The latest intel

Farm-Fresh Market Season Blossoms in Litchfield

farmers markets, Litchfield CT The Bantam Community Farm Market kicked off its second year Friday, May 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Alain White Field, located at 273 Bantam Lake Rd. (Route 209).

It continues each Friday through October.

Vendors include Why Not Farm, Krafted Brew Lab, Fork You Farms, Vibrant Farm CT, Hathor Hill Farm, Lakeside Farm, Chanticleer Acres, and DeerDana Provisions – and that’s just a sampling. See the full list on the farm market website.

There’s often a musician performing, as well as special guests. The season’s debut market May 17 features local artisan-designed handmade jewelry from Carnellian Knoll.

Watch the @bantam_farmers_market Instagram feed for updates.

Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market

farmers markets Litchfield CT The Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market presents its last indoor market Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Litchfield Community Center, before heading to its outdoor home in the parking lot above Center School beginning May 25 and continuing through Oct. 12.

Launched in 2007 as a program of Sustainable Healthy Communities, it brought a European market town vibe to Saturday mornings – a backdrop that has only deepened and expanded with the rise of the Bantam market, farm stands and pop-ups.

Follow the Instagram feed for updates and a list of each week’s vendors.

Vibrant Farm Pop-Up

In addition to participating in the Bantam Community Farm Market and the Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market – and offering online shopping for pick up at the farm in Bantam – Vibrant Farm presents a pop-up farm stand from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at Krafted Brew Lab (725 Bantam Lake Rd.)

Chanticleer Acres Farm Stand

Chanticleer Acres, another Bantam market vendor, has a terrific stand at the farm located on the way to Milton at 51 Hutchinson Parkway.

Ox Hollow Farm Stand

Ox Hollow Farm is a diversified, family operated farm with locations in Woodbury and an iconic farm stand at the western gateway to Litchfield along Route 202, near Mt. Tom Pond State Park. (1474 Bantam Rd.) It’s open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More Litchfield Farms & Farmstands

Many of the other local and regional vendors at Litchfield’s farmers markets also have stands at the farm. To connect with the farms, head the Visit Litchfield CT farms page, where, in addition to listings and links, you’ll find a link to an interactive map.

farmers markets litchfield CT

Apple Blossom and Lilac Season at Topsmead State Forest

It’s apple blossom and lilac season at Topsmead State Forest, one of the prettiest times of year to visit this Litchfield gem where tours of the landmark Tudor style cottage resume in June.

The stewardship group Friends of Topsmead State Forest recently posted a roster of events from now through October and its website is the go-to resource for learning the property’s history and making plans to visit.

Upcoming Events at Topsmead – May through October

Chase Cottage House Tours (Adults/Teens)

Every other weekend starting June 8th: Tours are first-come, first- served and run every half-hour from noon to 4:30 p.m. Meet at the front door of the cottage. Free. (See more about the landmark cottage at the end of the post.)

Flora & Fauna Club at Topsmead (All ages)

Held during the last Saturday of the month. Led by Andy Dobos, certified wildlife tracker and naturalist with 20 years experience mentoring people in nature skills. Meet in the parking lot at Topsmead. Free.

Saturday, May 25th @ 10 a.m. to noon

Saturday, June 29th @ 10 a.m. to noon

Saturday, July 27th @ 10 a.m. to noon

Saturday, August 31st @ 10 a.m. to noon

Letterboxing Workshops (Kids ages 4-12)

Held the second Saturday of every other month starting June 8th and led by Vicki Ford, FTSF board member & docent. An introductory session to the family-fun activity of visiting interesting places and collecting stamps to document the visit. Meet in the parking lot at Topsmead. Free.

Saturday, June 8th, 2024 @ 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Saturday, August 10th, 2024 @ 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Saturday, October 12th, 2024 @ 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Nature’s Classroom at Topsmead (Kids ages 4-12)

Held the second Saturday of every other month starting May 11th and led by Miss Stacy Canty of Tinkergarten. A hands-on foraging and crafting session for children ages 4 to 12. Meet at the far corner of the parking lot facing the Chase Cottage. Free.

Saturday, May 11th, 2024 @ 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Saturday, July 13, 2024 @ 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Saturday, September 14th, 2024 @ 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Have questions or need more information, email [email protected] or visit the website.

More on the Cottage Tours at Topsmead

Topsmead State Forest lillacs Free guided tours of the historic English Tudor-style cottage at the 510-acre Topsmead State Forest are offered seasonally on the second and fourth weekends of each month from June through Columbus Day.

The charming cottage is decorated with Miss Edith Morton Chase’s collection of art and antiques, and the 45-minute docent-led tours are provided by @friendsoftopsmead beginning at noon and running on the hour and half hour.

