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

Ira Smith, owner and operator of Kent Wine for over 20 years, serendipitously fell into the liquor business after helping out his then girlfriend’s father in his newly acquired liquor store. Smith’s career progressed to working for a family-owned fine wine importer and distributor where one day he overheard a colleague mention that a wine store in Kent was for sale. Smith partnered with a friend with the intention of a quick flip. That was 1995. By 2000 Smith ditched the blazer to operate Kent Wine.

1. What do you love about your industry? 

I know how lucky I am to continue to enjoy the relationships and experiences born of my tenure in the wine trade. Eating with best friends at Maison Lameloise in Chagny to making new friends at Santiago’s raucous Mercado Fish Market. Discovering that it doesn’t have to be Grand Cru to be great, Premier Cru will be just fine, thank you. 

2. What liquor and or wine do you think is overrated?  

Anything remotely related to Pappy Van Winkle bourbon continues to be wildly overpriced. Finding value in Burgundy and Brunello continues to require constant research.

3. And underrated?

We tend to recommend less well-known bargains including Kavalan whiskey (Taiwan), Boyd & Blair vodka (PA), Nonino amaro (Italy), and interestingly, Petit Chateaux Bordeaux.

4. What are the most popular items sold during the holiday season?

Interestingly, consumers typically buy better quality and spend more for their recipient than themselves. Is this consumer altruism? Popular gifts include Clase Azul tequila, red Bordeaux, Paolo Scavino Barolo, aged Colheita port from Kopke, and rioja from Lopez de Heredia, and Doisy Daëne L’Extravagant sauternes.

5. What makes for a good hostess gift during the holidays?

The unexpected and always appreciated is to greet your guests with an ice-cold Copita of Fino sherry from Lustau or Gonzales Byass. A flute of crisp dry crémant rose from Victorine de Chastenay or a brut rose champagne from Henri Billiot will always be welcome. Either will bring smiles to your guests.

6. What are some of your favorite local spirits?

Without a doubt the Baker family at Litchfield Distillery has been crafting spirits that we recommend on merit and not just as a local. What many people don’t know is that they are also very committed and generous to the greater Litchfield County community. Hopkins Vineyard and Millbrook Vineyards & Winery also have wide appeal.

7. What life lessons has wine taught you?

Making good wine has many parallels to how we try to live our best life. Respect for nature, commitment, and determination to persevere vintage after vintage. Chateau Ausones’ Pascal Delbeck said his best wines were made in the most difficult (frost, hail, rain, sunburn…) vintages. There are two types of wine; wine I like and wine I don’t like. The truth is always in the bottle no matter what we thought before the cork comes out.

By Hannah Van Sickle

Brittany Hrabcsak is passionate about baking all year ‘round. As the holidays approach, she has a singular focus: designing, baking, and building gingerbread houses. The 21-year-old college student has been fine tuning her craft for some time. She began assembling gingerbread houses from a box when she was very little; a dozen years ago, she attended a make-and-take event at the Silo in New Milford. Now, for a decade, the South Kent resident has been crafting gingerbread houses—from dough to powdered-sugar dusting—entirely from scratch in her home kitchen. As to her best tip for beginners? “It’s not always going to go perfectly, so you have to keep trying.”

Hrabcsak’s calm demeanor is misleading, as the details are dizzying. It all starts with a theme, dreamed up in her head, which is translated to construction-paper then transferred to parchment before it is cut out in dough. Ideal thickness ranges from ⅛ -¼ inch, depending on the overall size of the house, with weight-bearing walls trending thicker, the roof thinner. Then comes the fun part: frosting. “We haven’t found the perfect recipe,” Hrabcsak says of royal icing. The entirely edible “glue” that holds the house together and pipes intricate details is kept stable and smooth with egg whites and cream of tartar. “If the icing is too thick, it holds well but is hard to get out of the [piping] bag,” says Hrabcsak, “and vice versa.” Balance, therefore, is the goal. 

