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

Newport, Rhode Island doesn’t need much fanfare. Its weathered shingle homes, cliffside paths, and quietly storied past speak for themselves. For those looking for a refined and visually thoughtful place to stay, The Gardiner House, which opened in fall 2023, offers a fresh way to experience this historic town.

Co-owned by Newport residents Howard Cushing and Wirt Blaffer, the 21-room boutique hotel draws heavily from Cushing’s family history and artistic legacy. One of the hotel’s standout features is a stunning two-story mural that climbs the wall beside the winding central staircase. This digital recreation is based on a mural painted in 1905 by Cushing’s great-grandfather, renowned American artist Howard Gardiner Cushing, in the entryway of the family’s Newport estate, The Ledges. The original painting still exists today. For the hotel, the mural was reinterpreted in collaboration with twenty2 wallpaper + textiles, a Litchfield County, Connecticut-based design studio known for its contemporary take on classic textile arts. This partnership beautifully ties together history, art, and modern design in a way that feels both personal and timeless.

On arrival, we explored nearby shops and galleries before settling in for dinner at Flora, the hotel’s main restaurant. The interiors are beautiful and elegant, and the food, led by Chef Ted Gidley, is polished without pretense. Our meal featured scallops with ginger-carrot purée, crab bucatini, and a simple, perfect olive oil cake. Service was warm, professional, and friendly.

The next morning, after indulging in avocado toast and poached eggs in Flora’s airy dining room, we set off for the Cliff Walk, Newport’s well-known path that edges the coastline and offers dramatic views of both the ocean and some of the town’s storied homes. From there, we toured The Breakers, the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style mansion built by the Vanderbilt family in 1895, still jaw-dropping in scale and detail. A place where no detail was spared.

Just a few blocks inland, we visited the recently reopened International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum, housed in the historic Newport Casino. The museum has been thoughtfully updated with new exhibits and interactive features, making it a must-visit for tennis fans and history buffs alike. The museum also hosts the prestigious Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and various tennis-related events throughout the year, keeping the spirit of the sport alive in this charming coastal town.

Lunch was quick and casual at Yagi Noodles, where we enjoyed pork dumplings, freshly made ramen noodles, and matcha boba tea before boarding an afternoon sailing with Gansett Cruises, which offers narrated tours of the harbor. From the water, Newport’s dramatic shoreline, bobbing sailboats, and landmark homes tell a different version of the town’s layered past.

Back at the hotel, we joined local resident Chef Kevin Des Chenes — a Newport-based culinary personality known for his appearances on Top Chef and The Today Show, and for cooking for celebrities and political leaders alike — for a cocktail in the richly colored, green lacquered lounge. Des Chenes recommended we have dinner that night at The Cooke House, a longtime favorite for fresh oysters, lobsters, and seafood dishes in a cozy, historic setting. 

In a town where history is often viewed through velvet ropes and audio tours, The Gardiner House offers a quieter, more layered experience. It’s a stay grounded in place yet attuned to design — a thoughtful, beautifully executed addition to the Newport landscape.

For those planning a visit, Newport’s vibrant cultural calendar includes the Newport Jazz Festival, the Mansions Food and Wine Festival, and the Folk Festival, and of course the summer sailing season, each bringing a unique energy to this coastal town. discovernewport.org

By Wendy Carlson

Photo by Stephen Schumacher

It’s early morning in the Great Mountain Forest, and the only sounds out here are the call of a hawk, the crunch of hemlock needles underfoot, and the rustle of a breeze in the trees. The town of Norfolk is nicknamed “the icebox of Connecticut” for its frigid winters; this stretch of woods feels like it should be called “the quietest place in the world.”

The Great Mountain Forest encompasses 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland and seven ponds in Norfolk and the town of Canaan. It is truly vast. Walking all of its 13 trails takes commitment—although even a short foray into the forest offers a glimpse into its history. Public access is available at 201 Windrow Road in Norfolk, and near 200 Canaan Mountain Road in Canaan; there are trail maps at each gate.

