winter Greens Deep Dive 

March 1: Handmade Pasta Workshop 

March 15: Maple Deep Dive

Spring classes will feature foraged foods, a kitchen garden workshop, and more! 

Book your culinary adventure now at https://www.hotplate.com/undermountainpantry

2024 Holiday Market Features Indigenous Artists @ Institute for American Indian Studies December, 7 & 14 and 8 & 15

 Once again this year, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington is hosting a one-of a-kind holiday shopping experience that celebrates Native American culture. What makes this Holiday Market unique is that it offers both deeply traditional crafts and more contemporary artistic expressions rooted in Native American cultural experience. Vendors and artists represented here comprise a diverse and inspiring array of artists and experts in handmade crafts.

 

The Holiday Market throughout the Institute’s impressive exhibition galleries takes place on Saturday, December 7 & 14 and Sunday, December 8 & 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are so many gifts to choose from including Native American jewelry, paintings, photography, apparel, and candles, to decorative gourds, pottery, rattles, flutes and more at a variety of price points. The chance to talk with the artists who have created these one-of-a-kind objects and to learn about the culture that inspired them makes your gift purchase even more meaningful.

If you are shopping for pottery and decorative items check out Primitive Technologies that showcase wood fired pottery, decorative masks, and unique jewelry, Jeanne Morningstar Kent (Nulhegan Ban, Coosuk-Abenaki) who creates tribal art on gourds, and Eva Newell, a multi talented artist who offers a range of artwork from beadwork to paintings. For music lovers, Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe) is offering handmade Native American flutes as well as paintings and crafts. Shoran Piper, the Clan Mother of the Golden Paugussett Tribal Nation, is offering a variety of items from lotions and herbs to beaded jewelry, and dream catchers. Keith Rood (Metis) will be selling a beautiful selection of leather bags as well as fans, pottery, and stone blade knives, Eddie Cuevas of Taino Trinkets will be offering an array of handmade items, and Native Visions will be have an excellent selection of contemporary and traditional original paintings, limited edition prints, kachinas, Zuni fetishes and more created by Native American artists and craftsmen from the Plains and Southwest. Some vendors may not be present on certain days, so it is best to call ahead for details 860-868-0518. Also, there may be additional vendors participating that are not listed here. 

 The Museum's Gift Shop will be open and brimming with gifts large and small in many price ranges. Here, you will find a distinctive collection of Native American jewelry, including wampum jewelry crafted by regionally located Indigenous artists as well as silver and turquoise jewelry from the Southwest. For foodies, there is a wonderful selection of traditional Native American food products from Sweet Grass Trading Company from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and others. The gift shop also has a good selection of books and children’s items.

Although entrance to the museum and the Holiday Market is free, donations are always appreciated. A tour of the museum for a nominal fee is a fun and insightful experience that compliments this unique shopping experience. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland 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 that 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 on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

 

“JAZZING IT UP” with Sherman Chamber Music Ensemble

 

Join the Sherman Chamber Ensemble this Thanksgiving weekend for "All That Jazz" - a tribute concert celebrating the 100th birthdays of jazz legends Buddy Powell, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington – and the memory of the late Quincy Jones.

The concerts will take place on Saturday, November 30 at 4 p.m. at Christ Church, 17 Church Road in Pawling; Saturday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Salem Covenant Church, 96 Baldwin Hill Road in Washington, CT; and on Sunday, December 1 at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church, 1 North Main Street in Kent, CT. Eliot Bailen, Artistic Director and cellist of the Ensemble promises a concert of soulful and swinging music that pays tribute to these legends and their contributions to the genre. Bailen joins a most talented group of accomplished musicians including noted Jazz pianist Ted Rosenthal, Julia Bailen (vocals), Chris Parker (drums), David Bailen (double bass), David Bailen (vocals and percussion) and Susan Rotholz, (flute) in an exciting program that also includes selections from the Nutcracker Suite and the compositions of Astor Piazzolla. General Admission tickets are $30; children ages 16 and under are admitted free. Please purchase advance tickets online at www.SCEmusic.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door, subject to availability. For information or reservations call 860-355-5930.

Baskets, Bowls, And Wall Hangings Bring Holiday Joy @ Tina's Baskets Nationally Award Winning Weaver

 Joy comes in many forms, especially during the most wonderful time of the year, and nowhere more than at the Art Studio of Tina Puckett, a Nationally award winning woven artist located at Whiting Mills in Winsted. Puckett is known for her woven art, creative use of bittersweet, and dimensional weaving. 

