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Litchfield Restaurant Week

Litchfield Restaurant Week Is Here!

Litchfield Restaurant Week
The At the Corner Crab Cake BLT on the lunch menu for Litchfield Restaurant Week.

Litchfield Restaurant Week is here!

Sponsored by the Town of Litchfield Economic Development Commission, the second edition of Litchfield Restaurant Week launches Friday, March 22, and continues through Friday, March 29.

Our RW, featuring roughly 20 destinations, offers a more variety than many restaurant weeks in Connecticut by also including bakery-cafes, delis, pizza places, and gourmet shops.

That means in addition to enjoying 3-course prix fixe menus in the town’s award-winning restaurants, you can also take advantage of other creative multi-course options – like locally-roasted coffee beans, a coffee drink, and a savory or sweet treat from Krafted Brew Lab, or a grinder, chips, a cookie, and a soda from Petraroia Deli.

All the menus are posted on the official Litchfield Restaurant Week page on the Visit Litchfield CT website, so head there to make your dining plans.

Each venue offers a prix fixe menu at $25, $35, or $45, some for lunch/during the day, others for dinner, some for both lunch and dinner, and some for takeout.

In addition to variety, Litchfield Restaurant Week has star power.

Materia Ristorante is among the 2024 participants and its Chef David DiStasi was named Connecticut’s Chef of the Year for 2023 by the Connecticut Restaurant Association. Materia also won the Restaurant of the Year Award for Litchfield County in the restaurant association’s CRAZIES Awards, as well as a 2024 Overall Excellence award from Connecticut Magazine’s dining experts.

Many other participants also earned top awards from the CT Mag dining experts, including Best Traditional American for The Village Restaurant, and Best New American for West Street Grill and At the Corner – which also won a Best Beer List award. Petraroia Deli won for Best Deli/Sandwich Shop, and Meraki for  Best Lunch, Hidden Gem, and Best Deli/Sandwich Shop.

Litchfield Restaurant Week
Saltwater Grille: Strawberry 76 with Litchfield Distillery strawberry vodka, strawberry puree, Prosecco & a squeeze of lemon.

Litchfield Distillery is also participating in Litchfield Restaurant Week by donating two bottles of spirits to participating venues that are creating specialty cocktails for restaurant week, including Materia Ristorante, At the Corner, ATC South Street, Clubhouse Provisions at Stonybrook Golf, Saltwater Grille, and Wood’s Pit BBQ & Mexican Café. Meraki is serving a maple cookie bar for dessert made with Litchfield Distillery bourbon barrel maple syrup.

Call ahead to book your reservations for lunch and dinner (phone numbers are on the RW page), and make sure to check the days and hours participating establishments are open during restaurant week. When you dine out, tag @VisitLitchfieldCT when posting on Facebook and Instagram, as well as tagging posts on Instagram #visitlitchfieldct so we can share your delicious dining experiences.

March events Litchfield CT

Five Don’t-Miss Litchfield Events in March

Forget the lion, March is coming in like a lamb this year and the mild temperatures are an invitation to get out, be social, and take advantage of all the great things happening in Litchfield. Here are five standouts on our list.

More than Just History Trivia Night at the Litchfield Distillery
March 6 at Litchfield Distillery

On Wednesday, March 6, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., the Litchfield Historical Society will be hosting a trivia night at the Litchfield Distillery for teams of up to six people. Drinks and small bites will be provided.  

With unusual category topics and bonus intermission challenges, this trivia night will challenge and delight. You don’t need to be a history expert or Litchfield native to win this quiz-style game night.

The cost is $15 for historical society members and $20 for non-members. Registration is required and may be done online.

 

Jim Laurino Exhibit & Opening at Oliver Wolcott Library
March 2 to April 11, Opening Reception March 7

March events Litchfield CTLitchfield artist Jim Laurino is having an exhibit of oil paintings in the gallery at Oliver Wolcott Library March 2 to April 11 entitled, “The New England Landscape.” An opening reception will be held Thursday, March 7, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The OWL exhibit listing notes that the artist studied painting, design, and color theory at the University of Connecticut and through additional workshops and self-study, he has cultivated a bold representational painting style that balances the Impressionists’ influence with contemporary subject matter.

Laurino also constructs frames for all of his paintings made out of reclaimed wood material, which provide a rustic window into each piece, subtly complementing his work.

