Living Well in Litchfield County, Connecticut

Litchfield County, Connecticut is magical all year, but especially so as everything comes back to life each spring. Here are 25 fun things we can’t wait to do in Litchfield County this spring!

1. The town of Kent has planted tens of thousands of daffodils. Enjoy shopping, dining, and art galleries while enjoying the narcissus. kentct.com/daffodil-daysKentct.com for more info.
2. For a powerful nature fix, Kent Falls inside Kent Falls State Park is never more impressive during the spring runoff. But please resist getting into the water. It is dangerous.
3. ALL the peonies are at Cricket Hill Garden in Thomaston … so many they’ve dubbed it Peony Heaven. 
4. Baseball season beckons. Take the family, or yourself to the Hit Club in Thomaston where you can hit 90 minutes for just $10.  
5. Naturally, the season calls for spring rolls. Try takeout from Thai Charm, or sit inside their cute orange Colonial along Kent Rd. in New Milford. 
6. The time is ripe to join a CSA. Search the Northeast Organic Farming Association’s CT Guide for the farm closest to you.  
7. There’s never an off-season for antiquing. Consider Charles Haver in Roxbury for a curated experience, and Housatonic Trading Co. in Bantam if you want volume.

   

8. For a less commercial brush with history, make an appointment to tour Seven Hearths, the pre-Revolutionary house museum in Kent.  
9. Try to fly fish or keep your canoe afloat at Housatonic Meadows State Park. 
10. Hit up Natureworks Garden Center in Northford for monarch-attracting plant seeds and all the advice you’d ever need to grow butterflies. Start now, and you’ll have plenty of flittering visitors come summer.  
11. See if you can spot the Blue-winged Warblers nesting in Southbury’s Bent of the River Audubon sanctuary.  
12. Shopping in New Preston is always a delight: Pergola, Privet House, Plain Goods, J. Seitz, The Smithy, Dawn Hill Antiques, DK Schulman… just make sure it’s not a Tuesday—that’s the day they’re all closed.

    

13. Don’t miss out on the annual Library Luminaries fundraiser for Gunn Memorial Library on June 8.
14. Fork over a $10 donation to take in all that is spring at the Hollister House Garden in Washington.
15. Celebrate the 7th Annual Spring Arts and Fine Crafts Show at Merwinsville Hotel in New Milford on April 26-28 and May 3-5.
16. Libraries are brimming with virtual events… gardening how-to sessions, and book talks. Check the calendar of the one closest to you.
17. Stop by the fourth annual Litchfield Art Festival featuring fine functional art and fine non-functional art. Free and open to the public.
18. Fish, hike, or picnic in one of the 25 preserves maintained by the Roxbury Land Trust. 
19. Practice for summer with a flight of four handcrafted beers at Housatonic River Brewing.
20. Don’t miss the gardening lover’s weekend of the year at Trade Secrets at Lime Rock Park. This philanthropic sale draws more than 60 vendors—specialized growers, small nursery owners, antique dealers, and artisans…with proceeds going to Project SAGE in northwestern Connecticut.

    

21. Bring your camera to Wigwam Road in Litchfield on a sunny day in April or May and take a walk through the 15 acres of daffodil plantings at Laurel Ridge Farm. 
22. Enjoy the sounds, sights, and smells of spring on a boardwalk hike through the wetlands at White Memorial Conservation Center.
23. Enjoy a picnic at one of our many wineries. Hopkins Vineyard, Spring Hill Vineyards, and Sunset Vineyard are some of our faves.
24. Support our local restaurants. Many have outdoor seating and provide take out.
25. Enjoy an ice cream cone! Arethusa Farm Dairy in Bantam is a very popular spot. People literally line up around the building. Peaches N’ Cream in Litchfield is another family favorite.

By Brandee Gilmore

Spring has sprung! Enjoy these things to do in Litchfield County this April. Events include art openings, New Milford restaurant week, workshops, live entertainment, and more.

April 1

New Milford Restaurant Week, NEW MILFORD
New Milford Restaurant Week 2024 is back! April 1 – 15. Restaurants will offer special three-course meals at one of three fixed pricing options for lunch and/or dinner.

April 3

Musical Reading, LITCHFIELD
Join The Litchfield Community Center for a musical story time with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra on early dismissal day! Enjoy a musical reading of Max Found 2 Sticks featuring a WSO percussionist. Children will experience real live performances up close and enjoy an instrument petting zoo like no other. 1 pm – 2 pm.

Greek Vegan Taste Tour, NEW MILFORD
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, vegan-curious or an omnivore that enjoys great food, this will be a memorable meal that will inspire and delight! Join Greca as Dino brings guests on a guided tour of this amazing part of Greek cuisine. 6:30 pm.

April 4

The Art of Thriving, TORRINGTON
National arts leader, Randy Cohen, of the Americans for the Arts, will host a lively session about the study and how our investment in the arts provides both social and economic benefits to our region. 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at the Warner Club.

First Thursdays: Singin’ in the Rain, NORTH CANAAN
The Colonial Theatre in New Canaan will be offering a showing of First Thursdays: Singin’ in the Rain. Adult $5, Child $3, Senior $3, but space is limited, so reserve your seats today! 7 pm.

April 5

Italian Salumi Class, LITCHFIELD
Join Susan Guletsky of “The Discernable Palate” as she leads you through a guided tasting of a carefully curated selection of Italian Salumi. From traditional favorites to artisanal varieties, you’ll explore the diverse and nuanced profiles that make Italian cured meats a culinary delight. 4:30 pm – 6 pm.

