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

Looking for weekend plans in Litchfield County? Visit the Art Exhibition and Sale in Kent, enjoy the Charcuterie Bar in Warren, or sip your way through Wine Tasting Weekend in New Preston. Cook up some fun at the Super-Sized Scavenger Hunt, shop the John Robshaw Tent Sale in Falls Village, or catch the Piano Series: Jennifer Hill in Winsted. Don’t miss Opening Day at the Farmers Market at The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, or the Fine Art Festival on the Sharon Town Green.

Coming up:
ASAP! Celebrates Possibilities at Spring Hill Vineyards, Salsa Night, and more cultural events happening county-wide!

Discover more on our full event calendar!

Thursday, May 22nd

Book Club, The Gunn Memorial Library, Washington

ArtWall Talk — Ann Kraus, David M. Hunt Library, Falls Village

Meet Your Greens, Woodbury Brewing Company, Woodbury

Grazing Table Masterclass, The Silo Cooking School, New Milford

Friday, May 23rd

Piano Series- Jennifer Hill, American Mural Project, Winsted

Faux Stained Glass Bookmarks, The Gunn Memorial Library, Washington

John Robshaw Tent Sale, John Robshaw Shop, Falls Village

Saturday, May 24th

Art Exhibition and Sale, Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent

Charcuterie Bar, Hopkins Vineyard, Warren

Wine Tasting Weekend, Spring Hill Vineyards, New Preston

Super-Sized Scavenger Hunt, David M. Hunt Library, Falls Village

Farmers Market Opening Day, The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, Washington Depot

WEFAN, An Exhibition of Textiles, The Hughes Memorial Library, West Cornwall

Frank Rosen – Wood/Art, The Souterrain Gallery of The Wish House, West Cornwall

Opening Reception: Off the Grid, Jennifer Terzian Gallery, Litchfield

“Fine Art Festival” Sharon, Sharon Town Green (63 Main St. Sharon CT)

Pasta Perfect w/ Chef Jamie, The Silo Cooking School, New Milford

Sunday, May 25th

Morris B&R Summer Concert Series, The Morris Town Beach / The Morris Town Green

Art Exhibition and Sale, Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent

Coming Up

ASAP! Celebrates Possibilities: Arts Fundraiser at Spring Hill Vineyards, Spring Hill Vineyards

Salsa Night, Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury

Pressing Flowers, Hollister House Garden, Washington

Art for Change, Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center, Litchfield

Save the Date for Savor Litchfield
Litchfield County’s Culinary Event of the Year
Sunday, September 14 | South Farms, Morris

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Mark your calendar for Litchfield Magazine’s Savor Litchfield, the premier culinary event held at the beautiful South Farms in Morris. From 3–6pm, enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of flavor as Chef John Bordeau of Sparrow in New Milford brings together 20 of the area’s top culinary talents, each preparing signature bites for guests to enjoy. Expect craft cocktails from Litchfield Distillery and South Farms, upscale pop-up shops, a full cash bar, and fun for the whole family with a dedicated kids zone.

Looking to elevate your experience? Our special limited quantity of VIP tickets offer early access beginning at 2 pm, featuring an exclusive hour of elevated offerings, including premium bites, signature cocktails, and a deluxe goody bag. VIP guests will enjoy special tastings from Michelin-award-winning chef Gabe McMackin, Prosecco, curated cheeses by Kate Redin, seafood by Zach Redin of To the Gills, and more—all before the main event opens to the public at 3pm.

New this year: VIP tables for six, available for purchase, include reserved seating for the full event plus upgraded food and drink perks.

A portion of proceeds will benefit the nonprofit F.I.S.H. NWCT, a vital shelter in Torrington providing food and hope for those in need. Sign up for text messages to be alerted when ticket sales are open. First come, first serve. This event always sells out.