See the library’s gallery listing for more.

The McKrells St. Patrick’s Day Concert
Friday, March 15

The McKrells band returns to Litchfield Community Center March 15 for its popular St. Patrick’s Day concert from 7 to 10 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 and the Pop-up Mobile Pub will be offering beverages for purchase.

The show of Celtic-infused bluegrass includes traditional and original songs. Singer/songwriter Kevin McKrell leads the band that also features Frank Orsini on fiddle, Scott Hopkins on banjo, Peter Pashoukason guitar, Arlin Greene on bass and Brian Melick on percussion.

The cost is $20 per person at the door, or you can register and pay online.

LHS Players Presents ‘Chicago Teen Edition’
March 15, 16, 17

Litchfield Public Schools and Region 6 schools are merging July 1 to become the Region 20 school district. The LHS Players are going out in style by presenting the high school edition of the musical “Chicago” and promise incredible music and dancing.

If you don’t know the story, it goes like this: In the Roaring Twenties in Chicago, Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her husband, Amos, to take the rap –  until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie, and another “Merry Murderess,” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of fame, fortune, and acquittal.

Shows are March 15 and 16 at 7 p.m., and March 17 at 2 p.m. on the stage at Wamogo Regional High School. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students, cash or check only at the door. Click here for ticket reservations.

 

Litchfield Restaurant Week
March 22-29

Litchfield Restaurant WeekLitchfield Restaurant Week returns for a second delicious year March 22 – 29 and will feature 20 destinations ranging from bakery-cafes and delis to pizza places, gourmet shops, and fine dining establishments. 

Each venue will offer a three-course prix fixe menu at $25, $35, or $45, some for lunch/during the day, others for dinner, and some for both lunch and dinner. 

See the official restaurant week page on the Visit Litchfield CT website for a full list of participants, their locations, and their website and social media links. Restaurant Week menus will be added to the page in early March.

Canoe Raffle, White Memorial, Litchfield CT

White Memorial Canoe Raffle & Fun Late Winter Events

Canoe Raffle, White Memorial, Litchfield CTYou might think Spring, Summer, and Fall are the prime seasons for the White Memorial Foundation and its 40 miles of trails spread across 4,000 acres of nature preserves, and the White Memorial Conservation Center and Nature Museum – and they are, but so is Winter.

In addition to hiking in all seasons, the trails are popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, ice fishermen access Bantam Lake, and members of the Connecticut Ice Yacht Club sail across the lake’s frozen surface from a home base at White Memorial’s Point Folly Marina … when conditions allow.

Beyond access for winter activities, the calendar of events is as busy and exciting in the Winter as it is through other seasons – and White Memorial just announced a terrific canoe raffle whose proceeds will help create a new bird blind.

The 1934 Old Town Canoe Raffle

canoe raffle White MemorialThe Conservation Center needs a new bird blind for an area at the back of Ongley Pond and says that, as fate would have it, Bunker Snyder, formerly of Litchfield and now living in Colorado, had no need for his grandfather’s 17-foot 1934 Old Town Canoe.

Bunker donated the boat to White Memorial. It has a serial number and foresters Mike Berry and Jody Bronson researched the vessel, finding its original build sheet. Old Town began building the boat in 1933. It was shipped on April 2, 1934, to outfitter Abercrombie & Fitch in New York. Bunker’s Grandfather purchased it there.

The Refurbishment:

Although in excellent used condition, the boat needed minor refurbishment. It was sent to restoration expert Frank Christinat in Norfolk for a minor facelift including newly caned seats, a freshly sanded and varnished interior, and a fresh coat of paint.

The Raffle Package:

This boat is outfitted with two 57-inch Shaw & Tenny varnished Penobscot ash paddles (donated by the White Memorial Foundation), a Frost River Vintage Pack (donated by Gerri Griswold), and an Antique Cleopatra Seat (donated by Jody Bronson). The total value of this package is $3,300.

Raffle Details:

Only 500 tickets are available. Each ticket is $20. The tickets go on sale at 12 a.m. March 1. The drawing will take place before the Full Flower Moon Hike, on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 6 p.m. Online ticket sales end May 21. You need not be present to win the Old Town Canoe Package. All proceeds from the raffle will help White Memorial build a gorgeous and very badly needed bird blind.

