Publicist Victoria Hood met artist Theo Coulombe at his gallery, Standard Space, in Sharon in the summer of 2019.
Photographs by Elena Uryadova
Publicist Victoria Hood met artist Theo Coulombe at his gallery, Standard Space, in Sharon in the summer of 2019. At the time, Victoria was representing Troutbeck, a resort in upstate New York, and approached Theo about a collaborative exhibition with an artist he was showing, John Paul Philippe. They became friends, bonding over good wine, food, and music. During COVID, while staying alone at her father’s house in Sharon, Victoria invited Theo to join her dinner pod. They often stayed up late talking, laughing, or watching Last of the Mohicans. Victoria sensed Theo’s admiration but they remained friends until fall 2021 when she rented a carriage house on Skiff Mountain. Feeling brave, Victoria invited Theo over for champagne and her client Pointy Snout’s caviar. Their relationship blossomed, and on June 15, 2024, they held a civil union officiated by Priest AJ Stacks at the home of their friends Heidi Hendricks and Rafe Churchill, with family and close friends.
Jessica Savner, of Bethlehem is an über athlete. She excels at the five very different disciplines that make up the modern pentathlon.
Jess Savner Does It All at Paris Olympics
By Wendy Carlson
Photo Courtesy of USAPM
She runs, she swims, she shoots. She flies over obstacles on horseback, and is a fierce fencing opponent. Jessica Savner, of Bethlehem is an über athlete. She excels at the five very different disciplines that make up the modern pentathlon.
In August, she tested her mettle at the Paris Olympics, where she finished 14th in the five-event competition.
Qualifying for the games was a decade-long goal for the 32-year-old Savner. A former track-and-field star, prize-winning equestrian, and triathlete, she has always been inspired by athletes who tested the limits of a sport.
“I knew I wanted to be one of them, I just didn’t know which sport—until I found modern pentathlon,” says Savner, who believes that modern pentathletes are some of the best all-around athletes in the world. “There are so many moving parts. I get to explore every aspect of my athleticism every day, and there isn’t much that’s more gratifying,” she adds.
Modern Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin devised the sport to show the complete athlete, combining five skills considered essential for a 19th-century cavalry soldier. After Paris, show jumping will be dropped from future Olympics, and replaced by a human obstacle course. With the change of the format, Savner is retiring to spend some much-needed down time with her husband.
From a Flood Emerged a State-of-the-Art Home
By Zachary Schwartz
Photos by Ryan Lavine
“From our bedroom, it feels like you’re floating on a jutting-out glass box,” the homeowner says from an ethereally sunlit bedroom. You would never know that just a few years prior, the home’s ceiling was caving in from a burst pipe.
Situated atop a forested ridge in Kent, and overlooking the resplendent hills surrounding Lake Waramaug, lies a special tucked-away home shaded by white birch trees. Purchased as a weekend getaway for a New York City family, this abode is all about its unparalleled views. From the moment one enters the house, a scenic panorama is framed centrally at eye level. It is the home’s pièce de résistance.
The landscape is what drew the homeowners: “The view, the view, and the view. And the peace that comes with it. It really was that simple. When we saw the house, we had already seen about five houses in another town, none of which we could truly imagine ourselves in. We walked in and were greeted by a beautiful, serene view that immediately put us at ease.”
“The closest sensation I’ve experienced is when you walk up stadium stairs and enter a baseball stadium,” says architect Daniel Frisch. “You cannot recreate, photographically, the extraordinary moment of walking in that front door.”
The homeowners purchased the shingle-style house a few years ago, but calamity struck soon after when a burst pipe caused the ceilings to cave in. Daniel Frisch Architecture, an architecture and design firm specializing in private high-end residential projects, was hired to rebuild and decorate the home.
Key aspects of the renovation included an overall expansion of the footprint and kitchen, reorientation of rooms to take in the surroundings, and introduction of an open floor plan. Thoughtful fenestration and the addition of an outdoor balcony were crucial to making the scenery the focal point. “Bringing in the modern windows and opening up the lakeside view with much larger openings and glass is the real difference from the original fairly traditional home that we replaced,” explains Frisch.
From the sun-kissed screened-in porch to the entryway’s floating staircase to the revamped basement with gym and playroom, the house is a breath of fresh air. The upstairs primary bedroom resembles a detached oasis due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, bump-out construction, and shifting light throughout the day. “Each detail is obsessively worked through and resolved, but never in a way that the architecture or interior design would compete with that view,” says Frisch. The home remodel, completed in partnership with T & S Builders in Kent, is fresh, sleek, and livable.