TICKET PRICES: 

GENERAL ADMISSION:  $125
◗ Tastings available for 20 local chefs from 3-6pm
◗ Kid’s Zone, craft cocktails, pop-up shops

AGE 4-10 ADMISSION:  $50
◗ Age 3 and below – FREE ADMISSION

VIP EARLY ACCESS:  $225
◗ Early VIP entry before the crowds
◗ Complimentary glass of Prosecco
◗ Exclusive Chef’s Tastings, created just for VIP guests
◗ Swag bags filled with gifts from sponsors

PRIVATE TABLE FOR 6:  $2,400 (Limited availability)
◗ Prime seating in an exclusive, reserved area
◗ Early VIP entry before the crowds
◗ Complimentary bottle of Prosecco
◗ Exclusive Chef’s Tasting Plate, created just for table guests
◗ Swag bags filled with gifts from sponsors
◗ Personalized table signage with your brand or group name
◗ Professional photo opportunity with the new Litchfield Magazine cover

THE CHEFS

Lead Event Chef John Bourdeu
Owner, Sparrow, New Milford

Chef Bourdeu’s restaurant offers a “world menu” to his guests with creative flavors and a variety of dishes from around the globe. Bourdeu is well-known for his previous beloved eateries,
The Owl in New Preston and Lucia in New Milford. @sparrownewmilford

Chef Robert Arbor
Le Gamin, Sharon 

Chef Robert Arbor, of Le Gamin in Sharon, brings classic French charm and flavor to the table with his beloved café fare and warm hospitality.

Chef CJ Barroso
Lost Fox Inn, Litchfield 

Chef CJ Barroso has worked in some of NYC’s top kitchens, including Aquavit with Marcus Samuelsson, Michelin-starred Public, Saxon and Parole, and The Finch. At Lost Fox Inn, his seasonal menus reflect a passion for local ingredients and farmer partnerships.

Chef Pam Buchler 
New Morning Market, Woodbury 

Chef Pam Buchler, Culinary Director at New Morning Market, brings decades of experience and a passion for seasonal, nourishing food. Trained under CIA chef Rich Herzfeld, she rose to Head Chef at Chef’s Table, founded Aquarian Caterers, and champions local farms and food education. At New Morning, she crafts vibrant dishes and leads culinary innovation with heart and purpose.

Chef Ryan Carbone
Swyft, Kent 

A CIA graduate, Ryan brings refined technique and creativity to Ore Hill and Swyft. Previously Chef de Cuisine at Jupiter in NYC and Executive Chef at Tied House in Chicago, he’s inspired by local farms and values balance, flavor, and community in his work.

Chef Carl Ciacia III
South Farms, Morris 

Chef Carl brings his Italian culinary training to offer fresh Mediterranean-style cuisine. Head Chef of South Farms, Ciarcia leads the development of their culinary program. @carlciarcia

Chef Dennis DeBellis
John’s Cafe, Woodbury 

Chef DeBellis is a 1994 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and earned an additional degree in international bread baking from the French Culinary Institute in 1999. He has served as the chef of John’s Café since 2000 and became the owner in 2015.

Chef Matthew Delongis
Marketplace Tavern, Litchfield 

Chef Matthew Delongis, Corporate Executive Chef for Market Hospitality Group, brings over 20 years of culinary expertise. He oversees 11 Connecticut restaurants, including Market Place Kitchen & Bar and Mercato Italian Kitchen, leading menu development and ensuring quality and consistency. Known for his innovation and leadership, he plays a key role in shaping the group’s culinary vision and success.

Chef David DiStasi
Materia Ristorante, Bantam 

Chef David DiStasi, of Materia Ristorante in Bantam, brings a refined, ingredient-driven approach to Italian cuisine. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, he honed his craft at Blue Hill at Stone Barns before returning to his Connecticut roots. At Materia, he focuses on seasonal ingredients and modern techniques, creating elegant, thoughtful dishes in a warm, minimalist setting.

Chef Cedric Durand
The Pink House, West Cornwall 

Chef Cedric Durand, Executive Chef at The Pink House in West Cornwall, has worked at renowned restaurants, including Le Gratin for Daniel Boulud in NYC and Juliette in Brooklyn. With training under Michelin-starred chefs Yannick Delpech and Michel Portos, Chef Durand brings a refined, seasonal approach to his menus, showcasing local ingredients and earning acclaim for his culinary creativity.

Born and trained in France Cedric has worked in Michelin Star kitchens around the world. He now uses this experience and passion to highlight the local farmers and produce of Litchfield County at The Pink House.