Please check back here to purchase your tickets online beginning March 1. Tickets can also be purchased in the Nature Museum or by phone by calling 860-567-0857.

Highlights of Some Other Upcoming Events

Happy Hour Hiking Club with Gerri Griswold
February 15 and March 14

Gerri Griswold White MemorialSkip that Happy Hour cocktail and calorie-laden appetizer and take a walk from 4 to 5 p.m. with White Memorial’s Director of Administration and Development Gerri Griswold.

“It may be cold. It may be dark. It may even be snowing … but you can do it,” the White Memorial listing says. Each one-hour walk covers a different trail on the property. At the end of each hike, guests receive a recipe for a healthful, tasty, easy recipe to help keep them on track. Dress for the weather and bring a head lamp or flashlight!  

Guests should meet in the Museum. Advanced registration is required and can be done here. Or call 860-567-0857 to register. The program is free, but donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

Mystery Hike with Gerri Griswold

The next “mystery hike” with Gerri takes place on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m. White Memorial says: “You never know what trail conditions will be. Will it be Pine Island? Apple Hill? Beaver Pond? Mother Nature will choose one and we’ll gleefully follow! Dress for the weather. Hiking poles and sturdy, water-proof boots are essential gear!” Guests should meet in the Nature Museum, but need to pre-register here: Mystery Hike Registration

An Evening of Music and Dancing with The Bog Hollow Boys

Bog Hollow Boys White MemorialDave Paton is White Memorial’s “go-to guy” for all things mushroom, but he and a group of friends also make up a bluegrass/folk band with instruments including a hammered dulcimer, fiddle, bass, and guitar.

Bring a dinner and your dancing shoes to the BYOB performance at 6 p.m. in the Carriage House for an evening of toe-tapping feel good music with The Bog Hollow Boys. All tickets are $10. Advanced registration is required and can be done here, or call White Memorial at 860-567-0857.

7th Annual Nature Trivia Night

In the 7th Annual Nature Trivia Night, teams of up to six will compete for a valuable prize. Participants can register individually but should form teams beforehand. No team? No problem! White Memorial will put you on a team when you arrive. (Oh, and they recommend team costumes.)

Participants should bring dinner and BYOB. Dessert, coffee, tea, and water will be provided. Trivia Night begins at 7 p.m. in the Carriage House. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, and registration can be done here.

Litchfield February events 2024

5 Things to Do in Litchfield to Warm Up February

Litchfield events February 2024Even in a leap year, February is still the shortest month with 29 days. That may be only a day or two less than other months, but it feels like it goes by fast. Maybe we’re urging the days to accelerate so we can get past Winter and welcome Spring, but whatever we feel about the month, the Visit Litchfield CT events calendar is packed with terrific February events and activities – and here’s a sampling of five of them.

Feb. 9 – Love in Litchfield Lantern Tour

Romance is in the air on this special Valentine’s Day “lantern” tour of Litchfield’s Historic District, presented by the Litchfield Historical Society.

The tour starts at the Litchfield History Museum, where guests meet at 5:30 to enjoy historically inspired cocktails and treats before grabbing lanterns and heading out to learn about the great love stories of Litchfield’s past. The tour will last approximately one hour and cover one mile. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly.

The cost is $15 for historical society members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited and registration is required. (As of Feb 2, spots were still available.)

Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance

Brandywine Living at LitchfieldLitchfield events February 2024 and the Town of Litchfield Park and Recreation & Human Services departments present a Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance Feb. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., that features food and drinks, dancing to music provided by a DJ, and a dance instructor. Brandywine is located at 19 Constitution Way.

Feb. 24 – Cooking Demonstration: Dutch Oven Stews

Litchfield February events 2024Enjoy the rich aromas and flavors of hearty stews with this cooking demonstration from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center.

“Join Chef Margaret as she guides you through the art of preparing tasty stews that will delight your palette and warm your kitchen,” the event listing says. “This experience shall leave you equipped with the skills to recreate delicious stews at home. Stews include Beef Stew, Chicken Stew, and Root Vegetable Stew.”

The cost is $30. Details and registration are here. Wisdom House is located at 229 East Litchfield Rd.