Daniel Frisch Architecture also decorated the home’s interiors, opting for modern and artistic furnishings that never detract from the vista. “The style is as timeless as can be. It doesn’t look like it belongs to a particular moment in time. It will really be something that lasts generations,” says Frisch. Furniture with clean lines, strong silhouettes, and neutral colors was selected for the living spaces. The great room is perhaps the most breathtaking space, equipped with a dramatic black Arteriors lighting pendant, Yabu Pushelberg dining room table, and custom Martha Leone credenza. As a playful and personal touch, the homeowners also accentuated choice walls with ebullient wallpapers.
Following the renovation, the homeowners have found renewed tranquility. “We can breathe in the peace and quiet that comes with Litchfield County. We get our fill of city life during the week, then unwind in the beauty and calm of South Kent.”
The old aphorism says: “Everything happens for a reason.” This state-of-the-art home overlooking Kent Hollow is one such example, a silver lining of a flood that transformed a residence into a modern manse that maximizes the view.—danielfrisch.com
The Maestro of Low and Slow
By Anne Franco McAndrew
Photos by Sabrina Eberhard
Lou Gabriel didn’t just happen upon the barbeque scene. Like so many of us, he was the Bobby Flay in his own backyard, experimenting with different grilling methods. As his interest and expertise grew, so did the number of people attending his backyard soirees. “I began to realize that it had more to do with my cooking than with my personality,” he laughs. As his friends filled their plates and tummies, encouraging words such as “you should really sell this” and “best barbeque around” were commonly uttered.
While maintaining his corporate position as global manager in the specialty chemical industry, Gabriel began his barbeque side hustle. Lou’s son, Zach, a culinary school graduate, joined forces with his dad. They purchased a truck and a smoker, and started selling at the weekly Torrington Main Street Market. Their offerings were humble: chicken thighs, baked beans, and snowflake rolls from Big Y. Business was steady and feedback was strong.
Then the calamity of COVID happened.
COVID gave Lou time to contemplate his life. He took a long look at his career in corporate management and did a 180. He bought an unassuming building in Torrington. Zach and Lou’s Barbeque was born.
Don’t expect swank, because there is no swank in barbeque. The tables are wooden, the utensils are plastic, the meal is served on a cafeteria tray—and you only get one napkin, so tuck a bandana in your back pocket before you go. But remember, don’t judge a book by its cover. Zach and Lou’s was just honored with two major wins in 2023: Waterbury’s People’s Choice Award in two categories, Best Barbeque and Best Ribs. “I didn’t even know we were a contender, I was completely blown away,” Lou declares.
In the annals of culinary history, one can find barbeque all over the world. There’s Texas style, Carolina, Memphis as well as Brazilian, Korean, Jamaican, and more. Zach and Lou’s food falls into none of these categories. “We are our own style,” Lou says.
The choices of meats and sides are many. Their best seller is the pulled pork sandwich. You sauce it yourself , choosing from hot, sweet, or mustard. Sides are served separately; be bold and pile the cole slaw or the mac-and-cheese on your sandwich. It’s pure bliss. The ribs are juicy and moist. And try the smoked pork belly burnt ends that have just the right amount of umami; or the brisket, which has been smoked for several hours, burnt and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
As with any successful business, passion is paramount. You will find Lou at his smoker every morning at 3:30 am, prepping enough food for the day, only to make it all fresh again the following morning.
Student historians share stories of the region’s rich BIPOC past
At a time when the history of our country is systematically being erased, denied, or buried, a group of local high school students are taking a different tact—they are shining a light on it. This past May, 200 middle and high school students from sixteen regional public and private schools gathered at the Troutbeck Resort in Amenia for the third annual Troutbeck Symposium. This student-led forum celebrates and commemorates people of color and other marginalized groups whose contributions to the community have long been forgotten—or simply ignored.
At first glance, the symposium might seem a departure for the resort—whose guests come for its beautifully designed rooms, farm-to-table cuisine, and wellness amenities. Yet, at its core it speaks to Troutbeck’s storied past when former owners Joel and Amy Spingarn were key players in the civil rights movement and the Harlem Renaissance.
