How to Make Exploring Norfolk, Connecticut, Easy This Spring

Norfolk is an enchanting small community located high in the Litchfield Hills. Although it is a small town, it has an amazing number of things to do and see, sure to delight the whole family. Known for its natural beauty, classic village green, interesting shops, good eateries, and architectural treasures, this community also makes it easy for visitors to find their way around town. The folks that live here have made a series of virtual visits that give visitors a sneak peek into the Norfolk life that they enjoy and like to share with others. These videos are part of their town-wide, semi-annual festival Weekend in Norfolk (WIN) that takes place every winter and summer.

If you are in the mood to explore one of Connecticut's brightest hidden gems, you might want to watch these short videos to get the lay of the land.  A must-see video before an in-person exploration of Norfolk is the guided tour of the Battell Chapel's beautiful stained glass windows, designed by D. Maitland Armstrong and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Three large windows designed by Armstrong and made of opalescent glass fill the west end of the chapel. Tiffany’s five smaller windows face them from the east; they depict the four seasons, with a brilliant sunrise as the center. In addition to highlighting the magnificent stained glass windows, this video provides an overview of all of the attractions that surround Norfolk Green including the Congregational Church, the White House, the Yale Summer School of Music, the Stanford White Fountain, the Norfolk Historical Society, the Norfolk Library, Battell House and Battell Chapel. To view, the Stained Glass Windows video and more click here. Another option for history and architectural lovers is the nine-minute tour of Norfolk with historian, William Hosley. For the architectural tour of Norfolk click here. 

Originally founded in 1744 as a farming community, today Norfolk's farmers proudly carry on the town's agricultural heritage that can be seen in a fascinating video, "What Farmers Do in the Winter." Everyone knows that summer is the busiest time for farmers when they are taking care of their crops and produce, making cheese, and tending to their animals. This video gives viewers a glimpse into life on a New England farm in the winter. To watch the video click here.

Husky Meadows Farm is situated on three acres and is an organic-certified farm sustainably growing a wide variety of vegetables. In addition to vegetables, they tend to antique fruit trees including a one-hundred-year-old pear tree, planted by John Curtiss. A new venture that is highlighted in this video is the cultivation of log-grown mushrooms including shiitake, chestnut, and pearl mushrooms. Coming in the summer of 2021, Husky Meadows Farm will also be offering a Seed and Spoon Culinary Retreat to one Covid pod per weekend. For more information click here.  This is your chance to actually live on a Connecticut farm!

Broad Field Farm grows organic tomatoes and fresh vegetables and sells them at local farmers' markets as well as at their own stand on Winchester Road in season. In this video, enter an empty greenhouse and learn about the work and different techniques used to cultivate organic produce. The surprising amount of winter office work from ordering seeds to planning for crop rotation and getting the greenhouse ready for cultivation is also discussed.

Lost Ruby Farm is a micro goat dairy and creamery specializing in crafting small-scale handmade cheeses. They use only milk from their small herd of pasture-raised goats. This heartwarming video shows how lovingly these goats are cared for and is an interesting glimpse of how the goats live in the winter. If you are a cheese lover and want to try their cheeses, Lost Ruby Farm is open for farm pick-ups Thursday to Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Pre-orders 24 hours in advance are required and can be made by clicking here.

These are just a few highlights of the many videos to choose from when visiting the Weekend in Norfolk website. There is something for everyone online that will appeal to the entire family and make in-person visits easy. For a complete listing of videos including many from the Summer 2020 virtual festival  click https://weekendinnorfolk.org

Explore Norfolk's Architectural and Outdoor Attractions Before Setting Out @ WInter WIN!