 

Feb. 25 – New Litchfield Historical Society Lecture Series

Litchfield events February 2024The Litchfield Historical Society is launching a new lecture series this month entitled Migration and Removal: Documenting the Historically Underrepresented Voices of Westward Expansion, which begins with a Feb. 25 talk entitled Race, Removal, and the Right to Remain with Samantha Seeley.

The series will explore the experiences of women, free and enslaved African Americans, and Indigenous peoples during the period of Westward Expansion. To accommodate audiences in Connecticut, Ohio, and beyond, this series is primarily being hosted online via Zoom.

For the first lecture in the series on the 25th, the Litchfield Historical Society is hosting historian and author Samantha Seeley for a virtual discussion on her book, Race, Removal, and the Right to Remain: Migration and the Making of the United States at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 on Zoom. 

Registration is requested and can be done online at www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/calendar. See the website at www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org to learn more about the lecture series.

Feb. 28 – Ask the Appraiser at Litchfield Community Center

Litchfield events February 2024The Litchfield Community Center is presenting a special talk on antiques and appraisals with specialist and curator Nicholas Thorn of Litchfield County Auctions on Feb. 28, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

The event is billed as part adventure, part history lesson & part treasure hunt, and guests are encouraged to bring one or two of the following items for a chance to get a free appraisal.

 

  • Flea Market Finds
  • Family Heirlooms
  • Attic & Basement Items
  • Collectables & Antiques

Pre-registration is encouraged and can be done online.

Guests are advised to be mindful that the community center can’t guarantee all items will get an appraisal, though Nicholas Thorn will get to as many as possible.

Litchfield Community Center is located at 421 Bantam Rd.

Litchfield Magazine 2024 Reader's Choice Awards

50+ Litchfield Magazine Reader’s Choice 2024 Winners

Litchfield Magazine 2024 Reader's Choice AwardsMore than 50 Litchfield people and businesses won awards in Litchfield Magazine’s 2024 Reader’s Choice Contest, published in this Best of Litchfield County issue.

That impressive total includes nearly 20 first-place winners. The Spa at Litchfield Hills led the local winners with a total of five awards, including several first-place awards. See Litchfield’s winners below and the full list online at Litchfield Magazine.

Best Restaurant

  1. Arethusa al Tavolo

Chef Dan Magill focuses on inventive entrees with local ingredients in a chic setting.

Restaurant – Burger

  1. The Village Restaurant

Offers a cheeseburger platter, a black bean burger, and a beyond burger.

Restaurant – Fine Dining

1st Place: Arethusa al tavolo

Innovative impeccably prepared farm-to-table menu that celebrates the products of the Arethusa Dairy Farm.

Restaurant – New Restaurant

  1. Clubhouse Provisions

Newly renovated interior clubhouse serving Modern American cuisine blended with French & Korean influences, along with classic golf fare.

Bakery

1st place: Bantam Bread

Still living up to their mantra “from scratch, by hand, all natural after 25 years,” and produces some of the best artisan breads, fruit crostatas, and a variety of desserts.

  1. The Bakehouse

Offers the finest array of breads, cakes, scones, and cookies.

Café

1st Place: Toast & Co.

Litchfield County’s Toast & Co serves up delicious fresh brewed coffee, including their house roast, a customized two bean blend called Rain Forest Alliance Bold—smooth, delicious, and a customer favorite. Enjoy a comfy spot outside or indoors while sipping on their coffee or espresso.

Caterer

1st Place: Meraki

Meraki offers a delicious variety of salads, including vegan, dairy free, nut free, gluten free and sugar free. They have fresh baked goods every day with muffins, scones, coffee cakes, and breads. For breakfast they offer local egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, hash bowls, and more. Their lunch menu is available all day.

Cocktails

1st Place: Marketplace Tavern in the Old Litchfield Jail

The restaurant is in the oldest public building in Litchfield featuring “American tavern food” with craft beers and cocktails made with local spirits.

  1. @ the Corner

Located in the heart of Litchfield, @ the Corner serves craft beer, cocktails, and artisanal food. 

Distillery

1st Place: Litchfield Distillery

Newly expanded, fine craft spirits are distilled one batch at a time. Tours and tastings are conducted seven days a week alongside a convenient retail outlet.

Wine Store

  1. Village Wine Cellar

Providing wine, liquor and beer to the Litchfield community since 1982.

