NEW ENGLAND

Visit the little red sugarhouse on Heckscher Farm and see firsthand how sap is turned into sweet maple syrup. Watch how trees are tapped and sap is collected; make a maple-themed craft; go on a scavenger hunt; have your face painted and more. On Saturday, watch local chefs create delicious dishes using local maple syrup and vote for your favorite. On Sunday, enjoy pancake brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($5 for brunch).
Information: 203-322-1646 or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org.

An evening filled with live fiddle music and delicious maple fare of fresh bread, stew, corn fritters, maple walnut chicken, corned beef, vegetables, pudding, cobbler, cream puffs, and more. BYOB. Reservations required.

Go see what the local vineyards have to offer in the winter. Visit six participating wineries and be entered into a grand prize drawing. Pick up a program card at any participating winery. Visit all six wineries and have your card signed. Then, turn it in by April 10th 2012. Participating wineries include DiGrazia Vineyards (Brookfield), Jerram Winery (New Hartford), Haight-Brown Vineyard (Litchfield), Hopkins Vineyard (New Preston), Miranda Vineyard (Goshen) and Sunset Meadow Vineyards (Goshen).
Information: http://www.hopkinsvineyard.com/2011LitchfieldHillsWinterWineTrail.docx

The Salem Cross Inn hosts a series of 1700s-style feasts, prepared on the open hearth of their fieldstone fireplace. Relax by the fire or lend a hand as dinner is prepared in Colonial style. Stir the chowder in cast iron cauldron. See your prime rib, roasted "to a turn" on the only Roasting Jack still operating in America. Or browse the extensive collection of Colonial and Federal period American antiques. The menu for the Fireplace Feast include savories, New England chowder, prime rib, rolls and muffins, roasted potatoes, spinach pie, squash, apple pie and whipped cream. Fish entrée available during Lent. Dates in 2012: January 8, 15, 21, 22, 29; February 4-5, 10-12, 18-19, 25-26; March 3-4, 10-11, 17, 31; April 1, 7, 14-15, 21, 22, 28.
Time: Weekdays, arrive 6:30 p.m. and feast begins at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, arrive at 5:30 p.m. and feast begins at 7 p.m.; Sundays, arrive at 12:30 p.m. and feast begins at 2 p.m.
Admission: Adults, $55; children under age 10, $25.
Information: 508-867-2345 or visit http://www.salemcrossinn.com/DiningEvents/fireplacefeast.asp

The Kitchen Garden Dinner Series brings some of Maine’s finest chefs into the Kitchen Garden Café to prepare innovative, seasonal multi-course meals. The chefs who create the meals in this popular series also create a memorable dining experience. Menus may be requested in advance by phone nearer the dates of the dinners. Please make your reservations early.
Information: 207-633-4333 or visit www.mainegardens.org
Chef Pierre Gignac of 98 Provence in Ogunquit on January 24
Chefs Marc & Tim of Trattoria Athena in Brunswick on February 12
Chef Chris Bassett from Azure Café in Freeport on March 28
Chef Christopher Anderson of Wings Hill in Belgrade Lakes on April 11

Osterville will sweeten the season! All sorts of "chocolate" events, activities and treats.
Information: 508-428-6327 or visit www.ostervillevillageassociation.org

This chocolate lovers’ event consists of local chocolatiers and chocolate artisans including restaurants, bakeries, patisseries, and catering companies. Vendors will vie for a People’s Choice Award for the Best Chocolate Dessert in the Upper Valley, offer samples to festival guests, and sell their products.
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Tickets for the event are $10, which entitle you to one sample of each of the entries for the event.
Information: 603-448-4893.

Darien Restaurant Week will offer consumers great deals, the opportunity to experience some new restaurants, and re-visit a few of their favorites throughout the next installment of Darien Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants will offer a special prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menu during the entire week. Number of courses to be offered is a minimum of 3 (Excludes tax and gratuity)
Information: www.darienchamberonline.com

Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February's full moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. Dinner includes finnan haddie fritters, aioli, Maine shrimp risotto, peas, leeks, fine herbs, grilled radicchio, shaved fennel, chopped egg, bacon, gorgonzola buttermilk vinaigrette, braised short ribs, celery root, cannellini beans, crispy shallots and Jerusalem artichokes, olive oil semolina cake with cara cara, marmalade and crème Anglaise
Information and tickets: www.saltwaterfarm.com.

A lot of science goes into creating a recipe that yields the best flavor of beer for the variety of palates needing to be satisfied. This evening will turn a neophyte beer drinker into a near-master brewer, or at the very least, teach us to appreciate the nuances of a good malt beverage. ECHO's After Dark FeBREWary event will have presenters from Northeastern University; University of Vermont; and Vermont Home Brew Supply. Classic pub games will also be featured. Price includes five beer tastings (there will be 15 beers featured) and a collectible tasting glass.
Information and tickets: 877-324-6386, option 7.

