Litchfield May/June

In the HILLS

Editor’s Letter

THERE IS SOMETHING about May and June in Litchfield County that feels like the whole world exhales.

This issue leans into that feeling. We spend time in the gardens, starting with Lee Link’s extraordinary 26 acres in Sharon, shaped by nearly half a century of vision and restraint. We meet the local outdoor experts who make these hills bloom, and offer a curated garden goods page featuring finds from Milton Market.

On our radar this issue: the reopening of George Home in Washington Depot under new ownership, Mileen Events’ garden party tips just in time for entertaining season, and the Litchfield Hills Rowing Club, which attracts all ages. We also cover the Mnuchin art sale, Gabrielle Bernstein, the joy of birding, and the Ticking Tent event at Spring Hill Vineyards. And Sebastian Beckwith of In Pursuit of Tea, whose teas grace Michelin-starred tables in New York City, makes his way to our pages.

At the table, The Pink House in West Cornwall is back with a new chef and a menu worth the detour. Watertown Meat Center launches summer delivery to our lake communities. We also highlight the many restaurants where you can enjoy your meal outside. Actor Gretchen Mol talks fashion, creativity, and Connecticut. Geary Contemporary opens a new sculpture show in Salisbury. We hike Kent Falls and let Tarot in Thyme read the season ahead. It is all here. Enjoy every page.

Mary Beth Lawlor

Early Buzz

1 SHAG IS BACK!

SHAG is a three-day celebration of creativity, community, and connection set in the beautiful grounds of Spring Hill Vineyards. June 26–28

2 TRADE SECRETS

Garden lovers travel from far and wide to tour some of the most exquisite gardens in our area during this very special weekend that includes a fantastic shopping day for everything garden-related.

3 RSVP GOSSIP

Bolivar Hilario, the former head chef at Community Table, has purchased RSVP in West Cornwall. We can’t wait to see what he does.

4 A CURATED AFTERNOON

On June 6, join me in West Cornwall for a very special, curated Happening in the Hills day in the country. See p. 62 for details and tickets.

5 FENIMORE LANE

The design-obsessed mark their calendars for this once-a-year curated shopping bazaar with creative workshops, held at The Mayflower Inn June 5–7. Tickets available now.

LITCHFIELD

Contents / May/June / 2026

Grounded in Sharon

Lee Link has stewarded her 26 acres in Sharon for nearly half a century, and every inch of it reflects her singular eye. What has emerged over the decades is a garden of remarkable beauty, wit, and intention, shaped by a restless creative spirit that is always assessing, always refining, and always knowing exactly when to leave well enough alone.

19 GEORGE HOME

New owners Peter Nichols and Greg Domres bring decades of luxury fashion and home design experience to George Home, breathing fresh energy into a beloved Washington Depot landmark while honoring its celebrated legacy.

By CLEMENTINA VERGE

26

BIRDING

New research reveals that watching and listening to birds can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.

By WENDY CARLSON

66

GRETCHEN MOL

From “Boardwalk Empire” to Broadway, Gretchen Mol’s storied career has a stylish new chapter: a clothing line inspired by the resilient, feminine spirit of the 1930s.

By CHRISTOPHER STELLA

A NEW ERA IN HEALTH CARE IS COMING

Nuvance Health is becoming Northwell, the most awarded health system in the tri-state.

With expanded support for our trusted hospitals and broader access to top-tier care and lifesaving innovations, this new chapter will bring everything you need to live your healthiest life.

We’re raising health for New York. For Connecticut. For you.

Nuvancehealth.org/Northwell

Spring has arrived, and our gardens have come alive.

An 1896 account of Litchfield County’s early history

George, In Pursuit of Tea, Birding, Garden Party, Rowing, Milton Market, Ticking Tent, Mnuchin Art, Gabby Bernstein

Local experts who cultivate beauty across Litchfield County

Barb Pierson of White Flower Farm shares her faves

A Sharon garden shaped by five decades of care

An actress whose creativity now extends to fashion

After 17 seasons, Arturi passes Judea Garden to new hands

What to do before summer officially takes over

The waterfall hike worth every step this spring

Tarot in Thyme reads what the stars hold next

Hidden in West Cornwall, a menu worth the detour

Four sculptors push the boundaries of form at Geary

Who WE ARE

WENDY CARLSON / writer

Spring is finally here, and so are the songbirds. In this issue, writer Wendy Carlson reveals how birding is good for our wellbeing. Observing and listening to birds can even make us happier, so maybe there is some truth to the bluebird of happiness.

PAULA CORNELL / writer

Paula previously wrote for Love Justice International, an anti-trafficking nonprofit, and is from Seattle––though her family has roots in Connecticut. She loved the heaps of snow this winter, but celebrates spring in this issue by writing about bright herbal infusions from experts at In Pursuit of Tea.

CHARLES DUBOW / writer

In this issue, Charles Dubow revisits the new and improved Pink House restaurant in West Cornwall. He is a founding editor of Forbes.com and lives in Washington with his wife, Melinda. He is currently working on his third novel.

RANA FAURE / photographer

Rana Faure is a versatile photographer, formerly the director of photography at Getty Images and Seventeen. She now captures treasures like Lee Link’s mountain home, Judea Garden, and the curated designs of George Home. Rana loves capturing the stories of the Litchfield community through her lens.

CHRISTOPHER STELLA / writer

Christopher Stella is a writer, photographer, woodworker, and marketer. In this issue, he covers how actor Gretchen Mol has found new creative inspiration, and how the Litchfield Hills Rowing Club turns out scholarship athletes and national competitors.

May / June 2026

MARY BETH LAWLOR Publisher / Editor

DEBORAH HAYN Creative Director

VANESSA HAMMOND Operations Manager

STEVEN LOMBARDI Website Manager

ZANDRIA OLIVER Production Assistant

ALEXANDRA MAZZA Editorial Assistant

Contributing Writers

D.H. Callahan, Wendy Carlson, Frances Chamberlin, Paula Cornell, Charles Dubow, Tovah Martin, Troy McMullen Christopher Stella, Clementina Verge

Contributing Photographers Rana Faure, Jim Henkens, Ryan Lavine

Advertising Sales Jill Lawlor - 860-931-7787

Distribution Man in Motion - 203-515-2288

We welcome input about this and future issues. Please address letters, queries, and ideas to info@litchfieldmagazine.com. To advertise email jill@litchfieldmagazine.com or call us at 860-931-7787

Go to www.litchfieldmagazine.com/subscribe for a one year subscription. or send $40 to:

Happening in the Hills LLC PO Box 95, South Kent, CT 06785 860-931-7787

Litchfield Magazine is a publication of Happening in the Hills LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. litchfieldmagazine.com

A splendidly restored, 3-acre estate in the historic center of Litchfield — the landmarked borough’s first full-service high street hotel in over a century. Thoughtful dining, restorative wellness, and a gateway to Litchfield County’s natural bounty.

CORRECTION

In our March-April 2026 issue, Out & About section, we incorrectly identified George and Hillary of Hopkins Vineyard as the owners of Hopkins Inn. They are the owners of Hopkins Vineyard and Franz and Beth Schober are the owners of Hopkins Inn. We regret the error.

A Most Pleasurable Journey

By Alain Campbell White, 1880-1951

DWIGHT C. KILBOURN, IN THE CONNECTICUT QUARTERLY, September 1896, has given us a most pleasing account of this memorable trip, which could today be made in a morning’s ride. “So John Marsh left his wife, Elizabeth Pitkin, and their seven small children, to spy out this land rumored to be so wonderful, and started on what seemed to him a perilous journey, for the Indian lurked behind the forest trees ready for his scalp. He had had in his Hadley birthplace too intimate an acquaintance with their methods to think lightly of their presence, and then there were bears, panthers, and other unpleasant companions likely to greet him. With his horse and flint-lock musket he started—the first dozen miles through Farmington to Unionville was through a settled country, with good farms and houses, then crossing the Tunxis and entering the wilderness of Burlington, he could only follow over the hills the trails of the hunters and trappers, and wind his way from one summit to another as best he could, through the deep valleys and gorges of Harwinton. Reaching the Mattatuck he forded it a little below the present railroad station at East Litchfield, at the old fording place, and began to climb the steep ascents to Chestnut Hill, and arrived there as the sun was beginning to hide itself behind the mountains beyond. Before him was as beautiful a panorama as mortal eye could rest upon—the Lakes sparkling in the sunset, and the broad meadows around them with the newly started grass, a living carpet of emerald spreading before him for miles with here and there a fringe of fresh budding trees, all inviting the weary traveler to rest and refresh himself. Descending the hill he crossed the river near South Mill, and pitched his camp for the night near the big spring at the southern end of Litchfield Hill, where, a few years later he chose his home lot.

“All of this fair region which he had seen was called by the Indians ‘Bantam’, and comprises large portions of the present towns of Litchfield, Morris, Bethlehem, Washington, Warren, and Goshen; and for three days he explored the beautiful, fertile hills and plains. The Indians were friendly, the fish plenty, game abundant, and the spicy perfumes of the opening buds and wild blooming flowers wafted to his old Puritan heart a new sense that softened his soul and let him enjoy for once his natural blessings; instead of encountering dangers and tribulations, his journey had been one of rest and pleasure.”

Excerpt from: The history of the town of Litchfield, Connecticut, 1720-1920 Litchfield Historical Society

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No. 33 May / June 2026

REDISCOVER GEORGE HOME

BY CLEMENTINA VERGE

photographs by RANA FAURE

New proprietors of George Home, Peter Nichols and Greg Domres.

On Our RADAR

Curated Style in the Heart of Litchfield County

Step inside George Home, a space where Mid-Century Modern, vintage, and antique treasures come together. Part of the Titus Road Design Collective in Washington Depot, the store is a design lover’s dream, offering thoughtfully curated furnishings, art, lighting, and accessories to infuse elegance into any room.

Since its founding in 2017, George Home has been celebrated for its eclectic and ever-evolving selection. When it recently went up for sale, it was a perfect fit for Peter Nichols and Greg Domres, former New York residents who have called the Litchfield Hills home for nearly a decade.

When the store reopened in March, it unveiled new collections reflecting Nichols’ and Domres’ decades of experience in fashion, retail, and home design, while continuing to honor its

reputation for quality and distinction.

“We want to uphold the legacy and trust that customers have in George, but also evolve, adding more whimsy, color, and a bit of unexpectedness,” says Nichols, who spent more than 20 years as a buyer in the luxury sector, working in London, Hong Kong, and New York with globally respected names including Michael Kors and NET-A-PORTER.

The sentiment is echoed by Domres, his business partner and husband, whose decades-long career spans some of the most influential names in the home industry, including a ten-year tenure at John Derian Company and work with Nickey Kehoe Collection in New York City.

Domres, a longtime chenille stem artist, shares with Nichols a deep love for beautiful, thoughtfully curated

pieces, ensuring every item in the collection has style, character, and timeless appeal.

George Home mixes sensibility, fashion, and global perspectives, ranging from Mid-Century Modern English antiques to handcrafted bowls and the work of local artists. From Qing Dynasty tea tables and lacquer chairs to traditional American folk art and glazed pottery spanning the hemispheres, the store caters to every corner of the home, from Italian mirrors to hand-stitched linen pillows, glazed vases, candles, and hostess gifts.

Expect to find limited-edition, oneof-a-kind Dumais Made lamps designed in Bantam, Woodward Weave rugs–handmade and inspired by historical designs–abstract paintings by local artist Heather Neilson, and other exceptional finds.

Now offering extended hours, George Home is also participating in Second Saturday, a monthly event sponsored by the Titus Road Design Collective that offers an inspiring afternoon of design, art, and fashion. Guests can stroll, sip, and shop while exploring new collections, exhibitions, and collaborative showcases at George Home and fellow members KMR Arts, Pasquale et Maurice Home, Eckert Fine Art, and The Pinnacle CT.

From rare antiques to statement lighting and bespoke works of art, George Home is a destination where elegance and eclectic charm converge. In an age defined by passing trends, Nichols and Domres are committed to offering something far more lasting: new layers of inspiration where storied objects and contemporary design intersect, inviting clients to create spaces that feel personal and effortlessly refined.—georgehomect.com

Sound Investment

When Barbara von Bechtolsheim took the reins as president of the board of directors at Music Mountain, she embarked on an ambitious reshaping of the state’s oldest chamber music festival.

Tucked away in Falls Village, the 97-year-old institution is a shrine of American chamber music, attracting classical music stars to a concert venue listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Von Bechtolsheim, an associate research scholar at Yale, is expanding the festival’s reach to attract younger visitors and diversifying its musical offerings to ensure the hills remain alive with music for the next century.

“It’s about more than just playing notes,” says von Bechtolsheim, a German native and passionate musician who plays flute in chamber music ensembles. “It’s about the link between music and friendship...”

That link is on full display at a festival that runs for 15 weekends from June 7–Sept. 13.

Including musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the event features two Grammy-winning jazz artists: vocalist Nicole Zuraitis and pianist Zaccai Curtis. Special July 4 performances are also planned. musicmountain.org

— Troy McMullen

ROW YOUR OWN WAY

Litchfield Hills Rowing Club Opens its Oars to Everyone

BY CHRISTOPHER STELLA

›“I was told we were the best kept secret in Litchfield County,” says Drew Combs, head coach and director of the Litchfield Hills Rowing Club. “But that should never be our tagline, and it no longer fits.”

Perched on Connecticut’s largest natural freshwater lake, Bantam Lake, the LHRC has grown from approximately 40 members in 2018 to more than 390 in 2025, evolving from a modest high school program into a nationally competitive club serving athletes from ages 12 to 90. Its message is simple, powerful, and inspiring: rowing is a sport for anyone willing to put in the work.

At LHRC, athletes from 12 to 90 find their perfect stroke together.

photographs by AMBER SCHULDE

Founded in 1967, the club serves two constituencies: junior rowers (middle school and high school students) who lack access to the sport at their local schools, and Masters rowers–adults interested in rowing and competing. For both, it provides access to what has historically been an elite activity. “It’s an expensive sport, an eightman shell can run $50,000 to $60,000,” says Greg McKim, a board member and Masters rower. “You also need a boathouse, insurance, coaches, launch boats.”