Five years ago, Hrabcsak entered the Kent Gingerbread Festival for the first time—a sweet, local celebration touted as one of the largest gingerbread festivals in the state. Last year she had two entries: the first, a replica of the Kent Flower Market (commissioned for display at RT Facts); the second, a replica Whoville of her own design (from How The Grinch Stole Christmas), which went on to snag the contest’s grand prize. When it comes to decorating, modeling chocolate and fondant—in up to 15 different colors—are the stars. There are a few shortcuts, silicone molds and pop-out impressions, but the rest is just hard work and attention to detail. “It takes a while, step-by-step,” she cautions while pointing to the fun: making it colorful, crafting figurines, using sprinkles. Last year Hrabcsak mastered the skill of making flowers, noting “I’ve never had to be that detailed before [working on the Kent Flower Farm replica].” 

Hrabcsak gets a second pair of hands from her mom, Melissa. The pair work, on and off, a few hours each day and most of the weekends leading up to Thanksgiving; in total, each house can take up to five full days to complete “if working straight,” says Hrbcsak. Challenges do abound, even with oodles of experience. One year, they ran out of powdered sugar. “I plan ahead, but there’s always something,” she says, understandable considering the countless pounds of ingredients required. After the final flourish of frosting has been piped then comes transport (which Hrabcsak also has down to a science): “Put the house in the trunk of the car, and drive very slowly.” While Hrabcsak is hard at work on this year’s entry, for the Kent Gingerbread Festival’s 10th Anniversary, her theme remains under wraps. While gingerbread houses generally shine as decorations in December, come January they are put to equally good use. “We feed them to the animals,” Hrabcsak says, before mom chimes in: “The squirrels and the birds love them.”

It takes a village, and Litchfield County has quite a few of them! We’ve shared a handful of organizations that are helping people and animals in our county every day. Of course, there are numerous food pantries, land trusts, schools, arts organizations, pet shelters, and libraries that are always in need. These organizations need our help in a range of ways…feel free to reach out to see how you can contribute.

ASAP!

ASAP! is a social profit organization reaching families of diverse backgrounds from over 100 different towns. Founded in 1999, their mission is to foster creative, hands-on learning through the arts. Their programs provide opportunities for children and adults from all walks of life, allowing everyone to explore possibilities for new experiences. Through honoring children’s imaginations and creativity, they will become the compassionate adults the world needs.—asap.org

Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition

Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition is a 501c3 organization founded in 1999 in response to the increasing threats to local water resources. Today they are a nationally recognized model for scientific investigation, municipal assistance, stakeholder collaboration, community education, and volunteer engagement with a mission to promote the use of science and education to maintain and ensure the availability of high quality water in the Pomperaug Watershed communities.—pomperaug.org

FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of NWCT

‘Tis the season, yet FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of NWCT, serves our region’s homeless at the FISH Shelter (35 beds—families, individuals, and vets) and meets the food needs of the hungry at the FISH Food Pantry (643 families) year round. Support is greatly appreciated! Located in Torrington.—fishnwct.com

Helping Hands for Wildlife

Helping Hands for Wildlife is a fully certified and state licensed non-profit organization that devotes their time, energy, and hearts to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing healthy animals back into the wild in their natural habitat when they are ready for a second chance at life. They also focus on raising public awareness about the role we all play in nature.—helpinghandsforwildlife.org

Greenwoods Counseling

Greenwoods Counseling & Referrals provides access to effective and affordable mental health services in Litchfield County, easing the stress of emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues by providing one-on-one assessments to match people to the resources that can help.—greenwoodsreferrals.org

Clover Ridge Animal Sanctuary 

Creating a safe haven that heals and nurtures animals has been the mission of Clover Ridge Animal Sanctuary since its inception in 2016. Despite a global pandemic, sanctuary life goes on as usual: the barn still needs to be mucked, senior dogs rely on life-saving medications, and dozens of semi-feral cats await neutering. Can’t take a pet home with you? A tax-deductible donation to this nonprofit supports the sanctuary’s lucky residents and allows for the gift of shelter to even more animals in the New Year.—cloverridge.org

