Welcome to “Sidewalk Sunday”: A Fresh New Feature for Weekend in Norfolk!

Get ready to stroll, shop, and soak in the creativity at Norfolk’s brand-new Sidewalk Sunday, happening on the afternoon of Sunday, August 3! As part of this year’s Weekend in Norfolk (WIN) festivities, Station Place will transform into an open-air marketplace full of local charm. From 12:45 to 5:00 p.m., the street will be closed to vehicles, making room for a vibrant mix of tents featuring local artists, authors, artisans, and organizations—all eager to share their work and passions with you.

Whether you're on the hunt for unique handmade goods, curious about local causes, or just looking to enjoy a fun Sunday afternoon, Sidewalk Sunday has something for everyone. And to top it off, live music on Robertson Plaza from local favorites like Elias Neuman-Donihue, Julia Autumn Ford, and Mike Cobb and his band will keep the vibe festive. Feel free to sing along, dance, or just tap your toes while you browse!

Want to be part of the action? If you’re a local creative or part of a Norfolk organization, there’s still time to join in! Just email win@earthlink.net to request your spot. And don’t forget to check out the full three-day schedule of WIN events at weekendinnorfolk.org
See you on the sidewalk!

Discover the Timeless Beauty of Barbour Woods

Tucked away in the charming town of Norfolk, Connecticut, Barbour Woods is a delightful blend of history, nature, and quiet wonder. Once owned by surgeon and educator, Dr. Frederick Shepard, in the early 1900s, it later came into the hands of the Barbour family. In 1998, thanks to the generosity of Frederick Barbour’s daughter, this enchanting property was gifted to the Norfolk Land Trust, and what a gift it is!

photo credit: Fred Knight

Today, Barbour Woods is beloved by birdwatchers and hikers alike. With over three miles of scenic trails, it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in the beauty of nature. Start your walk at Lovers Lane — yes, it’s as romantic as it sounds — where early 20th-century sweethearts once rode in carriages beneath the leafy canopy. From there, follow the Old Carriage Trail up to Beech Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Haystack Mountain.

Photo Sean Iceton

But don’t stop there — the real magic lies along the winding Hemlock Trail, where shaded ravines, whispering brooks, and the hauntingly beautiful Killarney Bridge, a crumbling stone arch, invite you to pause and imagine polished carriages and the elegant visitors of Norfolk's summer resort days. Continuing on, keep an eye out for the North and South Dams, and learn how this landscape plays a crucial role in local conservation, supporting endangered species like the New England cottontail rabbit. This isn't just a walk through history and natural beauty, but a glimpse of the future of conservation.

Whether you're in the mood for a scenic hike, a step back in time, or just a breath of fresh forest air, Barbour Woods is a timeless and beautiful escape. Plan your journey at  norfolklandtrust.org and start your adventure today! Sign up for a bird walk at weekendinnorfolk.org.  and download a map. 

Blueberry Betty - A Classic Dessert @ Summer WIN

There are pies and cobblers, crisps and crumbles, but at the Summer Weekend in Norfolk, you will have the chance to try a real classic dessert that dates to Colonial times, the scrumptious Blueberry Betty. Best of all, folks get to try this sweet, simple, but ever so gratifying dessert for free along with ice cream on Saturday, August 2, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Meadowbrook Apartments at 9 Shepard Road. 

Back in the day, in colonial New England, the most common way to cook something was in the fireplace, where most food was either steamed or boiled. Considering the shortage of supplies that had to be shipped from England, colonial cooks were frugal, finding a use for everything shipped in and growing in the environment around them.  The first documented fruit desserts in New England were most often made with apples, huckleberries, blueberries, and anything that was in season. Typically, the fruit was put into a deep pot, topped with a dough mixture, sweetened with honey or maple syrup, a dash of spice was added if available, and then the pot was covered and suspended over the fire in the fireplace, and steamed until the fruit was tender and juicy.

The Apple Brown Betty and its sister dessert, the Blueberry Betty was a no-fuss dessert that used ingredients that colonial women had on hand. Unlike other stewed desserts of the time, the Betty wasn't covered in dough, rather sweetened bread crumbs were placed in layers between the brown sugared and spiced fruit making it the perfect way for these thrifty women to use stale bread. The layering of the bread gives this dessert more of a pudding-like texture than a pie, crisp, or crumble. Just like in today's family kitchens, the recipe was passed down from mother to child. Like all homespun food, there were countless variations from kitchen to kitchen and season to season.  It wasn't until 1856 that a recipe named Apple Brown Betty made its debut in Every Lady's Cookbook by Mrs. T.J. Crowen.  It was also mentioned in 1864 in the Yale Literary Magazine listing it as something to give up if you are in physical training! 