Combs arrived in 2019 with a rowing legacy in tow. His grandfather introduced the sport to Lake Waramaug in the 1940s, his father ran the regattas, and Combs grew up working them before he was old enough to pick up an oar. After rowing Division I at Marist College, he coached at Northeastern, University of Buffalo, Fairfield University, and the Kent School, among other prestigious programs. When the LHRC posted an opening, returning to Litchfield County was an easy decision.

On Our RADAR

The sport has broad appeal across age groups. “Rowing and swimming are the two most cardiovascular full-body workouts you can get,” says Combs. “They are low-impact and adaptable at any age.” He notes that about 60 percent of Masters rowers never picked up an oar before 40. For juniors, the sport rewards anyone willing to train. “I don’t do that word ‘can’t,’” says Combs. “I prefer ‘not yet.’ You can do anything, you just haven’t done it yet. We’re no longer looking for the perfect stroke, we’re looking to create your perfect stroke.”

The effort speaks for itself. Junior rowers from Lakeview High School and the Forman School can letter in rowing through the LHRC, and nearly 35 percent go on to row in college, with another 30 percent of those receiving scholarships. Club members have gone on to row at Yale, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, and UNC Chapel Hill, among others. A financial aid program ensures the sport remains within reach. The LHRC competes at U.S. Rowing

Nationals and events as prestigious as the Royal Canadian Henley in Ontario and the Head of the Charles in Boston. At the 2025 Philadelphia Youth Regatta, the club took home 26 gold medals.

There is much ahead. This summer, the LHRC will host its inaugural Head of the Swain, a regatta benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. The club is also fundraising to double the size of its boathouse, adding a dedicated fitness center where members can train on specialized erg machines year-round, along with boat storage, locker room, and office facilities.

For those curious enough to show up, LHRC offers low-cost learn-torow programs and an open invitation to ride in the coaching launch. Most who come realize more than a sport. “The reward for me is tenfold. It’s friendships, it’s camaraderie,” says McKim. And if nothing else, there is always the water. “At the end of the day, you’re just messing around in boats,” says Combs. “It’s the most fun thing you can do.” —litchfieldhillsrowing.org

Aquatic Invader INVASIVE

Hydrilla, considered the world’s worst invasive aquatic plant, has become an urgent threat to waterways in our region, and it is time for Connecticut residents to pay attention.

The Lake Waramaug Conservancy is leading the charge against this prolific and destructive plant.

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) was introduced to the United States in the early 1950s as an aquarium plant. Once it entered U.S. waterways, it proved itself an extreme threat, forming dense, impenetrable mats of tangled vegetation that render boating and swimming impossible, destroy fish habitat, cause fish kills, and clog infrastructure.

This hyper-aggressive, non-native aquatic plant can spread through just a single fragment, seed, tuber, or turion. Hydrilla poses an extreme risk to the health and recreational use of Lake Waramaug and has already infested lakes and rivers throughout Connecticut, including a 70-mile infestation of the Connecticut River. The threat is not distant. East Twin Lake in Salisbury confirmed hydrilla in the summer of 2023, with dense patches discovered in shallow waters around O’Hara’s Landing Marina and the nearby state boat launch. Eradication is exceptionally difficult and expensive, often requiring a multi-year, multi-million-dollar commitment with no guarantee of success.

Prevention is the Lake Waramaug Conservancy’s top priority for 2026. A plan for education and outreach is already underway, and a rapid response plan is being developed in coordination with local officials. To learn more and stay updated, visit lakewaramaug.org/hydrilla.

—Christine AdAms

On Our RADAR

SPRING IN A CUP

Herbal Teas That Capture Spring’s Flavor and Aroma

BY PAULA CORNELL

›As chamomile, elderflower, and lavender bloom in Connecticut this spring, tea purveyor Sebastian Beckwith and his business partner Ana Dane bring bright floral and citrus notes to herbal tea.

In Pursuit of Tea operates between Cornwall and New York and is known for ethically sourced, singleorigin teas. Beckwith and Dane are passionate about building personal relationships with tea farmers and preserving ancient hand-picked harvesting traditions, along with the

subtle flavor nuances they produce. For that reason, they rarely blend teas or add flavors—a trait that sets them apart from many other U.S. tea companies.

The company began in 1999, after Beckwith, who grew up in Cornwall, made several journeys through the Himalayas as a trekking guide and became fascinated with the tea gardens there.

“There was so much complexity of flavor and aroma,” he says.

All that complexity comes from just one plant. Camellia sinensis is the source of all six types of true tea: white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and dark. The differences come from how the leaves are harvested and prepared.

Herbal tea, Beckwith explains, is separate from true tea—more accurately called an infusion or tisane.

Organic tea farm in Zhejiang, China, producing IPOT’s Mao Feng Black and Jade Spring teas.

For those new to tea, herbal infusions can be an inviting place to

photograph by ANA DANE

start. Unlike true teas, which are sensitive to water temperature, herbals are more forgiving.

Beckwith encourages people to step outside their comfort zones and explore beyond familiar favorites like chamomile and mint.

“I love lemon verbena; it’s amazing,” he says.

He also recommends elderflower, linden, and a Greek mountain flower tea called Mount Olympus, describing their flavors as “unexpected.” Infusing the herbs into cocktails, cakes, or ice creams can add even more variety.

Despite their expertise, Beckwith and Dane are far from pretentious. Instead, they take joy in connecting with others over a cup of tea.

“We really get to have that experience of sitting down with someone and introducing them to a new flavor, which is pretty fun to do. And you get to do that over and over again,” says Dane. “Just

being able to have that shared connection over, ‘Wow, this is amazing; I’ve never tasted anything like this’—we hear that a lot.”

Tea can be purchased online and in local stores such as the Cornwall Market, Warren General Store, or John Robshaw in Falls Village.

For those interested in trying something new or connecting with others over tea, In Pursuit of Tea will host tea sits in Cornwall twice a month, as well as a tea-and-icecream event at The Pink House this summer. Private tastings are also available.

“We just enjoy the process and the culture, and seeing these different regions, and then introducing that a little bit to people here in whatever way that we can. Tea is sort of a bridge to a culture or a flavor,” says Beckwith. Start with an herbal infusion or a tea tasting, and see where that bridge might lead.––inpursuitoftea.com

IN PURSUIT OF TEA RECOMMENDS

This durable glass infuser brews rich, full-flavored teas and herbal infusions, letting leaves unfold beautifully for easy, precise pouring.

This matte-glazed Gaiwan, accented with blue lines, brews all teas and doubles as a drinking vessel for single or multiple servings.

This semicircle German glass teapot features a cool metal handle and large strainer, letting leaves fully infuse and color show.

Handcrafted in Hawaii by Suzanne Wang, these limited-edition matcha bowls feature a spodumene glaze, wide shape for proper foaming, and one-of-a-kind colors.

(Clockwise starting from top left) Chamomile, Elderflower, Lavender Mint, Mt. Olympus, Mint, and Linden herbal teas, or infusions, from In Pursuit of Tea. These are made from flowers and other plants beyond the regular Camellia Sinensis tea plant and thus are naturally caffeine-free and less sensitive to temperature and steep time. Simply infuse in boiling water and enjoy.

THE HEALING POWER OF BIRDING

Finding joy and calm in Litchfield’s wild spaces

BY WENDY CARLSON

›If the early morning chorus of birdsong outside your window sounds more like a racket than a symphony to you, it’s time to reconsider. Turns out that tuning into the avian world can make us happier. New studies have shown that birding, the act of observing and listening to birds, can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression by directing our attention outward. The therapeutic

practice of observing birds, known as ornitherapy, has been likened to forest bathing and sound bathing, which promote mindfulness, strengthen our connection to nature, and inspire a sense of wonder, ultimately leading to relaxation and a sense of well-being.

So, maybe there’s some truth to the expression “the bluebird of happiness”.

“I think that almost everyone can appreciate the beauty, wildness,

and charm these animals bring to our lives, whether we live in an urban landscape or on the slope of a mountain somewhere. Their songs move us, comfort us, and arouse curiosity in us,” says Sharon Audubon naturalist Bethany Sheffer. You don’t have to be a globetrotting bird enthusiast to reap the health benefits of birding. The 4,000acre White Memorial Foundation in

Litchfield, with its diversity of habitats including woodland, water, six miles of river frontage, and 40 miles of trails, is rated one of the top five birding hot spots in the state. The Foundation lists 240 bird species and is known for its nesting warblers, with 15 or more species breeding.

Litchfield County is also home to two national Audubon centers: The Sharon Audubon Center and Miles Wildlife Sanctuary and The Bend of the River Audubon Center and Sanctuary in Woodbury. In spring, both host free guided bird hikes and hold monthly-themed programs like “Tech Assisted Birding.” Fee-based guided tours and private photography sessions are offered at Ripley’s

Waterfowl Conservancy in Litchfield, which features more than 90 species of rare and endangered birds.

If you can’t tell a Barn Swallow from a Tree Swallow without reaching for a guidebook, no worries. Birding has become much easier for beginners with the availability of bird ID apps and bird song ID tools that help newbies recognize species quickly and identify birds by sound. Tech has helped birding become an increasingly popular hobby in the United States with the U.S. Wildlife and Fish Service reporting that nearly one-third of adults in the United States engage in some form of birding, whether it’s observing birds in their natural habitats, creating bird sanctuaries, or

keeping watch on backyard feeders. Beyond making us feel happier, birding enhances our cognitive function and teaches us patience, says Geri Griswold, White Memorial’s director. Bird watchers might start by learning species names, but move on to studying behaviors, breeding rituals, migratory patterns, and habitats. Griswold finds the stories of each bird fascinating. “You become aware of habitats and the other plants and animals that share theirs with birds,” she says. She eagerly awaits the first Woodcock, Ovenbird, Wood Duck, American Redstart, Bobolink, and Wood Thrush; and, of course, the harbinger of happiness, the Bluebird.

Rex Brasher, worldfamous artist, ornithologist, and Kent resident whose detailed artwork of birds illustrates this story, died in 1960. But bird lovers pay homage to the artist by visiting his grave at Morningside Cemetery in Gaylordsville.

Learn

Beautiful illustrations of spring birds by Rex Brasher include: Opposite page, Wood Thrush. Above, from left to right, Bluebird, Ovenbird, Woodcock, Wood Duck, and American Redstart. In his lifetime, Brasher painted every bird species in North America; and, notably, he painted more birds than James John Audubon.

more about his life in Kent and view his work: rexbrasher.org

THE ART OF THE OCCASION

›When Mileen Zarin plans an event, the setting is everything. The event planner splits her time between New York City and the Litchfield Hills, and has built a reputation for producing exceptional celebrations in landmarks, storied institutions, and gardens–places where nature and elegance meet in equal measure.

With a meticulous eye for design, Zarin approaches each gathering the way a gardener approaches a

landscape, with intention, patience, and an understanding that every element must work in harmony. She layers florals, lighting, textiles, and architectural detail into experiences that feel as carefully composed as the outdoor spaces that frame them. No two events are alike, and that is precisely the point.

She has worked at some of the most celebrated horticultural venues in the country, including the New York Botanical Garden and Filoli Historic

House and Garden in California, bringing a deep appreciation for the natural world to every occasion she produces. Her client list spans intimate garden dinners, destination weddings, and high-profile philanthropic galas, each executed with the same calm precision and creative vision.

For anyone dreaming of a garden celebration that is as thoughtfully planned as it is breathtaking, Mileen Zarin Events delivers with grace.

mileenzarin.com

Golden Hour

Regardless of start time, ensure your party peaks at sunset. There is nothing better than that amber glow before transitioning into the evening with ambient lighting.

Garden-to-Palate

Create a tangible connection to the garden with

What Every Great Garden Party Needs

botanical cocktails and onebite hors d'oeuvres. Guests should mingle effortlessly without being tethered to heavy plates or cutlery.

Texture and Bloom

Design around what is currently flowering. Layer cohesive textiles, furnishings, and decor with varying textures.

Level the Playing Field

Provide heel stoppers and utilize hidden plywood under rugs to create stable furniture islands on soft or uneven terrain.

The Prepared Landscape

Look beyond the tent. Pretreat the lawn and conceal climate control. Tuck away repellent and candles so

your event remains unaffected by the elements or uninvited pests.

Discreet Infrastructure

Position service paths and stations out of the guests' line of sight and nestle audio equipment within the foliage. Seamless hosting relies on what remains unseen.

BLOOM WHERE YOU SHOP

Milton Market’s Prettiest Picks for Home, Garden, and Beyond

Niwaki Floral Scissors

Sharp, sturdy, with the most satisfying snip. $48

Niwaki Garden Gloves

Snug, stretchy, feels like a second skin. Indispensable. $10

Antique Sconces

Exquisite Italian tole sconces from the 1920s that capture the charm of the garden. $6,200 for the pair.

BY MARTHA FISH

The Green Vase, Persian Fritillaria

Always in bloom, our forever favorite. Handmade paper flowers by The Green Vase. $420

Niwaki Leather Tool Bag

Like the best luxury leather goods, this beauty gets better with age. $295

Niwaki Hori Hori Tool

Digging, pruning, dividing, the most multifunctional tool for your kit. $58

Haws Watering Can

A classic with legacy. Made in the UK by Haws, the world’s oldest watering can manufacturer. $215

Milton Market, 14 Cobble Court, Litchfield

THE HUNT IS HALF THE FUN

The Ticking Tent Returns to New Preston

›Set amid the rolling hills and historic barns of Litchfield County, The Ticking Tent Spring Market returns Saturday, May 2, bringing its signature brocante spirit to Spring Hill Vineyards in New Preston. Now in its fifth edition, the one-day event — founded by communications strategist Christina Juarez and ELLE

DECOR market director and author Benjamin Reynaert — has quickly become a magnet for collectors, designers, and tastemakers drawn to the thrill of the hunt.