Chef John Gapasin
The Abner, Litchfield 

Chef John Gapasin is an experienced culinary professional with a history of working in the hospitality industry. He has held various positions, including executive roles, and has experience in kitchen management and dish preparation. His background includes working at notable establishments, contributing to his expertise in delivering quality dining experiences.

Chef Cecilio Garcia
La Guera, Morris 

Chef Cecilio Garcia, a seasoned culinary professional, co-founded La Guera Cantina in Morris, Connecticut, alongside Erin Vasquez. After three successful years operating a food truck, they transitioned to a brick-and-mortar location at 5 Watertown Road, offering a vibrant menu that includes tacos, burritos, and birria. Chef Garcia’s dedication to authentic Mexican cuisine has garnered positive reviews from patrons.

Chef Anna Gowan
Kingsley Tavern, Kent 

Chef Anna Gowan is the owner and chef of Kingsley Tavern in Kent, a gastropub she opened in 2013. Her menu emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, featuring dishes like jerk chicken, miso-marinated salmon, and poutine. The tavern’s cozy ambiance and community-focused atmosphere reflect Anna’s deep roots in Kent, honoring her late father and brother, both educators in the area.

Chef Bolivar Hilario
Community Table, New Preston 

At Community Table, Chef Bolivar weaves his Mexican heritage with inspired Japanese and French-style cooking for a healthy approach to modern, local cuisine. His dishes highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on bold flavors and sustainable practices. Chef Bolivar’s passion for culinary innovation and his dedication to using locally sourced produce create an exceptional dining experience. @bol1var_

Chef Dino Kolitsas
Greca Mediterranean Kitchen + Bar, New Milford 

Chef Dino Kolitsas is the chef/owner of the award-winning Greca Mediterranean Kitchen + Bar in New Milford and the director of The Silo Cooking School. With a passion for Mediterranean cuisine, Chef Kolitsas brings bold flavors and innovative techniques to his dishes. His commitment to culinary excellence has earned him recognition, while The Silo Cooking School fosters a love of cooking in the community.

Chef Gabe McMackin

Chef Paul Pearson
White Hart Inn, Salisbury 

Chef Paul Pearson, originally from York, England, brings a refined yet approachable culinary style to The White Hart Inn in Salisbury. After training in various hotels and restaurants in the UK, he worked in Bermuda before moving to the U.S.His experience includes leading kitchens at Blantyre in Lenox, North Pond in Chicago, and Seasons at the Ocean House in Rhode Island. At The White Hart, Chef Pearson emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, collaborating with local farms like Whippoorwill Farm and Green Hollow Farm. He also oversees the inn’s Provisions café and the popular Wednesday night wood-fired pizza program.

Chef Carlos Perez
@ the Corner, Litchfield 

Chef Carlos Perez, a Woodbury native, leads The Corner in Litchfield with award-winning, farm-to-table cuisine. His culinary approach blends artistry and bold flavors, creating memorable dishes that highlight locally sourced ingredients. Chef Perez’s innovative style has earned him recognition, and his dedication to seasonal, fresh food is at the heart of every plate he serves.

Chef Carlo and Michelle Pulixi
Geppetto Osteria e Bisteccheria, Torrington 

Chef Carlo Pulixi, originally from Sardinia and trained in Rome, co-owns Geppetto Osteria e Bisteccheria in Torrington with his wife, Michelle. Together, they bring authentic Italian cuisine to Connecticut, drawing from their extensive experience, including their previous venture, Convivium Osteria in Brooklyn. Their Torrington restaurant offers a warm, rustic atmosphere and a menu inspired by regional Italian flavors.

Kate Redin
New Curds on the Block, Oakville 

Kate Redin is the founder of New Curds on the Block, an all-American cheese shop in Oakville specializing in Northeast-made cheeses. She combines her passion for fermentation and local food systems to support regional agriculture. Through her business and educational appearances, she promotes access to and appreciation of quality cheese and dairy products.