Much of the forest is relatively young. From the late 1700s to the 1800s, the area was stripped of trees; the wood was used to make charcoal for blast furnaces to smelt iron ore. There are, however, remote sections that were too difficult to reach for logging—sparing trees that are now more than 350 years old. 

Wildfires also reduced much of the forest, leaving behind fields and the ghostly remains of the iron-making community: colliers’ hearths, house foundations, fireplaces, unmarked graves. Early agricultural use of the land created fields and pastures, further reducing woodland. At one time, there was even a golf course in these woods.

The effort to reforest and restore the wildlife to the land began in 1909, when Starling W. Childs and former U.S. Senator Frederic C. Walcott purchased 400 acres in Norfolk, and founded what later became known as the Great Mountain Forest. Over time, they acquired more acreage; eventually the Childs family took over full ownership and stewardship. In 2003, a conservation easement was placed on the land, through the U.S. Forest Service and the Connecticut Division of Forestry. Today the forest is owned and managed by the Great Mountain Forest Corporation, a nonprofit, private-operating foundation.

Logging roads wind through the forest to allow selective lumbering, an effort to ensure the health of the trees. For decades, maples have been tapped to make maple syrup. Witch hazel is harvested here, and sold to Dickinson Brands. Since 1932, daily readings have been taken at the National Weather Service Cooperative Observation Station, which was established by Starling Childs’ son, “Ted” Childs.

Ted, an avid naturalist and a graduate of Yale, also deeded 8 acres to his alma mater in 1941 to establish a camp for field training students in the university’s forestry program. The relationship between Yale and the forest continues today, at the original campus in the middle of the forest (which the Great Mountain Forest staff manages and uses for public programs).

A walk in these quiet woods reveals its rich past, and a chance to see rare plants and wildlife. Moose have reestablished habitats here, so keep your eyes peeled for their massive antlers! 

—greatmountainforest.org

By Charles Dubow

During the off-season and mid-week, many Litchfield County restaurants find it a challenge to fill their tables. What to do? It helps to have great food—and a gimmick. A few have come up with creative ways—from Taco Tuesday to Backgammon Brunch—to attract diners who otherwise might stay home. 

“We started doing Burger Night in 2018,” says Jo-Ann Makovitzky of Community Table in New Preston. “Clearly, Monday was one of the slower days; the idea was to create something where the community could come and enjoy a less complicated meal.” Not to mention a killer burger. To see which other local restaurants offer regular weekly enticements, read on.

 @The Corner
Chef Carlos Perez is known for giving a spicy Latin twist to his seasonal American pub fare featuring locally sourced ingredients. For a mid-week treat, check out his Taco Tuesdays.
3 West St., Litchfield 860-567-8882 atthecorner.com

 Bohemian Pizza & Tacos
There are many reasons to love this funky Litchfield eatery. Not only does it serve tastebud-teasing pizzas and tacos, but come on Trivia Thursdays to tease your brain cells.
342 Bantam Rd., Litchfield 860-567-3980 bohemianpizzaandtacos.com

 Community Table
This local favorite features innovative dishes from chef Bolivar Hilario. For a more laid-back vibe and a lively scene, come for the popular Burger Mondays. Reservations recommended
223 Litchfield Tpke. / Rt. 202, New Preston 860-868-9354 communitytablect.com

The Falls Village Inn
For years, the inn has hosted a wildly popular Burger Night every Monday. For $20 you get one of their specialty burgers—many named after regular customers—plus fries, and beer, wine, or a soft drink.
33 Railroad St., Falls Village 860-823-0033 thefallsvillageinn.com

 Fife ‘n Drum Restaurant & Inn
Sundays from 5 to 8 pm, come listen to David Grausman—voted Litchfield Magazine’s favorite musician in 2025—tickle the ivories.
53 N Main St., Kent 860-927-350 fifendrum.com

