Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Independent Bookstore Day

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is happy to be celebrating the 12th Anniversary of Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday April 26th 2025!

This year The Hickory Stick Bookshop will have the following things going on –

* Celebratory mimosas!

* Find the Libro.fm Golden Ticket (the audiobook platform supporting independent bookstores)

* To coincide with Washington’s celebration of National Poetry Month, For The Love of Poetry, we are inviting customers to come up with some Book Spine Poetry that they can type up on our antique typewriter.

* Visit our Poetree

* Blind Date with a Book

* Guess the Shredded Book

* Indie Bookstore Day Tote Bags

* Special Indie Bookstore Day merch

* We are also part of the CT Passport program which encourages people to visit all participating indie bookstores in CT over the course of the weekend, to win huge prizes.

Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) was established in 2013 to promote, celebrate, and highlight the value of the independent bookstore community. The day has been observed on the last Saturday of April every year since 2013. This year there are over 900 stores participating across the country.

Independent Bookstore Day is organized by the American Booksellers Association, a national not-for-profit trade organization, that works with booksellers and industry partners to ensure the success and profitability of independently owned book retailers, and to assist in expanding the community of the book.

Indie Bookstore Day is our favorite day of the year. It’s a way to celebrate bookshops and book buyers and we always have a lot of fun. We hope you can join us for our celebration!

The Hickory Stick Bookshop
2 Green Hill Rd
Washington Depot
CT 06794
http://www.indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day

Camp House Museum Opening

Steep Rock Association is excited to announce the grand opening of the Isaac Camp Education Center and Museum. The public is invited to join the celebration on Saturday, April 5, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

One of Washington’s oldest standing structures, the Camp House was built in the 1750s and named after the Isaac Camp family, who first settled the land. Steep Rock acquired the residence as part of the 238-acre Macricostas Preserve purchase in 2000. Now, thanks to generous funding for the restoration from the Macricostas Family Foundation, architectural design by Reese Owens Architects, expert restoration by West Mountain Builders, and contributions to the exhibit space from dedicated donors, this historic building has been transformed into a dynamic education center and museum.

“Steep Rock is thrilled to open this historic landmark to the public as part of our centennial celebration,” said Brian Hagenbuch, Executive Director of Steep Rock Association. “The Camp House tells the story of Steep Rock’s legacy—from founder Ehrick Rossiter’s visionary land donation to our present-day conservation efforts protecting nearly 6,000 acres of scenic landscapes, wildlife habitats, agricultural resources, and recreational spaces.”

The centennial celebration will continue throughout 2025 with a series of special events highlighting Steep Rock’s rich history and ongoing mission. Steep Rock’s Centennial Events are made possible by the support of Platinum Sponsors: Chipman Mazzucco Emerson, LLC; Fiorita Kornhaas & Company, PC; Litchfield Distillery, New Morning Market; William Raveis Lifestyles Realty; and Gold Sponsors: Arbor Services of CT and Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance & Risk Management.

124 Christian St., New Preston, CT
https://steeprockassoc.org/events/

Newcomer’s Hike at Steep Rock

Are you new to the area or looking to explore Steep Rock Preserve? Join us for a guided Newcomers’ Hike led by Carla Mascaro, a local resident and real estate professional passionate about connecting people with the beauty of the region.

This 4-mile hike will introduce you to some of Steep Rock’s most scenic trails, including sections of the Steep Rock Loop, the River’s Edge Loop, and the Pinney Loop. The terrain is mild to moderate, making it a great way to enjoy the outdoors, meet fellow nature enthusiasts, and discover the best local hiking spots.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots, and bring water.

Spots are limited! Register today to secure your place on this adventure. Ages 12+.