Women’s Support Services

Domestic violence affects individuals from all socioeconomic, cultural, educational, and religious backgrounds. The mission of WSS is to create a community free of domestic violence and abuse through intervention, prevention, and education. Donations to this nonprofit go towards staffing the 24-hour hotline; providing emergency shelter, counseling, and safety planning; offering support groups and legal advocacy; as well as teaching violence prevention education for students in preschool through grade 12.—wssdv.org 

Food Rescue US/NWCT

When it comes to food, bridging the gap between excess and access isn’t just possible—it’s simple. The nonprofit’s mission—to fill plates, not landfills—is alive and well in the Northwest corner. A trio of moving parts—including 39 donors, 130 volunteers, and 28 food pantries—are working together to feed the 20,000 people in Litchfield County who are currently food insecure.—foodrescue.us

Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House

‘Feed the hungry, empower the weak, nourish the soul’ has been the inspiration behind New Milford’s Loaves and Fishes for more than three decades. The non-profit has been open for a daily meal—every day of every year—since 1984 thanks to a team of dedicated and faithful volunteers.—loavesandfishesofnewmilford.org

Susan B. Anthony Project

Susan B. Anthony Project provides crisis and support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Give the gift of safety, healing, and growth this holiday season by supporting their efforts on behalf of all survivors.—sbaproject.org

Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County, located in Winsted, and originally established in 1922, provides quality home health, hospice, and home assistance services to all the towns in Litchfield County as well as Burlington, Canton, and Hartland. 

The non-profit, Medicare certified home health and hospice agency’s purpose is to offer advanced, compassionate care at home and in the community. Their wellness clinics promote community health by establishing a patient-managed preventative care plan and by providing educational workshops. The wellness clinics provide each patient with a holistic and individual-centered health screening and have an outstanding rate of success in helping their patients identify health issues and address them through referrals to medical professionals and community resources.  

“As a community-based organization, our mission is to provide excellent, comprehensive, and compassionate home health, hospice and preventive care to the residents of Litchfield County,” says executive director Michael Caselas. Some of the specific services they offer include: skilled nursing, medical social work, disease management, nutrition counseling, bereavement support, end of life care/support, and more. —vnhlc.org

One of the draws of living in beautiful Litchfield is the joy of strolling through town during the holidays, admiring decorations or partaking in holiday merriment. Interestingly, there was a time in Litchfield’s history when holiday festivities were highly discouraged, even taboo! Many of Litchfield’s Calvinist residents attended the Congregational Church, and they believed that Christmas Day shouldn’t be celebrated, but instead spent in prayer. They were shocked by what they viewed as a flagrant celebratory display by the first St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. In 1814, Mary Hunt wrote, “there was a candle in front of every pane of the windows…it looked very beautiful. We thought it grand because we had never seen anything like it before. Even then, I had not heard of giving presents to one another.” In Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Poganuc People, she writes of a similar scenario stating, “there it was… the little church with its sharp-pointed windows, every pane of which was sending streams of light across the glittering snow. There was a crowd around the door, and men and boys looking in at the windows.” Some believed the celebration was political, aimed to gain favor for their preferred party. Others felt the decorative displays were a ploy to gain new parishioners. Nonetheless, it was a sight to behold. However you celebrate the holiday season, we hope it’s magical!

It’s that time again, when shopping, baking, and planning celebratory festivities begin to take over the final months of the year! We recently discovered Dorothy Deming’s invitation to a Christmas Ball at Phelps Tavern in 1802. The Phelps Tavern once stood on East Street in Litchfield, next to the Congregational Church, and was known to hold student balls and holiday celebrations in their top floor ballroom. We couldn’t help imagining yuletide celebrations from 200 years ago. There were likely stolen kisses under a “kissing ball” made of boxwoods, hot wassail (roasted crab apple) punch, or dancing the Minuet. A gun firing squad may have even marked the occasion! We learned that George Washington was a fan of eggnog, so we imagine that it would have been served to some during this time. Though menus would have varied with income levels, a feast of roast goose, clam soup, and hickory nut macaroons would have been found on tables in town. Many of the holiday traditions enjoyed today were not introduced until later in the 17th century. Christmas trees wouldn’t have been in homes (introduced as a tradition from Germany) until decades later. Surely Dorothy Deming, of the well known Deming Family who lived on North Street in Litchfield, would have enjoyed her evening celebrating the holidays at the Phelps Tavern. Which cherished traditions are part of your holiday celebrations?

