I have to admit, I don’t know much about the Northern European sport of Curling - but it’s something that draws and holds my interest whenever the Winter Olympics roll around. What exactly is the object of this game, and why do I get so excited when the slidey-things (I later learned these were called “stones”) bash into each other? I think I’m going to have to plan a little getaway to Norfolk, CT to find out.

Of course you’re asking yourselves, “Why Norfolk, CT?” Well it has it’s very own Curling Club - with lessons and something exciting called a “Bonspiel.” Further research reveals that a “Bonspiel” is a Curling Tournament.  Any sport with it’s own secret language that doesn’t cause muscle cramps and perspiration is the sport for me.

I have no idea how the scoring is done though - but apparently knocking the opponent’s “stone” out of the bullseye or “house” is a good thing. Curling is thought to have originated in Scotland sometime between 1520 and 1550 - the first club in North America was founded in Montreal in 1807 - who knew this odd but exciting sport was so ancient! They describe it as chess on ice, but I think it’s more like shuffleboard on ice with bigger pucks!

Norfolk isn’t only about Curling, I was intrigued so I searched out some more information on the area.  It seems that there are lots of cool things to see and do in Norfolk. Romantic sleigh rides in the summer or hay rides in the winter (bring your allergy meds for that one.)  There are a ton of antique shops and a local historical society. Visit an authentic Shaker Village or have tea in the Harney & Sons Tea Room.

In the summer time you can enjoy a relaxing horseback ride through the Berkshires and a visit to one of the area Golf Courses - stay in a bed and breakfast that offers Spa services and relax with an in-room massage. I found a new neat places online - the Manor House offers a unique Connecticut bed and breakfast experience.

So on your next trip to New England, consider learning something about an ancient sport and taking in some historic culture.

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