It all started during the COVID-19 lockdown when Salisbury history teacher Rhonan Mokriski challenged his students to find little known stories about African-American history in the area. Mokriski enlisted the help of documentary filmmaker Ben Willis.Among the highlights was a short film called “Coloring Our Past,” featuring Katherine Overton, a passionate historian whose mother was born in Lakeville and who traced the Cesar side of her family back five generations. Because Katherine was riding out the pandemic at her daughter’s home in Frisco, Texas, her two grandsons—Isaac and Kasai—were enlisted as producers The project was so successful that a year later the Troutbeck Symposium was launched.
“From the beginning the idea was to give it to the students and let them run with it,” said Mokriski.
And run with it, they have. This year’s films covered tough topics: modern day lynchings, the silent protest march of 1917, a private school for mentally challenged children, and destruction of the sacred lands of a local Indigenous tribe, to name just a few. For Salisbury School senior Kasai Moore (Overton’s grandson who came to the school as a junior), it was a chance bring his family legacy full circle.
His documentary “Roots” traced his family’s ties to the area back five generations including his great, great grandmother, Matilda Cesar Williams and her brother Arthur who worked at the Troutbeck estate. “It takes my breath away to imagine my uncle Arthur, the family chauffeur, ferrying Langston Hughes or Zoe Neale Hurston from Wassaic train station to the Troutbeck,” he said.
For Moore, the experience was deeply personal.A gifted soccer player, he arrived atSalisbury hoping to fulfill his dream of playing for a college team. An early season-ending injury forced him to pivot and he now plans to pursue a career in cybersecutiry. “It was a difficult transition to come here my junior year but at the same time it felt like a calling for me to do it,” he says. “And then I learned about my family’s connections to the area, and how they weave into the tapestry of the landscape. It made me feel like I was part of something and I can take that feeling with me wherever I go.” —troutbeck.com
Seeing the mammoth bison at Mohawk Bison in Goshen, one gets the impression of having wandered onto the set of an old Western movie. The animals can weigh as much as 2,500 pounds and seem to belong to a different time and place.“They look like prehistoric animals,” says Peter Fay, who owns Mohawk Bison. But don’t be fooled by their idyllic appearance; bison are dangerous animals. They are not domesticated at all, and are therefore difficult to corral. It is foolhardy to get close to them.
“They’re wild animals, you don’t walk in pastures with them,” Fay says. “A lot of people don’t raise them because, if they get loose, most of the time you’re not going to get them home.”
Fay has been working with these beautiful but difficult animals since 2007. Mohawk Bison is one of two active bison farms in Connecticut; the other, Creamery Brook Bison, is in Brooklyn. Thanks to farms like these as well as other preservation efforts, the once-endangered American bison—often casually referred to as buffalo, a related animal found only in Africa—has returned. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are some 20,500 plains bison in conservation herds, and an additional 420,000 in commercial herds. A program at Yellowstone National Park even works to rehome bison from the park to indigenous tribal lands.
Bison meat’s key selling point is its healthier nutrition stats. Bison is high in protein and iron, much lower in fat than beef and as much as 30 percent lower in fat than skinless chicken.
Some bison proponents also claim that because bison are indigenous to North America and tend to produce fewer greenhouse gasses than cows, they are a more environmentally friendly option. In a 2016 article, Modern Farmer says that bison meatcanbe more sustainable than beef, and that a random sampling of bison meat would probably be more sustainable than a random sampling of beef.
Eating bison meat also, perhaps counterintuitively, aids the conservation of bison.
“If you don’t eat it, we won’t raise it, and there won’t be any bison,” Fay says.
Fay’s interest in farming bison began after a friend (who was the owner of Aj’s Steak & Pizza in Goshen) started featuring it on the menu. At the same time, Fay was looking for new opportunities for working his family’s multi-generational dairy farm.
Today, Fay’s 60-acre farm is home to somewhere between 100 and 150 bison depending on the season. He sells the meat on Saturdays at the farm, and to wholesalers who distribute it to restaurants. It is also featured in the bison burger at Aj’s.
Though Fay has grown used to working with bison, about a year and a half ago he was reminded not to let his guard down. Early one morning, he was corralling the bison and says he got careless.
“I got between a gate, and one of the animals tried to get at me. She wasn’t liking me much,” Fay says. The animal pinned his hand and arm against a gate hard enough to dislocate several fingers. He only escaped when the bison “just kind of lost interest in me, and I crawled out.”
The incident resulted in a trip to the hospital, and a reminder for Fay that bison are still, even when found on a farm, creatures of the wild.
Scott Thyberg grew up in the wilderness of Warren, on a wondrous property where his parents ran a children’s summer camp. “It was a place where you could spend time with yourself and explore your heart,” says the accomplished choreographer and founder of the dance company Dansereye. “I had 400 acres to play in. It was unbelievable to me.”