If you are in the mood for a Saturday or Sunday drive check out these new Winter Weekend In Norfolk Connecticut videos that will help you plan a route before setting out. Winter Weekend in Norfolk made its debut virtually last weekend and is still offering on-demand videos to stream. The videos featured are series to watch that will be helpful if you are planning an in-person drive to bucolic Norfolk. These videos will show viewers a variety of points of interest that can be explored safely in Norfolk from self-guided architectural tours to nature walks and even cross-country skiing and winter photography. There are many videos to choose from when visiting the Weekend in Norfolk website that will appeal to the entire family. For a complete listing of videos click  https://weekendinnorfolk.org

If there were a competition for the most architecturally distinguished small U.S. town of 2,000 people or fewer, Norfolk, Conn., might win it. It is the only town of that size with landmark buildings designed by eight nationally-significant architects, all within a short walk of the town green, as well as many other distinguished buildings scattered throughout. If you want to see why architecture matters, take this virtual tour or, even better, plan on visiting Norfolk in person. 

William Hosley, your tour guide, is a curator, historian, writer, and photographer. He is passionate about local history and historic preservation and has developed a deep attachment to dozens of places worth caring about. He is the former director of the New Haven Museum and Connecticut Landmarks and was a curator at the Wadsworth Atheneum, where he organized several major exhibitions. 

This nine-minute video takes visitors on an in-depth tour of Norfolk's architectural wonders that will give visitors and residents alike a new appreciation of why Norfolk looks like it does today.  To take the tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mTimVL-8GE

Another historic house tour offered is that of The Alders that is one of Norfolk’s grandest estates. Built-in 1898 to a design by Ehrick Rossiter, who also designed the Yale Norfolk Music Shed and the tower on Haystack Mountain, the Alders features stunning architectural details including intricate cherry woodwork, majestic Moorish arches, 20 stained glass windows, unique tile, and wood fireplace mantels and many more period details. 

Take a virtual tour of this grand estate and learn about Charles Spofford, the wealthy New Yorker who commissioned Rossiter to build the Alders and brought Gilded Age opulence to Norfolk. Spofford was the son of the country’s sixth Librarian of Congress and played a key role in the industrial revolution as a railroad magnate. He also founded companies with Thomas Edison to bring public transportation and electricity to towns and cities across the United States. To watch this video click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zoy4_RMsDu0. The Alders is located on Maple Street in Norfolk.

Norfolk is also known for its great unspoiled natural beauty. As the "icebox" of Connecticut, there is a good chance there will still be snow in Norfolk when it has melted in other parts of the state! Norfolk has three state parks and miles of cross-country skiing trails just waiting to be explored. If cross-country skiing is in your future, this video is not to be missed.

Join local resident, Star Child's to find out about Norfolk's many cross-country ski trails. Cross country skiing is a wonderful winter sport for the entire family that wants to enjoy the fresh Norfolk air. Star offers some tips on how to get the most out of cross-country skiing and shares some of the best trails in Norfolk, including the highly recommended Landtrust Trails. To watch the video for an inside peek of where and how to cross-country ski in  Norfolk click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g33zMLLIC-s. Best of all, there are links to maps of all the trails mentioned in this video - so hit the trail and enjoy!

Photo Chris Keyes Mountain Road, Norfolk

The white on white textures of winter photography can be tricky. If you are looking for an evocative place to sharpen your winter photography skills watch this video then head to Norfolk, it is a paradise for photographers. Ardent Norfolk photographers, Chris Keyes and Doug McDevitte offer tips and tricks for creating good winter images as well as sharing some of their favorite places to take photos in Norfolk in this helpful video. 

Photo Doug McDevitte

Some wonderful opportunities talked about and shown in this twelve-minute video include the Norfolk Green, Campbell Falls State Park, the Blackberry River, Haystack Mountain, Great Mountain Forest, and many others In addition to photography tips, the best things to wear in the snow and on the ice is also shared. To watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No7y5ZY3J90

Take A Spanish Cooking Class @ Winter WIN

 

There is nothing as comforting on a cold winters day than cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Winter Win kicks off on Saturday, February 20 with a series of live and on-demand videos. One of the most anticipated videos is the Spanish cooking class. If you have always wanted to make an authentic Spanish meal for your family don't miss the ON-Demand cooking class with Martiña Gago.