Vermont wineries have created a unique paring of one of their wines and a local chocolate confection or other Vermont dessert product. The range of wines featured during the Wine and Chocolate weekend reflects the variety of wine and wine products from Vermont. Tastings are free; visitors may purchase a bottle of the featured wine and chocolates.
Information: http://vermontgrapeandwinecouncil.com.
Wineries participating in the Wine and Chocolate Weekend include:
Artesano Mead, Groton serving at Shelburne Vineyard on Sunday. (802) 584-9000; www.artesanomead.com.
Boyden Valley Winery, Cambridge. (802) 644-8151; www.boydenvalley.com.
Caledonia Spirits and Winery, Hardwick, partnering with Magic Spoon Bakery. (802) 472-8000; www.caledoniaspirits.com.
Champlain Orchards, Shoreham. (802) 897-2777; www.champlainorchards.com.
Eden Ice Cider, West Charleston, at Caledonia Spirits and Winery. (802) 895-2838, www.edenicecider.com.
Grand View Winery, E. Calais. (802) 456-7012; www.grandviewwinery.com.
Lincoln Peak Vineyard, Middlebury. (802) 388-7368; www.lincolnpeakvineyard.com.
Neshobe River Winery, Brandon. (802) 247-8002; www.neshoberiverwinery.com.
pane e salute, Woodstock. (802) 457-4882; www.osteriapaneesalute.com.
Putney Mountain Winery, Putney. (802) 387-4610; www.putneywine.com.
Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne. (802) 985-8222; www.shelburnevineyard.com
Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero. (802) 372-9463; www.snowfarm.com.
Sugarbush Farm & Vineyard, Colchester. (802) 893-2928; www.hillisfarm.com.

This is a community culinary event with tastings from over 51 professional chefs, local eateries, and amateur chefs; voting for People's Choice awards; appearance by Chef Suvir Suran; boutique and silent auction; activities kids.
Information: www.strattonfoundation.org/events.php

In this hands-on class, you will work side-by-side with Master Chocolatier Fritz Knipschildt to create his award-winning truffles. Tasting as you go, you’ll enjoy a glass or two of Fritz's favorite wine while you prepare these heavenly treats. And, of course, you'll take home samples and the recipes to allow you to create these for your family. Registration required by phone or online. Information: 800-842-5275 or visit www.clarkecorp.com/chefseries/

Chase away Winter's chill and have a tasty thrill at Newport Vineyards. Check out the outside Ice Wine bar. Wine tasting, cheese, chocolate, and spreadable edibles offered by local gourmet purveyors. R.S.V.P. suggested to info@newportvineyards.com.
Information: 401-848-5161

Hosted by TV Diner’s Billy Costa, lamb loving chefs will create luscious lamb dishes paired with local beers from area breweries and compete for the title of Boston Lamb Master and an opportunity to battle other top lamb-loving chefs at a Master Lamb Jam this fall. Chefs who woo the crowds and win the hearts of judges will take home awards for Best in Show and People’s Choice. Attendees will see butchery demonstrations by Chefs Chris Douglas & Nuno Alves of Tavolo and Butcher Josh Pert.
Information and tickets: 617-864-1200 or visit www.FansofLambBoston.com.

This dry white bubbly is a limited edition and will first be available for tasting and purchase to Bubbly Release guests of Haight-Brown Vineyard. Information: www.haightvineyards.com or call 860-567-4045
Wines Galore session. Begin with a taste of bubbly and a hand dipped chocolate covered strawberry. Then proceed to a walk around tasting of the rest of the wines on the Haight-Brown menu. Saturday and Sunday, noon- 2 p.m.; $10 per person
Wines and More session. This is the Wines Galore session with appetizers freshly prepared by our gourmet chef. Reservations must be made four days in advance. Saturday or Sunday, 3-5 p.m. ; $30 per person.
Bubbly Release Dinner. Toast with a glass of bubbly blend followed by dinner, a tasting of wines, and live music. The dinner tickets must be purchased four days in advance. Saturday evening, 6 p.m.; $65 per person. Haight-Brown Vineyard, 29 Chestnut Hill Road Litchfield

Businesses throughout North Conway Village will offer everything from Chilly Ski Gear to Chilean wines to make this a spicy event. Tastings for the public are at the Flatbread Company/New England Ski Museum at Eastern Slope Inn, Rafferty’s Restaurant and Pub, and the parking lot of Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center. Tickets and el passaportes for the Chili Cookoff and Chilly Chili Stroll are available at the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce and at participating venues.
Information and tickets: 800-367-3364 or visit www.Mtwashingtonvalley.org.