New Dermatology Office Opens in New Preston  

By Clementina Verge

From obtaining an accurate diagnosis and treatment to achieving the best version of one’s self, the benefits of seeing a dermatologist run more than surface deep.

“The skin is the largest organ in our body and by far the most visible,” notes Dr. Andreas Boker, a Manhattan-based dermatologist who opened New Preston Dermatology in September. “It reflects our internal well-being and is a means of expressing self-confidence.”  

A professor in the Department of Dermatology at New York University, Dr. Boker has advanced fellowship training in specialized skin cancer surgery, as well as extensive experience with medical and surgical interventions and cosmetic procedures including injectables and lasers.

“I have always been drawn to the visual aspect of the field,” he explains. “As dermatologists, we are the ultimate diagnosticians because without fancy tools or testing, we are trained to recognize patterns, colors, shapes, and textures on the skin, helping us diagnose any given condition. But we are also artists, employing safe and effective procedures and technology to help patients restore their natural beauty.” 

Common ailments range from psoriasis, rosacea, to scarring and acne, whose effects on self-worth and morale can be devastating, Dr. Boker explains. He has witnessed countless lives changed by skin transformations: “Treating these conditions can improve patients’ appearance to the point where they achieve the confidence to pursue a new relationship, overcome depression, or pursue careers they otherwise would have avoided.”

Dr. Boker’s passion for meticulous work is backed by more than a decade of experience practicing in Manhattan, where he has earned multiple recognitions and maintains a busy practice with over 3,400 5-star reviews.

Five years ago, however, on a quest for tranquility from the city hustle and captivated by Litchfield County’s pastoral beauty, Boker purchased and restored an 1801 farmhouse in South Kent, and his fondness for the area increasingly grew.

“What made me want to spend more time here and do something professionally are the incredibly interesting people I have met,” he reminisces. “I have forged solid friendships that have inspired me to become a more permanent member of this wonderful community.”

Dr. Boker’s artistic eye and attention to detail are evident in his recently renovated office space in the heart of New Preston, where with help from a local architect, he aimed to preserve the charm of a historic building and merge it with state of the art medical equipment and furnishings.

“I want patients to feel comfortable and at ease in this space, especially when discussing or undergoing potential medical treatments,” he explains.

“Especially in Litchfield County, where people spend more time outdoors, skin cancer poses a serious concern,” he notes.

“It is the most common cancer seen in humans and is the direct result of cumulative sun exposure,” cautions Dr. Boker, who is extensively experienced in treating it using highly-specialized, minimally-invasive Mohs micrographic surgery.

Routine yearly skin exams are therefore paramount for monitoring new suspicious lesions or changing moles.

Whether you are seeking preventive care, cosmetic treatments, or guidance on a dermatological condition, Dr. Boker is excited to offer comprehensive care for all of your skin’s health needs. —newprestondermatology.com

Full-Throttle to Fabulous Hair

By Clementina Verge

When heinous crimes are committed against hair—either by neglect, at-home coloring attempts, or mishaps at other salons—Scotty’s Angels wield their talents to save the day. Equipped with a great sense of humor, dedication to healthy tresses, and outstanding products, the stylists at Byrde + the b stand poised to deliver iconic looks. No unfathomable amounts of hairspray required. 

“They are smart, confident, and execute revenge against faded hair and unflattering cuts,” Scott Bond, owner of the Washington Depot full-service luxury salon, shop, and art gallery, lightheartedly describes the trio he lovingly nicknamed. “Fabulous hair is pivotal to their mission.”

Meet Lucy Callaway—the blonde senior stylist—and Angela Zweifel—the super-talented redhead and newest team member who harness the power of color, extensions, flattering haircuts, and luxurious blowouts. Jesse Edholm—the brunette salon coordinator—has seamlessly organized and orchestrated appointments for more than two years.

“She’s the conductor of hair happiness and beauty,” Bond remarks. “We are a collaborative team. Everyone here shares the same knowledge, the same formulas, and the same work ethic. We want clients to be assured that whoever they book their appointments with, they will be working with highly-trained stylists who are committed to delivering the best services. We are all allies of health and beauty.”