Chef Zach Redin
To the Gills, Oakville 

With over 15 years of culinary and fish market experience, Zachary is an expert in sourcing and preparing fresh seafood. His keen eye for quality and trends has made him a go-to for seafood lovers. Zachary’s passion for the craft shines through in every dish, and he continues to stay ahead of the curve in the seafood industry. @swedishchef08

Chef Mike Sorensen
Sparrow, New Milford 

Mike Sorensen, a San Francisco Bay Area native and culinary school graduate, refined his chops working alongside James Beard Award winning chefs in Orlando, Florida and Houston, Texas. Currently he is teamed up with successful Chef/Owner John Bourdeau at acclaimed Sparrow Bar + Restaurant in New Milford, where the two highlight their authentic and sometimes whimsical approach to globally inspired cuisine and cocktails.

Thank you to the local farms that provide food for our event.

Autumn Harvest, Earth’s Palate farm, Hungry Reaper Farm, Why Not Farm, Chanticleer Acres, Riverbank Farm, Calf and Clover Creamery, Fort Hill Farm, Hoadley Hills Farm, Oracle Mushroom, North West Corner Farm, Daffodil Hill Growers, Vibrant Farm,  and Maple Bank Farm.

THE SPONSORS

The Abner Hotel, Litchfield County Pools, The Litchfield Inn, Litchfield Luxury Property Management, Northeast Fine Flooring Design,  New Morning Market, Pointy Snout Caviar, Rumsey Hall School,  South Farms, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, and Winvian.
Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you are interested in becoming a sponsor. THANK YOU!

By Andrea Valluzzo
Photos by Kim Tyler
Video By Owen Quinn

The picture-perfect town of Essex is an easy get-away from Litchfield and Dutchess counties (about an hour from Litchfield and two hours from Rhinebeck), with an abundance of history, shopping, restaurants, and other attractions. With its quaint Colonial- and Federal-style houses and chic boutiques, it has the classic New England feel of Litchfield, but is also on the Connecticut River and only minutes away from Long Island Sound. 

Essex was an important center of shipbuilding and commerce in the 18th century; many buildings bear plaques with the names of the sea captains and builders who were the town’s founders.

Boating is a major draw in summer, when the town’s population swells well over its full-time population of 6,800. Essex is also famous for its parades on Groundhog Day and Halloween, and the Burning of the Ships parade in May that commemorates an 1814 British raid on the town. 

11 am

Arrive in Essex Village, park along Main Street, and visit indie shops like The River Lane, a women’s clothing boutique. Owner Robin Zubretsky calls it an easy-to-shop oasis—an atmosphere designed for connections and celebrations among women. “The aim of the store was really to cater to all women and their families. You can shop with your mom and daughter, and they should all be able to find something with the over 50 curated brands that we carry,” she says.

After a morning of shopping, it’s time for lunch and to enjoy the waterfront views. Noah’s at 63 Main has seafood options including seared salmon, crab cakes, or oysters; or the Drift, where a specialty is Old Bay lobster deviled eggs. 

Grab a sandwich at Olive Oyl’s Carry Out Cuisine while admiring the vintage petroliana and advertising signs on display. Or visit The Siren Kitchen & Bar, on a small island minutes from downtown. Travel there by boat and dock at the restaurant, or board the complimentary ferry. 

3 pm

The Connecticut River Museum has exhibits on the steamboat era, and local industries—from shipbuilding to the famed Dickenson’s Witch Hazel. The British raid in April 1814 is also highlighted; British forces burned nearly 30 privateer ships moored here, and (unforgivably!) took the town’s rum stockpile. 

Visitors can climb into a replica of The Turtle, the world’s first operational combat submarine, which was built in nearby Westbrook (there is also a working model, built for the US Bicentennial).

Tribute is also paid to shipbuilder Uriah Hayden, who was selected in 1775 by Connectiut’s governor to build a warship for the American fleet. He built the Oliver Cromwell, across the street from where the museum now stands.

To admire the area’s natural beauty, hop aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, which offers experiences year ’round. Its dinner trains are popular—especially the murder mystery-themed excursion. 

Finish off the afternoon at Essex Mercantile, with everything from apparel and gifts to barware and gourmet foods. Another worthwhile stop: Toys Ahoy! 

6 pm 

Check in to The Griswold Inn, a blend of sophistication and comfort. With 34 guest rooms, its campus includes the main inn and several historical buildings. Guest rooms are furnished with antiques and fine reproductions; the four-poster beds are from Leonards New England, which has supplied beds to the White House. 