Antiques Shop

  1. Housatonic Trading Company

Antiques, fine art, home furnishings, objets d’art, and other finds.

Auto Dealership

1st Place: Litchfield Ford

Carries a wide range of used and pre-owned vehicles from Ford to other top makers.

Barber

2. Byrdeman

Provides cuts, color, wet shaves, beard maintenance, and more in a chic atmosphere in historic Litchfield.

Best Kept Secret

1st Place: Byrde + the b 

A full-service luxury salon, shop, and art gallery led by Emmy-award winning stylist, Scott Bond in the heart of Litchfield.

Brows

3. The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Offers eyebrow tints, brow design and shaping, and henna.

Campground

2. Cozy Hills Campground

Bring your own tent, trailer, motor home, or rent one of their RVs or cabins.

Clothing Shop – Men’s

3. R. Derwin

Offering a men’s section that includes European sportswear and a broad selection of American-made clothing.

Clothing Shop Women’s

3. Workshop Inc.

Workshop Inc. sells sophisticated and diversified women’s apparel and accessories.

Dance Studio

2. Sparkle & Shine Dance

SASD offers classes in acrobatics, jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet, and more.

Dentist

2. Litchfield Dental Associates – Dr. Steven Sideris

Dr. Sideris prides himself on making sure that his patients have a great dental experience.

Eyelashes

2. The Spa at Litchfield Hills

The Spa at Litchfield Hills offers voluminous, thick, natural looking lash extensions.

Facials

1st Place: The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Full-service day spa and salon with world-class treatments including luxe manicures and pedicures, skin care, massages, energy cleansing treatments, hair care, and spa and bridal packages. The Spa at Litchfield Hills offers voluminous, thick, natural looking lash extensions, waxing, facials, hair, spa, and nails. The place to be pampered, offering standard manicures/pedicures, the Glow, the Softie, the Spa, and the Luxe. Celebrity favorite treatments include their popular Fire & Ice Facial.

Farmers Market

3. Litchfield Hills Fresh Farm Market

Supports Connecticut artisans through selling sustainable locally grown produce and products.

Financial Advisor

1st Place: Cailyn Paradise – Edward Jones

Cailyn primarily focuses on helping retired individuals and families manage the complexities that come with wealth.

Fitness Studio or Gym

2. Litchfield Hills Fitness

Full service gym offering fitness classes, personal training, small group training, and more.

Florist

2. Bantam Blooms

This shop has provided expertly crafted, fresh, and affordable premium floral arrangements and gift baskets.

Hair Salon

1st Place: The Spa at Litchfield Hills

3. DPZ North

Prescribes the service best fit for you from classic to trendy and everything in between.

Hardware Store

1st Place: Ace Hardware of Litchfield

Ace Hardware have been in business for almost 40 year and is family owned. They pride themselves in being more than your typical hardware store—they have an extensive bbq section, a gift shop full of products made by other small and local businesses, and power equipment and rental departments.

Hiking Spot

2. White Memorial Conservation Center

White Memorial offers over 40 miles of trails that cover various habitats and are open to non- motorized recreation.

Historical Location

1st Place: Topsmead State Forest

Nestled in the Litchfield Hills, Topsmead State Forest remains a precious piece of a past era with fine craftsmanship and understated wealth evident throughout the former summer estate of Miss Edith Morton Chase.

Kids Art or Music Classes

3. Litchfield Music Center

Provides a relaxing and welcoming environment to learn in and a audio recording studio.

Kitchen Store

3. CP Farmhouse

A family-run small business that features a wide variety of Amish-made furniture and country farmhouse home decor.

Library

3. Oliver Wolcott Library

Provides services, materials, programs, and facilities that creates lifelong learning and a welcoming environment.

Manicure/Pedicure

1st Place: The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Museum

1st Place: White Memorial Conservation Center

A 501(c)(4) organization, dedicated to protecting its forests and countryside, and offers countless trails and paths for visitors to explore. White Memorial offers over 40 miles of trails that cover various habitats and are open to non- motorized recreation, as well as a glimpse into the natural diversity found throughout the wildlife sanctuary.

Opthomologist/Optometrist

1st Place: Eyes on Litchfield

Dr. Tommasina practices full scope optometry and is TPA and DPA certified. She relocated to Litchfield in 2013 from Michigan where she had six other optometric practices.