The Bill of Obligation, SALISBURY
Dr. Richard Haass is the author or editor of fourteen books on American foreign policy, one book on management, and one on American democracy. His latest book, The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, was published by Penguin Press in January 2023 and became a New York Times best seller. Join him as he discuss his new book at the Hotchkiss School 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.

William Faulkner Seminar, VIRTUAL OR LITCHFIELD
Mark Scarbrough, a former English professor and author, will lead in depth literary discussions on The Wild Palms, Light in August, The Sound and The Fury at the Oliver Wolcott Library in Litchfield. Meetings are Fridays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 & May 3 & 10 from 10:30 am -12:30 pm.

The Supper Club, LITCHFIELD
Dive into a unique culinary experience hosted by the acclaimed Chef Evan Hennessey at the Litchfield Inn. With a James Beard nomination and three Chopped wins under his belt, Chef Hennessey brings a tasting menu that marries New England’s seasonal bounty with Scandinavian and Japanese influences. 6:30 pm.

Wait Until Dark, NEW MILFORD
Grab tickets for the upcoming show, Wait Until Dark, at TheatreWorks New Milford. Forty-seven years after WAIT UNTIL DARK premiered on Broadway, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott’s 1966 original, giving it a new setting. 8 pm – 10 pm.

April 6

Madness @the Park, WASHINGTON DEPOT
As the NCAA Basketball Tournament whittles from a field of 64 hopefuls to The Final Four teams, The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens invites the community to join the fun and festivities at a free, family-friendly watch party.

Art Reception, LAKEVILLE
The Tremaine Art Gallery at The Hotchkiss School is pleased to present: Dialogue: Art in Conversation, featuring works by Valerie Hammond and Nathaniel (Tate) Klacsmann, from April 2 – June 2, with an opening reception on Saturday, April 6, 4 pm to 6 pm. This exhibition explores the creative processes of two artists whose work reverberates around questions of social inequity, magic, myth, and the environment.

Music in the Nave      ,
An evening at the St.Andrew’s Parish House featuring songwriter and guitarist George Potts, along with his good friend Gordon Titcomb. Tickets are available through Eventbrite or at the door. Wine and cheese will be served in a cabaret style environment. 7 pm.

Jeff Summa and the Roasters return to Litchfield American Legion, LITCHFIELD
Jeff Summa and the Roasters return to Morgan-Weir American Legion for another night of psychedelic rock at 7 pm. Playing songs from their critically acclaimed lp “Open Road Ahead” and new originals from their upcoming album along with covers of their influential bands including Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, and  much more.

An Evening with Jack Lynn, WATERTOWN
Enjoy an evening with CT’s own Jack Lynn.  “Dino was mom’s favorite singer”. “She loved his music and never missed his 10 pm Thursday night TV show – in fact, I never missed it either. As part of his show, Jack performs greatest hits from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, and more. 7 pm – 10:30 pm.

Adult Game Club, NEW MILFORD
Join the New Milford Public Library for the Adult Game Club. In the adult game club, they play a mixture of electronic video games and physical board games. The target audience for these games are young adults to adults (18+). RSVP 1 pm – 3 pm.

Free Movie: Ghostbusters, NORTH CANAAN
The Colonial Theatre in New Canaan will be offering a free showing of Ghostbusters. Tickets are free, but space is limited, so reserve your seats today! 7 pm.

John-Paul Philippe – R E F L E C T O R S, FALLS VILLAGE
Join Marche on Saturday, April 6 for an opening reception featuring John-Paul Philippe and his latest collection of work R E F L E C T O R S. 4 pm – 8 pm.

April 7

Heroes & Headaches, HARWINTON
Explore the hidden history of New England with the pirates that helped shape our nation. Discover the tactics, weapons, and surprising democracy aboard pirate ships in this interactive, informative, and comical program. Harwinton Town Hall. 2 pm.

Free A Cappella Concert, NEW HARTFORD
Join Beekley Community Library for a free performance by Dissipated Eight at 3:30 pm. The group  performs all over New England (as well as Bermuda & Costa Rica) at private venues, colleges, and high schools alike. With 70 years behind them, they look forward to continued success through the blending of traditional and contemporary a cappella.

Fire & Ice Workshop, BETHLEHEM
Join the Imagine Health & Wellness Farm for the Fire and Ice Workshop. The fastest way to shift yourself back into your power is to deliberately focus your attention on your breath and cold plunge. 2 pm – 4 pm.

Dan Ringrose Clocktown Brewing, THOMASTON
Head down to Clocktown Brewing and sing along with Dan Ringrose at 2 pm.

April 8

Trials Of World History, VIRTUAL
Explore the Crossroads of History and Law. Watch a ½ hour video lecture followed by a discussion, lead by OWL’s Caroline Ugurlu, based on the presented talk. In this lecture, the focus will be on the first of 12 trials, regarded by scholars as “The Trial of the Major War Criminals.” 1 pm – 2 pm.

April 10

Puccini’s TOSCA, LITCHFIELD
Join fellow opera lovers at the Litchfield Community Center to view and discuss Puccini’s great opera Tosca in a production which has claims to be the best ever. This is the 2012 Royal Opera House production with Angela Giorghiou, Jonas Kaufman, and Bryn Terfel. 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

Revolutionary Design, LITCHFIELD
New England is known for its history and its traditions, but it is also home to some daring and inventive modern designs from some of the world’s leading architects. This program introduces audiences to each architect and walks you through their notable works in New England locales. 3 pm – 4 pm.