Tortillas de Patatas (Spanish omelet or Spanish tortilla) is a traditional dish from Spain and one of the signature dishes in Spanish cuisine. It is an omelet made with eggs and potatoes, sometimes including onion. It can be served hot, or at room temperature as a tapa. 

Martiña Gago makes Tortillas de Patatas in her kitchen. Photo by Michael Cobb

Martiña Gago, who will demonstrate this recipe, is from Santiago de Compostela (Galicia). Although Galicia is less known than some of Spain's more touristed cities and areas like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville, and has much more in common with the British Isles, it is highly regarded as having some of the best food in Spain. This area of Spain is well known for its simple cooking style and emphasis on high quality, fresh ingredients. The great thing about this recipe is that it's ubiquitous and can be found on menus from the finest restaurants to truck stops. Spaniards have a very high standard for food, so it's always good! 

Before watching, we suggest you download and print the list of ingredients and equipment needed to make this recipe. Now’s your chance to learn how to make one of Spain’s signature dishes, Tortillas de Patatas (Spanish omelet), made with eggs, potatoes, and (optionally) onions.  Bon appetit! 

In-Person Event @ Winter WIN - Skating Away & More!

The charming town of Norfolk located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills organizes a town-wide weekend celebration of art, music, and nature every August and February. Although most of the events being planned this year for the Winter Win are virtual, Mother Nature permitting, the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department is hosting an in-person event on Saturday, February 20th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Town Skating Rink. 

Bring your skates and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of Norfolk while skating on this pond that is surrounded by the beautiful Litchfield Hills. There will be a bonfire going to keep skaters warm and even s'mores for that extra energy boost! WIN organizers ask that skaters wear masks while at the event and social distance in accordance with CDC protocols. If you can't make it on February 20th, no worries, the Fire Department maintains the rink through the winter season.

After enjoying your time on the ice, take time to explore all that Norfolk has to offer. There are fabulous hiking trails at Haystack Mountain State Park and at Dennis Hill State Park. The views of the surrounding countryside are spectacular any time of year so don't forget your camera. Don't miss the Norfolk Village Green that is located at the junction of Rte. 44 and Rte. 272. Surrounding the green you will see the Stoeckel Estate, home of the Yale Summer School of Music, a Federal-style Congregational Church, a Romanesque styled Church, and the shingle style Norfolk Library that was built in 1888. At the southern tip of the Green is a memorial fountain designed by architect Stamford White. The On-Demand Video featuring an Architectural Tour of Norfolk with William Hosely, a prominent Connecticut Historian, and Preservationist is a fascinating introduction to the many treasured buildings in town. Watch it before visiting Norfolk to get the lay of the land. 

If in-person events aren't on your agenda, Winter WIN has a fantastic number of Live-Streamed and On-Demand videos that will be available to view beginning Saturday, February 20th. There are so many videos to choose from in five different categories including music, art, nature, fun for kids, and more! 

There is something to please every viewer on the list. Visit the studio of a costume designer and puppet maker or attend a workshop on winter photography. If you like music, there is plenty of it with everything from a classical Quartet to piano, drum, and guitar performances.  If you like the great outdoors take a walk on the wild side with John Anderson or check out Norfolk's miles of pristine cross country ski trails with Star Childs. If the winter night sky is of interest don't miss the video with astronomer, Mathew Moore Johnson.

If you want to try something new to eat, check out the Spanish cooking class with Martina Gago from Santiago de Compostela.  Viewers will learn how to make Tortillas de Patatas, one of the signature dishes of Spanish cuisine made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. This tasty dish can be served hot or at room temperature as tapas.

Curling has a long and rich history that is thought to have originated in Scotland in the 16th century. In Norfolk curling has been alive and well since 1956. The On-Demand video shows the camaraderie among the players as well as how the club makes ice! 

Animal lovers will enjoy the On- Demand videos by Lost Ruby, Husky Meadows, and Broad Field Farms because they give viewers an inside peek of what life is like on a farm in the winter! 

The length of each video and a short description is included on the website. For complete information visit https://weekendinnorfolk.org. The winter weekend videos are slated to go live on February 20.  In the meantime to help you pass the weary winter days, the videos from the 2020 Summer WIN are still available to watch on the website. 