Geppetto Osteria e Bisteccheria
Come Sundays for ravioli al uovo, a Northern Italian delicacy filled with ricotta, asparagus, an egg yolk, Umbrian truffle butter, and guanciale. Also try Risotto Tuesdays!
24 E Main St., Torrington 860-618-0721 geppettoct.com

 John’s Café
Celebrating 25 years, chef/owner Dennis DeBellis serves up—besides his terrific fresh pastas—two weekly attractions: No Corkage Mondays for BYOBers and Fish & Chips Fridays.
693 Main St. S, Woodbury 203-263-0188 johnscafe.com

Le Gamin Café
Chef/owner Robert Arbor hosts a backgammon brunch on Saturdays at his French bistro in Sharon. Enjoy a café au lait, a glass of rosé, the restaurant’s signature Oeuf Gamin—and game on!
10 Gay St., Sharon 860-397-5382 legamin.com

Lost Fox Inn
This charming newly restored Colonial-era inn is the perfect setting for chef CJ Barroso’s Monday Pub Nights, featuring such U.K. specialties as bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie.
571 Torrington Rd., Litchfield 860-222-0855 lostfoxinn.com

Materia Ristorante
At Litchfield Magazine’s 2022 Reader’s Choice for Best New Restaurant, star chef David DiStasi cooks his lasagna alla bolognese every Sunday—just, he says, “like nonna would make.”
637 Bantam Rd., Bantam 860-567-3326 materiaristo.com

The Pink House
Monday nights they serve moules frites, Thursday is Lamb Burger night, and Sunday is Pasta Night when chef Cedric Durand prepares homemade pasta in addition to his regular menu.
34 Lower River Rd., West Cornwall 860-248-3207 pinkhousect.com

The White Hart Inn
Enjoy Taco Tuesday and Pizza Wednesday every week from White Hart Provisions. Dine in, or take out. Available from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.
15 Under Mountain Rd., Salisbury 860-435-0030 whitehartinn.com

A Big Affair

The Bethlehem Fair Celebrates 100 Years

By Wendy Carlson

For Katie LeClerc, the fair is in her blood. Her mother, Eileen LeClerc, is the current president; her aunt, Elaine Brodeur, was president for 20 years; Katie is the current secretary. She was one month old when her mother first took her to the fair, and she has gone every year for as far back as she can remember.

LeClerc is among the legion of volunteers who will help get this year’s Bethlehem Fair up and running. It’s a mammoth undertaking. Between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors are expected to visit the fairgrounds between Sept. 5 and 7. 

On tap are food and merchandise vendors, carnival rides, and several local bands. As always, the main draw are the fair’s robust agricultural programs, featuring events such as horse and oxen pulls. 

The Bethlehem Fair is also touted for its array of exhibits, including canning, baked goods, produce, needlework, and crafts and hobbies. Ticket sale proceeds support the fair and the Fair Foundation, which, since 1995, has given more than $500,000 in scholarships to high school students. 

“It’s a lot of work,” says LeClerc. But she recalls the pride she felt on one fair day when her aunt took her on the Ferris wheel ride and asked the operator to pause it at the top so they could get a bird’s-eye view “It was so rewarding,” she says.

—bethlehemfair.com

Culinary Bloom

Something delicious is happening in Morris. Once a sleepy town known mainly for rolling hills and quiet charm, it’s fast becoming a hotspot for food lovers thanks to a burst of creative culinary energy centered around Pasture at South Farms. 