Mastering Contacts on iOS, LITCHFIELD
Participants will learn about the possibilities within the iOS Contacts application, review: deleting contacts, adding contacts, and setting up My Card, explore creating and managing lists, managing duplicate entries, syncing with iCloud, sharing contacts, customizing entries, creating contact posters, using Quick Actions, and more. 2 pm – 3 pm.

April 11

Evening Glow Music, LITCHFIELD
All are welcome to join the Litchfield Community Center for relaxing and reflective music to close the day. Alyce Cognetta Bertz, violin & Meg Cognetta Heator, piano. Performances are followed by a reception with refreshments. 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm.

“Einstein Effect” Talk, VIRTUAL EVENT
At 7 pm the David M. Hunt Library will host a FREE virtual program with Benyamin Cohen, author of the book, The Einstein Effect, offering a fascinating look into how Einstein’s genius and science continues to show up in so many facets of our everyday lives including GPS, remote controls, even toothpaste. Register for the Zoom meeting on David M. Hunt Library’s website.

Tarot Tea and Treats, KENT
Join Regina Olson and Co-teacher Gloria Wilder in this mother & daughter team for a fun night of deep conversation and connection at Tarot Tea and Treats. 6 pm – 7:30 pm at the Coffee, Chocolate & Creamery in Kent.

April 12

18+ Trivia Night!, LITCHFIELD

Join the Litchfield Community Center for 18+ Trivia Night ft. Bar Rated Entertainment! 7 pm – 9 pm. 7 pm doors open, games start 7:30 pm. BYOB & Snacks to test your knowledge.

The Comedy Lounge at SALT2.0, TORRINGTON
Join Torrington’s SALT2.0 for a night of laughs brought by some of the country’s hottest comics! They are bringing the funniest comedians in the Northeast to Main St. in Torrington for a night full of laughs! Get your tickets now to see another incredibly talented lineup, and enjoy some of the best food and drink. Doors Open at 7 pm. Show Starts at 7:30 pm.

April 13

MattaTrek, WEST HARTFORD
Mattatuck Museum is hosting their second annual fundraiser called the MattaTrek. Choose between doing a 6k (approx 3.75mi) or the full 20+ miles. Sign up to join the Mattatuck Museum or become a sponsored hiker and help raise funds for Museum programs and exhibitions! 8 am start!

Leonel Morales, Piano, LAKEVILLE
Renowned pianist Leonel Morales returns to Hotchkiss at 7:30 pm. This concert will feature works by Mozart, Schumann, and Barber. Performed in Katherine M. Elfers Hall in the Esther Eastman Music Center, concert is free and open to the public; no ticket reservations are necessary. Seating is first come, first served.

“God of Carnage”, WASHINGTON
Grab tickets to see God of Carnage at The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens. God of Carnage is about two sets of parents; the 11-year-old son of one couple has hurt the son of the other couple with a stick at a public park. The parents meet to discuss the matter in a civilized manner. 6 pm. Directed by Dorothy Lyman.

Yacht Rock Concert, TORRINGTON
Get ready to set sail for a night of smooth vibes and good times at the Warner Theatre’s Second Annual Yacht Rock shindig in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre. The party kicks off at 6 pm in the Studio Theatre Lobby. Score free bites and sips from Two Roads Brewing Company, Litchfield Distillery, The Cork Fine Wines & Spirits, and more! Anchor Management takes the stage at 7:30 pm for non-stop tunes and dance floor magic.

Comedy Night at Raymond Family Farm, NEW HARTFORD
Join The Raymond Family Farm for an evening of live acoustic music from Willy Smith and then comedy from headliner Michael Somerville. Gates open at 5 pm. Happy Hour (bring your own food and beverage) and music 5 pm – 7 pm. Comedy 7 pm – 9 pm.

April 14

King Lear Performance, LITCHFIELD
What do you call a king who gives up his kingdom? A fool? Or a father ready to pass on the burdens of power? Join actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby for this haunting, darkly funny adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless classic. 3 pm – 4 pm at the Litchfield Community Center.

Spring Extravaganza, HARWINTON
Get ready to saddle up for a day of excitement and festivities at the Spring Extravaganza Fundraiser! Join Operation Hold Your Horses, Inc for a spectacular event filled with tack treasures, artisan crafts, and an abundance of community spirit. 10 am – 3 pm.

April 18

Art Opening, LITCHFIELD
Join the Oliver Wocott Library for the opening reception of Land & Sky: A Photography and Printmaking Exhibition 5 pm – 7 pm. Artists Wendy Costa and Sally Frank each draw inspiration from the natural world.

April 19

HHG Opening Day, WASHINGTON
Hollister House Garden opens for the season! The garden will be open 1 pm – 4 pm. Plan a visit soon!

Watercolor Workshop, WASHINGTON
Celebrate spring and learn to capture the vibrant colors of tulips! Hollister House Garden is delighted to start off the new season with watercolor artist Betsy Rogers-Knox and one of their favorite flowering bulbs. With step-by-step demonstrations and personal instruction, learn to mix and layer light washes of color to achieve the brilliance of the much-loved tulip flower. 10 am – 3:30 pm.

Friday Feast, LITCHFIELD
Friday Feast & Dancing Feet. Join the Lichfield Community Center for good food and good company. Don’t forget your dancing shoes! 12 pm – 2 pm.

