Celebrate National Plan Your Vacation Day on January 27 with Tours of Distinction

National Plan Your Vacation Day is being celebrated this year on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This annual event is meant to inspire Americans to plan their vacation days for the year ahead — and actually take them. Tours of Distinction (ToD), a Connecticut-based tour operator that's been in business for more than 50 years, is encouraging travelers to embrace this opportunity and make vacation planning stress-free by working with a professional tour operator.

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island 

“We know that many Americans often don't take all of the vacation time they get,” said Tyler Zajacz, President of Tours of Distinction. “Countless studies have shown that taking time off has tremendous benefits for our physical and mental well-being. Vacations give us a chance to explore new places, reduce stress, and strengthen bonds with family and friends. And if you really want a low-stress experience, let a tour operator do all the work.”

 

Vacations should be enjoyable, not a source of stress. Many travelers are turning to professional travel advisors and tour operators for good reason. By booking with a reputable tour company, travelers can rest assured that every detail—from flights and accommodations to attractions and meals—is expertly managed. “All the logistics are handled by us, so travelers can simply pick a destination and enjoy,” Zajacz explains. With decades of experience and a trusted domestic and global network of supplier partners, these professionals provide invaluable peace of mind and personalized support before, during, and after the trip, ensuring the best experience and value for their clients.

Cruise the Danube with like minded travelers

This year, Tours of Distinction is experiencing exceptional demand for both international adventures and unique U.S. vacations. Travelers are particularly drawn to Small Luxury River Cruises on the Danube, where guests can unpack just once and discover the charm of iconic European cities such as Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg, Linz, and Bratislava. These cruises offer a luxurious and relaxed way to truly immerse oneself in the heart of Europe.

For those seeking extraordinary experiences, our Total Solar Eclipse Tours provide exclusive opportunities to witness a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event in breathtaking destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt, and Morocco. As Zajacz notes, "What makes this experience so sought after, is that will not be another total solar eclipse in these locations for another 365 to 410 years.”

Domestically, Mackinac Island, Michigan continues to captivate travelers with its car-free Victorian village atmosphere, where transportation is exclusively by horse-drawn carriage. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and a touch of nostalgia. Additionally, the upcoming America’s 250th Celebrationwww.toursofdistinction.net/tours/landtours/americas-250th-adventure-tour/and our special Route 66 Centennial Adventure offers historic stops and commemorative events, along this historic route. Our escorted tours to iconic National Parks like Yosemite and the Big Five in Utah are also experiencing a spike in interest.

America's National Parks inspire awe

Whether you’re dreaming of an exclusive European cruise, a national park getaway, or a front-row seat to a rare total solar eclipse, Tours of Distinction crafts a wide array of curated travel experiences to suit every taste and budget. As Zajacz puts it, “If you can dream it, we can plan it. Let National Plan Your Vacation Day be your sign to reclaim your travel time—trust us to handle every detail.

For more travel inspiration, tips, and to explore all 2026 tours, visit the Tours of Distinction website and begin planning the trip of your dreams—with none of the stress, and all of the distinction.

Ready to Run Wild? Join the Legendary Human Dog Sled Race at Jumpfest! February 6, 2026

 Get ready to make this winter legendary. JumpFest returns February 6-8, celebrating 100 years of ski jumping excitement, and you are invited to join the action! Don’t miss the chance to participate in JumpFest’s famous Human Dog Sled Race! Hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA), this is your ticket to outrageous fun, fierce competition, and memories you’ll be talking about all year. Best of all, on Friday night entry to Jumpfest is free to all. On Friday, February 6, 2026, Satre Hill lights up for an electrifying night. Watch Olympic hopefuls soar off the jumps, then stick around as the Human Dog Sled Race kicks off under brand-new, state-of-the-art lights. This isn’t just a race—it’s a full-throttle spectacle you won’t find anywhere else. 

Want in on the action? Cash prizes and ultimate bragging rights are up for grabs! Rally your crew of six (everyone 18+) and get ready to power your sled down a .3-mile snow-packed track. Five teammates pull, one rides shotgun—no huskies required, just pure human horsepower and plenty of laughs! But speed isn’t your only weapon. The People’s Choice Award goes to the most creative costumes and wildest sled designs. Go steampunk, go retro, go totally out there—if you can dream it, you can race it. Blow the crowd away and claim your place in Jumpfest history! 

Here’s how to join the fun: 

• Registration: Open now through Friday, February 6 at 6 p.m. Sign up at jumpfest.org. 
• Entry Fee: Just $25 per team—includes free Jumpfest admission! 
• Check-In: Arrive when the ticket booth opens at 6 p.m. to get set and secure your spot. 
• Race Time: The adrenaline starts pumping at 8:30 p.m., right after the Target Jumps. Friday night at Jumpfest is the ultimate alpine party you’ll talk about all year. 

Picture this: glowing luminaries line your path, roaring bonfires keep you warm, and the food and drinks never run out. Feel the energy as professional announcers call out every twist and turn of the ski jumping and the wild Human Dog Sled Race, all set against a breathtaking winter panorama. 

And when you think the night can’t get any better, look up! Fireworks will erupt from the base of the towering 250-foot hill, painting the sky with color for miles around. It’s a show you’ll see, hear, and feel—lighting up Salisbury in celebration of a century of ski jumping tradition. 

There’s no better way to kick off 100 years of winter thrills! All proceeds fuel SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs—so you’re not just racing for glory, you’re supporting future snow stars, too! Don’t just watch the action—be part of it. Dress up, team up, and let your wild side run loose. This is winter fun, Salisbury-style. For all the details and to register your team, visit jumpfest.org 

About SWSA: 

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association is on a mission to share the thrill of Nordic ski jumping, cross-country, and Alpine skiing with everyone. Through events like Jumpfest, we keep the spirit of winter sports alive in Salisbury, Connecticut, and beyond.

Join the Great Mountain Forest Winter Wellness Walk on January 4

After the rush of the holiday season, Great Mountain Forest (GMF) invites you to step into the peaceful embrace of winter with its special forest immersion program, The Art of Wintering, held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Hosted at the GMF Shelter at 90 Golf Drive, this New Years’ inspired outdoor experience honors winter’s natural rhythms. The program begins with a reflective walk to Tobey Pond perfect for quiet introspection and listening to what winter has to say.

 

Participants will learn that winter isn’t just a season—it’s an invitation. “This is your chance to slow down, and recharge,” says Mike Zarfos, Executive Director of GMF. “Inspiring people to celebrate nature year-round is at the heart of everything we do.”

Program highlights also include a fire meditation session, a guided inquiry into what it means to “winter well,” and a forest-inspired tea with wholesome snacks. This transformative session is part of Great Mountain Forests' Mindful Forest Immersion Series, cultivating deeper connections between people and the natural world.

 

Wrap yourself in layers of warmth and curiosity, and come prepared for gentle walking, soulful reflection, and recalibration in nature’s winter embrace. For more details and to register, visit the official Great Mountain Forest website: greatmountainforest.org/events

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.

Salisbury Winter Sports Association’s Annual Ski and Skate Sale – December 6th

With its 100th anniversary just around the corner, the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) is gearing up for a milestone year of celebrations and community events—starting with the return of a beloved local tradition: the Annual SWSA Ski Swap and Sale. 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 6^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 91 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 February 6-8, 2026

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 5, 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.

 

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.