Pet Boarding

3. Katalyst Kennel

Each kennel consists of a private indoor and outdoor suite with an oversized outdoor space.

Pet Store/Boutique

2. Litchfield Pet Supply

Natural pet food, treats, and supplements available at this mainstay pet store.

Photographer – Portraits

1st Place: Lindsey Victoria Photography

Lindsey Turner specializes in branding for businesses and professionals, family and in-home newborns, and fine art school portraits.

2. Nutmeg Photography

Terry and Melissa focus on newborn, children, and family photography.

Photographer – Weddings

2. Nutmeg Photography

Fun-loving and skilled photographers provide the finest in photography services.

School – Preschool/Daycare

3. School on the Green

Parent-cooperative preschool offers a flexible program with an enriching learning environment.

School – Private Grades K-8

3. Litchfield Montessori School

Nurturing the child’s love of learning, preserving the child’s sense of wonder, encouraging independence and fostering respect for our world’s social and cultural diversity.

Senior Living Community

2. Brandywine Living at Litchfield

This facility provides residents with quality care in the most appropriate setting based on a person’s needs.

Service Organization

2. Greenwoods Counseling & Referrals

Provides access to high-quality and affordable mental healthcare and related social services to all patients in need.

Shop – Hostess Gift

2. Byrde + the b

A full-service luxury salon, shop and art gallery located in Litchfield CT.

Spa

1st Place: The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Wildlife Sanctuary

1st Place: White Memorial Conservation Center

Litchfield Magazine 2024 Reader's Choice Awards

Litchfield Restaurant Week

Litchfield’s Popular Restaurant Week Returns March 22-29

Litchfield Restaurant Week

Litchfield Restaurant Week returns for a second delicious year March 22-29.

More than 20 restaurants participated in the first restaurant week last year, including many that recently scooped up statewide awards from Connecticut Magazine and the Connecticut Restaurant Association.

This year’s Restaurant Week will again feature a three-course prix fixe menu at either $25, $35, or $45 price points – which means the destinations for those dining out will range from bakery-cafes and delis to pizza places, gourmet shops, and fine dining establishments.

And food isn’t the only draw for those with discerning palates. Last year, Litchfield Distillery donated a bottle of its spirits to each participating restaurant that featured a cocktail or food item incorporating those award-winning spirits.

Visit Litchfield CT is the official source of news and updates about Litchfield Restaurant Week, which is sponsored by the Town of Litchfield CT Economic Development Commission.

An official Restaurant Week page featuring each participating restaurant’s menus will be published on the Visit Litchfield CT website in March.

Watch for updates on the Visit Litchfield CT Facebook page and Instagram feed, and head to the bottom of the website home page and sign up for the Visit Litchfield CT weekly newsletter so you don’t miss anything.

Last year’s inaugural Restaurant Week was covered widely by CT media, including a visit by Melissa Cole of WFSB – Channel 3 Eyewitness News. You can watch her Great Day Connecticut story here.

Email any Restaurant Week questions or notes to [email protected], and when the time comes tag your dining out photos @VisitLitchfieldCT and @LitchfieldRestaurantWeek.

 

Memory jug, Litchfield Historical Society

Make Your Own Memory Jug at the Litchfield Historical Society

Memory jug, Litchfield Historical SocietyThe Litchfield Historical Society added its first memory jug to the collection in late 2023, according to a Facebook post that said the donation sent Curator Alex Dubois on a research path that began in Litchfield, moved to the American South, and ended in Central Africa.
 
The Decorative Arts Trust calls memory jugs folk art with a compelling international origin and says in a blog post, “As a cultural artifact of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, memory jugs possess an intersectional history as a form of domestic craft with ties to African and African-American burial practices. Traditionally created by the Bakongo people in Central and West Africa as grave markers, memory jugs migrated to the Americas through the importation of slaves and became prevalent in the African-American communities of the South, subsequently merging with the craft pursuits of the Victorian period.“
 
Read more about memory jugs in a Litchfield Historical Society blog post, and then make plans to attend the Make Your Own Memory Jug workshop on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Litchfield History Museum.

Jugs and base materials will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring small trinkets, such as buttons, pieces of pottery, beads, keys, etc. to add to their own memory jug.

This program is $15 for Litchfield Historical Society Members, $20 for non-Members. Registration is required. Find more information and sign up online.