April 20

Barn Talk: Spring Bulbs, WASHINGTON
Daffodils and tulips are the traditional spring stunners, but beyond them lies a dazzling array of untapped spring bulbs. Grecian windflowers, wild hyacinth, starflowers and Roman squills are just some of the potential performers that add excitement and variety to a garden. Learn how to create stunning borders by mixing a variety of bulbs with herbaceous perennials and woody plants for maximum effect. 10 am – 11:30 am at Hollister House Garden.

Taylor Mali Performance, WINSTED
Taylor Mali is a must-see for anyone who loves slams, performance poetry, live spoken word on stage, or stand-up comedy. Doors open at 7 pm with live music.

Sweet History of Honey, HARWINTON
Why do we love honey so much? What makes honey light or dark? Does honey need to be pasteurized? Why does honey crystalize? Learn the answers to these questions and more from Cathy Wilco, second generation beekeeper and owner of the Humble Bee Honey Company. The presentation will be located at the Harwinton Library and will be followed by a honey tasting – yum! This program is free and open to ages 12 and up. Please register.

A Studio Affair: Unleash Your Inner Artist, NEW MILFORD
Are you yearning to express your creativity but don’t know where to begin? Village Center of the Arts is thrilled to announce their inaugural ‘zine series and they warmly invite YOU to join them. You don’t need to be an artist to participate, just the desire to create; simply bring your passion. 6:30 pm – 10 pm.

April 21

Cooking Demo Dinner: Brain-Healthy Cuisine, NEW MILFORD
Join Chef Dino and his team as they teach how to prepare fantastic meals of Greek dishes that promote brain health and longevity. 3:30 pm.

Junk in the Trunk tag sale, NEW MILFORD
Junk in the Trunk is back for Spring! Find something unique at this multi-vendor tag sale. Entry is FREE for shoppers. Shopping hours are 8 am – 2 pm in the front parking lot of New Milford High School. Rain date May 5.

Sound at The Station – Earth Day Sound Bath with Bobbi Soares, NEW MILFORD
Celebrate Earth Day at the Gallery 25 and Creative Arts Studio with a sound bath to reduce stress, improve positive thinking and creativity. Explore the sound of an earth gong as a way to relax, recharge, renew! 11 am – 12 pm.

Free Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, NEW CANAAN
At 2 pm the Colonial Theatre in New Canaan will be offering a free showing of  Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Tickets are free, but space is limited, reserve your seats today!

Violet & Me Fundraiser, WASHINGTON
Join the Thomas S. Perakos Arts & Community Center for Dorothy Lyman’s moving solo performance that explores themes of family life, feminism, and the artist’s journey. Approximately 1 hour followed by a Q&A with Dorothy. A short reception of coffee, tea, and treats in the TPAAC lobby will follow. 5 pm – 6:30 pm.

April 22

Let’s Talk Gardening, HARWINTON
Spring is here! Join the Harwinton Public Library for their bi-monthly garden discussion group. Bring you questions, seeds, plants and anything else you have to share with the group. 7 pm.

Trials of World History Part 2, VIRTUAL EVENT
Explore the Crossroads of History and Law Part II. Watch a ½ hour video lecture followed by a discussion, lead by OWL’s Caroline Ugurlu, based The Leopold & Loeb Trial. 1 pm – 2 pm.

April 23

Astounding Bible Code, LITCHFIELD
The Litchfield Community Center presents: “The Astounding Bible Code: Can I Predict the Future?” Presentation. The Bible Code was discovered by Dr. Eliyahu Rips, an Israeli mathematician who has cracked the Bible Code by the use of high-speed computers. 1 pm – 2 pm.

Louise Glück Poetry, LITCHFIELD
Celebrate Poetry Month and Louise Gluck’s birthday with a special poetry discussion. 7 pm -8 pm. Richard Deming, poet and friend of Louise Gluck, will lead an exploratory discussion of a selection of Gluck poems. Poems will be available at OWL beginning April 1.

April 24

Daytrip: Riverquest, LITCHFIELD
Experience the beauty and solitude of the lower Connecticut River during this wonderful time of year. With fewer vessels on the water, and the trees and wildlife starting to show their spring colors, it is different than any other time of the year. Naturalists on board narrate and make sure you don’t miss a thing! 8 am – 4 pm.

Great American Song Book, LITCHFIELD
The Litchfield Community Center is hosting an afternoon of Live, Learn, and Lunch with the dynamic duo, Bob & Claudia Hughes. Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies of “The Great American Songbook” as this talented pair brings classic tunes to life in a performance that will transport you through the golden era of music. 12 pm – 1 pm.

Pearls from Carol, MORRIS
Join Albert Ruggiero for his humorous book talk “Pearls from Carol” at the Morris Public Library, at 6:30 pm. The speaker will share the funny yet thought-provoking essays and poems from his late wife Carol. The book is a compilation of 20 years’ writings devotedly collected by the local writers’ group and published by her husband.

April 25

Litchfield Land Trust, VIRTUAL OR LIVE EVENT
Learn what the Litchfield Land Trust does; about local and regional collaborations, and why their work and our partnerships with private landowners is essential for a vibrant future. Identify currently protected lands and discuss regions of strategic importance for future consideration. 7 pm – 8 pm virtual or at the Oliver Wolcott Library.

April 26

Happy Hour Piano with T.J. Thompson    ,
The American Mural Project (AMP) proudly presents the new Happy Hour Piano Series, featuring world-class pianists performing in the mural gallery. Held on the fourth Friday of each month, from 5 pm – 7 pm, the piano series offers patrons a time to unwind with a drink from the cash/credit bar, mingle with colleagues, and take in the grand scale of the mural exhibit from three levels.