Anchoring the movement is South Farm Kitchen, setting up an adorable food truck that will serve up inventive bites for the season and offer on-site catering. They’re joined by bold, flavorful newcomers like The Codfather, a seafood lover’s dream, and the beloved returning Hindsight BBQ truck, where smoky, slow-cooked meats steal the show. Beyond the Pasture, the revitalization continues. Penny Farthing Tea Room brings vintage English charm and scones, while the new La Güera Mexican Cantina delivers authentic cuisine, a full bar, and a lively patio perfect for summer nights. The seasonal Popey’s deli and ice cream shop has expanded its space, making locals rediscover the art of the perfect sandwich. Located right behind Popey’s,  don’t miss the new Bill’s Brick Oven Pizza—wood-fired and packed with flavor, available for takeout only. Pair any meal with a bottle from Wise Old Dog Wine Shop, or pick up seasonal produce at Hungry Reaper Farm Stand, open Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. Morris may be small, but its flavor is big—and growing.

By Michelle Madden  

“Jazz is fundamentally improvisational. When you see musicians performing these unpredictable, complex harmonies, it’s magic. It’s incredible that humans can do this,” says Vita West Muir, the visionary founder and executive/artistic director of Litchfield Performing Arts—the organization that runs the jazz camp and jazz festival (celebrating its 30^th anniversary this summer).

Muir and her late husband, Arthur Muir, came to Litchfield in 1976. They bought a Colonial on North Street with a living room that could hold a hundred, and began hosting classical concerts. “Our home was always a hotel for visiting artists,” says Muir.  They ran the series until the audience began to die—literally. So they pivoted to jazz to attract a younger audience.

The festival was, until 2018, held outdoors—most recently at the Goshen Fairgrounds (where Art was known to jump in and mow the lawn). It eventually swelled to a peak of 9,000 guests. “We had to tell people to stop bringing marshmallows. They would light them and throw them,” says Muir.

With age, the event has mellowed and—with no risk of projectiles—it is now held at the Tisch Family Auditorium at The Frederick Gunn School. This year, the Emmet Cohen Trio will open. In 2019 the American Pianist Association crowned Cohen with their top award. 

Matt Dwonszyk—one of the fastest-rising, most in-demand bassists alive—and his sextet will follow. The guitar duo of Pasquale Grasso and Frank Vignola will also grace the mainstage. Grasso first performed at the festival in 2022 with Samara Joy (who at the age of 25 had already collected five Grammys). The legend Pat Metheny is quoted as saying of Grasso, “The best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life.” Grasso and Vignola have residencies at the jazz clubs Mezzrow and Birdland Theater in New York City, respectively. Saturday will close with the world-class clarinetist/saxophonist Anat Cohen.

Past icons have included Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck (the father of “cool jazz”), Roy Haynes (one of the most recorded drummers in jazz), Wayne Shorter (who teamed up with Miles Davis), and newcomers like the nine-time Grammy winner Christian McBride. Diana Krall performed twice in the late 1990s. “Two years later she was playing with Tony Bennett and we couldn’t afford her,” laughs Muir.

While known for the festival, the soul of the organization—and closely integrated with it—is the jazz camp, one of the most respected in the country. Ensembles perform in the tent on opening night; once their careers take off, the young musicians often land on the festival stage—and the Grammy stage. Nicole Zuraitis attended camp as a trombonist, and has performed multiple times at the festival; she has been nominated three times, and won in 2024. Zaccai Curtis, a pianist and composer, came to the camp when he was 13. He has performed at the festival several times and won Best Latin Jazz Album this year.

So, come. Take a seat. Open your mind—and witness magic. (The festival runs July 25-27.)—litchfieldjazzfest.com

By Clementina Verge

When Megan Searfoss founded Ridgefield Running Company in 2014—a run-specialty store—she launched a lifestyle movement. What began as a personal quest for premium gear and authentic connections has grown into CT Run Co., a refined retail experience where performance and luxury converge, just outside Litchfield County.
“I realized I didn’t have my people,” Searfoss recalls about moving to Connecticut 20 years ago and dedicating herself to running after raising three daughters. “I wanted a community, a place with real expertise. But nothing like that existed, so I created it.”