The nonprofit camp was his father’s dream—started with a 100-acre purchase made upon his return from World War II; he grew it from there. Generations of children affectionately referred to Thyberg’s parents as Uncle Al and Aunt Elaine; the camp thrived for 60-plus years.
Many kids came from inner cities, where they hadn’t experienced nature’s grandeur. “When anyone would come up, they were just blown away by how stunningly beautiful it was,” Thyberg says of the land where he and four siblings chased butterflies and hunted for frogs in babbling brooks that disappeared into the woods.
“There were so many incredible natural features. People would say to my father, ‘What a beautiful place you have here,’ and he would immediately correct them and say, ‘This isn’t ours, we’re just the stewards; we’re the caretakers.’”
It’s a sentiment Thyberg holds dear, especially since losing his father to dementia, the illness that left him unable to keep his beloved camp going. Thyberg, 66, a Juilliard-trained musician whose ballets have been performed throughout the United States and in Europe, returned home to care for him in 2013; he died in 2019, at age 95.
With his siblings scattered around the world, Thyberg knew he needed a new dream for the property—one that preserved its beauty while combining his passions for dance and nature.
He decided it was time to create a home for Dansereye, and that it should include an intimate amphitheater with natural features. (Think tiered seating areas amid lush gardens and stone outcrops, nestled into a gentle hillside).
After protracted negotiations, much of the original property is now in the hands of the Warren Land Trust, which will see to its preservation. The remaining 5 acres serve as Dansereye’s home, a place to “retreat, revitalize, and perhaps even restore the soul,” says Thyberg, 66.
There are no permanent structures for the amphitheater, which will serve a maximum audience of 150 to 180. Lighting and sound equipment will be set up each year.
“Even if ballet is boring to you, you can listen to owls, look at the fireflies dancing around, or just listen to the beautiful music,” says Thyberg, who served on the faculties of the Nutmeg Conservatory in Torrington and Ballet Academy East in Manhattan, among others.
“I spent many years in other places, but the yearning to come back to where I grew up was always there,” he says. “I feel so inspired by this area.”
The amphitheater won’t open until 2025, but Thyberg chose 10 professional dancers from around the country to participate in this year’s residency. Their work this summer will culminate in two performances at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, August 9 and 10, at 7:30 pm
If you go: “Dansereye: The Fifth Temperament” opens with the return of the 2023 genre-bending ballet, “The Seven Deadly Songs.” That’s followed by “Second Salt,” a new ballet featuring music by Emmy-nominated composer Craig Safan (“The Last Starfighter,” TV’s “Cheers”). Thyberg describes “Second Salt” as a “dramatization of what really happened at Sodom and Gomorrah,” adding “Spoiler: It wasn’t about the sex.” The final offering is another world premiere from Thyberg, a charming comedy set to beloved Italian classics.—@dansereye
Wendy Sutter Adds Fire to WFM
By Charles Dubow
Photos by Carl Weese
In what arguably might be one of the most agreeable ways to usher in the New Year, ever since 2013 the Washington Friends of Music (WFM) has presented a live concert featuring the gorgeous and soothing strains of such composers as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi. But in recent years, longtime patrons cannot help but notice subtle yet distinct changes to these concerts: The program has now expanded beyond the Baroque, the January 1 concerts are now held in the Gunn School’s dazzling new performing arts center, and the artistic director is a statuesque brunette in a long dress playing the cello.
Called by TheWall Street Journal “one of the great leading cellists of the classical stage,” Wendy Sutter has brought a fresh new perspective to WFM. “My goal was to open up the repertoire, and introduce composers from the Classical and Romantic eras, such as Dvorak and Schubert, as well as Modernist American composers such asCopland. The challenge was reassuring two Germans that the music of Beethoven was worthy of their concerts,” she says with a laugh.
The two Germans in question are WFM’s founders and guiding lights, Hermann and Waltraud Tammen. The two former bankers started coming up to Washington on weekends more than 20 years ago. “We were looking for local musical events that featured classical music,” says Hermann, “but couldn’t find any. So we decided to start our own.”
Today WFM hosts five concerts per year: the New Year’s concert and, during the summer, four additional performances at Washington’s historic Congregational Church. “Our concerts have become a destination to an ever-growing audience of music lovers from all over Connecticut,” says founding board member Charles Raskob Robinson, “and we couldn’t be more excited to have Wendy bring it to new heights.”