More than 60 carefully selected vendors will gather across the vineyard’s open hayfields and 18th-century architecture, offering

a tightly edited mix of antiques, tabletop, fashion, decor, and collectible design. Alongside beloved dealers and emerging makers, guests will discover immersive brand moments including the Benjamin Moore “Espresso Edit” coffee truck, a Stark Blooms bouquet bar, the Casa Branca Lounge and Benjamin Reynaert and Christina Juarez bring brocante magic to Spring Hill Vineyards this May.

photographs by LENA NICHOLSON

Spritz Bar, and the debut of The Ticking Tent Times newsstand.

The event unfolds over carefully curated programming, from a Friday evening press and designer preview benefitting Pride in the Hills to a Saturday early-bird shopping hour, followed by timed general admission throughout the day. Guests can also catch Reynaert signing copies of his debut book, The Layered Home.

With ELLE DECOR as national media partner and a host of regional sponsors including Litchfield Magazine, The Ticking Tent continues its mission: championing craft, thoughtful collecting, and the enduring joy of discovery. —thetickingtent.com

POETRY

Trompe-L’oeil

Our image, bent and distorted—stuffed into a convex mirror we purchased on the Parisian streets of our adopted home— is a funhouse version of ourselves hung in a real-world museum, where art and artifice harkened back to a grammar school skill: landscape drawing with a vanishing point, indoctrinating the youngest students of life to pave imagined paths to an invisible, inconceivable possibility. L’œil de sorcière, the eye of the witch, sees us smaller than we are, a deity’s attempt to relegate us into an oval, molded frame. We’ve missed so much obscured in shadows at our feet, Grace hidden in all that we ignored at the curb. Truth is a near-sighted vision, learn what one will, prepare as one may, for which one feels grateful rather than blessed. We are not small.

We are here, today, as ourselves, ignoring regret, hope, and the objects in the rear view that are larger than they appear.

— By Christine Adams

Christine Adams is the author of two collections of poetry, Setting the Table in the Age of Reason (2024), and Breaking Bread (2026).

THE ART OF LIVING WELL

A Bridgewater Collector’s Legacy Goes to Auction this May

BY TROY MCMULLEN

›After decades of success on Wall Street, Robert Mnuchin turned his sights to the art world, first as a voracious collector of postwar and contemporary works, then as a dealer who used his trading-floor savvy to orchestrate some of the industry’s biggest transactions. By the time of his death last year at age 92, the longtime Bridgewater resident was one of New York’s foremost gallerists, with a formidable private collection to match.

“The reason to buy art is because you love it, you love it, you love it,”

he famously told The New York Times in 2013.

Sotheby’s is now offering a selection of works from Mnuchin’s collection at a May auction estimated to fetch $130 million. Pieces by Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, and Jeff Koons are all part of the public sale.

Mnuchin and his wife, Adriana, spent decades expanding their collection and were a visible presence in the Litchfield County

community. They acquired the Mayflower Inn in Washington in 1990 and renovated it into a luxury resort before selling it in 2007.

Some of the auctioned works hung in the couple’s Bridgewater estate while others were on view at their Manhattan gallery.

Robert Mnuchin’s art collection includes prized works by Franz Kline, Jeff Koons, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko.

“They spoke of collecting as a passionate and almost obsessive way of life,” their daughter, Valerie Mnuchin, told Sotheby’s. “They only bought what they both loved.”

Beyond Duty

Jane Hutchison knows what good care looks like, and what it doesn’t. Before founding Abbey Road Family Care, Hutchison spent 15 years running a nanny agency in Fairfield County, matching families with caregivers.

A volunteer stint at a nursing home sharpened her instincts. She noticed aides simply waiting out their shifts, and made herself a quiet promise that if she ever built her own agency, it would be built around people who actually wanted to be there. A nudge from a nurse friend planted the seed. “You’re really good at matchmaking,” the friend told her. “You should start a home care agency with a more personal approach.”

More than 30 years later, ARFC reflects exactly what she envisioned. The agency serves clients who value attention, connection, and caregivers who bring more than credentials to the work. Many come from unexpected backgrounds, former teachers, trained chefs, professionals drawn to caregiving through genuine calling.

Hutchison’s matching process is deliberately personal. She asks family members what brings their loved ones joy, then pairs clients with caregivers who share their interests, whether art, music, or travel. ARFC also carries its values into the community, donating to organizations including the Institute of American Indian Studies and Jane Doe No More. Hutchison serves as the Alzheimer’s representative for Woodbury and Roxbury, and local artist Izak Zenoli has volunteered to offer art classes to clients. “Our goal,” Hutchison says, “is care that is enriching, thoughtful, and truly personal.”

—abbeyroadfamilycare.com

by West Hill Groove and Matt Giordano (Matthew Dylan “TheYogiMatt”)

On Our RADAR

GABBY BERNSTEIN

Healing, Believing in Self, and the Serenity of Litchfield County

BY CLEMENTINA VERGE

›Amid the Litchfield Hills, No. 1 New York Times-bestselling author Gabby Bernstein has found a sanctuary, one where she embraces life’s gentler rhythms with her husband and son and the quiet that nourishes the soul.

“Litchfield County holds a really special place in my heart,” reflects the long-time resident, renowned motivational speaker, and self-help guru behind the “Dear Gabby” weekly podcast. “It’s where I slow down, surrounded by nature and a sense of

peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. It brings me back to what truly matters and reminds me how powerful it is to create space to just be, reconnect, and listen to my inner guidance.”

Growing up in New York, Bernstein’s path hasn’t always been tranquil. “Years of struggling with anxiety, addiction, and deep disconnection” took their toll and shaped her early life. Through perseverance and spiritual practice, she discovered

tools that transformed her inner world and now shares them with millions worldwide via her website and TV appearances, including “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “Good Morning America,” and Oprah’s “Super Soul” podcast. Currently on “The Time To Trust Live Tour,” she empowers audiences from New York to London and Vancouver. The event marks a decade since the release of The Universe Has Your Back, which sold more Gabby Bernstein: Inspiring others to manifest a life beyond their wildest dreams. On tour this year.

than 1 million copies, paving the way for more than another dozen best-sellers.

Her approach, rooted in “lived experience,” resonates with audiences, making them feel less alone and more hopeful.

At the heart of Bernstein’s teaching is Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapy that sees the mind as composed of different “inner parts” needing understanding and healing. After discovering its power in her own life, she completed IFS Institute practitioner training and explored the framework in her book Self Help, which guides audiences “back to their own sense of safety within.” “I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal, but healing doesn’t mean erasing the past,” she says. “It means changing your relationship to it.”

By abandoning self-judgment, avoidance, and “the need to control,” individuals can “witness their thoughts and feelings with compassion” and loosen the grip of negative mental habits, Bernstein reflects.

“That shift, from judgment to compassion, is everything,” she says, explaining that in everyday life, healing shows up quietly but meaningfully: pausing instead of reacting, and “choosing to respond from compassion rather than fear.” “In relationships, it looks like taking responsibility for triggers instead of projecting them onto someone else,” she notes. “In your career, it’s trusting intuition instead of over-controlling outcomes. It’s not perfect, but over time, those small shifts create big change.”

Prayer, meditation, and simple rituals, a hand on the heart, a deep breath, or a mantra of gratitude, anchor Bernstein in chaotic moments. These “inner luxuries” are accessible to everyone, whether on a Litchfield County trail, a country road, or a city train.

“Living your dream life is feeling at home within yourself,” she says. “Your inner world creates your outer experience. When you feel safe, supported, and aligned within, your life begins to reflect that.”

—gabbybernstein.com

A Conservation Pioneer NATIVE PLANTS

Doug Tallamy has spent decades making the case that the most powerful conservation tool in America isn’t a national park, it’s your backyard. The University of Delaware entomologist, New York Times best-selling author, and co-founder of Homegrown National Park has built a movement around a simple idea: if enough people plant native species and remove invasive ones, the collective impact will exceed anything a government program could achieve.

This spring, that idea takes root at three Litchfield County-area garden centers.

Ward’s Nursery in Great Barrington, Paley’s Farm Market in Sharon, and Salisbury Garden Center in Salisbury have each partnered with Homegrown National Park to dedicate space to Tallamy’s designated Keystone Native Plants, the species that provide the most essential support to local ecosystems. Shoppers will find pussy willow, columbine, and black-eyed Susan, among other natives selected for their outsized benefit to pollinators, birds, and wildlife.

The timing is right. Homegrown National Park has already mapped nearly 50,000 people committed to planting across more than 170,000 acres nationwide. Customers at participating nurseries will be invited to add their own properties to that map, becoming part of what may be the largest cooperative conservation effort ever attempted.

“Keystone plants provide essential ecosystem services to the environment, without which the area’s inhabitants would struggle for survival,” Tallamy says. “Planting these species in your yard will support the butterflies, birds, and native animals that support all life–including ours.”

MERRYALL

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Medi Room Gunite L p Pool Screened Porch

Pels Matthews 2 3.67 . 432

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Philippa Feigen Malkin 2 3.77 . 6

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Ch rming Restored 168 Antique Open Floor Pl n eds s ths Chef’s Kitchen H nd Hewn e ms Wide King’s o rd Flooring Exp nsive L wn Gunite Pool Stacey Matthews 2 3.67 . 67

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An Outdoor Resource

Spring has arrived, and with it, a renewed passion for gardens and green spaces. We spoke with a handful of inspiring local garden-related businesses who bring creativity, expertise, and heart to everything they grow and design. From landscape visionaries to a pool designer to an arborist, meet the people cultivating beauty across our region.

The Garden Guide

Planted Here on Purpose

ABBEY TAYLOR’S path to founding Everything Botanical began long before the business did. A student of horticultural therapy who completed greenhouse internships and studied business, she noticed a persistent problem in the green industry: too many vendors, too little accountability. In 2008, she launched Everything Botanical in Washington with a simple premise: one point of contact for everything plant-related.

Patrick Taylor came into the picture not long after, drawn in by both the work and the woman behind it. A Marist College graduate who grew up in Syracuse, he joined the company in 2011 and has since become a Board Certified Master Arborist, Registered Consulting Arborist, and licensed arborist in Connecticut.

Together, they’ve built a business that extends well beyond a traditional landscape company, combining custom plant production, advanced arboricultural consulting, and a software platform designed to bring clarity and coordination to the green industry.

The name Everything Botanical sets high expectations. How do you define what the business is, and what does it cover?

It started as a way to explain our services: we handle all things plant-related, but not construction or non-plant services. Over time, it has evolved into a full-spectrum partner, spanning custom growing, landscape stewardship, arboricultural consulting, and the systems we’ve developed to manage that work more effectively.

keeping trees healthy for the long term. What are the most common issues facing Litchfield County properties?

While invasive pests tend to receive the most attention, the majority of tree issues we see begin in the soil. Our approach starts with understanding the site, through soil testing, evaluating compaction, and reviewing pruning practices and prior treatments, then developing integrated care plans.

Litchfield County is home to some extraordinary gardens and estates. What does precision care of a large property actually involve?

Abbey, you clearly have a deep love of plants. How did that passion develop, and what does it mean to you to build this business from the ground up? When I was eight, I planted tomato seeds in an egg carton. Almost 200 germinated. My mom took me to Maple Bank Farm, where they showed me how to transplant them and even gave me pots and soil. My parents signed me up for a craft fair to sell them. I loved everything about it: the anticipation, the care, and sharing them with others. I always knew I wanted to build a company. Even now, it’s not static. It’s an ongoing process of finding better ways to serve our clients, our team, and the environment.

From feeding and pruning to cabling, Patrick’s work is about

It comes down to attention to detail. We prioritize quality over growth and often maintain a waitlist to uphold that standard. This includes soil testing, proper amendments, correct mulch use, and thoughtful plant placement. We focus on long-term health and problem-solving, supported by a high-quality team and systems that allow us to manage properties consistently over time.

What do you wish more people in Litchfield County knew about Everything Botanical?

Many people still see us through a fairly narrow lens, but our scope of work is broader. We custom grow plant material and are deeply involved in tree care and consulting, particularly in situations that require long-term planning or evaluation. We’ve also developed a software platform, now used by other companies in the green industry, that supports how this work is managed, bringing together client communication, task tracking, and decision-making in a way that reflects how complex these properties really are.

—EverythingBotanical.com

Abbey and Patrick Taylor Tend Litchfield County Landscapes with Science and Systems

The Garden Guide PARTNER

Jamie Scott and her brother Justin Scott of Scott Pools.

90 Years of ExceptionalCrafting Pools

Jamie Scott brings Fresh Eyes to a Family Legacy

JAMIE SCOTT recently rejoined the family business to lead Scott Pools into its third generation. Here, she reflects on legacy, craft, and what comes next.

Scott Swimming Pools was founded in 1937. Walk us through how the company has evolved across generations, and what has remained constant.

My grandfather started this company nearly 90 years ago. The very first pool he built was a natural pool that is still operating today. Years later, he traveled to California to learn how to spray gunite from the Army Corps of Engineers. The process of spraying concrete on walls to create a pool shell was a practice no one else was doing

at the time. We were the first.

In the ‘60s, when my father returned from the Navy, he took over the company and grew the business. He continued to perfect their construction practices and helped write the national standard for swimming pools. Today, we are still building the highest-quality pools by any standard.

“The Scott Standard” is central to who you are as a company. What does it mean to you personally—and what does it look like on a pool that has been standing for 70 years?

My father grew Scott Pools into a company that is widely known for designing and building pools to last for decades. From the very

beginning, every pool has been crafted with an uncompromising focus on structural integrity and long-term performance.

Years—even decades—later, a Scott Pools still looks and feels exactly as it did on day one. It’s the kind of quality you can see, and more importantly, trust. Our work truly sets the standard for excellence.

How has Scott Pools become a trusted collaborator for the region’s top design professionals?

We’ve built strong relationships with the area’s leading architects, builders, and landscape architects. Our philosophy has always been to create truly one-of-a-kind

swimming environments that reflect each client’s unique vision—something that can only be achieved through thoughtful collaboration and seamless coordination across the entire design team.

We’ve become the builder of choice by holding ourselves to the highest standards and working cohesively with every partner to bring each vision to life.

What happens when a project throws the unexpected at you?

