Paul Marcarelli, an actor and independent filmmaker, shares some of his favorite things about living in Litchfield County.
I grew up on a small farm outside New Haven. We had fresh eggs, horses, dogs, and woods to explore, but also lawns to mow, goats to milk, produce to pick, fences to install, and buckets to haul. I vividly recall promising myself one cold morning before school that when I grew up I would never (EVER!) live someplace where a snow shovel was considered essential equipment. So it was a slow transition after 25 years in NYC, from weekender to summer resident to fulltime Litchfield homeowner with no fewer than three snow shovels and an actual snowblower I only sort of know how to operate. And having recently semi-retired from a 22-year acting career, 2020 is the first year my husband Ryan and I will have spent nearly an entire year in one place since we’ve been together. Most days now, you’ll find me in the garden with my pugs Oliver and Auggie. When we do venture out, here are some of the places we are apt to haunt…
Favorite place to walk: Topsmead State Forest has broad, sunny trails and meadow paths, perfect for someone like me with a fear of bears, snakes, and ticks. The house tour is great too. Be sure to check out Ms. Chase’s typed cocktail recipes still framed on the pantry wall.
Favorite shopping: Milton Market in Litchfield’s Cobble Court is the kind of store I could easily see myself living in. I also recently purchased two Staffordshire pugs and a dreamy Edith Wharton garden bench from the newly opened Litchfield Home—also be sure to head across the green to Louis Lemieux’s new kitchen goods shop!
Favorite meals: The fried chicken sandwich at The Village is a favorite, as are the world class tuna melts at Patty’s, the cocktails at the Mayflower Inn, the egg salad on croissant from Arethusa a Mano, and literally any ice cream from Peaches ‘N Cream.
Gardening essentials: Litchfield Nursery and Whiteflower Farm are nearly daily stops for us.
Yoga and exercise: The area boasts some great yoga teachers. I’ve studied with Michele Saunders, Michael Torrant, Anne Hungerford, Nicole Renee, and Eileen Manella. For a higher intensity workout, Ryan and I train with Kyle Crocker of Calisfit Studio.
Organic produce: One of the great treats of 2020 was the weekly CSA box from South Farms in Morris. Can’t wait til spring!
Paul Marcarelli here with Litchfield Magazine publisher and editor-in-chief Mary Beth Lawlor at South Farms.
Favorite charity: Clover Ridge Animal Sanctuary in New Milford.