The last tour is offered at 4:30 p.m. Guests should meet a docent at the front door of the house. Each group is limited to eight people, first-come, first-served.

When you visit, make a cottage tour the highlight of a larger discovery.

The 510 acres of forests and meadows at Topsmead are open year-round for passive recreation including walking, picnicking, bird watching, sledding, and cross-country skiing, according to the Friends website.

Don’t miss the Edith Chase Ecology Trail, a mile-long walk with interpretive signs. See the Topsmead trail maps here.

Dogs on a leash are welcome, but open fires & grills are not allowed. Topsmead State Forest, located on Buell Road off Route 118, is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to sunset year-round.

A Brief History of Topsmead from the Friends Website

In 1917, Edith Morton Chase received 16 acres of land from her father, Henry, First President of Chase Brass & Copper Company of Waterbury, CT. It was situated on Jefferson Hill in Litchfield, CT. Here Edith built a rustic cabin, which was later replaced by a more substantial English Tudor summer home, designed by noted architect Richard Henry Dana, Jr. The exterior of the home is constructed of cypress, the downspouts are copper, and the interior is crafted of oak.

Fine craftsmanship and an eye for detail are still evident throughout. This summer home was furnished with 17th and 18th century English Country antiques. In 1927 Ms. Chase purchased the adjacent Buell Farm to reflect its location at the “top of the meadow.”

Upon her death in 1972, Edith Chase left her estate to the people of Connecticut and to be known as Topsmead State Forest. In her will Ms. Chase requested that Topsmead State Forest be “kept in a state of natural beauty.”

Topsmead State Forest cottage

Litchfield Historical Society’s New Season in Full Swing

The Litchfield Historical Society reopened for its new season April 26 with the launch of the new exhibit With Their Busy Needles: Samplers and the Girls Who Made Them.

It showcases works from the sampler collection of Alexandra Peters, displayed alongside Litchfield examples from the historical society’s textile collection.

Peters, a sampler historian and collector, serves as guest curator of the exhibit and will present a lecture entitled“Know My Name: How Schoolgirl Samplers Created a Remarkable History” on Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m. at the Litchfield History Museum.

Peters will discuss samplers from her collection, how she became a collector, and why schoolgirl needleworks are so important in our understanding of women in American history.

Registration is requested for in-person attendees and those unable to attend in person can watch on Zoom. Click here to register.

The suggested donation for the lecture is $10

Samplers are more than thread stitched through cloth, the historical society explains in detailing the new exhibit. As objects of art, samplers tell stories of creativity, instruction, and skilled work. As historical records, they document the lives and experiences of thousands of young women, histories that might otherwise remain unknown.

With Their Busy Needles: Samplers and the Girls Who Made Them will remain display at the Litchfield History Museum through Dec. 1. Admission is free.

Meanwhile, the historical society’s popular weekly walking tours have resumed, and its benefit silent auction is coming up.

The focus of the May 11 Walking Tour is Artists of Litchfield. The approximately one-hour tour begins at 10 a.m. at the Litchfield History Museum. The cost for non-members is $10 and registration can be done online.

The historical society invites guests to explore Litchfield’s town center through the words, sketches, paintings, and photographs of artists and see how they saw Litchfield and expressed it through their artistic work.

Creativity Blooms, a silent auction art show benefiting the historical society, takes place Saturday, May 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Litchfield History Museum.

The evening features hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and works from more than 40 local artists. Artwork in all media has been donated: Paintings, photography, woodcarving, and more. All proceeds from the auction to support the Litchfield Historical Society’s mission and community-focused operations.

Advance tickets are $35 and available online. Tickets will also be available at the door for $45.

The Litchfield Historical Society’s museums, the Litchfield History Museum (7 South St.) and the Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School (82 South St.), reopened to the public April 27 with free admission courtesy of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services LLC. They are open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more about the historical society and its museums at www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

Don’t Miss the Earth Day Cleanup & Celebration April 20

Don’t miss Litchfield’s Earth Day cleanup and Community Celebration at Litchfield Community Center this Saturday, April 20.

The cleanup runs from 9 a.m. to noon and participating families will get a $7 voucher (while supplies last) to Litchfield Catering at the Community Celebration. This is sponsored by the Litchfield-Morris Rotary Club.

Those who want to participate in the cleanup should meet at the Community Center (421 Bantam Rd.) at 9 a.m. to pick up safety vests, trash bags, and disposable gloves.

The free Community Celebration runs from noon to 2 p.m. Families are encouraged to attend and bring friends.

Guests can meet representatives of more than 20 Litchfield nonprofits working to preserve the environment and find out how to join them in their efforts.