Puckett is rolling out the red carpet and inviting folks to visit her Studio #305 in the Whiting Mills, an award winning complex of more than 40 artisans and craftspeople on weekends in November and December. A highlight of visiting the studio is meeting Tina, watching her weave, and learning what inspires her to create her sought after woven pieces. A pleasant surprise is the variety of woven items to choose from in addition to affordable price points. For custom orders or to set up an appointment tina@tinasbaskets.com or text 860-309-6934.

 

Many things make Tina's woven art unusual. Each piece is inspired by Tina's imagination and woven with hand-dyed reeds into beautiful dynamic shapes that will not be found anywhere else. What enhances the character of each piece is the addition of the Bittersweet Vine foraged by Tina in the woods near her home in northwest Connecticut. The natural beauty of bittersweet is at the heart of the inspiration of every piece and often dictates the form a basket, bowl, wall hanging, or sculpture will take.

 

“So many things in our world are automated and made by machines. It is with great pride that I hand-dye and hand-weave each basket, bowl, wall hanging, or sculpture from all-natural sustainable fibers,“ says Puckett. “Each basket is an original and often handed down as a treasured heirloom,” she continued. Visiting her festively decorated studio that is chock full of merrily made things is sure to get you in the holiday mood.

New this year and perfect for craft lovers are the classes suitable for all skill levels that Tina is offering. All classes take place in Tina's atmospherically inspiring Studio at Whiting Mills in Winsted. Part of the fun of is to choose the type of basket or bowl you want to weave, your color palate, and how much time you want to spend weaving it. Participants can choose a class on Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Classes are also being offered Monday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All participants will leave the class with a finished basket or bowl to take home. All materials are provided including a piece of locally foraged bittersweet vine or a wooden hoop, and a choice of hand-colored, custom reeds. All classes are by advance reservation only and can be made by clicking https://www.tinasbaskets.com/classes

Tina’s Baskets located at Whiting Mills, 100 Whiting Street, Winsted will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, November 30 and 31, December 7 and 8, 14 and 15, and 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Sundays in December are extra special at Whiting Mills because 40+ studios will be open. In addition, the complex will be hosting Open Studios on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All the festively decorated studios will be open and Whiting Mills will be hosting special guest artists to add to the fun. If you work up an appetite, no worries, food trucks will be on the scene offering up seasonal favorite. 

 

About Tina's Baskets

Tina Puckett is a nationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven art that is the owner of Tina's Baskets that is located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet, and a variety of objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at a variety of galleries across the United States as well as at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Connecticut Tour Operator offers Biggest Sale of the Year

Tours of Distinction, a Connecticut based Tour Company in business for 50 plus years is thrilled to announce the biggest savings of 2024 on their 2025 vacations. Starting Thanksgiving Day and going through Monday, December 2, Tours of Distinction is offering a 20% discount on their entire travel portfolio. 

Head to National Parks in America's West

 “Tours of Distinction is committed to offering travelers exceptional value to foreign and domestic destinations,” said Tyler Zajacz, President of Tours of Distinction. “Whether you are planning a three or four day trip or a two week vacation to Europe or Asia, we offer incredible experiences and great deals. One of our most important goals is to give our travelers authentic experiences that give them the most for their money, “ Zajacz continued. 

Have a love affair with Italy

With an impressive travel portfolio of 65 destinations and 150+ tours ranging from Japan to Nova Scotia, the Canadian Rockies to Thailand, and Switzerland to Utah, to name a few, there is something to suit everyone’s wanderlust. To book your vacation http://toursofdistinction.net today. 

Cruise the Canals in France in Style

About Tours of Distinction 

Tours of Distinction has been providing full inclusive, quality guided group tour travel for more than 50 years. We offer day tours, multi-day tours, and 7 to 14 day excursions domestically and internationally. Tours included everything from start to finish and are always fully escorted by a knowledgeable and professional Tour Director.

Make Holiday Wreath Inspired by Nature @ Great Mountain Forest

 A quintessential symbol of the holidays, the wreath, is practically de riguer for yuletide decorating. Making a wreath from locally foraged greens and pinecones gathered by the staff of Norfolk/Canaan’s Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a gratifying way to add festive flair, naturally, to your home. Best of all, GMF’s Wreath Workshop features boughs from species you will not encounter anywhere else! Join staff educators, Matt Gallagher and Vicki Nelson, as well as GMF Trustees, volunteers, and friends on Saturday December 7, or Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at their annual Holiday Wreath Workshop to make a wreath inspired by nature with materials harvested from GMF.