 About Weekend in Norfolk 

Now in its sixth year, the all-volunteer WIN Committee organizes two town-wide events annually: the Summer WIN and the Winter WIN. Norfolk’s town officials, the Economic Development Commission, and a multitude of local organizations, institutions, and individuals support these two town-wide festivals.

Celebrate Winter Weekend in Norfolk A Virtual Getaway Starts February 20, 2021

 

For the past five years, the lovely village of Norfolk, Conn., has welcomed visitors every summer and winter to a free town-wide festival, Weekend in Norfolk, affectionately known as WIN. This year something is different: Norfolk’s winter festival is coming to you. Rather than totally canceling Winter Weekend in Norfolk because of the pandemic, about 25 businesses, organizations, and individuals have come together to welcome folks from near and far to a Virtual Winter Weekend in Norfolk beginning Saturday, February 20, 2021. The videos run the gamut from visiting a puppet makers’ studio, architectural tours, and learning about the winter night sky, to a music lesson for the kids, visits to local farms, and even a Spanish cooking class that will help you warm up to winter.

Virtual Winter Weekend in Norfolk celebrates the music, art, and nature that this small village is known for far and wide. Everyone is invited to view live-streamed and on-demand events free of charge from the comfort and warmth of their home. A special Virtual Winter Weekend in Norfolk website lists video events by category, making it easy to choose from all the delights of Norfolk’s winter wonderland. The length of each video and a short description is also included on the website. For complete information visit https://weekendinnorfolk.org. For a printable list of events https://weekendinnorfolk.org/printable-list-events 

THE SOUND OF MUSIC If you are a music lover, Winter WIN has an impressive line-up of musical performances. There will be a performance by guitarist Michael Cobb, a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has performed all over the world including the USA, Spain and Vietnam. Cobb specializes in Americana—country, bluegrass, blues, folk, and rock and roll. The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival will rebroadcast a Brentano String Quartet concert for Winter WIN featuring music by Beethoven and Hayden. There will also be a riveting performance by Dale Savage on drums and a session with John and Tobin DeShazo, a father and son team who love to sing together. Musical Winter WIN is rounded out by a performance by the students from Botelle Elementary School.

THE ARTS To get your creative juices flowing, you are invited to take a studio tour of professional puppet-maker and costume designer Susan Aziz, who has worked with the Nutmeg Ballet Company and the Hartford Stage Company. If photography is of interest to you, don’t miss the workshop on winter photography with professional photographers Doug McDevitt and Christopher Keyes. Their tips on lighting and framing among other techniques are sure to make your photos pop! Another highlight of Winter WIN is a visit with potter Laura Nichols, who makes and fires all her pottery at her studio, Pig Pen Pottery. She explains how she decorates her stoneware pieces for the kitchen and table. A guided tour of Battell Chapel’s beautiful stained glass windows designed by D. Maitland Armstrong and Louis Comfort Tiffany is sure to brighten up a gray winter day! Finally, the Norfolk Historical Society is offering an illustrated talk by author Valerie Balint on noted artists’ homes and studios preserved throughout New England.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS There is nothing as intriguing as the winter night sky. Norfolk is one of the best dark sky areas in the state, making a look at the night sky with astronomer Matthew Moore Johnson a must for lovers of the stars and the winter moon that will be full on the 27th. If you want to get out and experience all the unspoiled beauty of Norfolk on your own, be sure to go along on the wildlife walk with John Anderson and the guided tour of Norfolk’s cross-country ski trails with Star Childs. Their tips and knowledge will give you the lay of the land for all Norfolk’s great outdoors has to offer. And don’t miss the talk on northern forests, sponsored by the Norfolk Land Trust.

FUN FOR KIDS Kids are an integral part of Winter WIN, which offers them programs designed to entertain and educate. Professional musician Michael Cobb is teaching a music lesson and the Norfolk Library is hosting a puppet show. Norfolk’s Botelle Elementary School has organized an art workshop, as well as a Lego challenge that is sure to keep your children occupied for hours.