There will be live music, animals, games, giveaways, contests, crafts, demonstrations, and more, as well as food provided by Litchfield Catering.

Those who plan to participate should register by calling Litchfield CT Park & Recreation at 860-567-7569, or heading to the website page for the Earth Day event.

5 Great Things to Do in April in Litchfield

The April showers in Litchfield may be more like a deluge at the beginning of the month, but there’s also a more hospitable type of showers this month – great things to do. We highlight a handful here and you can find many others on the Visit Litchfield CT events calendar.

“There and Back Again” Festival at Bantam Cinema & Arts Center
April 4 & additional dates

Part One of the Bantam Cinema’s “There and Back Again” Festival features screenings of the extended versions of the Hobbit movies. Guests are advised to come prepared to feast like a dwarf, show off your knowledge of Middle Earth, and dress to impress in costume contests.

Doors open at 5:45 for each film, with trivia beginning at 6 p.m. followed by the costume contest. Films begin at 7 p.m.

The festival lineup is:

Thursday 4/4: An Unexpected Journey

Thursday 4/11: The Desolation of Smaug

Thursday 4/18: The Battle of the Five Armies

There will be two additional chances to see all three films, coinciding with Litchfield High School’s spring break.

An Unexpected Journey is also being shown April 12 and 14 at 6:30, The Desolation of Smaug is also being shown April 11 at 7 p.m. and 13 at 6:30, and The Battle of the Five Armies is also being shown April 14 at 3 p.m. and April 18 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12.50 for adults, and $10.50 for students and senior citizens. Tickets and more information available at bantamcinema.org/movie/there-and-back-again-festival-part-one.

Bantam Cinema & Arts Center is located at 115 Bantam Lake Rd.

Solar Eclipse Party at White Memorial
April 8

The Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the White Memorial Conservation Center are partnering to celebrate the 93 percent total eclipse that will pass through Litchfield on Monday, April 8.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth, according to the White Memorial calendar listing. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun’s, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness. Totality occurs only in a narrow path across Earth’s surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of miles wide. Although not in the path of totality, Litchfield will experience 93 percent totality.

There will be an Open House in the Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 8 for the festival (the Museum will be closed from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. for our staff to enjoy the event), as well as nature walks and a workshop in which guests can make their own pinhole cameras for viewing.

Hungry Bill will be serving hot dogs and sausages to purchase, or guests can bring a picnic – as well as a colander from home to learn how it can be used to view the eclipse.

White Memorial reminds everyone not to forget to purchase Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses well in advance. They are available in the gift shop or can be purchased online. (Do not view any part of the eclipse with the naked eye.)

Oliver Wolcott Library Art Opening
April 18

Land & Sky: A Photography and Printmaking Exhibition, featuring work by Wendy Costa and Sally Frank, will be on view from April 15 to May 30 in the gallery at Oliver Wolcott Library, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 18.

Wendy Costa and Sally Frank both draw inspiration for their work from the natural world, according to the library. They found it fitting to collaborate in a joint show to share their artistic visions.

Wendy Costa is inspired and energized daily by the natural world. She seeks to share this love with others through her art. Costa uses infrared photography, with its unusual reading of light and shadow, to bring attention to land, water, and especially clouds and skies. This medium allows her to share perspectives that are otherwise unseen by the human eye and therefore bring greater attention to the natural world. With our climate in peril, Costa feels especially passionate about sharing this powerful vision of nature. Visit for more information about her work.

Sally Frank is a printmaker who draws inspiration from close observations of the natural world and a deep sense of connection with the earth. Her work channels the vibrant forces of life that flow through the forests, hills, rivers, and lakes that make up 29 percent of our planet. She uses a variety of printmaking techniques to create etchings, woodcuts, monotypes and lithographs. In her intaglios, she balances the beauty of native woods and landscapes with a sense of impending danger posed by a changing climate. Her woodcuts explore nature’s fragile complexities. Using the patterns created by leaves, branches and bark, her prints suggest fractals, revealing the delicate and vulnerable structures of plants and trees.

Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge

Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield is one of the destinations on the 2024 Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge just announced by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP).

The program promoting exploring CT state forests encourages participants to hike and walk highlighted trails in 15 state forests and take designated photos along the way.

Participants who hike or walk 10 of the 15 forest trails will receive a 2024 Sky’s the Limit hiking staff medallion and a certificate for their efforts. For hiking or walking all 15 locations, 50 participant names will be randomly drawn to receive a hand-carved hiking staff made by the DEEP sawmill or from the Connecticut Woodcarver’s Association, in addition to the medallion and certificate.

The challenge runs through December 6, 2024. See the Sky’s the Limit webpage for details, and follow Friends of Topsmead State Forest for info about this Litchfield treasure where free tours of Miss Edith Chase’s cottage are offered from June through October on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month. See the Friends’ website to learn all about Topsmead and plan your visit.