The Litchfield Historical Society is located at 7 South Street, Litchfield, CT. The Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School are closed for the season, but programs take place year-round. Learn more online at www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

Top Restaurants 2024, Connecticut Magazine

Lots of Litchfield on CT Mag’s 2024 Top Restaurants List

Top Restaurants 2024, Connecticut Magazine
Burrata with roasted peppers, garlic confit, EVOO, crostini, and fresh basil oil at West Street Grill.

Litchfield is very well represented on Connecticut Magazine’s new 2024 list of top restaurants in the state, as chosen by the magazine’s dining experts.

Arethusa al tavolo, Materia Ristorante and Winvian Farm (just over the Morris line) are honored for Overall Excellence, among other awards.

Materia and Winvian were also honored in the Most Romantic category.

Materia earned Best Italian honors as well, and Winvian was among the restaurants singled out for Best Wine Selection.

Arethusa, which also scored Best New American, Best Appetizers, Best Desserts, and Best Wine Selection listings, was also recent featured on CBS Mornings with Jeff Glor. Here’s a link to the segment: https://www.cbsnews.com/the-dish/

Other Litchfield restaurants praised for excellence by Connecticut Magazine’s dining experts include:

The Connecticut Magazine honors follow other recent top awards.

In early December, David DiStasi of Materia was named Connecticut Chef of the Year in the Connecticut Restaurant Association‘s CRAZIES Awards 2023, and Materia won Restaurant of the Year Award for Litchfield County

Arethusa al tavolo was a CRAzies finalist for Litchfield County Restaurant of the Year.

At The Corner was a finalist for Litchfield County Restaurant of the Year.

Litchfield Distillery was a finalist for Vendor of the Year.

Ryan Pelletier of West Street Grill was a finalist for Bartender of the Year.

And Shannon Ciralli, who can sometimes be found at Market Place Tavern at The Old Litchfield Jail was a finalist for Bartender of the Year.

Four First Day Hikes in Litchfield to Welcome 2024

Four First Day Hikes in Litchfield to Welcome 2024

Four First Day Hikes in Litchfield to Welcome 2024: Sunset over Bantam Lake at Point FollyThe Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) doesn’t have a hike scheduled in Litchfield this year as part of First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative to get outdoors via guided hikes in state parks and forests – so we thought we would highlight four of our favorite hikes in Litchfield that represent a perfect way to welcome 2024.

Point Folly on Bantam Lake (short, easy walking)

White Memorial’s Point Folly Family Campground, with 47 sites, is open from May through Columbus Day, and during that stretch it’s the domain of registered campers – but in off-season, the lasso-shaped dirt access road takes on a new role as one of the best short hikes in Litchfield.

It’s flat, easy walking (suitable for families with children and even all-terrain strollers), and Point Folly juts out into Bantam Lake, so you’re surrounded by water, views, beauty, and wildlife the entire time.

There’s a viewing platform near the beginning of the walk looking east and north into the protected cove where the lake drains into the Bantam River outlet. It’s a prime spot for migrating ducks, and if you’re lucky you might also see the lake’s resident bald eagles.

There’s a dirt parking area at the entrance to the campground, a smaller adjacent parking area along North Shore Road, and another place to park next to the campground store a short distance away.

For GPS, use the address 123 N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750.

(Fortunately, with 4,000 acres and roughly 40 miles of trails, White Memorial offers lots of other great options. See the Trail Maps page to explore.)

Topsmead State Forest (varying distances, easy)

Four First Day Hikes in Litchfield to Welcome 2024: Topsmead State ForestTopsmead State Forest was once the summer home of Miss Edith Morton Chase, and the old dirt access roads and lanes are now enchanting four-season walking trails that complement the Red Trail through Topsmead’s meadows.

There’s also the Edith Chase Ecology Trail through the woods and the Yellow Trail that edges a pretty pond and takes visitors through a cathedral of pines. Check out the trail map to plan a route.

Miss Edith  came from a prominent and wealthy Waterbury family. Her father, Henry Sabin Chase, ran Chase Brass and Copper Company. He gave her 16 acres on Jefferson Hill in Litchfield in 1917 and the 1925 cottage was designed by noted architect Richard Henry Dana, Jr.