“In 2022 we felt it was time to take a more professional approach and attract a new audience,” says Waltraud. “That’s why we approached Wendy. She is a renowned cellist and connected with many musicians. We asked her to organize a few concerts and were so impressed that we invited her to come on full time.”
Sutter continues to have a rich career playing with such orchestras as the New York Philharmonic and the Shanghai Symphony. (To list all the orchestras she has soloed with would take up more space than this article is allotted. Rest assured, it’s impressive.) “The chance to curate performances and work with musicians of my own choosing is what really attracted me to WFM,” says the Juilliard grad. “It’s like being in a candy store for me—but it’s also a lot of work. We are professional musicians who only get a few weeks off per year. So we have to coordinate schedules, and arrange rehearsals and transportation. One of the nicest things about playing in Washington, though, is that we don’t simply slip out the back door, like we do after most performances. It’s been lovely getting to know the people here. I feel really blessed that Hermann and Waltraud reached out to me.” —washingtonct4music.blogspot.com
We’ve put together a list of 100 things to do this summer—whether you live or vacation here—these are ways to make the most of your summer!
By Allie Steers, Harry Harwood, and Julia McMurray
Litchfield County has been a summer retreat for many for generations. The beautiful scenic views, numerous lakes and waterways, variety of restaurants, and strong art scene makes for a memorable summer. We’ve put together a list of 100 things to do this summer—whether you live or vacation in Litchfield County—here are some ways to make the most of your summer!
1. Paddle a six or ten mile section of the Housatonic River with Clarke Outdoors in West Cornwall. Open by appointment only.
2. Stop by the Woodbury Lions Club’s annual Car Show and Summerfest in Hollow Park on June 2nd from 9 AM- 3PM!
3. Hike the Roxbury Land Trust trails. There are over 32 preserves with 30 miles of hiking trails, historical landmarks, and quiet places to enjoy Roxbury’s scenery.
4. See all the waterfalls in Litchfield County. Do go chasing waterfalls.
5. Pop into Litchfield Distillery and take a short and interesting tour of their facility and sample their award-winning spirits. The tours and tastings are free. Booking in advance on litchfielddistillery.com is encouraged. Make sure to try their newest Agave selection and their summer vodkas—blueberry and strawberry.
6. Experience some of the most idyllic country roads in our area on bikes. Covered Bridge Electric Bike in Cornwall has a variety of e-bikes for rent and will fit you for your size and needs. If you go, be sure to check out the scenic route along the river to Falls Village. Book your custom or group E-Bike tour with area adventure leaders at KC&E!
Covered Bridge Electric Bike
7. Hike the trails at Steep Rock Preserve in Washington. There are trails for all ages and levels of experience. Find the historic Holiday House trail, go up the mountain to enjoy a beautiful vista, or hike through the old tunnel carved through rock for a long ago train route.
8. Grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat in Washington after a hike at one of these charming cafes.
14. Tour the historical places in Torrington, including the John Brown birthplace site, Torrington Historical Society. Visit the newly developed walking area in downtown, the art galleries, and numerous restaurants including Geppetto Osteria e Bisteccheria to check out their outdoor patio style seating and outstanding, authentic Italian food!
15. Visit the Eric Sloane Museum in Kent. View his paintings, illustrations, and collection of early American hand tools. While there, walk next store to the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association for a look at historical trains, tractors, a fully restored 19th century schoolhouse, and mining/mineral museum.
16. Relax and listen to live music at South Farms’ Summer Socials every Thursday night from 5-8 PM throughout June-September. There will be live music, food trucks, local beer, and more. Be sure to check out the new Boardwalk that was built at South Farms this summer! Walk over to Pasture Food Truck park for more food, cocktail options, and enjoy the growing flower fields and views on Thursday night Social nights.
17. Head to 100 Main Street in Falls Village curated by Bunny Williams and Christina van Hengel for one-of-a-kind products made by local artisans.
18. Feel like you are getting away to France at one of these French restaurants:
20.Woodbury is home to some cute gift shops and antique shops.
Shop Cathy B has summer essentials for women; accessories; baby clothing, gifts, and accessories.
The Hidden Acorn offers vintage furniture, antiques, and restoration products.
George Champion Modern Shop features 20th century American, Italian, and Scandinavian furniture and objects.