Hair suffers injustice in many ways, including unflattering or harsh coloring and inadequate products that lack necessary ingredients to promote a healthy scalp and silky hair. 

The remedy awaits at Byrde + the b whose shampoos feature no synthetic additives, silicones, petrochemicals, phthalates, or artificial fragrances. Instead, an appointment with any of the stylists ensures that what touches your body is infused with natural goodness—such as organic neroli essential oil. 

Beyond the Byrde + the b line, all products are sustainable and biodegradable, including one of the favorites—Davines—an Italian, “super green” line. The salon, in fact, has achieved carbon-neutral status; except for food waste, everything used is recycled, from hair clippings to q-tips and unused color.

To prepare for the cold months ahead, color should shift to richer tones, enhancing blondes, brunettes, and reds that have faded over the summer.   

“It is important to liven up the hair and balance out the pale skin surfacing during the winter months,” Bond explains. “We always want to keep up with trends but also stay on the pretty side of natural and chic.” 

Equally important are the Aura hyaluronic acid smoothing treatments that speed drying, eliminate frizz, and hydrate, leaving hair in a state that feels as natural as the day you were born. 

“People have a tendency to be wary of change, or nervous about an appointment with someone new,” Edholm notes. “We want to assure them that this is a space for people to come regardless of who is available in one’s hour of need. We fulfill the same quality of service to the same high standards.”

To commit a perfect crime, call for facial acupuncture and other beauty treatments delivered by the highly-trained aesthetics team. —byrdeandtheb.com 

Lasting Holiday Traditions

By Nancy McMillan

Childhood holiday traditions can live on or fade away. For Erik Landegren, owner and founder of Bridgewater Chocolate, one determined his future. 

As a young boy in Sweden, he remembers that “every family had a red-and-white box of Aladdin chocolates on their Christmas table. After a few days, the same five pieces were left in the box.”

The image of those unwanted sweets stayed with him. Decades later, when Bridgewater Chocolate assembled their assortment box of handmade confections, Landegren wanted “every piece to be loved, eaten, and the box finished.”

His professional life did not begin in chocolate. Chosen as one of three apprentices at The Opera Cellar in Stockholm, he learned how to prepare everything but chocolate. He stayed on with Opera Cellar, a group of restaurants that caters the Nobel Prize gala dinner and royal parties. He then moved to New York as an executive sous chef to open Aquavit, a Nordic restaurant.

Once settled in the States, he joined the ranks of chocoholics, a word new to him. While appreciating the ingenuity and ubiquity of the choices available, from Snickers to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, he was a bit disappointed in the chocolate itself.

“I wanted to make a recognizable American confection using European criteria and thought that could be a smashing product. My goal was to create the highest standard chocolate that I could.” 

In the early ‘90s, while working as a private chef in Westchester County, he heard about an opening for a chef at the Bridgewater Village Store under the new owner, Peter May.

It was here that Landegren created a chocolate turtle and continued to experiment. “Humidity and temperature affect chocolate. Each day it could turn out different, but I liked the challenge.” 

He developed his skill as a chocolatier through classes and seminars. He learned what made the European difference in taste. In the U.S., there is no legislation defining chocolate, while in Europe all chocolate must retain cocoa butter to earn its name. U.S. manufacturers extract cocoa butter to extend their products’ shelf life, which means “it doesn’t melt in trucks during transport nor melt in your mouth,” Landegren explains.

His confections became immediately popular; Bridgewater Chocolate was established in 1995. A quarter century later, the company employs 450 employees, occupies a 10,000-square-foot facility in Brookfield, and owns stores in Brookfield and West Hartford. The holiday season is their busiest, bringing in 60 percent of annual revenue.

Holiday novelties include: Santas, snowmen, a variety of peppermints, Christmas trees, and Hanukkah symbols. 15,000 novelties are prepared for the season. The assortment box stays the same, but the packaging is altered; the traditional blue box is replaced with a red one, still tied up with the gold bow.