The inn is a veritable museum, with a noteworthy collection of art, guns, and maritime artifacts—including a Normal Rockwell sketch of a steamboat race on the Connecticut River. Don’t miss the wine bar’s 18-foot mural of the town, as depicted during the 1880s. 

The inn marks its 250th anniversary next June, a month before the nation’s own semiquincentennial. It has remained open through wars, the Great Depression, Prohibition and the COVID pandemic. The Paul family is the sixth to own the inn; they celebrate their 30th anniversary of ownership in October. 

The inn offers three dining experiences: one that focuses on New England fare; a tap room with tavern fare; and a wine bar/bistro with small and macro plates, and an extensive wine collection. 

After dinner, chill out in the tap room, known for its nightly entertainment. 

10 am

Recharge in the morning at the Essex Coffee & Tea Company with a hot or iced drink like toasted almond coffee or a Burundi Kayanza tea. The store-made chocolate coconut macaroons are a must!

Treat yourself to a facial or hot stone massage at the Prive-Swiss MedSpa, or do a bit more shopping. 

For a sweet ending to the day, visit  Chocolate Geeks, known for artisanal chocolate, including award-winning chocolate ganache shots. Chocolate chip cookies are made in small batches all day, and are both crispy and chewy.

If time allows, catch a show at the Ivoryton Playhouse, which became the country’s first self-supporting summer theater in 1930. Shows this summer include Tea at Five, about actress Katharine Hepburn, who lived nearby in Old Saybrook. 

View our Visit to Essex video here!

Spring has arrived, and with it, a renewed passion for gardens and green spaces. We spoke with a handful of inspiring local garden-related businesses who bring creativity, expertise, and heart to everything they grow and design. From landscape visionaries to furniture makers to plant nurseries, meet the people cultivating beauty across our region.

Cricket Hill Garden

Nestled in Thomaston, Cricket Hill Garden is a specialty nursery known for its rare and unusual plants—most notably its renowned collection of peonies.
READ the full story….

Haab Landscaping

Haab Landscaping, LLC is a full-service landscape construction and maintenance company owned by Jeff and Sawyer Haab.
READ the full story….

Peerless Tree

Peerless provides comprehensive services, including insect and disease diagnosis and treatment for trees and shrubs, arboriculture consulting, turf care programs, tick abatement, and landscape and garden design, installation, and maintenance.
READ the full story….

Kent Greenhouse

Kent Greenhouse & Gardens has been a leader in landscape design, installation, and estate care for decades, offering everything from customized outdoor spaces to in-house pool design and construction.
READ the full story….

Washington Supply

As a full-service lumber yard and hardware store, the business expanded in 2006 to include a dedicated Lawn, Garden, and Outdoor Living Center—bringing the same trusted expertise to every aspect of outdoor life.
READ the full story….

Scott’s Nursery and Landscaping

Scott’s Nursery & Landscaping is a full-service design and build firm, featuring a six-acre, award-winning garden center. Specializing in landscape and hardscape design, the company also provides maintenance and gardening services.
READ the full story….

Kenneth Lynch & Sons

Maria Lynch Dumoulin is the third-generation owner of Kenneth Lynch & Sons, a company with a nearly 100-year legacy in fine outdoor furniture, garden ornamentation, and park furnishings.
READ the full story….

The Green Spot

The Green Spot goes beyond plants, offering expert landscape design, build, and installation services, including masonry and maintenance.
READ the full story….

Brook Clark Landscape Architects

Offering a range of services to create outdoor spaces that reflect the unique vision of each property owner. Known for their expertise in both design and project management, they bring a meticulous approach to each landscape project.
READ the full story….

Arbor Services

From planting and fertilizing to pruning, disease treatment, and thoughtful removals, Arbor Services offers holistic care to ensure the long-term health and beauty of trees and landscapes.
READ the full story….

Yardscapes Landscape

Known for its commitment to excellence, sustainability, a passionate team with deep-rooted love for the natural world, YardScapes continues to create outdoor environments that bring people closer to nature.
READ the full story….