Steep Rock Preserve, 2 Tunnel Rd, Washington Depot, CT

Newcomer’s Hike at Steep Rock Preserve, Sat., April 12, 2025

Grounded by George Brant

Two performances only!
Grounded by George Brant
Performed by Kimiye Corwin
With live original music by Jane Chung

Hunting terrorists by day and returning to her family at night, boundaries begin to blur for an ace fighter pilot reassigned to drone warfare.
*Adult subjects and language, suitable for 14+ or accompanied by an adult

Tickets start at $15
Saturday, May 3rd at 7:30 PM
Fine Line Theatre Arts
New Milford, CT
https://cttheatrex.networkforgood.com/events/84901-grounded-by-george-brant

Sunday, May 4th at 2:00 PM
The Woodhall School
Bethlehem, CT
https://cttheatrex.networkforgood.com/events/84903-grounded-by-george-brant-2

Fine Line Theatre Arts on May 3rd
The Woodhall School on May 4th

Grounded by George Brant

Washington Restaurant Week

Get ready for a culinary and cultural adventure as Washington Restaurant Week 2025 kicks off on Friday, April 4th, and runs through Sunday, April 13th in Washington, CT. Locals and visitors alike are invited to indulge in exceptional dining experiences at the town’s most beloved restaurants.

Enjoy specially curated prix fixe menus, exclusive culinary offerings, and signature cocktails at Washington’s vibrant dining scene. From farm-to-table cuisine to elevated comfort food, this 10-day event showcases the talent and creativity of our local chefs. Plus, enjoy a side of culture with arts events and community activities happening throughout Washington, in the heart of Litchfield County.

Plan Your Culinary Adventure: Explore participating restaurants, browse special menus, and plan your perfect dining experience at ExploreWashingtonCT.com/eat. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try something new or simply craving a delicious night out, Washington Restaurant Week has something for everyone.

This year’s list of must-visit dining destinations includes: Community Table, GW Tavern, Hopkins Inn, Hopkins Vineyard, Marty’s Cafe, Mayflower Inn & Spa, The 202 Tavern, The Owl Wine & Food Bar, The Pantry, The Po Cafe, The Smithy Cafe at 9 Main, Spring Hill Vineyards, The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant, and Washington Pizza House.

Win Big with the Washington Restaurant Week Instagram Contest! Leading up to the event, there will be a contest with giveaways of gift certificates worth hundreds of dollars that can be redeemed at local restaurants. Stay tuned for contest details by following the Town of Washington’s Instagram account, @explorewashingtonct.

Savor the Arts: Enjoy a dynamic lineup of art exhibits, live music, and performances at select venues, perfectly curated to pair with the special menus offered by these notable restaurants and eateries.

Don’t Miss Out! Mark your calendar, make your reservations, and get ready to celebrate Washington’s culinary and cultural artistry. For more information, contests, and sneak peeks, follow along on Instagram at @ExploreWashingtonCT.

Washington Restaurant Week 2025 is an annual event brought to the community by the Town of Washington, the Washington Business Association, and the Washington Arts Council.

For more information, visit explorewashingtonct.com/eat and follow @explorewashingtonct on Instagram to enter giveaways at participating restaurants.

All around Washington
https://explorewashingtonct.com/eat

Rebecca McMackin Talk

Adventures in Ecological Horticulture Sunday, May 4 @ 12 PM
Who doesn’t love butterflies? Habitat cultivation is a vital component of garden design and management in the anthropocene. But traditional landscaping practices rarely take biodiversity into consideration. For ecological horticulturist Rebecca McMackin, biodiversity is central to caring for land. In her 10 years as Director of Horticulture at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Rebecca oversaw 85 acres of diverse, organic landscapes, all managed to support birds, butterflies, and soil microorganisms. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, rural Connecticut, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. (Lunch and refreshments included.)
Single Ticket – $75.00
Double Ticket – $125

Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust
Van Vleck Farm & Nature Sanctuary
5 Church Hill Road
Woodbury, CT 06798
https://app.etapestry.com/cart/FlandersNatureCenter/default/category.php?ref=897.0.1468237871

Book Signing: Ann Hood

Calling All Gilmore Girls Fans!

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to welcome back award-winning author Ann Hood, editor of “Life’s Short, Talk Fast: Fifteen Writers on Why We Can’t Stop Watching Gilmore Girls”. Ann, along with two of the other authors of the book, will be here signing copies of “Life’s Short, Talk Fast” and talking to Gilmore Girls fans about everything Gilmore on Saturday, April 12th 10th from 2 – 4 pm.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fifteen leading writers explore what Gilmore Girls means to them in this delightful celebration of a contemporary TV classic.

Fast-talking, warm-hearted, and endlessly rewatchable, Gilmore Girls has bonded real-life mothers and daughters since 2000, when its iconic pilot introduced us to Lorelai, Rory, and their idyllic Connecticut town of Stars Hollow. More than twenty years later, it has become one of the most streamed TV shows, ever.