Erik attributes the company’s success to the fact that “we developed our recipes based on customer responses.” From the beginning, ties to the community were important. The company has supported hundreds of causes through donations of their one-pound assortment box to “anyone with a good cause” and for years sponsored weekly Scout visits to their facility.

“Nothing could have been done without the incredible support of our customers,” says Landgren. 

And the idea for that signature blue hinged box? Also influenced by the Aladdin box, which flipped open. Some traditions leave an indelible imprint.—bridgewaterchocolate.com

This year, many of us are seeing the holidays with fresh eyes—a chance to get back to the traditions that bind, bless, and bliss us out. Gift giving is central to this season of showing our love, and what better way to do it than shopping locally—simultaneously thanking the vendors and craftsmen in our neighborhoods for all they do to enrich Litchfield County’s way of life. SPONSORED POST.

By Brandee Gilmore / Photos by Tony Vengrove

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

C.P. Farmhouse offers high-quality Amish-made furniture, and curates an array of farmhouse home décor to amplify the beauty of any home. This family-owned and operated treasure also offers locally made items like soaps, lotions, candles, and pottery. Simplify your holiday shopping with a clever and beautiful dough bowl candle—once the candle flames out, it leaves behind a decorative bowl… the perfect two-in-one gift! $34-59.

C.P. FARMHOUSE 23 West Street, Litchfield
860-361-9355 cpfarmhouse.com @cpfarmhouse

PACKAGES TIED UP WITH RIBBON

You’ve got the gifts, but not another minute to spend wrapping them. D.K. Schulman Design will save you the stress, boldly and beautifully dolling up your gifts with their exclusive wrapping papers. (They’re also poised to save you on last-minute gifts, with a shop full of ‘things we don’t need but want’.) Gift wrapping prices on request.

D.K. SCHULMAN DESIGN 15 East Shore Road, New Preston
860-868-4300 dkschulmandesign.com @dkschulmandesign

A SENTIMENTAL FEELING

If you need a gift that imparts whimsy, authenticity, or vintage charm, Washington Curated will have it. Their collection features the work of local makers and artisans, women entrepreneurs, along with antique and up-cycled homewares and gifts. They carry everything from stocking stuffers to pillows, throws, unique and funny gifts, eatables, and vintage homewares. $5-150.

WASHINGTON CURATED 13 River Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0800 washingtoncurated.com @washingtoncurated

THE FUN I’VE MISSED

Raise a glass! It has been a long time since we were able to gather for the holidays! The JoannaJohn Collection will help you steal the show with our one-of-a-kind, imaginative and alluring wardrobe ensembles and a showcase of vintage jewels. Here you will find extraordinary gifts that are memorable for all the loved ones on your list. Come alive this holiday season and visit us in Woodbury, we know you will appreciate the difference!

THE JOANNAJOHN COLLECTION 073 Main Street South, Woodbury
203-266-4800 thejoannajohncollection.com @thejoannajohncollection

BETTER NOT POUT

This is the time to give, and give generously. Go big with a Clear + Brilliant® laser skin treatment, or Botox® Cosmetic treatment from LaFrance Medical Aesthetics. You can gift either treatment (or both) confidently—LaFrance was voted the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botox® in Litchfield County, and Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore have trusted their famous faces to Clear + Brilliant® laser treatments. Mention this ad and receive a complimentary Alastin Holiday Glam Bag with a $500 gift card purchase (Value $144).

LAFRANCE MEDICAL AESTHETICS 10 Titus Road, Washington Depot & 72 Pine Street, Bristol
860-845-8296 lafrancemed.com @lafrancemed

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

Your frames define you, and Friedrich’s Optik takes its 200-year-old tradition of creating distinctive eyewear seriously. A generous gift of handcrafted, natural buffalo horn eyeglasses, can’t and won’t be overlooked by your recipient. Clients are integral to the process, first selecting the horn and the frame shape from a range of styles and colors. Before their eyes, the lenses are cut and the frames are handcrafted. Eyewear is personal, and at Friedrich’s Optik, so is the process. Starting at $1250.