Candlelight Slow Yoga, WOODBURY
Join Sarah E. Carey for candlelight slow yoga. Life is stressful enough! Healing ought to be simple and create trust between the mind and body. 6:30 pm – 8 pm at The Front Page.

 Arts & Fine Crafts Show, GAYLORDSVILLE
At the seventh annual Spring Arts and Fine Crafts Show at the historic Merwinsville Hotel, the organization will offer six days to shop over two weekends before Mother’s Day. The show is on April 26-28 and May 3-5, for three days each weekend from 10 am – 5 pm. Features artwork in glass, photography, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, woodwork, pottery and paintings in watercolors, oil and acrylic.

Exhibit Opening – With Their Busy Needles: Samplers and the Girls Who Made Them, LITCHFIELD
Join the Litchfield Historical Society for the opening reception of their newest exhibit “With Their Busy Needles: Samplers and the Girls Who Made Them” from 6 pm – 8 pm. The opening is free and open to the public. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

April 27

Arts Connected, NEW PRESTON
Join Spring Hill Vineyards for an interactive event all about celebrating and supporting the arts. Immerse yourself in a world of creativity as they showcase local artists, musicians, and performers. Plus, indulge in delicious food and drinks from across the region. 5 pm – 8 pm.

Understanding Trees, WASHINGTON
Join us on a special guided walking tour of Hollister House Garden’s landscape and forest trees. A tree’s physical characteristics are a living record of its responses and adaptations to changes in its environment over time. Using these clues, conservation arborist Chris Roddick will teach you how to piece together a tree’s unique history. 9:30 am – 11:30 am.

Jake Swamp and the Pine, NEW HARTFORD
Beekley Community Library is hosting the band Jake Swamp and the Pine at 7:30 pm. If you like being out in nature, that is the feeling that Jake Swamp and the Pine captures with their music. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Poetry Reading with Patricia Martin, HARWINTON
April is National Poetry Month. Celebrating with a visit from Patricia Martin, Connecticut’s Beat Poet Laureate! Please join and welcome Patricia and enjoy readings from a selection of her poetry at the Harwinton Library. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. 10:30 am.

An Enchanted Evening, KENT
Indulge in an evening of celebration while making a meaningful difference in our local community. Enjoy music and dancing, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, libations, and a silent auction. 7 pm – 10 pm.

Go Home You’re Drunk / Cat Crash / Don’t Go Outside / Or Anywhere Else, TORRINGTON
Join Howard’s Bookstore for live music with indie legends “Or Anywhere Else, Don’t Go Outside, Cat Crash, and Go Home, You’re Drunk.” 7:30 pm.

New Milford Car Show, NEW MILFORD
The New Milford High School Grad Party committee is excited to be sponsoring its first car show fundraiser! A fun family-friendly day filled with music, food trucks, and of course, awesome cars. All years, makes, and models welcome. 11 am – 3 pm. Rain date is May 4.

HYSB Gratitude Gala, NEW CANAAN
Please join the Housatonic Youth Service Bureau for their second annual Gratitude Gala at the Colonial Theatre. (Timing to be announced) Tickets are available now.

April 28

Spring Plant Sale, SHARON
Plant Sale! Kick off the gardening season with seed-propagated native plants grown by Lindera and Tiny Meadow Farm. This event is a wonderful opportunity to shop offerings from two local nurseries and spend some time in the beautiful Sharon countryside. 10 am-6 pm. Free and open to all.

Walking Tour – To Come to a Land of Milk and Honey, LITCHFIELD
How was Litchfield involved in the Connecticut Western Reserve? From investors to migrants to policymakers.  Join Head of Education, Kate Zullo, for a walking tour of Litchfield’s Historic District that visits the homes of families whose lives were impacted by westward expansion. 10 am – 11 am.

Liquid Love Performs the Music of Freddie Hubbard at Woodbury Brewing, WOODBURY
Join Woodbury Brewing for a special evening of jazz music when Liquid Love Performs the Music of Freddie Hubbard. 7 pm – 10 pm.

A Tradition That’s Alive and Well at Hotchkiss This Summer

By Tara Kelly

Artists have gravitated to the Hudson Valley and Taconic Hills for centuries drawn to the dramatic landscapes of rivers, forests, and open farmland patiently waiting to be immortalized on canvas.

If you’re driving around the Northwest Corner this summer, you might catch sight of an unusual number of artists with their easels set-up by the side of the road, or out in a field, painting the scenery. From June 17 to July 5, Grand Central Atelier, a school for classically trained artists based in Queens, will be hosting its 15th annual Hudson River Fellowship. The program invites 20 fellows, all accomplished artists, to  The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville for three weeks of plein-air painting. 

Edward “Ted” Minoff, an artist, GCA Board member, and instructor describes the process of landscape painting. “We do lots and lots of careful drawings and plein-air studies, and then armed with that info we can translate that into a work of imagination in the studio.” As it happens, the sketches are often as compelling as the finished work.

This year for the first time, GCA is also offering three short landscape painting workshops, open to all levels. For more information go to their website:grandcentralatelier.org 

There will be an outdoor showcase of the group’s work at The White Hart in Salisbury on Sunday, June 30 starting at 11 am. All the work will be for sale, and the event is free but please RSVP. —grandcentralatelier.org

Need a Room?