The Hidden Acorn
21. Take advantage of seasonal outdoor restaurants. West Shore Seafood in Bantam has mouthwatering seafood and a garden area or seasonal tent. If you like a drive-up experience, Gooseboro Drive-In in Bantam serves up traditional food like hotdogs and hamburgers. Popey’s in Morris is a local favorite with picnic tables and glider swings. Head to New Milford for Clamp’s–a traditional hamburger stand with a casual atmosphere. Newly opened, Pasture in Morris is Litchfield County’s first food park combining a BBQ + Taco truck with a wickedly creative ice cream business and wood fired mobile bar.
22.The Institute for American Indians in Washington offers many educational programs to engage learners of all ages and create a deeper understanding of Native American history.
23.Immerse yourself in creative collaborations and conversations at Spring Hill Arts Gathering multi-day event, June 22-25. There will be many different public programs that connect artists with nature
25. Let’s go antiquing! You are bound to find something you love at one of these popular places:
RT Facts in Kent specializes in classical antiques, custom furniture, and industrial-inspired furniture.
The Hunt in New Milford has something for everyone with a vast selection of vintage, antique, farmhouse, boho, and other home staples.
Dawn Hill Antiques in New Preston specializes in Swedish antique painted furniture and clocks; antique lighting; garden antiques; and 19th century ceramics.
Charles Haver Antiques in Roxbury offers carefully selected antiques with a focus on Country Americana of the 18th and 19th centuries, and selective European Antiques.
Housatonic Trading in Bantam offers fine art, antiques, home furnishings, objet d’art, and other finds.
26. If you love beautiful landscapes, be sure to visit the Hollister House Garden in Washington. The gardens, open to the public, complement the 18th century house, barns, and outbuildings.
27. Starting June 21st, kids can explore their creativity at the Kids Lego Club offered every Friday afternoon from 1:30-2:30 pm at the Oliver Wolcott Library!
28. Find that perfect piece you’ve been searching for at a local Flea Market. Be sure to check each website for updated information. Elephant’s Trunk in New Milford; Woodbury Flea Market; and Bethlehem Indoor Flea Market.
29. Gardening enthusiasts, stop by White Flower Farm in Morris. Not only do they have a variety of plants but they have beautiful display gardens to inspire you.
30. Pick your own berries and fruits at March Farm in Bethlehem and grab a fresh baked pie at their farm store & bakery.
March Farm
31. Kayak and paddleboard in Bantam Lake, the largest natural lake in Connecticut covering 947 acres. There are two launches, Beverly’s Marina at the corner of Rt. 209 and Palmer Road in Morris, or White Memorial Family Campground Launch.
32. Visit Kent Falls Brewery, part of Camps Road Farm—a 50 acre diversified farm in Kent. The most recent addition to their operation is their tasting room. Visitors can learn about the process in detail while sipping on some great beer. Children will love visiting with their pigs and chickens.
33. Spend a day at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. Sign up for a driving program or check out their special events such as their Historical Festival 41 held over Labor Day weekend.
34. Cool off after a hot summer day at Farmington River Tubing and enjoy a 2.5 mile ride down the wild and scenic Farmington River.
35.Community Table located in New Preston is recognized for its acclaimed food and cocktails, is a great place to meet with friends, celebrate, or dine solo this summer. Don’t miss Burger Night on Monday nights!
36. What’s better than warm summer nights accompanied by live music? March FarmsFriends Friday will be nights you don’t want to miss out on.
37. Stop by a local farmers market. We have many in our county!
38. Picnic at Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield. Topsmead offers 510 acres of forests and meadows. There is plenty of space for social distancing, walking, picnicking, and bird watching at this beautiful former estate of Edith Morton Chase.
40. Calling all Gilmore Girls fans, join a stitch circle or book a private lesson at Stars Hollow Yarns in Washington, a yarn shop inspired by the community in the fictional town of Stars Hollow.
41. Check out the hamlet in Warren. Go shopping at WKND in Warren, filled with upscale men’s and women’s clothing, children’s clothing, and gifts for home. There is something for everyone. Afterwards, enjoy a bit of lunch outside at Warren General Store.
42. The land behind the Tapping Reeve Law School is the perfect place for relaxing and learning. It features a children’s garden, education pavilion, small orchard, and more. The meadow is open from dawn to dusk.
43. Taco Heaven at El Camion in Woodbury! Voted best in CT by numerous publications and one of the best places to get tacos in the county—their tacos are made with locally grown produce and fresh ingredients for healthy and original Mexican food.
45. Go fly fishing on the Housatonic. This river is known to be the perfect spot for brown trout and rainbow trout fishing. Call Housatonic River Outfitters for tours and equipment.