FRIEDRICH’S OPTIK 2 Green Hill Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0724 friedrichsoptik.com @friedrichsoptik

BROWS THAT WOW

New this holiday season, Pilar BLLaC, a local brand aimed at making eyebrows an everyday part of makeup routines, launched a line of brow-defining products. Their custom-designed Brow Taming Brush works with the brand’s Brow Taming Spray, followed by their Better Brow Powder, available in four shades (Auburn, Grey, Medium/Dark, and Blonde/Light) applied with their exclusive Better Brow Powder Brush. The kit’s easy to use and great for anyone on your list who wants gorgeous brows every day!

PILAR BLLAC BEAUTY STUDIO 8.5 Titus Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0488 pilarbllac.com @pilarbllac

MERRY AND BRIGHT

In the capable hands of Byrde + the b stylists, barbers, aestheticians, and nail techs, your lucky recipient will settle into a cocoon of happiness, beauty, and relaxation. Choose from makeovers, makeunders, anti-aging facials, brows, facial acupuncture, hot shaves, relaxing pedicures, manicures—all things beauty—give Jessie a call to set up the gift of the year. $55-500.

BYRDE + THE B 10 Titus Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0422 byrdeandtheb.com @byrdeandtheb

CUP OF CHEER

In addition to their regular spirits and branded merchandise, Litchfield Distillery’s special limited release for this holiday season is a Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon. They’ve rested their Connecticut grown, 4-year bourbon whiskey for an additional two years in sherry barrels procured from a bodega in Jerez, Spain. It’s full of robust vanilla flavor, with subtle prune and stone fruit notes on the nose and palette. That satisfying sip follows with a long, smooth finish. The bottle comes ready for gifting, set in a unique wood box with two rocks glasses. $89.99. Open seven days a week.

LITCHFIELD DISTILLERY 569 Bantam Road, Litchfield
860-361-6503 litchfielddistillery.com @litchfielddistillery

ON THE REV LIMITER

Today’s high-end sports cars are so good, so capable, there’s simply no way to explore their limits on the street. Owners of such cars often can’t resist the opportunity to drive them as they’re meant to be driven. The Lime Rock Drivers Club offers a ticket-free opportunity to drive without speed limits. To maximize the experience, members receive four hours of on-track, in-car, and right seat professional coach guidance. Track days start at $750, and include full hospitality for two.

LIME ROCK DRIVERS CLUB 497 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville
860-435-5000 ext.104 limerockclub.com @limerockclub

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

A holiday basket is absolute perfection when it’s stocked with specialty items from Blueprint CT Kitchen. Grab one of their ready-made baskets overflowing with taste and style, or take the time to carefully create your own. Choose from sumptuous gourmet offerings, fine chocolates & confections, teas, cocktail/mocktail mixes, handmade textiles, items by local artisans, and kitchen gadgets galore. Spread the peace and joy from Blueprint CT Kitchen! From $125. Free delivery within Litchfield County. Shipping available; leave extra time.

BLUEPRINT CT KITCHEN 43 West Street, Litchfield
860-361-6789 shopblueprintct.com @shopblueprintct

NICE AND ROSY

Does your darling want to refresh his/her cosmetic collection? The Lulu Face Company will help them wade through their makeup bag to decide what is working, and what to toss. They’ll make suggestions on how to utilize the ‘keepers,’ and make recommendations for rounding out the collection. They can also create a ‘custom palette’ with your recipient! $125 per session (session fee waived with $250 purchase). Receive 15% off all purchases.

THE LULU FACE COMPANY 7 North Street, Litchfield
860-205-2539 lulufaceco.com @lulufaceco

HAPPY SPALIDAYS

The Spa at Litchfield Hills serves up a world-class spa experience without the trouble of traveling far from home. This season, they’re offering a limited edition package—the perfect holiday treat for the spa lover in your life. The ‘Spaliday in the Hills’ features a 50-minute Cause+Medic CBD Massage, OSEA Organic Spa Facial, Spa Pedicure, and Spa Manicure. $395. Shop gift cards online, by phone, or in-store. Curbside pickup and shipping available.

THE SPA AT LITCHFIELD HILLS 407A Bantam Road, Litchfield
860-567-8575 litchfield-spa.com @thespaatlitchfieldhills