Some of our craftsmen have been building pools with us for over 30 years—from Connecticut, the Berkshires, and New York to the Caribbean. They have navigated challenging terrain, restricted access, and intricate renovations with a level of expertise that only comes from decades of mastery. They have the skills and track record to tackle just about anything.

You joined Scott Pools this winter to lead the company into its third generation. What brought you back—and what does this next chapter look like?

Returning to Connecticut to join the family business was always a possibility—but not always the plan. A few months ago, over dinner with my father, we began discussing the future of the company, and everything naturally fell into place.

My father built something truly remarkable, and those are big shoes to fill. With my brother Justin leading construction, we are committed to preserving the standard of excellence Scott Pools is known for—while continuing to elevate and evolve.

I’m incredibly proud to be part of this next chapter and grateful for the opportunity to carry the legacy forward.—scottpools.com

The Garden Guide

The Garden Is Always the Teacher

Old Farm Design + Landscape Carries Four Decades of Deep Litchfield County Roots

WHEN JUDY AND PATRICK

Murphy founded Old Farm in 1988, they built something thoughtful and significant: a landscape business rooted in hard work, attention to detail, and a respect for the land that outlasts any single season. Decades later, their son Greg carries that foundation forward, not by replicating it, but by evolving it.

“It’s grounding and challenging at the same time,” he says of inheriting a legacy. “Carrying that forward means protecting that foundation while evolving my personal approach to landscape design.”

That evolution recently took a new turn. Two years ago, Old Farm closed its retail nursery and sharpened its focus entirely on landscape design, installation, and long-term project management. It’s a more personal, more design-driven operation now, carrying every

project from concept through construction and into ongoing care. “You’re only as good as your last job and your last happy client,” Murphy says, and the model is built around that accountability.

The nursery stock hasn’t disappeared. The property maintains a significant inventory of specimen trees, shrubs, and perennials, sourced through grower relationships spanning nearly 40 years and serves the firm’s own projects. Plants are available to anyone who asks, and watching that material leaf out and grow through the seasons is, Murphy says, the most helpful preview a client could ask for when selecting a tree or shrub for a site.

The setting itself is instructive. Old Farm occupies an early 1800s farmstead in the Litchfield Hills, where acres of display gardens have matured over decades alongside the

family that tends them. The cluster of old structures and barns, the spaces between them, the way the land sits within its surroundings, all of it informs the work. “It motivates me to always consider whatever I am designing as part of a greater context,” he explains.

Old Farm’s process begins with a site walk and a conversation about how clients want to live in their space. Some properties call for a full master plan organizing circulation, structure, and plantings. Others need focused attention in specific areas. “Establishing relationships with clients that are more than transactional is important to me,” he says. “There is something personal about landscape design, just as there is something personal about interior design.”

Litchfield County demands a particular kind of respect when it comes to gardens. The rocky,

hilly terrain and unforgiving climate leave little room for plants that can’t cope with a variable environment. Much of that sensibility traces back to his mother. Judy, who trained as a landscape architect at Cornell, built an extraordinary reputation in the county through patience, intuition, and what her son describes as an adaptive quality that is invaluable in the field. “It starts with the balance between expertise and restraint,” he says, “and requires you to check your ego.” But the fun is getting to wear all types of hats as every project is unique.

As for the most common mistake he sees? Thinking in pieces instead of as a whole. “Without structure and purpose, a landscape can feel disjointed,” he says. “I encourage homeowners to understand their real goal with a clear framework. Everything else follows more naturally from there.”—oldfarm.com

Rooted in Litchfield

Scott’s Nursery Brings Design, Plants, and Craft Together

SCOTT’S NURSERY and Landscaping has been a wellestablished part of the Litchfield County landscape for decades, but 2021 marked a new chapter for the community-cherished garden center. Three longstanding employees, Colleen, Jared, and Jose, were given the opportunity to take over the established business and have since grown it into an awardwinning operation–elevating the much-loved business to new heights. Colleen brings nursery and business expertise. Jared leads landscaping design. Jose has an artist’s eye for masonry. Together they have taken

something already beloved and made it better.

The nursery prioritizes plants sourced from local growers, a decision rooted in both quality and sustainability. Shorter transportation times mean less stress on the plants and a stronger likelihood they are already adapted to the region. That regional nuance matters more here than most places. Litchfield County’s varied elevations, valleys, lakes, and forests create a patchwork of growing conditions that even federal climate mapping doesn’t fully capture. To account for this, all trees, shrubs, and perennials sold in the nursery or

specified for projects are selected to withstand the coldest winters this region can deliver. Choosing the right plant for the right spot, as the team puts it, makes all the difference.

The selection is broad. Scott’s carries trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and tropicals. Native plant varieties have been significantly expanded in recent years and remain among the most requested. Deer-resistant options, a perennial ask in this part of Connecticut, are well represented. Scott’s is also a Certified Proven Winners Garden Center, carrying a

full assortment of that highly regarded plant line. Water gardening essentials, including pond plants, round out the inventory. New for 2026 is a stunning waterfall and pond display on the nursery grounds, well worth a visit on its own.

For those considering a landscaping or hardscaping project, the process begins with a property visit. The team meets with the client, analyzes the space, and talks through wants, needs, and budget. Estimates and drawings follow, with permits secured when required. Clients are invited to visit the nursery to see and weigh in on the materials being selected, keeping the process collaborative from start to finish. The result is an investment that grows in value over time, whether the goal is updated foundation plantings, a water feature, or a patio that extends the living space of the home.

Beyond installation, Scott’s offers fine gardening services for clients who want attentive, ongoing care. Weeding and mulching are the baseline. Perennial bed care, including cutting back, dividing, transplanting, and pruning, is available for those who want more. Seasonal planter displays, gardening programs, and fertilization services for both beds and lawns keep properties looking their best year-round. Proper, knowledgeable care, the team is quick to note, helps plants not just survive but thrive.

Organic tick spraying and deer deterrent programs are also available, for when what you have planted is exactly what the deer had in mind.

Scott’s Nursery and Landscaping is located in New Milford.

—scottsnurseryandlandscaping.com.

Where Beauty Begins at Home

The Green Spot Brings Inspired Landscaping to Litchfield County

THE GREEN SPOT, a garden center and full-service landscaping company in New Milford, was born from a trip to Ireland, and that origin feels right. There is something about the lush, considered landscapes of the Irish countryside that captures exactly what the team has been building in Litchfield County ever since: spaces that feel inevitable, intentional, and alive.

Design, installation, maintenance, masonry, and build services are all on the menu,

structured as a la carte offerings so clients can engage as much or as little as their budget and vision allow. First-time visitors are meant to leave feeling one thing above all: that a beautiful landscape is within reach.

“Anyone can pull beauty into their own landscape,” she says. “Even if it’s simply a small planter on a stoop to detailed gardens or natural meadows. We hope they leave knowing it’s all attainable.”

The plant selection reflects that same philosophy. Rather

than stocking the expected, The Green Spot leans into native plants, rare and unusual varieties, and organic vegetables and herbs proven to thrive in this region. The inventory turns regularly, rewarding repeat visitors with something new each time they come through.

Native and pollinator-friendly plants are not a trend here, they are a conviction. The Green Spot treats them as essential, not optional, supporting the pollinators and wildlife that keep local ecosystems in balance.

Watching those relationships play out across a season is, as the team describes it, a bonus.

Litchfield County’s four seasons shape every planting decision. The anticipation of a beloved shrub coming into bloom, the crescendo of summer perennials, the quiet release of fall color, these are not incidental. They are choreographed. A well-designed landscape tells a different story in every season, and that arc is considered from the start.

For homeowners feeling overwhelmed, the advice is simple: start with an idea. It might be a drainage problem, a missing walkway, or herbs near the grill. The Green Spot works from there, handling the details so clients do not have to carry them alone.

Recent projects have included removing nonnative species and replacing them with natives, watching the fauna return almost immediately. Another involved transforming a steep lakeside slope into a functional, beautiful space, using plants to filter groundwater and improve the water quality of the lake itself. It is the kind of thinking that defines the company’s approach: practical and poetic at once.

There is also something timelier at work. Horticultural therapy, the idea that tending living things restores something in us, feels especially resonant right now. Statuary, specimen plants, and containers that catch and reflect light invite people to pause, step outside the noise, and reconnect with what matters. A garden, The Green Spot would argue, is not an indulgence. It is an answer.

—thegreenspotnewmilford.com

The Garden Guide

Read Between the Rings

SavATree’s Arborists Decode What Litchfield Landscapes are Saying

Tell us about SavATree. How did the company get its start?

SavATree was founded in 1978 by Ralph Robbins in Bedford, New York with a clear premise: tree care should be grounded in science, not intuition. Nearly five decades later, the company remains guided by that same commitment to environmentally responsible service, rigorous expertise, and client communication that actually means something. The goal isn’t just a healthier tree. It’s a homeowner who understands why.

What should Litchfield County homeowners be paying attention to this spring? Two things, and one of them

can’t wait. After a prolonged winter with heavy snow cover, we’re expecting to see stress and damage across a lot of properties, so an early assessment is smart. But the more urgent message right now is ticks. With the recent warmup, we are already seeing tick activity on properties, and this year the concern is especially high. Tick management cannot be stressed enough.

What are the most common problems you see in this region? Hemlock woolly adelgid and spongy moth defoliation are ongoing. So are salt damage and winter injury from ice and snow. Deer pressure on ornamental plantings has been especially

pronounced this year after such a harsh winter. We address these through integrated plant health care programs that combine monitoring, targeted treatments, and long-term preventive strategies tailored to each property.

What does it mean to be an ISA Certified Arborist, and why does that matter to clients?

ISA stands for the International Society of Arboriculture. Certified arborists are trained in tree biology, diagnosis, and proper care, meeting rigorous industry standards. In Connecticut, state licensure is also required. Together, both credentials mean the recommendations clients

receive are science-based, not guesswork, and that the person making them is accountable to a professional standard.

How does SavATree approach lawn care differently from a standard lawn service?

Our lawn care programs take an integrated approach that focuses on long-term soil and turf health rather than quick cosmetic results. We carefully select premium products and treatments that are both effective and environmentally responsible. By evaluating soil conditions, nutrient needs, and pest pressures together, we create programs that strengthen lawns while minimizing unnecessary inputs.

Storm damage is a real concern in the Northeast. How does SavATree help?

We work on both ends. Before a storm, proactive measures like structural pruning and cabling can significantly reduce the risk of failure. After a storm, we respond quickly, prioritize hazards, and remove compromised trees or limbs safely. Active clients receive priority service and direct arborist support, so they’re not left waiting when it matters most.

What do you love most about working in Litchfield County?

The community has a genuine appreciation for natural beauty and historic landscapes that you don’t find everywhere. Our clients are passionate about their trees, and that makes the work feel meaningful. When we have time in the schedule, you can find us at the Smithy Café or out on the trails at White Memorial Conservation Center.

—savatree.com

FAVES

Dig In, Grow Big

White Flower Farm’s Barbara Pierson Shares Her Five Favorite Edibles

Barbara Pierson has shaped the legendary White Flower Farm nursery in Morris for 26 years, bringing deep expertise and genuine passion to one of Litchfield County’s most beloved institutions. Here, she shares her five favorite edibles from the farm’s kitchen garden. She uses the word “edibles” intentionally, since tomatoes and other food crops are technically fruits, not vegetables.

FRENCH TARRAGON

One of the best-tasting and easiest herbs to grow. It is perennial, so it returns year after year to give you fresh tarragon for your favorite recipes. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and loves to be cut.

DILL ‘BOUQUET’

Dill is easy to grow and returns via seedlings each year. Not only is it wonderful in recipes and as a garnish, it also attracts swallowtail caterpillars, a favorite sight in any garden.

Every year this tomato produces dozens of cherry tomatoes that are beautiful to look at and even better to eat. With a flavor similar to ‘Cherokee Purple,’ they are savory, sweet, and disease-resistant.

PEPPER ‘PICK AND POP YELLOW’

An incredibly productive variety that thrives in a raised bed or container. Easy to grow and can be picked at any stage for multiple uses.

A new favorite and an All-America Selections winner, this pepper really delivers here in Connecticut.

TOMATO ‘CHOCOLATE SPRINKLES’

CUCUMBER ‘PATIO SNACKER’

At CAL Design we believe the greenest pieces you can buy are those already made. Offering a considered alternative to disposable design through timeless objects with a past, curated for living well today.

Craig Anthony Longhurst

27 N Main Street Kent CT 60757

T: 917 280 8878

Grounded in Sharon, Gorgeous All the Same

Lee Link’s 26-Acre Garden Defies Swank With Pure Style

Set on its gravel terrace above the garage, the Stan Dzenutis-designed greenhouse has heat-controlled “flankers” off the main structure, designed for potting and wintering cool-loving plants. Tricia van Oers assists in the greenhouse and garden.

BY TOVAH MARTIN / PHOTOGRAPHS BY RANA FAURE

Lee Link wants her land to stay grounded.

Sense of place is everything to her. So yes, 46 years ago, Lee Link and husband Fritz bought the very modest A-frame on the strength of its breathtaking views. But Lee is always keenly aware that the house and land are located in rural Sharon. “I don’t want it to get too uptown,” is how she puts her efforts to put swank at bay.

However, the woman has infinite style. And her savvy is readily apparent wherever you turn. Plus, as an added perk, Lee continually reassesses the picture, keeping it current, making improvements, revamping if necessary. Considering that the Links have stewarded their acreage for nearly half a century, every element is relevant to the family’s living style now. It’s all carefully thought out and tweaked. Every square foot feels relaxed and right. When you visit Lee Link, you just feel at home.

Not long after the Links came to Sharon, the A-frame sprouted wings. The first addition officially celebrated the view, and the vibe. Not everyone immediately thinks of adding a summer, open-air sleeping porch to their floorplan, but an addition with a modest daybed was an early move. It’s the sort of unassuming room where you just want to take an afternoon snooze or maybe read accompanied by that incredible view. No black flies invited in. And during winter, the room is closed down. Three years later, a conservatory and indoor dining room were added to expand on the snug kitchen and living room where the family formerly entertained. “The table easily seats eight with a working fireplace at the end,” Lee

Clockwise: When a storm damaged the tops of her arborvitae, Lee Link “decided to do castle style” and trim the hedge into topiary. In front of the sleeping porch, kousa dogwoods parade in a neat frame of gravel and cobbling. Link wades in the meadow above the greenhouse.