Some of the New and Newly Renovated Hotels of Litchfield County

By Jamie Marshall

As a travel destination, Litchfield County strikes all the right notes. It’s sophisticated and easy-going. Outdoorsy and cultural. There are restaurants and cafes, art galleries and boutiques, cute villages to explore, farms and vineyards to visit, glorious hiking trails, watersports, and cycling routes. The only kink in the works? For years, the area has been hampered by its lack of overnight accommodations, especially during the high season. That’s about to change. This summer the region will welcome a number of new—and newly renovated—properties, a win-win for visitors and residents alike. “It’s wonderful to see all these new hotels,” says Stephen Brighenti, a hospitality industry veteran and owner of POSH Pads luxury home rentals. “It’s a phenomenal story of change that’s 30 years in the making.”

Lost Fox Inn

Litchfield
Just a mile from the town of Litchfield, on the site of the former Tollgate Hill property, the Lost Fox Inn retains much of its historic charm but the vibe is “old-world chic,” says owner Eliza Clark. With a pool, formal garden, and plenty of privacy, the three-building compound is ideally suited for weddings and family gatherings. There are ten rooms in the main house and an adjacent former schoolhouse sleeps four. The old Tavern Building dates to 1765; here the chef will serve up hearty New England-style fare with a rustic twist in a beautiful atmosphere. Rates from $250 to $600. —lostfoxinn.com

The Abner

Litchfield

It’s been three years in the making, but this September the old Litchfield Courthouse will start its second act as The Abner, a boutique hotel with 20 guest rooms and suites, rooftop bar, and a restaurant in the former courtroom. During the renovation, the owners retained much of the building’s original feel. “Judges benches, balustrades, and even the millwork has been repurposed,” says Kevin O’Shea, chief creative officer of Salt Hotels. Rates from $195. —salthotels.com 

Belden House and Mews

Litchfield

Belden House and Mews, one of the most eagerly anticipated newcomers, is set to open this fall. The property is the latest luxe offering from the folks behind Troutbeck in Amenia. Located just off the Litchfield Green, the two-acre estate will feature 31 guest rooms and suites, dining, wellness, a seasonal pool, and lawn games. —beldenhouse.com 

The Litchfield Inn

Litchfield

With its beautifully landscaped garden, the 32-room Litchfield Inn is a bucolic spot. Owners Syed and Pari Bokhari took advantage of the pandemic downtime to give the inn a total refresh—a project that is ongoing. Downstairs, the feel is laid-back luxury; upstairs each of the 12 “bespoke” guest rooms was inspired by a local landmark, such as Bantam Lake and the Boardwalk at Little Pond. There’s even a fully equipped gym onsite. Rates from $250 to $500. —litchfieldinnct.com

Kent Collection

Kent

In nearby Kent, the three properties that comprise the Kent Collection are all within walking distance of the village. Each has its own distinct personality: The five-bedroom Victorian dates back to 1890 and was fully renovated in 2022. The three Garden Cottages—including an 1880s baggage car transformed into an open studio space with modern fabrics and train memorabilia—center around the old Kent train station. The Firefly Inn (formerly the Starbuck Inn) has rooms for up to 18 guests. Rates from $375 to $1000. —kentcollection.com

Falls Village Inn

Falls Village

Over in Falls Village, the venerable Falls Village Inn has spiffed up its five guest rooms with new John Robshaw textiles—think linens, duvets, throw pillows, and more—all of which are available at his shop up the road. The inn continues to draw record numbers for its classic “Burger Night” on Mondays. That’s thanks in part to the lovely privet-edged bluestone patio, which was added post-pandemic for outdoor dining. Rates from $259 to $359. —thefallsvillageinn.com

Mayflower Inn & Spa

Washington

In Washington, the Mayflower Inn and Spa celebrated its centennial in 2020 by hiring interior designer Celerie Kemble for a complete makeover of the rooms and public spaces. Drawing inspiration from English and Scandinavian country houses, the palette is a mix of faded Gustavian tones with vibrant pops of color. Be sure to visit The Well, the 20,000-square foot spa, which sits at the heart of the 58-acre estate. Rates vary. —aubergeresorts.com/mayflower

Winvian

Morris

Winvian broke new ground when it first opened in 2006 with a collection of individually designed cottages with playful names—Treehouse, Library, Beaver Lodge, Stone—spread across 113 acres. After a recent refresh, they are more appealing than ever. Visitors can do as little or as much as they like—for starters there’s a discreetly placed pool, a world-class spa, a fleet of bikes, chef Eddy’s seed-to-table cuisine with produce from the farm’s organic gardens, and guided activities—hot air ballooning anyone? Rates from $825. —winvian.com

A Young Farmer Practices Regenerative Agriculture in Kent

By Paul Marcarelli

Photos by Ryan Lavine

The first thing you notice about Tyler Hoadley is how young he looks. At 26, it’s hard to believe he has a college education and years of farm experience under his belt, much less that he is now running his very own farm, Hoadley Hills Farm in Kent, on the land three generations of his family call home. Then again, farming is, in more ways than one, a young man’s game, especially if the aim is to help heal the planet at the same time, which is precisely what Tyler is trying to do.

Committed to the principles of regenerative agriculture, Tyler begins our conversation by referencing the work of Allan Savory, the farmer and agricultural researcher, who believes that only livestock can reverse the desertification of land. Savory advocates what he calls “holistic management,” a complex and not uncontroversial approach to farming that goes beyond rotational grazing to address the reciprocal relationship between people, animals, and the land. 