When Miss Edith died in 1972, she left the estate, which had grown to 511 acres, to the state “for the pleasure and enjoyment of the people of Connecticut.” Her landmark Tudor-style cottage is open for free guided tours on the second and fourth weekends of each month from June through Columbus Day weekend in October.

See the map for directions.

Mt. Tom State Park (moderately rugged hike)

Four First Day Hikes in Litchfield to Welcome 2024: Mt. Tom State Park stone towerMt. Tom State Park actually spans three towns, Litchfield, Morris, and Washington. In warm weather, it’s a great spot for swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking – and all year-round the draw for hikers is a fairly rugged half-mile climb up to a stone observation tower that offers panoramic views to the west and southwest.

See the trails map to get started, and see this map for location and the entry point to the park, which has ample parking.

Prospect Mountain, Litchfield Land Trust
(difficulty & distance vary)

The Litchfield Land Trust’s 340-acre Prospect Mountain Preserve and its roughly 4.3 miles of trails are located less than 10 minutes from Bantam center off Cathole or Prospect Mountain roads – so it’s hidden in one sense but also close by and easy to access.

For one great hike, follow Blue Trail from Cathole Road to pass remnants of nickel mining operations and reach the summit, which at an elevation of 1,350 offers a long vista to the west/southwest.

Four First Day Hikes in Litchfield to Welcome 2024: Prospect Mtn.
Litchfield Land Trust photo of the overlook at Prospect Mtn.

For a shorter, less challenging walk, head to Prospect Mountain Road and the loop around Granniss Pond, a little less than a mile long and easy walking.

Check out the trail maps for access points.

For more hikes in Litchfield, also see:
10 Great Fall Foliage Walks in Litchfield, Autumn 2022

Lilac Hedges, Litchfield's greeting card company of the 1950s and 60s

Litchfield’s Holiday Card Company, Lilac Hedges

 

Lilac HedgesThe Litchfield Historical Society has been posting festive holiday cards on its Twitter/X feed that were created in the 1950s and 60s by the Litchfield greeting card company Lilac Hedges, founded by Ralph P. Hinchman III.

“While Marcel Breuer was designing the town’s first modern house complete with art by Alexander Calder, Hinchman began what would become a national enterprise from his family’s property on Fern Road,” historical society archivist Linda Hocking wrote in a story that appeared in the Winter 2017-2018 issue of Connecticut Explored.

The story explained that Hinchman was born in Brooklyn in 1921, served in World War II, attended Cooper Union after the war, and spent time at his parents’ home in Litchfield. His grandparents had purchased the property on Fern Road in the early 1900s and the family named it Lilac Hedges.

Hinchman made drawings of Litchfield houses and that pursuit evolved into the creation of the greeting card company that counted among its artists a young Andy Warhol and Hilary Knight, who would go on to illustrate the “Eloise” series of children’s books.

The first commercial order for Hinchman came in November 1950 from Cunard Steamships, which ordered 1,000 cards with an image of a steamship on the front, according to Hocking’s story, which noted that Lilac Hedges initially focused on holiday cards that Hinchman sold to his friends in Litchfield, and then diversified to include greeting cards for other occasions, along with  invitations, stationery, and note cards.

Lilac Hedges, Litchfield's greeting card company of the 1950s and 60sAt one point, major department stores of that era, including Bergdorf Goodman and Bonwit Teller, carried Lilac Hedges’ cards, the historical society noted.

Despite the obvious charm and appeal of the cards, Lilac Hedges struggled, according to Hocking’s story, which said Hinchman sold his share of the business to friend and business partner Francis McIlhenney, who moved it to California, where it only continued for a short time.

“After the sale of his business, Hinchman traveled throughout the South painting murals in private homes,” Hocking wrote. “He occasionally held art shows in the Lilac Hedges studio. He died in 2005.”

The Litchfield Historical Society has a collection of Lilac Hedges cards and records donated by Hinchman’s sister, Elsa Hinchman Clark, and by artists Jac Venza and Harry Dunn, as well as  the Henry D. Bowman Lilac Hedges Collection.

Henry “Denny” Bowman provided designs for cards for Lilac Hedges in the 1950s, later establishing his own separate studio and working in collaboration with Ralph Hinchman, according to the historical society.

More Lilac Hedges Cards 🔻

Lilac Hedges

 

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