Resources in Great Mountain’s 6,000 unfragmented acres of forest are always changing and evolving. Some of the greens used in this workshop come from trees that were planted experimentally over the past century, and not native to the area. Due to climate change, and other stressors, many of these species are aging out. Don’t miss the chance to work with them before they’re gone! Greens from the Veitch Fir, a species native to Japan with its lustrous dark green foliage above and white bands below, and Oriental/Caucasian Spruce, native to Europe’s Caucasus and Pontiac Mountains with short, shiny, deep green needles will give your wreath a unique look that cannot be replicated with more common or artificial greens. Participants may also choose from a variety of locally foraged native greens, berries, and cones such as White Spruce, Eastern White Pine, Northern White Cedar, Mountain Laurel (Connecticut’s State Flower), Winterberry Holly, and Juniper. There will also be four to five different types and sizes of pine, spruce, and hemlock cones to choose from as well as an array of ribbons and decorative items.

 

Friends old and new will gather around a warm wood stove as they make their wreaths while sipping hot cider and enjoying a variety of snacks. Great Mountain Forest’s staff is always at the ready to help. A bonus of this workshop is that tips will be given on how to properly care for your wreath to keep it fresh throughout the season. You will also learn a bit about each species. One important reason why this wreath will last throughout the holiday season is because the greens were locally foraged at their peak freshness by Great Mountain’s professional foresters. Additionally, using natural greens is eco-friendly and sustainable, because they can be composted after the holiday season.

Tickets are available online by clicking here https://greatmountainforest.org/events The cost of the workshop is $40 and includes all materials. Participants are asked to bring their pruning sheers and sense of fun and creativity to spread holiday cheer. The workshop will take place at the atmospheric Mountain House Barn located on 200 Canaan Mountain Road in Falls Village.

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 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.

 

 

Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s Annual Ski and Skate Sale – December 7th

For decades the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) has paved the way for winter sports in the Litchfield Hills. From ski jumping to Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding opportunity abounds in northwest Connecticut. If you are looking to resell your equipment or upgrade on a budget head to the annual SWSA Ski Swap and Sale on Saturday, December 7^th at the Lakeville Hose Company at 4 Brook Street from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., pick –up and payment from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.

SWSA, a 90 year old tradition in Salisbury, is an all volunteer, non profit organization dedicated teaching young athletes the skills needed to enjoy the exhilaration of Nordic ski jumping, cross-country, and Alpine skiing that instills a life-long sense of accomplishment and confidence. As part of their mission, SWSA offers a series of training classes, competitive events, and a winter jump camp overseen by a former SWSA jumper and member of the US Junior National Team. They also host the annual Jumpfest Competition and the U.S. Eastern Ski Jumping Championships that will be held this year on January 31, February 1 – 2, 2025.

 

Whether you want to upgrade, sell, or start a new hobby, you will find everything you need to outfit your family’s winter sports needs at this sale. For bargain hunters there will be used skates starting at $2, skis and snowboards starting around $50, and ski boots for $10 and up. In addition to used equipment, you will find a large selection of new winter sports equipment and clothes including ski hats, parkas, gloves, goggles, and socks as well as snow shoes, and downhill and cross country ski boots and binders at discounted prices.

 

If you have equipment to sell, drop off your items at the Lakeville Hose Company on Friday, December 6 between the hours of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Used equipment that will be accepted includes downhill and cross country skis, boots, and poles, ice skates, hockey equipment (no sticks), snowboards, and snowshoes. Clothing is not accepted. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon, participants can pick up unsold equipment and money from things that sold - the good news is that SWSA doesn’t take a commission! Any equipment not picked up will become the property of SWSA. Proceeds from the sale will benefit several SWSA ski programs offered to young athletes. For additional information https://jumpfest.org.

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION

The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross –country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut, and the Eastern United States.

 

Learn the Ancient Tradition of Corn Husk Weaving @ Institute for American Indian Studies

During this month of gratitude, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is hosting a Corn Husk Weaving Workshop on Saturday, November 23rd at 1 p.m. Participants will learn the ancient art of weaving beauty from simple cornhusks into a seasonal craft perfect for gift giving. 

Originating in South America, corn didn’t reach New England until about 1000 years ago. Corn was a useful crop that wasn’t grown just as a source of food. Many Native American traditions like the Three Sisters Garden, stories, and ceremonies like the Green Corn Festival encompass the importance of corn including weaving art and everyday items from cornhusks. A cornhusk is the outer leaf of the corn plant that protects the cob as it grows. Most of the time, this green outer shell is thrown out after corn is harvested. Readily available during the fall harvest season, skilled Native Americans and other artisans collect the husks and dry them until they turn an attractive shade of golden brown and are ready to be woven. 

At this workshop participants will join an IAIS educator for a hands-on class where they will create crafts made from cornhusks that are perfect for the holiday season to take home. Weaving with cornhusks has been around for thousands of years in Native American culture and this workshop presents a rare opportunity to experience a bit of Native American culture. 

Pre-registration for this workshop is required and can be made online at iaismuseum.org. The price to participate which includes all materials, is $20 for non-members and $10 for members of the Institute.