Issuu

Liz Joy’s Great Escape TR AV E L

TAKE A PEEK I NTO LIZ J OY ' S FAM ILY ADV ENTU RE! A P R I L 2 02 3

Magnificent Greenfield Hill Estate

This magnificent custom Colonial is in the heart of the estate area in historic Greenfield Hill. Professionally landscaped 3 private acres, a resort-like backyard featuring a large heated inground pool, spa, and pool house and adjacent to a hard surface tennis court. The elegant center hall colonial boasts 7,952 sq. ft, 4 levels of living space with 6 bedrooms, 8 full and 2 half baths and so much more. There is garage space for 12 cars on the property. This spectacular estate is warm and inviting with so much to offer-just not to be missed! Offered at $3,799,000

Karl Babikian William Bodine Tim Dailey Victoria Fingelly Catherine Fingelly Granneberg Nicholas Granneberg 203.581.0602 203.610.0648 203.233.6112 203.610.7229 203.209.1205 203.610.0647 Sharon Henry Harder Rick Higgins 203.209.1036 203.520.6778

Annie Klyver Matt Lahey Philip Morris 203.520.9913 203.767.4190 203.895.2272

Timothy Smith Eric Sundman 203.258.5944 203.255.0101

656 Harbor Road, Southport CT 06890 Licensed in CT & NY Higgins Group Private Brokerage is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Forbes® is a registered trademark used under license.

Victoria Fingelly presents . . . victoriafingelly@gmail.com | 203.610.0647

Elegant Southport Village Pied A Terre

Nestled into the heart of Southport Village, this elegant, sun-dappled 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Pied a Terre has been architecturally transformed to include a broad Front Porch, spacious Living Room with gas log Fireplace and Dining Area, Powder Room, well-appointed Chef’s Kitchen with Banquette, a very charming walk-out lower level with Home Office/Family Room with decorative Fireplace, a completely private and enchanting stone Terrace, and the compact, free-standing one bay Garage. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very special gem in an idyllic location. Offered at $1,395,000

April 2023 PUBLISHER S

LIFESTYLE LETTER

April 2023 Publisher’s Letter We love April as April represents the turning point in the seasons. We are so excited about spring when the sun shines longer, the temperature rises and we can spend more time outdoors. We can hike with our dogs, eat outside again and take day trips. Spring rejuvenates us and we can again explore. April is the Fairfield Lifestyle issue that is focused on exploration. Exploration means something different to each person. For some, it may mean trying a new cuisine, for others traveling to a new destination. It could mean trying a new hobby, learning a new sport or reading a new book genre. In our April issue, you can read about a family who leaves the United States to spend time exploring Costa Rica. We also learn about a young female trailblazer who wanted to explore playing little league in the 1970s and had to sue the National Little League for the right to do so. We hope both of these articles will inspire you to find your own adventure. We hope you enjoy this spring in Fairfield. Whatever your adventure, we wish you happy explorations!

Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com Mindy Katz | Mindy.Katz@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Fairfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fairfield area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fairfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 The Needle Family Lawyers

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Must See FI NA NC E + LEGA L S ERV IC E S

Inspired By PR O FES S I O NA L S E RV IC E S

Travel Journal T R AV EL

Outdoor Adventure T R AV EL

Events

Four Generations and still going!

22 Professional Profile Strategic Group Benefits

30 Diary of A Family Adventure Liz Joy’s great escape

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Provided by Liz Joy The Joy Family

In Fairfield County

Inventory of homes for sale is low. Buyer Interest is HIGH! With limited supply and strong demand, now is the ideal time to consider listing your property. Choose a real estate partner with confidence and see why we continually rank higher than the top 1% in Fairfield and State year after year. Let’s connect: (203) 258-9912 | jackiedavisteam.com

APRIL 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 2

1-7: BE Chocolat’s Anniversary Celebration 1: Christian and Elizabeth Arkay-Leliever 2: Benoit Racquet of BE Chocolat 3: Vita Cacciari of Vita Pasta Lab, Laura Incerto, Lauren Lewis and Alex Dacey 4: Benoit Racquet Bill and Amy O’Shea of JB Percival 5: Monique Girard, Sylvie Fortin of BE Chocolat and Franck Girard 6: Neviana Zhgaba of Aquila’s Nest Vineyard and Sylvie Fortin 7: Sylvie Fortin and Deb Lomma Photography by Joanmarie Zoeller Photography

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8-14: ConnectFairfield Dueling Piano Fundraiser to support Operation Hope 8: Jackie Davis, Katie O’Grady and Danielle Bartlett 9: Carol Carbin and Larry Zankel 10: Rich Smalley, Tom O’Neill, Kevin O’Connell and Jim Accomando 11: Meg Murray, Pam Iacono, Michelle Meehan and Kate Oengue 12: James and Samantha of Flying Ivories 13: Mark Paolini and Jill Bebey 14: Candy Gutierrez and Kim Markham Photography by Ben Gabbe