46. Visit a covered bridge. We have beautiful historical covered bridges in Litchfield County, and both offer great hiking trails nearby. Please note that it is unsafe to go into the water at any of these areas due to strong currents.
47. Check out Mine Hill Distillery in Roxbury and enjoy a craft cocktail while learning about the history of the Roxbury Station property during the Industrial Revolution.
51.Stop by the Torrington Watermelon Festival & Flea Market on August 3rd for a fun day of great food, refreshing drinks, lively music, and more! Make sure to watch Resty Nombrado carve the most amazing creations out of fresh watermelons!
53. Take a stroll through the Action Wildlife Foundation in Goshen and observe wildlife from six of the seven continents.
54.Evergreen Berry Farm in Watertown—pick your own black raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Try berry juice pops and iced teas created from berries, herbs, and flowers grown on the farm.
55.Visit Beckley Furnace in Canaan; historical, educational, and beautiful place for all age groups. Learn about the furnace, picnic with the family, and surrounding areas offer wonderful photo opts.
56. Take a journey through the Naugatuck River Valley with the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston. Different train experiences are offered throughout the seasons.
57.American Mural Project in Winsted (Winchester) is a tribute to American workers and sheds light on what aspects have defined the country over the last century. It now serves as a way to educate and inspire people of all ages the many ways they can add to American culture.
American Mural Project
58.Norbrook Farm Brewery in Colebrook is fun for the whole family, with their 450 acres of land they offer hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and so many more activities. Try out their farmhouse style beer, lagers and ales.
61. Visit local parks in the area such as Field 1- Veterans Memorial Park in Watertown. It is part of the Where Angels Play Foundation and the playground was built in honor of Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, Sandy Hook Elementary School’s Principal.
63. Looking to enjoy some time away from the city? Take a trip to Southwind Farms in Watertown, the 27 acre Alpaca farm with 50+ alpacas.
64. Calling all social media stars! Saville Dam in Barkhamsted offers picture-perfect spots!
65.Attend the annual Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival in Goshen from August 8-11! Listen to outstanding bluegrass acts, participate in family fun activities like tie dying and scavenger hunts, shop their craft and merchandise area, and eat some delicious food from a variety of options!
66. Support volunteer firefighters and EMS members at the Bridgewater Country Fair in Bridgewater from August 16-18. Stop by the many food tents serving tacos, ice cream, and slow cooked chicken and start the weekend with the Annual Bridgewater Fair Parade!
67.Take a trip to Guy Wolff Pottery in Bantam for some wonderfully unique pots made by local artisan Guy Wolff, who focuses on the architectural integrity of the pot and knowledge of the materials being used.
69. Take a break from everyday life and take a walk into nature. Explore the 106 acres of Boyd Woods Sanctuary in Litchfield. The Sanctuary is home to a diverse habitat. Enjoy the hiking trails and take in the wildlife.
70. Grab some food and beverages and make your way over to Litchfield County Axe House in Thomaston for a fun night with friends or families. Uniquely, Litchfield County Axe House also has a mobile axe-throwing trailer for rent.
72. Feeling creative? Head on over to Glazey Dayz in Watertown and paint your own pottery or glass. Perfect for birthday parties, a trip with friends, or even family gatherings.
73. Spend a few nights or longer camping at Gentile’s Campground in Plymouth. The campground offers hot showers, propane gas, flush toilets, a basketball court, and many more activities.
75. Get your fitness on this summer with Blue Boy Boxing Club in Thomaston. They offer self defense classes for kids and adults. They also specialize in Parkinson’s boxing fitness!
76. Looking to connect with local wildlife? Take a self-guided walk or book a tour of the Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in Litchfield. Boasting more than 60 species of waterfowl, the conservancy welcomes visitors to admire their beauty!
Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy
77. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show at Bantam Cinema & Arts Center, a non-for-profit in a historical building offering a diverse program of film, theater, music, and visual arts. After, head right next door to Wood’s Pit BBQ & Mexican Cafe to enjoy one of their many delicious meal options!
78. Grab a delicious meal from the food trucks at the Pasture in Morris! Newly opened, this location is Litchfield County’s first food park run by South Farms!
79. Shoot for the stars at the J. McCarthy Observatory in New Milford! Visit them for their monthly “Star Parties” and other events, or book a private visit!
81. Join the Arts Alliance of Woodbury for their 4th annual Arts Walk on July 20th and August 17th from 1-5 pm! Stroll along Woodbury’s picturesque Main Street and admire the artwork of many local artists.
