January 29, 2026
Happening in the Hills staff members share their favorites of Litchfield County.
Palmier Cookies
Cynthia Hochswender, Copy Editor, Happening in the Hills
Definitely worth driving out of your way for: the palmier cookies at The Bantam Bread Co. They’re light and crispy, with a caramely crunch.
Bantam Bread
853 Bantam Road, Bantam
bantambread.com
Chai Latte
Vanessa Hammond, Business Manager, Happening in the Hills
A chai latte at The Smithy is my happy place in a cup—spicy, sweet, and totally addictive. Add the café’s cozy, welcoming vibes and you get my favorite drink in my favorite spot.
The Smithy Cafe at 9 Main
9 Main St., New Preston
cafeat9main.com
The Po Cafe
Paula Cornell, Writer, Happening in the Hills
Favorite: Customer service at the Po Cafe
They were the first local business to learn my name when I moved here, and even sent tea and a cookie when I was sick.
The Po Cafe
5 Kirby Road, Washington
https://www.instagram.com/thepocafe
Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Christopher Stella, Writer, Happening in the Hills
Always searching for the perfect egg and cheese sandwich, Blue Gate’s pillowy rolls and sharp cheddar make them Litchfield County’s uncontested champion (in my book).
Blue Gate Boulanger Pâtissier
2 Route 7, Sharon
bluegatefarmct.com
High 5 Pies
Alexandra Mazza, Editorial Assistant, Dutchess Magazine
The best pies money can buy—especially the triple berry! Find them at local shops such as Jam in Sharon or Conundrum Farm in Kent.
High 5 Pies
Washington
instagram.com/high5pies
Ilse Coffee
D Callahan, Newsletter Editor
For me, there’s nothing better than taking a winter hike on a Cornwall Conservation Trust trail with a cup of coffee made from beans roasted locally at Ilse in North Canaan.
Ilse Coffee
35 Railroad St., North Canaan
ilsecoffee.com
Pasta Heaven
Jill Lawlor, Sales Executive, Litchfield Magazine
A local family business for over 30 years. Their fresh homemade pasta, Italian meals, and support of the local community make this shop a hidden gem in Litchfield county.
Pasta Heaven
241 Main St.,Terryville
pastaheaven.net
Mayflower Martini
Charles Dubow, Writer, Happening in the Hills
One of my favorite things to do in Litchfield County is to drink a martini in the Tap Room atThe Mayflower.
Tap Room, Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Collection
118 Woodbury Road/Rte. 47, Washington
auberge.com/mayflower
Cupcakes
Zandria Oliver, Production Assistant, Happening in the Hills
Best known for their delicious and creatively decorated cupcakes (vegan options too!)—from cocktail cupcakes to hot fudge cupcakes, they do it all.
Hardcore Sweet Bakery
619 Main St., Watertown
hardcoresweetbakery.com
Pepper and Egg Sandwich
Mary Beth Lawlor, Publisher and Editor, Happening in the Hills
Served on a billowy-soft hard roll, fluffy scrambled eggs are folded with melted American cheese and a hint of spicy peppers—simple, yet deeply satisfying.
Petraroia Deli
33 West St., Litchfield
petraroiadeli.com