Under Searfoss’ leadership, CT Run Co. has earned repeated acclaim as America’s Best Running Store and honored as Store of the Year. Locations in Ridgefield, Darien, Stamford, and, the newest, in Brookfield, offer elevated footwear, apparel, and accessories from iconic athletic brands, designed to support every stride.  Brookfield Running, conveniently situated just down Route 202 from Litchfield, brings its signature blend of expert service and high-performance style closer than ever to northwest Connecticut. At CT Run Co., clients receive personalized attention through advanced 3D foot scanning and gait analysis, allowing expert staff—trained in both performance and injury prevention—to recommend footwear tailored to individual biomechanics. Whether addressing Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, or simple lifestyle needs, the goal remains the same: “Happy feet mean a happy life,” says Searfoss.

“We don’t just sell gear; we equip people to move better, live healthier, and enjoy the outdoors,” she adds.
A competitive athlete, Searfoss brings significant experience to CT Run Co., including Ironman World Championships and more than 20 marathons, including Boston. Also an author, she inspires a brand rooted in wellness and tailored experiences.

With stores near trails like Still River Greenway, a short drive from Litchfield, Searfoss invites clients to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the serenity of the outdoors. 

“Movement outside is essential,” Searfoss emphasizes. “It offers clarity and calm, more than any treadmill. Running, walking, or hiking nurtures the body, mind, and soul.”
CT Run Co. embodies the philosophy of Constant Forward Motion, symbolized by the triskelion—a Celtic emblem dating back to Neolithic times. Depicting three legs in perpetual movement, this ancient symbol represents progress, growth, and the journey toward deeper life understanding. For CT Run Co., it reflects more than physical motion; it signals a commitment to evolving health, happiness, and perspective.

These ideals are evident through the company’s philanthropic focus. Signature events include Frozen Feet Challenge—a winter initiative promoting daily activity—along with monthly group runs and training programs. The brand also champions causes like Kicks for Kids, providing quality footwear to underserved local student-athletes, reinforcing its mission to empower the next generation. Ultimately, luxury isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about care.
“In today’s digital world, genuine human connection is becoming increasingly rare,” she reflects. “Our stores offer more than products—they offer belonging. It’s being seen, understood, and supported. At CT Run Co., everyone has a place. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just lacing up for the first time, we’re here to support you every step of the way.””—ctrunco.com

By Clementina Verge

Tucked between the tree-lined hills of Kent, a quiet yet powerful creative movement is unfolding. At its heart is Cedric Gairard, a Paris-born documentary photographer and creative director whose work has spanned continents and iconic brands—but who now turns his lens toward something more personal: the shared spirit of artistic community.
Gairard’s newest venture, FotoDiary, is both a gallery and a multidisciplinary creative studio—a thoughtfully curated haven for artists, thinkers, and storytellers. Recently opened in Kent Barns—a small cultural enclave known for its galleries and artisanal shops—the distinctive space is quaint but grand in scope, not merely to showcase art, but to nurture it. While individual artistic vision remains essential, FotoDiary transforms creativity into a shared experience, fostering a vibrant community where expression is deepened through collaboration.

“I’ve always been interested in the human story,” says Gairard. “FotoDiary is a resource—a hub—for artists who want to collaborate, not compete.”
Born in Paris, Gairard began traveling at 20, driven by curiosity and a restless visual mind. Three decades in global advertising took him through creative epicenters like Paris, Amsterdam, and London—working with brands like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Oatly—helping them expand, redefine, and reinvent. It was thrilling work—but it came with a growing desire to reconnect with something more grounded.

“Reinvention,” he says, “became a mirror. The more I helped others define their vision, the more I started to see mine.”
After 17 years building a life in New York, Gairard and his wife, Eliza, returned to her roots in Litchfield County. In Kent, he found stilliness, space to photograph night skies and forests, and to capture “the connection and interdependence of humanity’s delicate balance with nature.”

Now, with FotoDiary, Gairard distills decades of creative production experience into something more personal, yet no less ambitious.The studio-gallery champions a philosophy of creative collaboration, where artists, clients, and storytellers converge to transform production challenges into opportunities. More than just a gallery, FotoDiary is a living workspace—an incubator for ideas where individual talent is celebrated, and creative partnerships are cultivated. 