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES & FARMS Norfolk is famous for its beautiful buildings and homes. There is no one better than the eminent Connecticut historian William Hosley to take you on a guided architectural tour of the town. Then tour a Gilded Age mansion: the Alders, built as a summer home for railroad magnate Charles Spoffard in 1898. If you like to spend winter afternoons in your kitchen, don’t miss a Spanish cooking class with Martiña Gago and Michael Cobb. And remember to check in with Lost Ruby, Husky Meadows, and Broad Field Farms to find out how the animals are doing and what farming is like in the winter. You may even get a sneak peek of what to expect on the farm this spring! 

About Weekend in Norfolk Now in its sixth year, the all-volunteer WIN Committee organizes two town-wide events annually: the Summer WIN and the Winter WIN. These two town-wide festivals are supported by Norfolk’s town officials, its Economic Development Commission, and a multitude of local organizations, institutions and individuals. More information is available at https://weekendinnorfolk.org.

Winter WIN - Special Events

Winter Weekend in Norfolk is around the corner and is offering so many interesting events to tune into for the young and young at heart alike. 

If you love children's stories don't miss the author's talk with noted author Leonard Marcus who discusses Margaret Wise Brown (1910-1952) the inspired poet and mercurial free-spirit behind America's best-loved bedtime book, Goodnight Moon. During her brief but comet-like career, Margaret Wise Brown combined a fascination with child psychology and modern art with a passion for storytelling to create over 100 of children's literature's most original picture books. Meet the irreverent, strong-minded modern woman who gave sweet dreams to millions while insisting that children deserve great words and great art in their books. In this illustrated talk, noted author Leonard Marcus introduces Marcus' writings and exhibitions have earned him acclaim as one of the world’s preeminent authorities on children’s books and the people who create them. He is the author of more than 25 award-winning biographies, histories, interview collections, and inside looks at the making of the enduring classics of children's literature.  

Photo by Bruce Frisch

For music lovers, Winter WIN never disappoints. The Brentano String Quartet will perform music by Beethoven and Hayden, in a concert rebroadcast by the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. 

A Winter Weekend in Norfolk Goes Virtual Starting February 20, 2021

The town of Norfolk, Connecticut is hard at work this winter organizing virtual events for the 2021 Winter WIN Weekend in Norfolk that is taking place this year beginning Saturday, February 20th. The residents, businesses, historic and natural attractions, and other organizations have pulled together, once again, this year to showcase Norfolk’s many treasures. 

Photo Credit Katherine Griswold

The only difference is that this year’s Winter WIN will take place online rather than at various locations throughout Norfolk. “We believe that our online WIN series of events show the resilience of the citizens of Norfolk. Our goal is to be a bright spot in people’s lives this winter,” said Sue Frisch one of the founders of the WIN event. Now in its sixth year, Winter WIN is one of the state’s premier winter events. 

The videos run the gamut from visiting a costume makers' studio, architectural tours, and learning about the winter night sky to a music lesson for the kids, visits to local farms, and even a Spanish cooking class that will help you warm up to winter. The Virtual Winter Weekend in Norfolk celebrates the music, art, and nature that this small village is known for, far and wide. Everyone is invited to view live stream and on-demand events free of charge from the comfort and warmth of their home. 

A special Virtual Winter Weekend in Norfolk website has been set up that lists video events by category making it easy to let your fingers do the walking to all the wonders that can be found in Norfolk's winter wonderland. The length of each video and a short description is also included on the website. For complete information visit https://weekendinnorfolk.org. The winter weekend videos are slated to go live on February 20th. In the meantime to help you pass the weary winter days, the videos from the 2020 Summer WIN are still available to watch on the website. 

About Weekend in Norfolk 

Now in its sixth year, the all-volunteer WIN Committee organizes two town-wide events annually: the Summer WIN and the Winter WIN. These two town-wide festivals are supported by Norfolk’s town officials, its Economic Development Commission, and a multitude of local organizations, institutions, and individuals.