Opening for New Exhibit, “With Their Busy Needles,”
At Litchfield Historical Society, April 26

The Litchfield Historical Society is opening its new exhibit, With Their Busy Needles: Samplers and the Girls Who Made Them, with a reception April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Litchfield History Museum. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Those planning to attend should RSVP by email to [email protected] or by calling 860-567-4501.

Samplers are more than thread stitched through cloth, the historical society explains. As objects of art, samplers tell stories of creativity, instruction, and skilled work. As historical records, they document the lives and experiences of thousands of young women, histories that might otherwise remain unknown.

With Their Busy Needles showcases works from the sampler collection of Alexandra Peters, displayed alongside Litchfield examples from the Historical Society’s textile collection. Peters, a sampler historian and collector, serves as guest curator of the exhibit. This exhibit is sponsored by twenty2 wallpaper + textiles.

The Litchfield Historical Society’s museums, the Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School, reopen to the public April 27 with free admission courtesy of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services LLC.

The Litchfield Historical Society is located at 7 South Street, Litchfield, CT. Learn more at www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

Litchfield Restaurant Week Is Here!

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 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.

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

Litchfield 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 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

You 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

The 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

Skip 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

Dave 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.

7^th Annual Nature Trivia Night

In the 7^th 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.

5 Things to Do in Litchfield to Warm Up February

Even 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 Litchfield 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

Enjoy 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

The 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

The 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

More 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

Arethusa al Tavolo

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

Restaurant – Burger

The Village Restaurant

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

Restaurant – Fine Dining

1^st Place: Arethusa al tavolo

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

Restaurant – New Restaurant

Clubhouse Provisions

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

Bakery

1^st 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.

The Bakehouse

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

Café

1^st 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

1^st 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

1^st 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.

@ the Corner

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

Distillery

1^st 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

Village Wine Cellar

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

Antiques Shop

Housatonic Trading Company

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

Auto Dealership

1^st 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

1^st 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

1^st 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

1^st 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

1^st 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

1^st 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

1^st Place: The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Museum

1^st 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

1^st 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

1^st 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

1^st Place: The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Wildlife Sanctuary

1^st Place: White Memorial Conservation Center

The latest intel

Upcoming Events at Topsmead – May through October

Chase Cottage House Tours (Adults/Teens)

Flora & Fauna Club at Topsmead (All ages)

Letterboxing Workshops (Kids ages 4-12)

Nature’s Classroom at Topsmead (Kids ages 4-12)

More on the Cottage Tours at Topsmead

“There and Back Again” Festival at Bantam Cinema & Arts CenterApril 4 & additional dates

Solar Eclipse Party at White MemorialApril 8

Oliver Wolcott Library Art OpeningApril 18

Sky’s the Limit Hiking and Walking Challenge

Opening for New Exhibit, “With Their Busy Needles,”At Litchfield Historical Society, April 26

Highlights of Some Other Upcoming Events

Feb. 9 – Love in Litchfield Lantern Tour

Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance

Feb. 24 – Cooking Demonstration: Dutch Oven Stews

Feb. 25 – New Litchfield Historical Society Lecture Series

Feb. 28 – Ask the Appraiser at Litchfield Community Center

Best Restaurant

Restaurant – Burger

Restaurant – Fine Dining

Restaurant – New Restaurant

Bakery

Café

Caterer

Cocktails

Distillery

Wine Store

Antiques Shop

Auto Dealership

Barber

Best Kept Secret

Brows

Campground

Clothing Shop – Men’s

Clothing Shop Women’s

Dance Studio

Dentist

2. Litchfield Dental Associates – Dr. Steven Sideris

Eyelashes

2. The Spa at Litchfield Hills

Facials

Farmers Market

Financial Advisor

Fitness Studio or Gym

Florist

Hair Salon

Hardware Store

Hiking Spot

Historical Location

Kids Art or Music Classes

Kitchen Store

Library

3. Oliver Wolcott Library

Manicure/Pedicure

Museum

Opthomologist/Optometrist

Pet Boarding

Pet Store/Boutique

Photographer – Portraits

Photographer – Weddings

School – Preschool/Daycare

School – Private Grades K-8

Senior Living Community

Service Organization

Shop – Hostess Gift

Spa

Wildlife Sanctuary

“There and Back Again” Festival at Bantam Cinema & Arts Center
April 4 & additional dates

Solar Eclipse Party at White Memorial
April 8

Oliver Wolcott Library Art Opening
April 18

Opening for New Exhibit, “With Their Busy Needles,”
At Litchfield Historical Society, April 26