Early August is the height of Connecticut's blueberry season, making this dessert extra special because the berries are so fresh. Today, blueberries are considered to be a superfood because they are bursting with nutrients, many of which are classified as antioxidants and phytochemicals. The Blueberry Betty is part of our New England heritage that is celebrated at Summer WIN, so come join the fun and try this homemade dessert. For the recipe of this one-dish wonder used at WIN click here.

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of WIN with Music, Art, Nature, and Family Fun!

This year marks a milestone 10th anniversary of the Weekend in Norfolk (WIN) celebration, and the town is pulling out all the stops!  From Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3, the whole town is coming alive with a vibrant mix of activities, entertainment, and community spirit. Whether you're a longtime local or first-time visitor, this is your chance to dive into everything that makes Norfolk special.

One of the biggest highlights is the brand-new Sidewalk Sunday, taking place from 12 noon to 5 pm at Robertson Plaza. The plaza will be bustling with energy as a diverse mix of local organizations, artists, and authors showcase their creations and share their passions. With the street closed to traffic, it’s a safe and welcoming space for families to enjoy live music, delicious bites from local favorites like the Berkshire Country Store and Norfolk Pub, and the vibrant community spirit that makes this WIN so special.

Music lovers are in for a treat, as free performances abound all weekend long. From Friday night's concert on the Green featuring Pat Attanasio to multiple Saturday showcases including the Emerging Artists at the Music Shed and popular local acts like the Grantville Dawgs and the Carol & Nick Jazz Duo, there’s something for every musical taste. Sunday rounds out the musical offerings with performances by Elias Neuman-Donihue, Julia Autumn Ford, and Mike Cobb at Robertson Plaza, plus a free children’s concert at the Music Shed.

Discover the beauty and wonder of nature with WIN’s unforgettable outdoor experiences. Join a guided birding walk through the scenic Barbour Woods, or dive into 90 years of climate history at Great Mountain Forest’s historic weather station, where science meets storytelling. Whether you're a curious explorer or a nature enthusiast, you'll uncover how past weather data is shaping modern forecasting. 

Prefer to take things at your own pace? Stroll through Connecticut’s most charming Historic District on a self-guided walking tour, where centuries-old architecture whispers stories of the past. Or, if you’re craving adventure, explore Norfolk's many trails and experience the raw, rugged beauty of the local landscape. Whatever your style, there’s a path waiting for you.

Families with children will find plenty to engage young minds and bodies, from a West African music and dance workshop with award-winning artist Iddi Saaka at the Norfolk Library, to Sunday morning yoga and meditation on the Village Green. And don’t miss the hands-on art and water play at Bottelle School, where kids can craft their own masks and cool off under a fire truck’s refreshing spray!

Step back in time at the Norfolk Historical Society's new exhibit, "A New Birth of Freedom: Norfolk in the Civil War." This captivating display delves into the town's role leading up to and during the Civil War, highlighting the brave individuals who fought to preserve the Union. On Saturday, August 2, history buffs can further enrich their experience with a guided tour of Center Cemetery, led by Barry Webber, the Society’s executive director.

For fishing enthusiasts, join expert fisherman Doug McDevitt, who is offering fly fishing seminars perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. With personalized instruction limited to five participants per session on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll receive hands-on guidance in the art of Spey casting, courtesy of equipment provided by Orvis of Avon.  Nature lovers can also enjoy a peaceful Sunday stroll, August 3, through two private gardens linked by beautifully designed pathways and lush shade plantings—a serene escape for any garden enthusiast.

Meanwhile, cultural explorers will want to stop by the Connecticut Asia Cultural Center on Saturday, August 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for its annual festival. Visitors will be treated to immersive exhibits on Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Christian, and Inca cultures, along with vibrant performances like the Tai Chi Fan Dance. Enjoy a complimentary Asian lunch box, participate in a Dragon Boat Racers competition, and attend engaging seminars and a traditional tea ceremony.

This beloved event invites visitors to experience a rich tapestry of timeless activities, from heartfelt wedding vow renewals on the Green to captivating tours of Tiffany’s stained glass windows and the historic WhiteHouse. And of course, no community celebration is complete without cherished local traditions. 

Indulge in nostalgic delights like the blueberry Betty and ice cream social at Meadow Brook apartments on Saturday, or share in the joy of the children’s concert and ice cream social at the iconic Music Shed on the Battell estate on Sunday. Whether you're reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, Summer WIN offers something special for everyone — a true celebration of connection, heritage, and joy.

With most events free and spread conveniently around town, you can explore at your own pace and find something for every interest and age group. Don’t miss this unforgettable summer celebration—check out the full schedule at weekendinnorfolk.org