In an anthology as intimate and quick-witted as Gilmore Girls itself, best-selling author Ann Hood invites fifteen writers to investigate their personal relationships to the show. (“It’s a show? It’s a lifestyle. It’s a religion.”) Joanna Rakoff considers how Emily Gilmore helped her understand her own mother; Sanjena Sathian sees herself–and Asian American defiance–in Lane Kim; Freya North connects with her son through the show; Francesco Sedita discovers an antidote to pandemic loneliness; Nina de Gramont offers a comic ode to the unreality of Stars Hollow. For anyone who identifies as Team Logan, Team Jess, or even Team Dean, “Life’s Short, Talk Fast” reveals what Gilmore Girls tells us about ourselves–and why it matters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann Hood is the author of more than a dozen books of memoir and fiction, including the best-selling novels The Book That Matters Most, The Red Thread, and The Knitting Circle. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island, and New York.

This event is free and open to the public. If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve signed copies of “Life’s Short, Talk Fast” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.

The Hickory Stick Bookshop
2 Green Hill Rd
Washington Depot
CT 06794
https://hickorystickbookshop.com/event/2025-04-12/ann-hood-book-signing

Celebration of Poetry

On Friday, April 4th at 5:30 pm the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village will host a Celebration of Poetry in honor of National Poetry Month!

Participants are invited to read their own poems or pieces by their favorite poets. Each reader will have 5 to 10 minutes to share.

All ages are welcome to participate. Drinks and snacks will be served.

David M. Hunt Library
63 Main Street
Falls Village, CT 06031

Celebration of Poetry

WBCMF Chamber Concert

Acclaimed pianist Andrew Armstrong will present a concert with works of Beethoven and
Prokofiev on Sunday, April 27th, in the Woodbury-Bethlehem Community Music Foundation
(WBCMF) sponsored Chamber Concert Series. The concert will take place at 3:00 P.M., at the
First Congregational Church, 214 Main Street South, in Woodbury, CT. Tickets are available for
$30.00 at www.wbcmusicfoundation.org, or at the door the day of the concert for $35.00. There
will be a reception with Andrew immediately following the concert.

Mr. Armstrong, an area favorite, continues to be praised for his passionate expression and
dazzling technique. He has delighted audiences across Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and
the United States, including performances at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy
Center, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, and Warsaw’s National Philharmonic.

Andrew’s orchestral engagements across the globe have seen him perform a sprawling repertoire
of more than 50 concertos with orchestra. In addition to his thriving chamber music series in
Beaufort (USCB Chamber Music) and Columbia, SC (SC Philharmonic’s Andy & Friends), New
Canaan, CT (New Canaan Chamber Music), and at the Fabbri Mansion, an intimate 1609 Italian
Renaissance Library that seats only 80, in New York City (Fabbri Chamber Concerts), Andrew
will direct special chamber music performances this season in Charleston and Kiawah Island, SC
and in Glens Falls, NY. Finally, Andrew launches two new chamber music series this 24-25
season. In Greenville, SC, Sigal Music Museum presents Andy & Friends will present evening
performances as well as daytime workshops and masterclasses at the remarkable public arts high
school, the Fine Arts Center. And the inaugural season of Andrew’s new chamber series, A Little
Night Music at Tuckerman Hall in Worcester, MA is especially close to his heart, since this city
is where Andrew Armstrong lives happily with his wife Esty, their three children Jack (18), Elise
(13), and Gabriel (7), and their two dogs Comet and Dooker.

It is with great excitement that the WBCMF welcomes the return of Mr. Armstrong to Woodbury.

His sense of humor, combined with his extraordinary talent, will be sure to thrill all audience
members as he concludes the 2024-2025 Chamber Concert Series season. For more information
concerning the purchase of individual tickets to the Chamber Concert Series please visit the
WBCMF website, at www.wbcmusicfoundation.org

The concert will take place at 3:00 P.M., at the
First Congregational Church, 214 Main Street South, in Woodbury, CT. Tickets are available for
$30.00 at www.wbcmusicfoundation.org, or at the door the day of the concert for $35.00.

http://www.wbcmusicfoundation.org

  • Things to Do!

    Plan your weekend with our guides to the best things to do in Litchfield County, from events and art openings to dining and hikes.

  • Karen Raines Davis