Clockwise: Espaliered Bartlett pears accent the garage. Link admires the rarities in the greenhouse. A pergola of wisteria shades seating between the guest cottage and sleeping porch. The hot tub now hosts aquatic plants. sleeping porch, kousa dogwoods parade in a neat frame of gravel and cobbling.

describes the room’s perks. With yawning windows, thanks to Michael Trapp, the room is home to Lee’s collections of succulents and geraniums. The conservatory is where you enter after slipping through a clipped arborvitae hedge that has matured to create a magnificent castle-like courtyard. No matter what time of year you visit, your arrival is a botanical event. Ditto for the addition of an expanded screened porch with sofa and dining table added on the other side of the A-frame to balance the conservatory wing. “I’m all about symmetry,” Lee admits.

The gardens are equally creative and they kicked in almost immediately after Lee, Fritz, and their son moved in. It started with a woodland garden that owes its hosta bounty to a nursery with a surplus, nearly giving their superabundance away for only $1 apiece. Ferns were added, plus it has “a few nice woodland things,” as Lee modestly puts it. Gardens were also installed around the house, but each has transformed with the family’s evolution. “The hardest part of gardening is editing,” Lee declares, but that’s where she excels. A former perennial garden ultimately felt fussy and its maintenance was continually distracting Lee from her porch relaxation time. Instead, she removed the fussy features and moved in some multi-stemmed kousa dogwoods that formerly lined the entry drive, smartly framing the trees with cobbling. Similarly, when the vegetable and cutting garden began to feel like a burden rather than a beautiful interlude, it was

simplified. Meanwhile, a vine-wrapped pergola screens in the outdoor shower while a former hot tub, made redundant when a pool and pool house were installed, now hosts aquatic plants. It’s all very blissful. And impeccably stylish. Constant reassessment being the not-so-secret formula.

Of course, Lee is invariably modest and credits her friends as constant resources, especially Bunny Williams (“Everything stems from Bunny”) and Michael Trapp. When Lee needs something wonderful to cap off an idea or turn it up a notch, Trapp finds the goods. And evolutions are continually in the wings. For example, there’s the greenhouse. The time came when the conservatory couldn’t contain Lee’s plant collection or lust to be surrounded by nature in the winter. That’s when the greenhouse sprouted behind the garage. Designed and crafted by Stan Dzenutis, “the greenhouse is a masterpiece,” Lee describes its presence. And the jewelbox-like ecosystem isn’t lost on Lee, who spends two to three hours in it daily when weather doesn’t allow her to putter around outside. “The greenhouse is my happy place if I’m feeling a little overwhelmed,” she says. “The fragrance hits you immediately when you walk in. It’s sort of madness, but you can’t help thinking, ‘this is good.’” In summer, plants and souvenirs from travels overflow onto the surrounding terrace.

It’s all good. Despite her efforts to keep the family’s 26 acres from being uptown, it is undeniably a jewel in Sharon’s crown. n

Clockwise: Stan Dzenutis designed and constructed the pavilion above a lap pool. Michael Trapp suggested using corbels to punctuate a hedge. Tender plants spill out of the greenhouse onto the terrace in summer. A vine-shaded terrace below the conservatory allows the Links to enjoy the striking southeast view.

The Art of a Perfect Day

on saturday , June 6, join us in West Cornwall for an intimate afternoon celebrating the remarkable people and places that make this corner of Connecticut so extraordinary.

Begin with Michelle and Ron Saltz of Anderson Acres Farm, where you will craft a flower bouquet on the porch

The afternoon closes back at The Pink House, where creative director and co-owner Marina Muñoz has prepared special cocktails and bites to send you home happy. SATURDAY • JUNE 6 • 1 TO 4 PM

of The Pink House, steps from West Cornwall’s iconic covered bridge. From there, meander over to the magnificent garden of visionary designer and plantsman Michael Trapp for a personal tour of his celebrated grounds.

Settled among the garden’s splendors, Sebastian Beckwith of In Pursuit of Tea,

whose teas are served at Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, and Gramercy Tavern, will lead an intimate tasting.

Saturday, June 13th - 6PM: Join us for our 50th Birthday Party, including a toast, refreshments, lots of books, and YOU!

RSVP ONLINE. SMART CASUAL ATTIRE SUGGESTED.

Browse our full summer schedule of events, book clubs, and parties online.

St. Teresa Church, Woodbury

Trinity Episcopal Church, Newtown Residential, Woodbury

Celebrated actor, designer, and mother, Gretchen

has embodied more than 50 iconic characters across stage, screen, and television.

PURSUING The NEXT ACT

BY CHRISTOPHER STELLA / PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALY MORRISSEY

Gretchen Mol Blazes New Creative Paths in the Berkshires

Mol

“W

HEN YOU WALK OUT THE DOOR, you have to have a good feeling,” says Gretchen Mol, referring to her home in the Berkshires. “I also have brain space for creativity.” After years navigating theater, film, and television amid New York City’s relentless pace, Mol and her family traded subway stops for mountain views in 2020. The shift hasn’t slowed her prolific output. She’s been busy filming the fourth season of “Tulsa King” with Sylvester Stallone, and her upcoming feature film, Horsegirls, is slated for release in May. Rather, it has unleashed new creativity. The actor recently added “designer” to her résumé, launching clothing line Gretchen M in 2024.

The creative life always appealed to Mol, who grew up in Deep River in southern Connecticut. She recalls a childhood with space to explore her talents, initially starring in her brother’s Super 8 films, later in high school musicals. She went on to study at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and worked as an usher at New York City’s iconic Angelika Film Center while auditioning for the stage and screen. Since then, she’s been cast in more than 50 films, theatrical productions, and television series, embodying iconic characters like Bettie Page in The Notorious Bettie Page, Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago, and Gillian Darmody in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.”

“When auditioning, I’d think carefully about what to wear to portray a character,” Mol says. “Clothing is an extension of a personality.” While Gretchen M was born from decades of channeling personas through wardrobe, a vintage house dress purchased for $15 in the East Village became the catalyst for launching a design career. “I was always thinking about how to make it better, more functional,” she recalls. Gretchen M takes inspiration from women’s clothing of the 30s and ’40s, an era Mol admires for its resilience. “I love that can-do spirit,” she says. “A woman could be physically engaged, do hard things, and still own her femininity.” The collection is divided into “acts” (collections) and “scenes” (individual pieces), some of which are named for stars of the era. The pieces, manufactured in New York City, feature classic details, sharp collars and subtle shoulder puffs, balanced with practical pockets, luxurious fabrics, and playful prints Mol designed herself. These are clothes made to be worn and to last. “I want wearers to feel elevated,” Mol says.“But the clothes should be easy to wear.”

Living full-time in the Berkshires has played an important role in Mol’s ability to balance designing, acting, and raising a family. “It allows me to appreciate everything more fully, from reengaging with what NYC has to offer to a country sunrise, now with fresh eyes.” Mol somehow manages to find time to enjoy what Litchfield County has to offer, from the food at White Hart Provisions and hikes at Lion Rock in Salisbury, to acupuncture treatments at Gotham in Lakeville, retail at Dugazon and B. Johnstone in Sharon, and The Pinnacle in Washington, among others.

There’s more on the horizon for Mol. This spring, Gretchen M will revisit its line of terrycloth dresses in new colorways and collaborate with Liberty London Fabrics on a line featuring 30s-inspired floral prints. The creative pursuit remains joyful. “You get to a stage in life where you have to pursue things that are interesting, with honesty and humility,” says Mol. “I’ve always read another person’s lines or worn another person’s clothes, but Gretchen M is self-expression. People ask what my dream is for it, but by just doing it, I’m already in the dream.” —gretchenm.com

Roots & Results

Judea Garden’s 17-Year Mission Grows A New Generation

Judea Garden, a community project that supplies food banks across Litchfield County, has grown from a small plot in 2008 to a full half acre of vegetables. It began when the economy crashed and residents of Washington wanted to help their neighbors.

“They encouraged people to get the shovels out of their sheds and plant seeds,” says Denise Arturi, volunteer coordinator, garden manager, and head gardener. The project started with Ann Burton and Marlene Smith at St. John’s Episcopal Church before finding a permanent home at Steep Rock Association. “I had just finished the Master Gardeners certificate, and they reached out to me,” Arturi says. The garden officially became part of Steep Rock in 2014.

Now, after 17 seasons, Arturi is ready to hand the project to a new manager, Blair Granum. “I feel good about leaving this in Blair’s hands,” she says. “You have to have passion first, and that’s what Blair has.”

Granum, who is from Worcester, Mass., owned a gardening business for several years and was also a competitive rower. She was looking for her next chapter when she came across a quote by Pope Francis: “You pray for the hungry, then you feed them, and that’s how prayer works.” The next day, she saw the listing for Judea Garden. “It was very serendipitous,” she says.

The garden currently distributes to the Washington-Warren Food Pantry and welcomes anyone in need to come on Monday mornings. Food Rescue picks up surplus and delivers to additional food pantries, with plans to expand to senior centers for special programs and lunches.

A new initiative called Harvest to Home addresses a practical gap. “We give all this food away,” says Arturi, “but people don’t always know what to do with it.” The program now distributes recipes and prepared samples to food banks, with several area restaurants participating.

Granum hopes to install an irrigation system and establish a working compost pile. Steep Rock already has plans to build a greenhouse, which will help increase production.

The garden runs on volunteers. A core group of ten comes every week, with roughly 100 people contributing throughout the year, including school groups. Monday and Wednesday mornings are harvest days, Thursday is traditionally weed and wine day, and interns are hired each summer. Annual workdays in spring and fall draw additional help. Granum plans to keep the same schedule.

“We hope to get more volunteers, and young people who can stay for years,” Granum says.—steeprockassoc.org

Where the Meat Is

Watertown Meat Center Has Been Doing It Right for Decades

LOU AND HOLLY CAPOBIANCO opened Watertown Meat Center in 1983, and for more than 30 years it was a quiet Litchfield County secret. Then, in April 2016, Carmine and Jessica DiSapio came along.

Carmine grew up in the grocery business, working alongside his father at Pat’s IGA in Wolcott from the time he was 14. His wife Jessica was owner/ teacher of Ledgewood Private Preschool in Watertown, but the two shared a long-running joke about buying the Meat Center someday. When Carmine’s sister mentioned it offhandedly to the owner while shopping one afternoon, a phone number changed hands and the rest, as they say, is history.

“Ten years later we’re working side by side every day,” she says, “and I am still crazy about him. Most of the time.”

Now, Watertown Meat Center is expanding its reach with home delivery to Bantam Lake, Woodridge Lake, and Lake Waramaug, launching this season. Deliveries will run on Fridays, with insulated coolers left at a designated spot and swapped the following week. Orders can be placed through the store’s online portal. The service is designed with lake-house weekenders in mind, arriving with everything needed for a long weekend, no errands required. No lake house? The store in Watertown is worth the drive.

The store itself is just 4,800 square feet, but every inch is intentional. Since taking over, the couple has renovated nearly the entire space, most recently completing the back line of the store, including the deli, chicken, and fish cases. They expanded the refrigerated produce section

and reconfigured floor displays to make the most of the space. Carmine’s passion is produce. Jessica’s is people, presentation, and they both are unwilling to cut corners.

All beef is Certified Angus. Fresh ground beef is made only from premium cuts. The full-service meat case lets customers choose exactly the steak they want, cut to whatever thickness they prefer. At Christmas, the store fulfills more than 600 custom meat orders. Fresh seafood comes from Tony’s Seafood, with salmon and store-stuffed shrimp among the consistent favorites.

The prepared foods department has become a destination of its own. Chicken Roll Ups, stuffed with combinations like cordon bleu or provolone and asparagus, go straight from the case to the oven. Homemade mashed potatoes come

in traditional, garlic, and sweet potato varieties. Pot pies are made with chicken pulled from rotisserie-roasted breasts, not precooked shortcuts. Crockpot meals, heat-and-eat entrees, and a full selection of prepared vegetables round out a lineup designed for people who want a real dinner without the full effort. Seniors shop on Tuesdays for a ten percent discount, and the in-and-out ease of a smaller store makes it a natural fit.

The store supports local at every turn, carrying products from area farms, dairies, cheesemakers, honey producers, and coffee roasters. Nothing goes to waste. Surplus product near its code date goes directly to a volunteer network that feeds unhoused individuals and families transitioning off the streets. Orders and information at watertownmeatcenter.org.

Our store & display gardens in Morris are open 7 days a week. You’ll find more information, including this summer’s schedule of events, at WhiteFlowerFarm.com/visit.

The Cycle Has More to Say

What Acupuncture Gets Right About Women’s Hormonal Health

RACHEL BETH DORFMAN, licensed acupuncturist and founder of SpringRoot Acupuncture & Wellness in Woodbury, has spent more than 20 years treating women’s hormonal health and fertility care.

How has the treatment of women’s hormonal health evolved over your 20 years of practice? Years ago, I primarily treated menstrual cramps. Now I see women of all ages, menarche through menopause, for all different reasons. It’s exciting to be practicing within this cultural shift where women are talking about what’s happening at every age with our bodies. Women are more empowered now and want to know that they have

choices when it comes to their healthcare.

So many women are told painful periods are normal. What do you say to that?

They don’t have to be. There are solutions. I love acupuncture as an option because it looks at the whole picture and balances the cycle naturally without the side effects of birth control pills or symptom management, like overthe-counter medications. With frequency and consistency of treatment, women’s cycles often regulate naturally.

What is Life Fertility BioTherapy™?

I have worked with fertility patients for years, but add-

ing Life Fertility BioTherapy™ to my practice has been a game-changer. It is a renowned fertility program that has helped couples worldwide conceive and have successful pregnancies, naturally or with the help of reproductive medicine like IUI and IVF. Acupuncture has a long history of supporting reproduction, but Life Fertility BioTherapy™ is a refined approach that integrates the time-tested science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions. I have seen remarkable results since adding it to my practice.