[Sponsored]

By Andrea Valluzzo

Litchfield County is rich in farmland, so it’s little surprise that hundreds of animals make their home here, from farm animals to exotic species. With an eye toward education, many owners open up their farms or animal sanctuaries to the public to encourage interactive experiences.

Here are ten local places to get up close with animals, and create fun memories this summer.

Highwire Deer and Animal Farm, Woodbury
What’s a zedonk? Come here to meet the offspring of a donkey-zebra. Open seasonally, the farm allows guests to touch, visit with, and feed many of its 30-plus animals.
—highwireanimalfarm.com

Perk and Paws Cat Cafe, Torrington
Cats, coffee, and cuddles are the cafe’s daily special. Rescue cats waiting for their fur-ever homes eagerly greet visitors for lounging sessions or cat yoga. 
—perkandpawscatcafe.com

Country Quilt Llama Farm, West Cornwall and Litchfield
For an outstanding selfie experience, try walking a llama. The farm offers one-hour walks, where visitors ages four and up can take turns leading llamas along nearby trails.
—countryquiltllamafarm.com

Bella Alpacas Farm Sanctuary, New Milford
Similar in appearance to llamas but shorter, alpacas are adored for their fluffy fur and super-long eyelashes. Guests can get up close with the alpacas and chickens here, even feeding them.
—bellaalpacas.com

Goat Yoga at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, Woodbury
Doing Downward Dog is a lot more fun when a playful Nigerian dwarf goat stands on your back. Registration is open for goat yoga sessions led by Sharon Poarch at the North Barn: June 1, July 13, July 27, August 31, September 14.
—flandersnaturecenter.org

Sharon Audubon Center, Sharon
Highlighting its rehabilitation work, the center has live animal exhibits, including birds of prey,  and native wildlife such as turtles, insects, and reptiles. With the exception of the birds of prey, most can be touched during tours and programs.
—sharon.audubon.org

JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, Litchfield
Open June through November for tours (by reservation only), the sanctuary cares for rescued farm animals including pigs, cows, steers, turkeys, roosters, and more. Visitors can offer treats to most of these friendly creatures.
—jpfarmsanctuary.org

Action Wildlife Foundation, Goshen
Looking for a wild time? This nonprofit foundation offers a variety of interactive experiences with its many animals, ranging from alpacas to zebras.
—actionwildlifefoundation.com

March Farm, Bethlehem
There’s something for everyone at this fourth-generation family farm. Visit with animals including heritage pigs, ducks, goats, and (in the spring) calves.
—marchfarm.com

Ivy Mountain Goat Farm, Goshen
Specializing in dairy goats, the farm welcomes visitors. Children and adults can walk out into the fields to interact with the goats, some of whom may enjoy a cuddle or an offer of a dandelion.
—[email protected]

Building Resiliency: Grants Help Farmers Grapple with Climate Change

Photograph by Wendy Carlson

By Wendy Carlson

At Hathor Hill Farm in Morris, a posse of Great Pyrenees dogs protect the cattle, goats, and chickens from predators—but they can’t safeguard the farm from the ravages of extreme weather. 

“Last spring, there was so much water you could literally take a kayak down the road,” says Joe McCartin, as he walks along the foot-deep ruts of a washed-out access road that leads to his barns at the top of a pasture. Heavy rainfall severely flooded the dirt road, making it impassable, and damaging adjacent grazing land. 

McCartin, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and his wife, Sally Amer, became first-time farmers five years ago when they purchased their 50-acre farm in the Lakeside section of Morris. There, they raise beef cattle, goats, and chickens, grow vegetables, and propagate mushrooms for products sold at their farmstand and at farmers markets.  

Fortunately, this spring is looking a whole lot brighter for the fledgling farmers. The access road will be rerouted, trenches installed to divert water, and the pasture land restored with a $20,000 grant awarded to the couple recently by the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC) through its Building Resiliency on Northwest Connecticut Farmland grant program. The initiative provides regional farmers with resources to enhance sustainability, increase agricultural productivity, and mitigate the effects of climate change. It was made possible by a grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry program. Through the program, NCLC allocated more than $500,000, awarding a total of 48 grants to area farmers for “climate-smart” site assessments and implementation projects.