Chefs from Newport's sister city, Kinsale, Ireland, show off their cookery talents to create traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine in local restaurants. Many and varied cooking and dining events for the public. More details to come; check website.
Information: 401-845-9123 or visit www.gonewport.com/events-calendar

Join the man known as the best Indian chef in America, as he brings his special James Beard House dinner to The Clarke Culinary Center. This promises to be a thrilling night from Mole to Masalas, for which Chef Prasad has designed an elegant and innovative menu that seamlessly weaves together the cuisines of India and Mexico. Registration is required by phone or online to join an intimate group in this culinary exploration. Information: www.clarkeculinarycenter.com or call 800-842-5275

A three-course meal from some of the finest area restaurant without breaking the bank! From a steaming cup of chowder overlooking the harbor to fine dining in romantic restaurants, Newport & Bristol County restaurants offer an array of creative menus. Check website for participating restaurants.
Cost: $16 for a three-course lunch and $30 for a three-course dinner.
Information: 401-845-9123 or visit www.gonewportrestaurantweek.com

Berkshire Grown chefs will create a maple-inspired dinner to celebrate maple sugaring season as a fundraiser for Berkshire Grown and Share the Bounty project. Several chefs will join host Brian Alberg, executive chef of The Red Lion Inn to create a delicious multi-course meal featuring local ingredients available at this time of year. Chefs include Lester Blumenthal of Route 7 Grill; Christopher Bonnivier of Gala Steakhouse & Bistro at The Orchards Hotel; Adam Brassard of Williams Inn; Peter Platt of The Old Inn on the Green; Gregg Roach of Wild Oats Market; Dan Smith and John Andrews of a Farmhouse Restaurant.
Information: 413-528-0041.

Sanctioned and governed by the International Chili Society, cooks will compete in Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa categories. There will also be non-ICS categories for a Youth Division for kids under 18 years of age and People's Choice Chili. There will be a hot pepper eating contest and DEFCON will have a Death Match wing-eating contest! Cash awards will be distributed to winning teams.
Information: www.chilict.com

Join an evening filled with the love letters of John and Abigail Adams, historic chocolate processing, chocolate and cheese tasting, and musical entertainment. John and Abigail's love letters will be presented as presented by Patricia Bridgman and Thomas Macy. After the performance, meet John and Abigail in the Bullard Tavern and enjoy period chocolate processing demonstrations, a chocolate and cheese tasting, and musical entertainment. Before the performance, enjoy a romantic Valentine's Dinner in the Oliver Wight Tavern. Reservations requested; space is limited.
Information: 508-347-3362 or visit www.osv.org/museum/

Learn about the history of chocolate - from bean to beverage. Old Sturbridge Village historians will demonstrate processing chocolate by hand using cacao beans in the original manner of ancient Mexico, where chocolate originates. They will use a metate to grind freshly roasted chocolate nibs to make a hot, spiced chocolate drink. Children can make their own valentines and visitors of all ages can meet the local woman responsible for the popularity of sending valentines in the United States.
Information: 508-347-3362 or visit www.osv.org/museum/

Come and dine by the open fire in historic Jefferds’ Tavern where staff and volunteers dressed in Colonial costume will prepare a fabulous meal at the hearth while guests relax by the fire and kindle new friendships. The February 17th Tavern Dinner will feature a top round roast sizzling on the hearth. A special dinner guest, a Colonial soldier, home from the battle against the British, will tell stories of Indians and war. Reservations are required.
Information and tickets: Please email programs@oldyork.org. Visit http://www.oldyork.org/Visit/calendar.html

A five-course dinner featuring five great wines and clips of your favorite famous movies, and their famous songs performed by Carol Noonan and friends between each course. Come celebrate the movies with Carol and all the great Stoee Mountain talents. Tickets include the meal, performances, wines, and cheer... everything except gratuity.
www.stonemountainartscenter.com/ArtsCenter/

Come to cross country ski, snowshoe, or drive from inn to inn along a 65-kilometer trail network to enjoy the spectacular scenery, warm hospitality, and chocolate treats at stops throughout the network, most located along the trails. Trailside treats served at: 1785 Inn, Adventure Suites, Eastern Inns, The Local Grocer, Old Field House, Riverside Inn B&B, Stonehurst Manor, the Touring Center at Ragged Mountain Equipment, the Whitaker Woods Meeting House, Buttonwood Inn on Mount Surprise, Sugar Shack at 100 Acre Woods. All participants must purchase a 2012 Festival Ticket, which includes a trail pass, chocolate treats, and use of the shuttle. Tickets may be purchased online in advance or at the Touring Center anytime.
Information: http://mwvskitouring.org/chocolatefestival.html

Tastings from local restaurants; cast bar; silent auction; activities for kids. Special guest and cook-off judge Chef Suvir Suran. This is a fund-raiser for the Stratton Foundation
Information: www.stratton.com