“We are proud to provide the most nutrient-dense food we can to our neighbors,” Tyler says. “While we are nourishing them with this food, we are also nourishing the land. Animal agriculture has gotten a bad rap in recent years because of the way conventional confinement operations take away value from local ecosystems, all while creating an inhumane, polluting environment that hurts people and animals alike. What’s different about having a regenerative livestock operation in your community is that not only do these regenerative practices like rotational grazing allow animals to express their natural behaviors like scratching and foraging for chickens and rooting for pigs, but they create healthier animals and thus more nutrient-dense meat for our customers. It’s worth it,” Tyler concludes. “Even if it does require more labor.”

The labor Tyler describes is undertaken by a small but devoted team of three consisting of him, his high school-aged brother Austin, and his girlfriend Haley Newell whom he met a couple of years ago while working at Roxbury’s Riverbank Farm. But the relatively small size of the team hasn’t kept Hoadley Hills from being extremely productive, last year farming 1500 chickens, 200 egg layers, and 30 pigs. “The fact that we feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves keeps us from feeling lonely,” Tyler says. “Going to the farmer’s markets and getting to have those relationships with our customers, who are really grateful we’re doing what we’re doing, definitely keeps us going.”

“I know this seems sort of niche and trendy,” Tyler says when I ask how scalable a regenerative approach to farming is, “But there are a couple of places doing this on a much larger scale with a larger impact overall. One place in Georgia called White Oak Pastures comes to mind that used to be a conventional feedlot farm, and is now a 3,000-acre regenerative farm with not just cows, but also chickens, ducks, and pigs, all out on pastures. And what is remarkable is that they are proving you can have a carbon negative footprint farming this way.”

Since most of Tyler’s peers have left small town life behind for opportunities in big cities, I was curious what he feels he might be missing out on. “Nothing,” he replies. “I’m not making a sacrifice. This is what I want to be doing. I breathe fresh air every day. I do the kind of work I love. And I get to see the impact I’m having on my community.” —hoadleyhillsfarm.com

Add More Wellness in Your Life 

By Clementina Verge

Photos by: Ryan Lavine

For Dr. Myles Altorelli, a low-risk high-reward approach to medicine is ideal and hands-on treatments cannot be replaced. It’s why he pursued a career in chiropractic care, establishing his practice almost a decade ago.

At Altorelli Chiropractic & Med Spa in New Preston, traditional chiropractic practice is complemented by functional muscle and myofascial therapies. The value of such holistic care has been solidified especially in the past 20 years, Altorelli reflects, due to patient preferences, successful outcomes, and clinical expertise combined with science-based evidence.

“It is widely accepted because it is the least aggressive approach first,” he explains. “We are looking to find the cause and fix it, not just silence symptoms.”

Due to their efficiency, he notes, chiropractors have been incorporated in other specialties, such as orthopedics. Sports teams, including the U.S. Olympic team, count on them.

“It’s a drug-free treatment that can have athletes back in action in minutes, and that’s very important for them,” he says, giving the example of a pinched nerve that needs release. “But it’s also more important than ever for everyone since doctors and patients are trying to get away from opioid use.”

Instead of relenting to prescription medications right away, Dr. Altorelli and his staff, which includes three massage therapists, employs a variety of techniques to meet each patient’s needs, including spinal manipulations, dry needling, Kinesio taping, and cupping.

Comprehensive treatments that rejuvenate the body and promote relaxation are also offered at the Altorelli Med Spa by an experienced aesthetician, including facials and organic spray tanning.

Ultimately, the practice, managed by Dr. Altorelli’s wife, Alyssa, focuses on helping individuals enjoy their healthiest lives. It was something Altorelli learned from watching his parents—both doctors specializing in internal medicine. His father, Dr. Alphonse Altorelli, practiced in Washington Depot for some 40 years and now works in the same building as his son and daughter Nicole, also an internist who recently joined the practice.

 “We watched our parents care for their patients, having a purpose in life of helping others, but also, having a schedule that allowed for a life outside of work,” he reflects.

Dr. Altorelli received his Bachelor of Science from Fordham University and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the University of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic. He is an active member of the Connecticut Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. 

In his spare time, the father of three young children, loves spending time outdoors—hiking at the Macricostas Preserve or Steep Rock—and is especially passionate about golf; he is a member of the Washington Club. Through patient education and his own lifestyle, Dr. Altorelli wants to inspire his patients to appreciate the natural beauty of Litchfield County, while also helping them to heal from injuries or lifestyle choices, and teaching them to move forward stronger.

“Small changes like increasing hydration, limiting stress, moving more, and sitting less, all add up,” he says. “We all need more water, less sitting, more sunshine, and more joy.” —altorellichiro.com

A Chance Encounter Turns Serious

By Michelle Madden

Photos by Ryan Lavine

 When people say they stumbled into their career, they don’t usually mean literally. Spencer Lord literally did. Five years ago he was walking on his parents’ 27-acre property in New Milford when he came across a ‘reishi’ mushroom—burnt orange and fan-shaped, like nothing he had ever seen before. The encounter led to foraging, which evolved into mushroom growing kits, and eventually spawned a thriving business. Oracle Mushrooms will soon be supplying 100 pounds per week of varieties such as Lion’s Mane, King Trumpet, and Pink Oyster.

 Lord is a chemist. His lab is filled with glass beakers waiting on shelves, test tubes huddled in holders, and petri dishes carrying nutrient-gel to feed the mushroom culture. Growing mushrooms is complicated. Gourmet mushrooms grow on trees, which Lord creates by combining wood chips and soybean hulls into a block. The mushroom culture (mycelium) is then injected into a grain mixture and added to the block. The block then sits patiently in a warm bag from ten days to three months to colonize. Once colonized, the mushrooms are shuttled to the “fruiting tent”, for another four weeks.