In Roxbury, Kirby Peters, who leases Maple Bank Farm — one of the oldest family-owned farms in the country — is using the farm’s $10,000 Building Resiliency grant award to purchase a raised bed mulch layer with a fertilizer hopper. The equipment will distribute fertilizer directly into the growing area while simultaneously creating raised beds that improve drainage.

“This helps during extreme weather events, when plants can end up sitting in water,” Peters says. “Proper fertilization ensures better plant vitality and crop outcomes. We’ve struggled with precision fertilizer application, and we know some fertilizer leaches out. The more efficient and precise we can be, the better.”

Peters echoes the concern voiced by many local farmers. “Climate mitigation is of the utmost importance for us,” he says. “With unpredictable weather patterns, we are increasingly forced to adapt.”

The program comes at a pivotal moment as cuts to federal funding for conservation and agriculture loom. So far, the NCLC has  provided grants to meat, poultry, and vegetable farmers as well as a diverse range of producers, including a hops farm in Warren, a CBG farm in Harwinton, and Rowledge Pond Aquaculture, a hatchery in Sandy Hook.

Beyond combating extreme weather conditions, the initiative supports practices aimed at sequestering carbon and reducing emissions, which in turn improves water quality, enhances soil, and promotes biodiversity—all steps to help farmers thrive.—ctland.org

Dream stay: Winvian Resort

Luxurious Retreat Offers Timeless Elegance, Hospitality

By Andrea Valluzzo

Nestled into 113 acres bordering woodlands, lakes, and meadows in Morris, Winvian is anything but a bustling resort. The path to serenity literally begins at the gate, where guests are buzzed in. Outside cares fall away on the drive through the hotel’s property.

Past an allée of mature King Maples is the Condé Nast Traveler award-winning spa. Soothing music fills the air, setting the tone as co-manager Lauren Beecher bids arrivals to change into fluffy terry robes and sandals. 

A popular service is the 90-minute Le Grand Classique facial, which begins with lying on a heated bed under a blanket and breathing in botanicals, to promote relaxation. Beecher works her magic with exfoliation, essential oils, and steam hydration, finishing clients off with a hot towel under the neck and a massage.

Some guests follow their service with a visit to the sauna; others decamp to the relaxation lounge to sip tea while enjoying unspoiled views of the farm, courtesy of the tall picture windows.

Seeking post-spa libations, guests often gather in the tavern to sip a Smoked Paloma or a mocktail while awaiting dinner.

Executive chef Chris Eddy, who joined Winvian in 2006, employs a farm-to-fork approach to his seasonal menus, sourcing many ingredients from Winvian’s own organic gardens, greenhouses, apple and peach orchards, and root cellar. Not surprisingly, the four acres of gardens supply about 70% of the vegetables that Eddy uses. Under his direction, the restaurant delights patrons and accrues many accolades, including a Five Diamond rating from AAA. After leaving his native Vermont, Eddy cut his teeth working for renowned chefs Daniel Boulud and Alain Ducasse before joining the Winvian family. 

And family is at the heart of what makes Winvian a magical place to visit. Winvian’s proprietress, Maggie Smith, was a teenager in Waterbury when she first experienced Winvian, while dating the son of then-owners Winthrop and Vivian Smith. The couple bought what was a local doctor’s “gentleman farm” in 1948, creating its portmanteau name. 

After they passed, their family was determined to preserve the property and honor their legacy. “I just felt it was so important to keep it in the family if we possibly could,” she says.

Having already renovated an inn in Vermont before relocating to Connecticut, Smith was up to the challenge of turning Winvian into a destination getaway. Friends joked that she was insane, but she remained undaunted. She worked closely with a dozen-plus architects to add roads, fiber optics, and design 19 buildings on site, including 18 guest cottages. The cottages, which pay homage to Connecticut, delight and surprise guests with themes such as the Helicopter Cottage, which contains an actual Sikorsky helicopter.

“I still pinch myself that we built it and that people come to Winvian,” Smith says. She takes pride in a team that she considers her extended family. “Anybody can build buildings, but it really takes a dedicated team to deliver the heart and soul of what I think is Winvian.” —winvian.com