You also treat male infertility. What do couples most misunderstand about that?

The understanding of male

factor playing a role in a couple’s ability to conceive is definitely gaining traction. Studies acknowledge that men contribute to 40 to 50 percent of infertility cases. Unlike previously thought, there is a male biological clock, and semen quality is shown to decline with age. Lifestyle, environmental pollution, and psychological and oxidative stress all affect count, motility, morphology, and the genetic integrity of sperm. Life Fertility BioTherapy™ incorporates care for both partners. Especially when combined with proactive lifestyle changes, sperm quality can improve rapidly.

Can you explain the connection between chronic stress and fertility, and how acupuncture can help?

It is my understanding that stress has not been shown in studies to be a causal factor of infertility. Despite this, a recent study showed that 69 percent of women seeking fertility care believed that stress could reduce their success with fertility treatment, 29 percent believed that stress could cause their overall infertility, and 31 percent believed that stress could cause a miscarriage. There’s no denying that we live in stressful times, or that stress has been shown to negatively impact biomarkers. Chronic stress can also contribute to lifestyle choices that hurt fertility: we tend to sleep poorly, eat too much, exercise less, and turn to substance use. One of the things I love about Life Fertility BioTherapy™ is that sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system balancing is built into the program. Over time, we nourish and support resilience at a biological level. Acupuncture does this even when not focusing on fertility.

—springrootacupuncture.com

6.25 HR | $795

Embrace the healing power of the sea with an 80minute OSEA Vagus Nerve Massage, Restorative Sea Bo y Scrub, 25-minute Serene Scalp Ritual, Organic Spa Facial, Healing Sea Manicure, an Healing Sea Pe icure.

litchfiel -spa.com | 860-567-8575 | 407A Bantam R

The Real Family Business

The Wealth Group at Union Savings Bank on Lasting Legacies

...

FOR THE WEALTH GROUP at Union Savings Bank, generational wealth is about far more than the financial assets passed from one generation to the next. The intangible resources, family values, education, and the stewardship of what’s been built, are equally important to preserving a lasting legacy. That work, however, is rarely simple. Complex family structures, competing inheritance expectations, and the challenge of dividing a family business can all create conflict. Even decisions like naming an executor or trustee can prove more difficult than families anticipate. The foundation of any successful wealth transition, the team says, is open communication, early and often.

How do you navigate sensitive conversations about inheritance and legacy?

Communication is key, with a focus on sharing family values rather than merely discussing balance sheets. A wealth advisor and estate planning attorney can help facilitate these conversa-

tions. Sharing family stories about wealth and philanthropic goals in group settings or through oneon-one conversations is a great start. One unique advantage we offer is the ability for Union Savings Bank to serve as a corporate fiduciary. Naming Union Savings Bank in this role removes the burden from family members who may not have the time or expertise, and helps preserve harmony and objectivity within the family.

How do you prepare the next generation to manage wealth responsibly?

Having a plan is essential. This includes not only education, but everyday experiences through mentorship programs or philanthropic activities. Introducing heirs to advisor relationships and providing hands-on management experience is critical to a successful transition.

How has the concept of legacy evolved among your clients?

For both family businesses and personal wealth, legacy has

shifted as social media and AI have changed the way we work. In today’s environment, blending traditional values with modern business strategies is essential to building something lasting.

What are the key components of a strong wealth transfer strategy?

Establishing clear goals is the first step. Professional guidance is crucial in creating an estate plan with all the proper documents. Naming beneficiaries on accounts such as IRAs and life insurance contracts ensures a seamless transfer, while tax planning and investment management preserve and grow wealth.

How do you tailor planning for multi-generational families?

By creating a plan that addresses individual needs while supporting the family’s legacy as a whole— protecting assets, minimizing tax exposure, planning for today’s cash needs, and building a charitable giving legacy that aligns with the family’s values.

What misconceptions exist about estate planning?

That it is only for older, wealthy individuals. Regardless of age or estate size, a comprehensive plan matters for everyone. While a will is critical, incapacity planning, healthcare directives, end-of-life wishes, and tax minimization should not be overlooked.

Beyond finances, how do you help clients define what values their wealth carries forward?

There has been a meaningful shift from strict technical planning to a more value-driven approach. By aligning financial advice with a client’s core values, we can create a more purposeful generational wealth plan; one with a clear vision, mission, and governance structure.

To receive a complimentary copy of The Wealth Group at Union Savings Bank ’s Guide to Generational Wealth, contact them directly at 860-567-6411.

For a full list of team members titles, and insights, visit unionsavings.com/wealth

Litchfield EVENTS

Celebrate, Explore, Repeat—Litchfield County’s Hottest Spring Events Revealed

Hand Me Up Fashion Show

May 2, 4 pm

Washington Environmental Council and Stella Rose present a high-end, low-impact runway celebrating secondhand chic, creative reuse, and community spirit, followed by cocktails. $75 Bryan Memorial Town Hall, Washington wec-ct.org

Sweet Pete’s Pickles Fest

May 2–3, 11 am–6 pm

Pickle-inspired food and drinks, live music, bounce houses, and baby goats at March Farm in Bethlehem. $10 parking.

160 Munger Ln, Bethlehem marchfarm.com

Litchfield Performing Arts & Milton Music Present Charlie Sigler Trio an Oscar Peterson Tribute, May 10

Presenting an afternoon of music celebrating the genius and artistry of piano legend Oscar Peterson. Charlie Sigler on guitar, Jeb Patton on piano— the Church’s 1898 Steinway—and Ahmed McLemore on bass. $29 per person.

Milton Congregational Church, 548 Milton Rd, Litchfield litchfieldjazzfest.com

New Milford Goat Days Festival

May 15–17

Hug baby goats, ride a carousel, pet a bunny, enjoy food trucks, and listen to live music in New Milford. Free admission.

1 Young’s Field Park, Bridge St, New Milford goatdays.com

Studio 31 – Warner Theatre Annual

Gala, May 16, 5 pm

An elegant evening of cocktails, entertainment, dinner, live and silent auctions, and sign-up parties benefiting the Warner Theatre. Nancy Marine Studio Theatre, 84 Main St, Torrington warnertheatre.org

Trans Am Memorial Day Classic

May 21–24

Spend Memorial Day weekend at Lime Rock Park enjoying an array of racing and a car show to kick off summer.

60 White Hollow Rd, Lakeville limerock.com

Fine Art Festival

May 23–24, 10 am–5 pm

An outdoor juried fine art show featuring top artists from New England and beyond. Free admission.

Sharon Town Green, 63 Main St, Sharon thevoiceofart.org

Trade Secrets Garden Tour, May 16–17

Tour breathtaking gardens and shop rare plants and garden antiques during this garden lover’s weekend.

Lime Rock Park, 60 White Hollow Rd, Lakeville tradesecretsct.com

ASAP! Celebrates, May 30, 5:30–8 pm

Live youth performances, original writings, a photo exhibition, and hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

De Hoek Farm, 32 Hine Rd, New Milford asapct.org

Torrington Strawberry Festival

May 30, 10 am–4 pm

Strawberry shortcake, craft vendors, live music, and family-friendly fun at Coe Memorial Park in Torrington. Free admission.

101 Litchfield St, Torrington mainsttorrington.org

Great Country Mutt Show

June 7, 11 am–2:30 pm

A Westminster-style dog show for all breeds, with playful categories including “Waggiest Tail” and “Best Kisser.” $25 per category

Lime Rock Park, 60 White Hollow Rd, Lakeville littleguild.org

Greenwoods Counseling Gala

June 7, 3–6 pm

Annual benefit reimagined as a familyfriendly summer social with activities and food at South Farms in Morris.

21 Higbie Rd, Morris greenwoodsreferrals.org

Evening in the Garden

June 12, 6–8 pm

Experience Hollister House Garden’s beauty in a new light while enjoying wine with friends and neighbors.

Hollister House Garden, $25 per person. 300 Nettleton Hollow Rd, Washington hollisterhousegarden.org

Kent Volunteer Fire Department

Firemen’s Ball, June 13, 6 pm

Support the Kent Fire Department at this beloved annual fundraiser in the heart of Kent. $65 advance, $75 at door. 28 Maple St, Kent kentfire.org

Ripley Waterfowl Annual Benefit

June 20, 6 pm

Celebrate over 40 years of conservation and honor Sy Montgomery at this beloved annual fundraiser in Litchfield. 55 Duck Pond Rd, Litchfield ripleyconservancy.org

Books & Blooms Garden Tour

June 19–20

Garden talk, cocktail reception, and tour four stunning classic and contemporary gardens. Cornwall Library, 30 Pine St, Cornwall cornwalllibrary.org

Litchfield Hills Road Race, June 14, 1 pm

Experience the culture of Litchfield while racing a scenic and challenging New England course. Pre-register online. $50 per bib, $60 day-of. The Litchfield Green, Litchfield lhrr.com

SHAG, June 26–28

Spring Hill Arts Gathering returns at Spring Hill Vineyards with music, art, community, and headlining band Ripe. 292 Bee Brook Rd, New Preston springhillartsgathering.com

The Iconic Waterfall Hikes of Kent Falls State Park

By D.H. Callahan

KENT FALLS IS BEAUTIFUL all year round. From the mammoth icicles of the winter months to the vibrant leaf-peeping destination of autumn, and the lush summer months, when the park is filled with picnickers, there’s really no bad season to pick. But the spring seems extra special, as the waterfall rages from an overflowing river, and nature reawakens with budding leaves and speckles of colorful flowers.

The park is a little less than a ten-minute drive north from the quintessential New England town of Kent, where art and food and adorable shops abound. Hikes here can be a bit of a climb, but they’re all loops under two miles, so if you can handle a little incline, you’ll be fine. For all of them, there’s a set of stairs that ascend the cliffs next to the waterfall. This is where the real magic of the park lies. Along that path, you can find little spots to pull off and enjoy the peace. It’s not exactly quiet, as the waterfall rushes dramatically this time of year, but there are moments of pure natural beauty to be found. Bring a book, or a mind ready to declutter, and let the natural sound bath of the falls soothe your whole being. Of course, this may be easier on a weekday, when the parking lot isn’t packed.—ctparks.com

Your House, Working While You’re Not

Hearthstone Turns the Second Home into a Protected Asset

THERE’S A PARTICULAR kind of paralysis that comes with owning a beautiful second home in Litchfield County. The house sits empty between your visits, sometimes for weeks, sometimes months, and somewhere in the back of your mind, you know it could be earning. But the mental image that follows tends to stop the conversation cold: strangers in your kitchen, a booking platform that treats your 1790 farmhouse like a commodity, a 2 am phone call about a broken pipe.

Martin and Emma, the founders of Hearthstone & Co., have heard every version of this hesitation. They built their company precisely around it.

“We kept seeing the same thing,” says Martin. “Stunning Litchfield County second homes sitting empty while their owners dreaded the idea of renting. We knew there was a better way,

one that was genuinely handsoff, trustworthy, and built around the character of this county.”

That better way looks, in practice, like a full-service management partnership that handles everything from the first listing photograph to post-checkout care: dynamic pricing, guest vetting, 24/7 support, vendor coordination, and what Martin calls “local concierge care.” What it doesn’t look like is a platform.

“We’re not a platform,” he says. “We’re a partner.”

The distinction matters. Shortterm rental management, done properly, is a 24/7 operation, a real business with real protocols, not a side hustle dressed up in good photography. Hearthstone operates with more than 3,000 stays of experience behind it, which means their systems aren’t theoretical. “Our protocols are built from real situations,” Martin

explains. “Every type of guest, every challenge, every curveball.”

The company is deliberately selective about which properties it takes on. Hearthstone’s portfolio is application-only: historic farmhouses, restored barns, lakeside estates, homes with what Martin describes as “the soul of Litchfield County” baked into their bones. The right property needs to be in excellent condition, and owned by someone who cares about it as much as Hearthstone does.

For owners still worried about losing access to their own property, the answer is unequivocal: you don’t. Calendars are designed around owners’ lives, with full personal use built in. “Owners keep full control of their calendar and stay informed without being burdened,” says Martin. “Their home is always protected and always earning.”

That word, protected, comes up often. Hearthstone approaches every property as an asset worth preserving, not simply monetizing, and their maintenance standards are calibrated accordingly. The typical Hearthstone guest is a discerning traveler: couples and families out of the city who want privacy, authenticity, and a real home, not a hotel experience. Guests are vetted. Homes are staged. And the standard held is consistent enough that many owners see their property’s value increase over time.

In a county that draws highend travelers precisely because it feels rare and unspoiled, that alignment of incentives is, perhaps, the point.

Hearthstone & Co. is currently accepting applications for a small number of new properties in 2026. —hearthstonestays.co

WRITTEN in the STARS

THE UNIVERSE HAS A LOT GOING ON THIS SEASON,

and Regina Olson is here to make sense of it. Owner of Tarot in Thyme in Kent, Olson offers intuitive tarot and astrology sessions virtually and in-person, with appearances at the Mayflower Inn, Winvian, and Hopkins Vineyard. Follow Tarot in Thyme on YouTube for weekly forecasts and guidance, and to set up a private tarot reading.

The month begins under a powerful full moon in Scorpio, aligning with the ancient festival of Beltane, a celebration of fertility, passion, and life-force energy. This first week carries deep emotional currents, inviting transformation and renewal.

With the sun in Taurus until May 20, we’re grounded in earthy, sensual energy. This is your reminder to slow down, savor

what you’ve built, and reconnect with beauty, love, and abundance in your everyday life.

Mid-month, the Taurus new moon on May 16 offers a chance to plant seeds, both literally and energetically. Set intentions, get clear on how you want to feel, and begin building from a place of stability.

As Gemini season begins on May 20, the energy shifts. Communication

quickens, curiosity expands, and connections flourish. From late May into June, it’s the perfect time to speak, share, and explore–although it’s worth being mindful of your words.

summer solstice–a time of home, gratitude, and reflection.

With Mercury retrograde beginning June 29, you’re invited to pause, revisit, and realign before moving forward.