And this is when things get exciting…  

Peering through the plastic window into the zipped, climate-controlled, ”fruiting tent” with vapor piping in, and lights “imitating sunlight peeking through the canopy of the forest”, is like looking through a scuba mask on the Great Barrier Reef and seeing exquisite coral––pink, orange, tan––delicate gills in neat rows, trunks bold and supportive. They are living sculptures and utterly exotic.

Mushrooms are either: edible, medicinal, or psychedelic. Lord grows ‘edibles’ but they too are highly “medicinal,” with nutritional benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory to digestive wellness to the prevention of neurodegenerative disease. Many vegans get vitamin D from mushrooms which convert ergosterol to vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

Some people don’t like mushrooms or go so far as to be afraid—micophobia. Lord’s response? “Try sautéing them in butter and garlic, you’ll get over it fast.” Lord cautions that while mushrooms can be eaten raw, it is not optimal as humans do not possess the enzyme chitinase to break down the cell walls, which can cause digestive issues. Cooking breaks down the walls and allows for their nutrients to be more available.

As for storage? “Forget the brown bag,” Lord advises, “it dries them out. Put them in an airtight container, with paper-towel lining the bottom and top to absorb moisture.”

The reverence Lord has for his mushrooms is undeniable. He notes “a level of consciousness” they have and speaks of the communication (via electrical signals) that occurs between mushrooms that may be many feet apart. He underscores how critical they are to our environment, breaking down old trees while providing nutrients to living trees. 

As he cradles his eight-week-old son, I can’t help but sense that every mushroom he produces, he feels this same sense of wonder, and gives to each one, the same love that he bestows on his first child. @oraclemushrooms

Real Milk, Raw Milk

By Michelle Madden 

Photos by Ryan Lavine

The workers at Calf & Clover Creamery in Cornwall go beyond standard hospitality. Molly gives me a gentle smile, Helena licks my hand, and Starlight nuzzles my leg before resuming their lunch of fermented alfalfa and clover. Greetings complete, the “ladies” stride into the barn, find their name printed on individual chalkboards hanging over their stall—reminiscent of a preschool classroom—and milking begins. Molly, Helena, and Starlight are part of a 20-cow herd (Jersey and Normande breeds) that bring raw milk to hundreds of uncompromising customers who stop by the farm 365 days a year, sunrise to sunset, to get what owners Sarah and Jeff Casel describe as, “One of the healthiest foods available.”

Why this almost cult-like devotion to raw milk?

We don’t usually think of milk as a processed food, especially whole milk—which by its very name suggests it’s, well, whole, meaning what-came-with-it-stays-with-it. But most milk does undergo “processing” either through homogenization, pasteurization, or both.

Whole milk must be at least 3.25 percent butterfat. (Commercial outfits have no incentive to make it higher, as the money’s in the cream.) So before commercial milk becomes whole milk, it first becomes skim milk. Homogenization strips out fat molecules, spins them to render them small enough to remain suspended, and then returns them to the milk to achieve the desired fat percentage. Along with the fat, fat-soluble vitamins A and D are removed and often added back (in synthetic form) to meet required levels.

Pasteurization, which all non-raw milk undergoes, is the process of killing most of the bacteria to reduce the risk of pathogen growth. (Ultra-pasteurization destroys all bacteria and inactivates most nutrients, rendering the milk essentially inert in order to extend the shelf-life upward of three months.) As Felice Martin, the owner of Nature View Farm in Bridgewater, puts it, “Pasteurized milk is dead milk. With raw milk, the probiotics, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins are in their natural state.” 

Raw milk is neither pasteurized nor homogenized. Everything it came with, it stays with. It often has higher milk fat, exceeding four or even five percent (due to the breeds more often used for raw milk and a largely grass diet) resulting in a creamier taste and often higher, naturally occurring, Vitamin A and D. “Good fats are good for you,” states Rick Plumb, the owner of Meadow Ridge Farm who sells raw milk in Litchfield. Science is now proving that the prior warning against saturated fats was overly simplistic. The message that whole fat foods might actually be good for you is slowly seeping into consciousness.

Many consumers report significant health benefits from raw milk, noting everything from a reduction of eczema to the elimination of GI problems. Casel feels strongly that the act of reducing the natural size of the fat molecules (through homogenization), means that lactose—the sugar in milk—gets absorbed too quickly by the gut, leading to bloating and other digestion issues. Perhaps too, it’s the bacteria that’s playing a role. “Milk is not inherently full of bad bacteria,” says Casel. “The bacteria actually has an important role to play in its digestibility.” Some even believe that raw milk, with abundant healthy bacteria, is an immune booster. 

Sales appear to back this up. All three farms report soaring growth with Calf & Clover selling 250 gallons to consumers weekly. Every customer has their reason: for some it’s health; for others it’s the desire to connect to the source. I can say, it’s hard not to meet Nutmeg, as she grazes in the Litchfield hills, letting out contented steamy breaths, and feel that what she is producing is perfect—just the way it is. —calfandclovercreamery.com

 Local raw milk is available here:

Calf & Clover, 332 Kent Rd. S, Cornwall Bridge

Meadow Ridge, 277 Beach St., Litchfield

Nature View, 59 Second Hill Rd., Bridgewater