The studio became a response to a creative hunger Gairard recognized across disciplines: photographers, filmmakers,writers, illustrators, set designers—artists in motion—yearning not just for work, but for belonging. Now, he builds bridges between the inspired and the inspired-by, and in the age of digital saturation, Gairard is advocating for something rare: depth. 

“The studio wants to represent a diverse group of local creatives and image-makers,” Gairard shares. “The idea is to create opportunities—real ones—for artists to grow, and for clients to access work that is not only high quality but grounded in something authentic.”

“Every artist has a unique style, and I’m not here to replicate but to create a space where collaboration thrives over competition,” Gairard says. “Art holds the power to tell stories—stories that are too complex, too fragile, too charged. It bridges the gaps, sparks reflection, and invites conversation—and I’m grateful to open that channel.”—fotodiary.com

By Clementina Verge

Renowned for its timeless beauty and tranquility, Lake Waramaug is one of Connecticut’s most cherished and picturesque destinations. Its crystalline waters invite recreation and relaxation, yet this natural splendor is no accident. It reflects decades of meticulous restoration, shaped by science, community, and an unwavering commitment to preservation.

“In the 1970s, it looked like a giant bowl of pea soup,” recalls Christine Adams, a Lake Waramaug Board of Directors member whose family has kept a cottage on the lake for five generations.
Tom McGowan concurs, reminiscing about the days when stepping into the lake meant surrendering to its opaque depths. At the time, algae blooms fueled by phosphorus runoff clouded waters, limiting visibility to just two to four feet. Swimming waned, boating became difficult, property values declined, and the ecosystem neared collapse.
Out of this crisis, McGowan assembled the Lake Waramaug Task Force, a grassroots coalition of citizens united by one common goal: To revive the lake. The mission became a model for environmental stewardship. Among the pioneers was Robert Kortmann, whose innovative lake aeration system—a scientific breakthrough, born in his garage—is now used nationwide.
“It’s the best work that’s been done on any lake, in any state, period,” declares McGowan.
This year, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the group has rebranded as the Lake Waramaug Conservancy, reflecting its broadened scope and renewed dedication to be a permanent, science-led conservation organization.
“It’s been—and continues to be—a huge effort,” reflects executive director Sean Hayden. Scientific breakthroughs played a pivotal role, he explains, including an award-winning aeration system that revitalizes the lake’s oxygen levels. 

An astounding success has been eradicating non-native invasive aquatic plants—achieved through two decades of mapping and meticulous hand-pulling by divers, who use a suction harvesting system in an approach that demands precision and persistence.
Water visibility has increased to depths of up to 19 feet—a recovery achieved without the chemicals that would have delivered only temporary relief, Hayden notes.
The Conservancy employs limnologists—freshwater scientists—to study the lake’s ecosystem and to guide interventions. From cultivating zooplankton to naturally control algae, to oxygenating the lake and stabilizing stream banks to prevent harmful blooms, the Conservancy’s efforts are vital and innovative, says board chair Lee Vance.
Protecting the lake is “a shared responsibility,” notes treasurer Peary Stafford, who acknowledges the Warren Land Trust’s pivotal role in acquiring the 200-acre Tanner Farm—critical for further safeguarding the lake’s water quality.
Today, Lake Waramaug is a pristine haven for boating, fishing, and swimming, with public beaches serving the towns of Kent, Warren, and Washington. Yet its future is not guaranteed, as climate change pressures threaten even protected ecosystems. 
The Conservancy invites all who value natural beauty to play a role in its preservation—through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy. Every August, a community day offers residents and visitors a chance to engage more deeply, learn, and contribute.
In a world where natural treasures too often vanish too soon, Lake Waramaug stands as a testament to what can be saved through science and stewardship.—lakewaramaug.org