A major cosmic shift arrives as Uranus enters Gemini, sparking innovation, breakthroughs, and unexpected change. This marks the start of a long cycle that will reshape how we think, communicate, and connect.

June brings softer, more emotional energy as we move into Cancer season and the

This season is about balance: grounding and growing, feeling and flowing. Slow down, reconnect, and notice what’s already blooming in your life. tarotinthyme.com

Antique Treasures

Merryall Farm • New Milford

This historic property is in the Merryall section of New Milford. 4.32 acres with a charming antique farm house, multiple barns and out buildings and beautiful pastures. Originally a working dairy farm, most recently oxen, the entire property consists of four legal building lots. This property has immense potential. 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. $650,000

Segar Farm • Kent

The Segar Farm is a unique property dating back to the late 1800’s and an important landmark of Kent history. Originally a 200 acre dairy/agricultural farm, this beautifully renovated colonial now sits on 4.5 acres on Segar Mountain, with old growth trees and a gorgeous, tumbling brook. Two large barns offer endless possibilities. 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. $915,000

Charles Choi Has Opinions About Your Serum

How One Founder Set Out to Make Beauty Worth Wanting

CHARLES CHOI is not interested in making products that merely work. For Choi, the founder of Korean skincare brand mimmua!, efficacy is the floor, not the ceiling. What he is after is something rarer: a product that feels worth wanting before you even open it.

“We think about the full arc of the customer experience,” he says, “from the moment the product arrives in the mail, to

the first time someone sees the packaging, to the moment the formula touches their skin. That is what customers are paying for.”

It’s a philosophy that sets mimmua! apart in a crowded market, and one that Choi has built into every decision the brand makes. The mission, as he describes it, is built around a single idea: kissable skin. The daily ritual mimmua! offers is designed to give people a boost

of confidence and self-love, while doing away with everything he finds clichéd about the beauty industry, the recycled formulas, the interchangeable packaging, the quiet assumption that functional is enough.

The brand’s best-selling product, the Volume UP Time Block Serum, is proof that the formula-plus-experience approach resonates. Its star ingredient is Volufiline, a patented compound developed by the French cosmetic ingredient maker Sederma. The formula combines a synthetic oil, an herbal extract called Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, and vitamin E. It’s the saponins in the herbal extract that do the heavy lifting: lab testing shows they help differentiate fat cells in the dermis, plumping skin from the inside out and softening fine lines, wrinkles, and sunken areas of the face. Testing also found that the ingredient performs best at a five percent concentration, which is precisely

what the serum and moisturizer contain. The toning essence, by design, contains one percent, making it an ideal entry point for those who want to introduce Volufiline gradually.

The serum’s second active is Beta Glucan, sourced from Schizophyllum commune, a type of split gill mushroom. Long used in oral supplements for its health benefits, Beta Glucan is prized in skincare for its moisture retention and soothing properties. Studies suggest it is 20 percent more hydrating than Hyaluronic Acid, and it has no known side effects, suiting all skin types. That last point was not incidental to Choi. “Volufiline might not work for every skin type, just like any active ingredient,” he says. “I used Beta Glucan specifically to offset any irritation it might cause.” The pairing reflects a philosophy that runs through the entire line: proven ingredients, thoughtfully balanced, chosen not for trend but for function.

Even with limited marketing after launch, the serum found its audience quickly. Within two months, mimmua! was doing $10,000 in daily sales on Amazon, most of it driven by this single product. The Volume UP line has since grown to include a moisturizer, toning essence, and a 100 percent Volufiline oil.

Choi is also forthright about what he sees as a failure of imagination in the broader Korean skincare market. Most brands, he notes, trend toward minimal packaging, colorless and clinical, often dressed up as a kind of rigor. He finds it frustrating.

“Being minimal has nothing to do with being clinical,” he says, “and too often it is simply a way to cut manufacturing costs.” His counterargument is right there in the name. Beauty should be beautiful. Not pretty (that’s

subjective, he’s quick to note) but purposeful and desirable. Customers are not only paying for the formula. They are paying for the container and the experience. It’s a distinction that keeps mimmua!’s manufacturing costs high and, by all accounts, keeps its customers coming back.

The road ahead is ambitious. Mimmua! is currently in the process of entering Ulta, with a longer-term goal of moving into all major retail. The brand is already live on Amazon Canada,

the UAE, and Australia, with Amazon Saudi Arabia launching next month and Europe to follow in June.

What is perhaps less expected is the philanthropic thread running through it all. Mimmua! currently supports single mothers in Korea through the Salvation Army, and Choi is candid about wanting to do more, particularly for children, not just in Korea but around the world. His goal is to donate a portion of profits from each

country back to people in need within that country. The brand has always been about how you feel in your skin, he says. It seems right that it should also be about how other people feel in theirs.—mimmua.shop

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 2026

Your home away from home

E ATS

RETHINK PINK!

West Cornwall’s Beloved Pink House Returns With a New Chef

BY CHARLES DUBOW

›Part of what makes The Pink House restaurant in West Cornwall so charming is its relative seclusion. It’s the kind of hidden gem that makes a trip so worthwhile, like finding that perfect beachside Caribbean café down the end of a sandy road. You walk in with modest expectations and walk away congratulating yourself on having just made a terrific discovery.

For years, tiny West Cornwall was somewhat of a food desert. To be sure, the celebrated RSVP is there but reservations are hard to come by. That’s why The Pink House, with its mellow vibe, open deck, and exciting menu (dinner and brunch), has been so welcome since it opened in 2024. When it temporarily closed in late 2025, it seemed as though yet another beloved eatery had become a victim of

harsh economic reality.

Fortunately, the story has a happy ending. “We lost our chef and had to shut down for more than two months,” says Marina Muñoz, a former stylist who is the restaurant’s co-owner, general manager, and overall guiding light. “It was hard, but the community was so supportive. Then we were able to get CJ and everything worked out. Our team has never been stronger.”

photographs by JIM HENKENS

That would be CJ Barroso, who ran the kitchen so beautifully at The Lost Fox Inn in Litchfield. Born and raised in the Philippines, Barroso’s cooking blends his taste for world flavors with the bounty from our local farms. He’s also the kind of chef who creates items on a menu that I would normally never order but which invariably turn out amazing. “I’ve always challenged myself to create vegan dishes,” he says. “For example, this spring I am doing a simple fava bean hummus served with pickled vegetables, and house-made chips seasoned with West Cornwall spice, which is my take on Old Bay seasoning.” He also makes an incredibly delicious sweet potato mash with

brown butter, Aleppo pepper, thyme, and hazelnuts. Just wow.

Other highlights from the menu are a lobster and crab croquette with ramp aioli and a simple herb salad; a garam masala roasted half-chicken with new potatoes, asparagus, and peas with spring onion salsa verde; and a Moroccan beef stew, with potato gnocchi, spring vegetables, and mustard frills, made with a warmly aromatic North African spice blend called ras el hanout that combines cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Of course, if you are in the mood for something a bit less exotic, order the smash burger with rosemary fries and garlic aioli. Seriously good.

And while I would never advise against anyone ordering one of bartender Ashley’s excellent Martinis, with many people drinking less alcohol these days, Muñoz has put more emphasis on mocktails and tea. “We offer these incredible loose-leaf blends from In Pursuit of Tea, which you can enjoy here or buy from our pantry,” she says. “See this Lapsang Souchong? It’s from the Tengmu Reserve, which is the region in China where the tea was originally grown.” A morning coffee service now runs Monday and Wednesday through Friday. Bring a laptop. Stay awhile.

The Pink House, 34 Lower River Rd., West Cornwall—thepinkhousect.com

Bantam

ARETHUSA A MANO

Baked goods, sandwiches (some made with Arethusa cheeses), espresso drinks. 833 Bantam Rd. 860-567-5722 arethusafarm.com I

ARETHUSA AL TAVOLO

Exquisite cuisine and superior service. 828 Bantam Rd. 860-567-0043 arethusaaltavolo.com E

JACKIE’S

Casual Bantam staple serving breakfast and lunch. 920 Bantam Rd. 860-567-0770 I

LA CATRINA OF BANTAM

Traditional Mexican recipes, modern cooking techniques. 810 Bantam Rd. 860-361-6401 lacatrinabantam.com M

ZINI’S

Presenting a modern twist on traditional favorites. 938 Bantam Rd. 860-567-1613 zinisrestaurant.com M

Bethlehem

OLIVA ON MAIN

Serving delicious Mediterranean specialties and wine. 15 Main St. S / 203-266-5558 olivacafe.com M-E Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER BISTRO

Seasonal local, sustainable, food in a charming space. 27 Main St. S / 860-354-2863 bridgewatervillagestoreandbistro.com M

North

Canaan

BLACKBERRY RIVER BISTRO

Serving delicious made-fromscratch food.

99 Main St. 860-453-4067 blackberryriver.com M

INDUSTRY KITCHEN & BAR

Tacos, wings, steaks, and more. Happy hour from 3-5 pm Wednesday to Friday.

14 Railroad St. / 860-453-4317 Industrykitchenbar.com I

PICANTE’S CANAAN

Mexican food prepared fresh every day. Outdoor dining.

499 Ashley Falls Rd. 860-453-4271 picantescanaan.com I

TRACKSIDE TACOS

Mexican favorites served in a historical railroad car.

37 Main St. 959-227-9024 @tracksidetacos on FB I

West Cornwall

THE PINK HOUSE

Upscale cuisine in a lovely setting near the Covered Bridge.

34 Lower River Rd. 860-248-3207 thepinkhousect.com M

Falls Village

THE FALLS VILLAGE INN

Comfort fare served in a historical landmark.

33 Railroad St. 860-824-0033 thefallsvillageinn.com M

MOUNTAINSIDE CAFE

Farm-to-table versions of classic American fare, served at breakfast and lunch.

251 Rte. 7 S 860-824-7876 mountainside.com/cafe I

OFF THE TRAIL CAFE

A popular stop for hikers, cyclists, and locals for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. 107 Main St. 860-206-7098 offthetrailcafe.com I

Kent

45 ON MAIN

Espresso drinks, candy galore, and more. Sweet tooth mecca.

45 N. Main St. 860-592-0171 45onmain.square.site I

109 CHEESE AND WINE KENT

Gorgeous sandwiches on baguette, made with artisan cheeses and charcuterie. 6 Kent Green Blvd. 860-592-0366 109cheeseandwine.com M

COZZY’S ON MAIN

Serving up a fast-casual dining experience. Pizza and salads. 24 N Main St. 860-927-1551 cozzysonmain.com I

FIFE ’N DRUM

Enjoy live music and great food at this Kent staple. 53 Main St. 860-927-3509 fifendrum.com M-E

THE KENT KITCHEN

Fresh sushi, burgers, sandwiches, ramen, and more. 12 N Main St. 860-592-0015 @thekentkitch26 M

KENT PIZZA GARDEN

Delicious pizza plus full menu, fun atmosphere, full bar. 17 Railroad St. 860-927-3733 kentpizzagarden.com M

KINGSLEY TAVERN

Wide variety of fresh and local food in a friendly, casual setting. 14 N Main St. / 860-592-0261 kingsleytavern.com M

ORE HILL

Fine dining. Intimate farmfocused tasting menu. 3 Maple St. 860-592-0404 orehillandswyft.com E

SWYFT

Small plates, wood-fired pizzas in a Scandinavian setting. 3 Maple St. 860-592-0404 orehillandswyft.com M

THE VILLAGER RESTAURANT

Breakfast and lunch at this popular spot. Outdoor patio. 28 N Main St. 860-927-1555 villagerkent.com I

WILSON’S BY HIGH WATCH

Popular breakfast and lunch spot, espresso drinks. 8 N Main St. / 959-300-0080 wilsonsbyhighwatch.com I

Lakeville

BLACK RABBIT

Gastropub cuisine, lobster rolls, Sunday brunch. Popular bar with sports on TV. 2 Ethan Allen St. 860-596-4227 blackrabbitbarandgrille.com M

FERN

Chic spot with artisanal woodfired pizzas, salads, pasta. 9 Sharon Rd. 860-596-1930 fernlakeville.com M

ON THE RUN

Popular coffee spot serving breakfast and lunch. 4 Ethan Allen St. 860-435-2007 ontheruncoffeeshop.com I

THE BOATHOUSE AT LAKEVILLE

Known for burgers, sushi, friendly service. Popular spot for dining at the bar. 349 Main St. 860-435-2111 theboathouseatlakeville.com M

THE WOODLAND

Large selection of favorites and specials at iconic local eatery. Famous for fresh sushi. 192 Sharon Rd. 860-435-0578 thewoodlandrestaurant.com M

Litchfield

@ THE CORNER

Comfort food and fine dining. 3 West St. / 860-567-8882 athecorner.com M

BELDEN HOUSE

Seasonal products, often starring seafood. Beautiful space. 31 North St. / 860-337-2099 beldenhouse.com E

BOHEMIAN PIZZA & TACOS

Pizza, tacos, and drinks. 342 Bantam Rd. 860-567-3980 bohemianpizzaandtacos.com M

THE COURTROOM AT THE ABNER

Elegant ambience with a diverse menu, great service. 15 West St. / 860-898-8000 theabnerhotel.com M

DACAPO

Italian food, casual atmosphere. 625 Torrington Rd. 860-482-6246 dacapolitchfield.com M

LOST FOX TAVERN & RESTAURANT

1740s tavern transformed into a chic space. Seasonal menus with updated classics. 571 Torrington Rd. 860-222-0855 lostfoxinn.com M

MARKET PLACE TAVERN

Burgers, pasta, seafood. 7 North St. / 860-361-9930 mptavern.com M

MATERIA RISTORANTE

Fine Italian dining; excellent food, cocktails, and service.

637 Bantam Rd. 860-567-3326 materiaristo.com M

MERAKI

Delicious take-out; high-quality sandwiches and salads. Catering. 239 West St. 860-361-9777 merakifood.com M

PATTY’S RESTAURANT

Casual eatery whipping up classic diner specialties. 499 Bantam Rd. 860-567-3335 pattyslitchfield.com I

PETRAROIA DELI

Sandwiches, salads, prepared foods in this beautiful deli. 33 West St. 860-361-6006 petraroiadeli.com I

SAGE AND SALT

New all-American menu at the former Saltwater Grille. 26 Commons Dr.