88. Take a bite (but probably more) of fresh bread from Bantam Bread Company in Bantam! Pick from a variety of loaves and grab something delicious from their sweets and desserts! Dog lovers can also purchase treats for their good boy or girl!
89. Start your morning right at Jackie’s Restaurant in Bantam – whether in the mood for a stack of fluffy pancakes or a stacked breakfast sandwich, you’re sure to leave with a belly full of delicious food.
90. Attend a “Weed and Wine Wednesday” at Judea Garden in New Preston. Clear your Wednesday night to weed the vegetable beds at Judea Garden alongside fellow gardeners! You’re sure to be thirsty after that…well it’s a good thing you get to enjoy a free glass of wine next!
91. Sip on some delicious wine and enjoy live music on Saturdays and Sundays at Hopkins Vineyard in Warren! Tickets are free, snacks are available, and music is plentiful…what could be better than that!
94. Want to spend a day like Rory and Lorelei from Gilmore Girls? Hang out in Washington, CT to visit the town that inspired the show writer to create Stars Hollow. Here are some places around town that are reminiscent of the show’s setting:
95. Attend the Bethlehem Fair in Bethlehem! You can look forward to a great variety of exhibits, music, rides and food, from roast beef to fried desserts!
96. Cool down with Connecticut Watersports on Bantam Lake! Offering waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, and more, there is no shortage of fun summer activities to look forward to!
99. Spend a day exploring Kent Barns in Kent; enjoy the shops, galleries, restaurants, and other businesses occupying more than a dozen buildings, including six restored or rebuilt historic barns!
100. Take a break from your everyday and stay at Twilight Dreams Farm in Roxbury. Not only is this farm an AirBnB superhost with 5.0 stars, but it offers the unique opportunity to stay on a working farm with a farm stand on site. Twilight Dreams Farm is also close to popular hiking trails, family day trips, restaurants, and other outdoor activities!
My name is Paul Pearson, and I’m the chef at the White Hart Inn on the Green in Salisbury. I’m originally from York, England, where I trained in various hotels and restaurants before setting sail for Bermuda, and from there to the U.S. I landed a job at Blantyre in Lenox, where I met my wife. Eventually we moved to Chicago, where I led the kitchen at North Pond. Wanting to get back East, we moved to Rhode Island, where I headed up Seasons at the Ocean House, and then on to the White Hart, with a two-year stint in the middle at Community Table in Washington.
1.What is your favorite produce source?
My go-to spot is the Sharon Farm Market. They always have a great selection of fresh, seasonal produce, much of it from local farms. Their fish counter is always stocked with the freshest, best-looking fish. And there’s a great selection of prepared foods. They also have a sushi station, and that’s a quick, easy fix for my daughter’s dinner.
2. What’s your favorite bread source?
Every Friday and Saturday we get a delivery to Provisions at the White Hart from Travis Brecher from Creature Bread. My favorite is the caramelized onion with turmeric; it’s pretty special!
3. What’s your favorite tomato source?
The best tomatoes, I believe, are grown by Parker Boal, right here in Lakeville at Green Hollow Farm. I met Parker in 2014; we’ve used her tomatoes ever since. She’s so passionate about them, and it really shows in the flavor and quality. She picks them in the morning, and they’ll be on the plate a few hours later for dinner service.
4. Your favorite dairy source?
We exclusively use Five Acre Farms, which was founded by Daniel and Patrick Horan. The taste of their milk is rich and sweet; we use it in all our coffee drinks at Provisions. It makes a great cappuccino.
5. Favorite meat source?
I buy any meat for a special occasion at Whippoorwill Farm, where we also get all our ground beef and top rounds for the inn. Robin and Allen Cockerline have raised grass-fed beef for more than 40 years. Their farm is on Salmon Kill Road in Salisbury, and it’s the most idyllic setting, definitely worth the drive on a Friday or Saturday to pick up a quality cut for the weekend.
7. What’s new at the White Hart Inn?
I’ve been putting a lot of work into the pizza program that we run on Wednesday nights. We purchased a wood-fired pizza trailer, which we set up on the Green on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. That way, people can gather, order a pie, get a drink at the outdoor bar, and relax outside.
8. What’s your favorite hike?
A great trail right in Salisbury called Lion’s Head. It’s around 2.5 miles out and back, with the last part a scramble up some rocks. But once you get to the top, the views are amazing.
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