860-567-4900 sageandsaltct.com M

TOAST & CO.

Avocado toast, sandwiches, egg dishes, specialty drinks. 18 Commons Dr. 860-567-0301 toastandco.com I

VERDICT ROOFTOP BAR

Local beers, cocktails, and a friendly rooftop setting. 15 West St. 860-567-4137 theabnerhotel.com M

THE VILLAGE RESTAURANT

Neighborhood haunt serving large portions of bar food. 25 West St. 860-567-8307 villagelitchfield.com M

WEST STREET GRILL

This cozy, often star-studded mecca is home to great dining. 43 West St. 860-567-3885 weststreetgrill.com E

Morris

LA GÜERA CANTINA

Traditional Mexican favorites, open for lunch and dinner. 5 Watertown Rd. 860-361-6438 lagueracantina.com I

MAGGIE’S TAVERN

Casual farm-to-table dining at the bar in this Relais & Chateaux inn. 155 Alain White Rd. 860-393-3004

winvian.com M

PENNY FARTHING TEA ROOM

British-inspired meals, delicious teas. 11 Watertown Rd. 860-361-6109 britsbrand.com I

WINVIAN

Fine dining, with fresh and seasonal foods. 155 Alain White Rd. 860-567-9600 winvian.com E

New Milford

COLOSSEO

Sharing the family’s Italian heritage, serving traditional dishes. Brick oven pizza. 38 Park Lane Rd. 860-350-9596 colosseoristorante.com M

COWBOY BUTTER

Live fire cookery and “boujee barbecue” bistro. 59 Bank St. 860-717-4416 cowboybutterbbq.com M

GRASSROOTS ICE CREAM

Classics, plus flavors like blood orange chocolate chip, goat cheese blackberry, dark coffee. 12 Bank St. 860-799-0057 grassrootsicecream.com I

GRECA MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN + BAR

Fresh grilled fish, grilled meats, and small plates in a

Mediterranean style. 1 Kent Rd. 860-799-6586 grecamed.com M

THE IRON RAIL

Casual and modern steakhouse with classic menu. 10 Railroad St. 860-799-5606 theironrailct.com M

LA PICCOLINA

Northern Italian cuisine on the town Green. Locally grown ingredients prepared in modern combinations. 27 Main St. / 860-210-9669 lapiccolinact.com M

LUCIA RISTORANTE

This charming spot offers Northern Italian fare. Prosciutto di Parma rollatini, bucatini carbonara, and quattro stagioni pizza. 51 Bank St. 860-355-5100 luciaofnewmilford.com M

RIVER & RAIL CAFE

Café menu served in a modern, pretty space. 21 Bank St. 860-799-7272 riverandrailcafe.com I

SPARROW BAR + RESTAURANT

Tacos, duck fried rice, grilled pork loin banh mi. 31 Bank St. / 860-799-7111 sparrowbyjb.com M

THAI CHARM RESTAURANT

Take-out only Thai food including chicken satay and pad thai.

218 Kent Rd. 860-799-5271 thaicharmct.com I-M

VEGA’S MEXICAN KITCHEN & BAR

Street tacos and classic Mexican fare. Full bar. 24 Railroad St. 860-799-0873 vegasmexican.com I

YOKOHAMA

Classic and modern sushi, plus other Japanese cuisine. 131 Danbury Rd. 860-355-0556 yokohamasushict.com M

ZAZA’S ON MAIN

NEW! Enjoy shareable appetizers, seasonal entrées, handcrafted cocktails, and brunch favorites that redefine comfort food with a modern twist. 7 Main St. 860-717-4122 zazasonmain.com M

New Preston

THE OWL WINE & FOOD BAR

Kale salads, brick oven pizzas, amazing short rib sliders, bar in relaxed setting. 18 E Shore Rd. 860-619-0585 owlnewpreston.com M

THE SMITHY CAFE @ 9 MAIN A neighborhood hot spot

serving breakfast and lunch. 9 Main St. / 860-619-0699

cafeat9main.com I-M

THE SMITHY MARKET

Specialty groceries from local farms and vendors.

10 Main St. 860-868-9003 thesmithymarket.com M

WHITE HORSE COUNTRY PUB

English pub food in authentic pub atmosphere with large bar and patio. 258 New Milford Tpke. 860-868-1496 whitehorsecountrypub.com M

Salisbury

NEO RESTAURANT & BAR

Woodfired pizza spot offering paninis, burgers, pasta, and more.

19 Main St. 860-596-4158 neorestarantbar.com M

SWEET WILLIAM’S COFFEE SHOP & BAKERY

Featuring delicoius scones, croissants, layer cakes, and coffee drinks.

17 Main St. 860-435-3005

sweet-williams.com I

WHITE HART INN

English-influenced menu and beautiful decor. Lunch and breakfast at Provisions, dinner on weekends. 15 Under Mountain Rd. 860-435-0030 whitehartinn.com I-M

Sharon

LE GAMIN

Delicious French cuisine from restaurateur Robert Arbor. 10 Gay St. 860-397-5382 legamin.com/sharonmenu M

Torrington

BRINX CAFÉ & WINE BAR

A tapas menu featuring fresh cuisine in a stylish interior. 53 Main St. / 860-201-4179 brinxct.com M

CASA VALIJO

Sophisticated Mexican menu, rooftop seating, brunch. 131 Water St. 860-618-2706 casavalijo.com M

GEPPETTO OSTERIA E BISTECCHERIA

Quaglia ripiena, tagliatelle al ragú di vitello, pine nut-crusted rack of lamb.

24 E. Main St. / 860-618-0721 geppettoct.com M

PIZZERIA MARZANO

Delicious brick oven pizzas in welcoming atmosphere. 1315 E Main St. 860-618-0875 pizzeriamarzano.com M

SASSO’S COAL FIRED PIZZA

Pizza, seafood, beer, and wine served in a modern cafe. 52 Main St. 860-618-7162 sassoscoalfired.com M

TASTE OF THAILAND

Stir fry, curry, noodles, fried rice, and seafood 19 McDermott Ave. 860-201-4684 tasteofthailandct.com M

THE VENETIAN

In business for more than 100 years, classic Italian fare in an elegant setting.

52 Main St. 860-489-8592 venetianrestaurantct.com M

VIENTIANE THAI CUISINE

Excellent traditional Thai food. Friendly service. 231 High St. 860-489-0758 torringtonthaicuisine.com M

YIAYIA’S GREEK KITCHEN

Greek favorites served by a husband-and-wife team. 1057 E Main St. 860-618-3076 yiayias.net M

ZACH & LOU’S

Pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, brisket, and pork belly. . 2936 Winsted Rd. 860-482-6573 zachandlous.com M

Warren

THE HAYLOFT WINE BAR

Gourmet morsels and local wine served in a space overlooking Lake Waramaug. 25 Hopkins Rd. 860-868-7954 hopkinsvineyard.com M

HOPKINS INN

Enjoy views of Lake Waramaug while dining on Austrian cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner. 22 Hopkins Rd. 860-868-7295 thehopkinsinn.com E

WARREN GENERAL STORE

Sandwiches, coffee, breakfast foods, sandwiches. 10 Cornwall Rd. 860-868-3354 warrengeneral.com I

Washington

COMMUNITY TABLE

Elevated farm-to-table cuisine in an elegant setting. 223 Rte. 202 860-868-9354 communitytablect.com E

G.W. TAVERN

Serving traditional and contemporary cuisine. 20 Bee Brook Rd. 860-868-6633 gwtavern.com M

HIDDEN VALLEY MARKET

New. Sister of the Cornwall Market. Breakfasts and prepared foods. 88 Bee Brook Rd. hiddenvmkt.com I

MARTY’S

Neighborhood favorite. Breakfast and lunch treats. 4 Green Hill Rd. 860-868-1700

seeyouatmartys.com I-M

MAYFLOWER INN & SPA

Elegant setting in the main dining room, or more casual seating in the tap room. 118 Woodbury Rd. 860-868-9466

aubergeresorts.com E

THE PANTRY

Popular breakfast and lunch spot. Outdoor seating. 5 Titus Rd. 860-868-0258 thepantryct.com M

THE PO CAFE

Homemade sandwiches and salads, baked goods. Award winning. 5 Kirby Rd. 860-868-1879

meetyouatthepo.com I

Watertown

ECHO CRAFT KITCHEN

Fresh, high-quality dishes with excellent cocktails. 150 Echo Lake Rd. 860-274-8829 echocraftkitchen.com M

ROMA RISTORANTE

Authentic Italian dishes with generous portions. 179 Davis St. 860-274-2558 romaristorantect.com M

UNCOMMON GRILL

Serving comfort food with a twists. 777 Echo Lake Rd. 860-417-3104

uncommongrillct.com M

Woodbury

1754 HOUSE

Small plates and traditional fare in a historical space. 506 Main St. S 203-405-3735 1754house.com M

EL CAMION

Award-winning tacos and Mexican food—originally served in a truck, as the name implies. Taco truck parties are still available.

308 Sherman Hill Rd. 203-405-3008 el-camion.com I

GOOD NEWS

Farm-fresh ingredients. New owners, renovated interior. 694 Main St. S 203-266-4663 goodnewswoodbury.com M

JOHN’S CAFE

Pork Milanese, crispy rice arancini, steak and fries served in this cozy popular restaurant.

693 Main St. S 203-263-0188 johnscafe.com M-E

MARKET PLACE

KITCHEN & BAR

Large, bustling, rusticmodern restaurant with a wide range of menu items. 641 Main St. S 203-586-1215 marketplacekitchenbar.com M

MIX PRIME

Steakhouse also serving sushi and fresh fish.

757 Main St. S 203-586-1788 mixprimesteakhouse.com M

NEW MORNING MARKET

Organic produce with catering and juice bar.

129 Main St. N 203-263-4868 newmorningmarket.com M

RACHEL’S KITCHEN

Beloved for breakfast, lunch, and brunch favorites like challah French toast, lobster Benedict, and more.

230 Main St. S 203-263-2235 M

WEST EGG CAFE

Cute spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with its own bakery. 20 Sherman Hill Rd. 203-586-1456 westeggcafect.com I

WOODBURY BREWING

Casual dining at the Woodbury Brewing Company, featuring tacos, fried specialties, sandwiches. Live music.

738 Main St. S 203-405-3811 woodburybrewing.com M

West Hartford

ARTISAN WEST HARTFORD

Cozy countryside tavern serving American cuisine. 1 Memorial Rd. 860-937-2525 artisanwesthartford.com M

BARCELONA WINE BAR

Ever-changing fresh Mediterranean and Spanish specials. 971 Farmington Ave. 860-218-2100 barcelonawinebar.com E

BARTACO

Casual dining with a beach-y vibe. 971 Farmington Ave. 860-586-8226 bartaco.com I

BLUE ELEPHANT TRAIL

Blue Elephant offers delicious Thai cuisine with gluten-free versions. 7 S Main St. 860-233-4405 blueelephanttrail.com I

THE HUNGRY CRAB

Cajun seafood with a variety of seafood boils, fried baskets, po’ boys, and sliders.

1144 New Britain Ave. 860-937-5738 thehungrycrab.com M

RESTAURANT BRICCO

Italian-American classics like handmade pasta, woodfired pizzas, fresh seafood, seasonal risottos, served in a rustic, lively setting.

78 LaSalle Rd. 860-233-0220 billygrant.com M n

LITCHFIELD ALFRESCO

Perfect Spots to Eat Outside This Season

▲ THE VERDICT

Panoramic views of Litchfield’s countryside from the rooftop bar at The Abner Hotel.

15 West St., Litchfield

COMMUNITY TABLE

One of Litchfield County’s finest farmto-table restaurants, with drinks on the porch all season long.

223 Litchfield Tpke., New Preston

▼

SWYFT

A shady, landscaped, street-facing patio makes this farm-driven Kent restaurant even harder to resist.

3 Maple St., Kent

THE MAYFLOWER

Dine on the seasonal outdoor patio at the Garden Room, set amid 58 lush acres.

118 Woodbury Rd., Washington

▼ WHITE HORSE

Connecticut’s most awarded outdoor dining, two patios including one along a babbling brook. 258 New Milford Tpke, Marbledale

SOUTH FARMS

A new garden seating area by the White Barn makes this Morris farm even more inviting.

21 Higbie Rd., Morris

▼ WHITE HART

Grab a bite on the lawn or settle in on the front porch for dinner at White Hart Inn in Salisbury. 15 Under Mountain Rd., Salisbury

TOOLS, MEMORY, BEAUTY, ART

›ON VIEW FROM MAY 23 – JULY 5, a new exhibition at Geary Contemporary in Salisbury, A Line, A Shape, A Tool, explores the possibilities of contemporary sculpture, from the conceptual and diagrammatic to the almost-figurative. Geary Contemporary will present the work of Sun You, Pooneh Maghazehe, Russell Maltz, and William Corwin in their newly expanded gallery spaces in Salisbury.

The exhibition’s title is drawn from the short story by Will Heinrich, who has envisioned a series of stories inspired by the artists’ works. In this story, he recreates an evolutionary process (think the first sequence in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey) in which a humanoid creature comprehends tools, memory, beauty, and utility, and begins to produce art. Conceptual sculpture is never without its visual and aesthetic aspect, and abstract and figurative sculpture will always have one foot in conceptual considerations; you can never exclude any of these ideas no matter how hard you try.

Geary will exhibit the works in dialogue with each other, allowing the viewer to juxtapose the simple inevitability of the geometries of Russell Maltz’s wall and floor-based installations with the writhing viscerality of Pooneh Maghazehe’s composite objects, and the light and colorful yet subtly dangerous assemblages of Sun You with the heavy, brooding cast-iron Art-Brut symbolic objects of William Corwin. Heinrich’s story will act as a primer for the show, attempting to follow (in a fictionalized interpretation) the line of reasoning that evolves into each sculptural subgenre. Opening reception May 23, 4–6 pm. Geary, 14 Main St, Salisbury—geary.nyc

IMAGE COURTESY OF ARTIST POONEH MAGHAZEHE