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APRIL 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

The Learning Experience The Learning Experience in Fairfield has been positively impacting the lives of children ages six weeks to six years by developing and implementing ground-breaking childcare and early education programs. Their mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of their children, their families, and the communities they serve. Their curriculum encourages children to learn in their favorite way: by exploring and doing. For more information call 203-331-8566 or email at fairfiled@tlechildcare. com /thelearningexperience.com/ center/fairfield/. Photography: provided by The Learning Experience

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Outdoor Design & Living Founded by local resident Chris Palmer over 25 years ago, Outdoor Design & Living’s goal is to have more fun in your yard! ODL proudly covers every aspect of outdoor living and specializes in bringing the indoors outdoors. Visit the nursery & barn, located at 1301 Bronson Road in Fairfield and get inspired! www.outdoordesign.com Photography: David Gunn Photography

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Floraco Floraco stems from a shared passion of a clean lifestyle and using scent to enhance mood and spirit, to create something truly special for the home. Our promise to you is that through our hand-crafted products, we will deliver beautiful and uplifting moments throughout your day. Our products are always: Vegan, Cruelty Free, Carcinogen Free, Toxin Free, Phthalate Free and Mutagen Free. www.hellofloraco.com Photography: Erinne Finlayson

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

The Needle Family Lawyers Four Generations and still going!

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB HANDELMAN IMAGES

In a few short weeks, Major League Baseball spring training starts and Little League try-outs in Fairfield will be the talk of the town. These days we take for granted that girls have the right to play, but that was not always the case. In 1974, a young Fairfield native, Melissa Needle, was forced to sue the National Little League for the right to play on the town’s Little League team. Melissa was a 3rd grader at Stratfield Elementary School when she fought in Federal Court and ultimately won the ability to “play ball.” Her lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in New Haven with the help of her mother, Nancy Needle, a Fairfield school teacher and Attorney Charles Needle, her father and dedicated coach. Their lawsuit charged that Little

M UST SE E | FINAN CE + L E GAL S E RVI CE S

League officials were discriminating against Melissa, by permitting only boys to play little league. The claim was ultimately rolled into a national class action lawsuit with eight other plaintiffs from different states and the National Little League Association was forced to change their rules. And, Melissa was finally able to step up to the plate! Melissa’s tenacity and boldness were not a random act of nature, as she is a third-generation lawyer--the product of two generations of amazing lawyers, who gently guided her in her legal career. Attorney Michael Needle, Melissa’s Grandfather, who practiced in Boston for 61 years and her father, Charles, who still continues practicing after 59 years.

Michael Needle grew up in Dorchester, MA in a humble household. Michael Needle’s father, Melissa’s great-grandfather, was a tailor who immigrated from Belarus in 1905 via Ellis Island and struggled to make a living after settling in Massachusetts. Michael worked from a very young age selling newspapers to help contribute to his family household. His hard work ethic defined him throughout his professional life. Michael Needle worked his way through college and ultimately graduated from Suffolk Law School in 1927 and immediately started practicing law. He was also a CPA. Timing was never good for Michael Needle as he had to work harder than ever through the great stock market crash in 1929, the depression, and World War II. And through all the difficult years, his priority was family, especially his son Charles. Despite the tuition hardship, he worked to send his son to the Boston Latin School. As it turned out, this was a very wise move as Charles thrived at school and was accepted to Harvard University. Young Charles graduated in the Class of 1959. He went on to Wesleyan University for a Master’s Degree in Teaching, followed by Yale Law School, graduating in 1963. Attorney Charles Needle started practicing law at Goldstein & Peck in 1963, a prominent Connecticut law firm. But the real story began in 1971 when six Yale Law School classmates and one Harvard Law School contemporary left Goldstein & Peck to form Zeldes, Needle & Cooper, a very bold and controversial move at the time. Zeldes Needle & Cooper emerged in the 1970s as one of Connecticut’s top litigation, commercial and criminal law firms and grew to over 30 lawyers in the 1980s and 1990s. Charlie and his wife Nancy were residents of Fairfield for over 40 years, where they raised their three kids, Howard, Melissa and Alison. Melissa Needle graduated Whittier Law School and started practicing law in 1990. Although she spent two years as Corporate Counsel in NYC, she wanted to work more closely with clients and shifted her practice areas to Divorce and Family Law. This meant a move home, back to Connecticut, where she cut her teeth, working for eighteen years at several of the top boutique family firms in lower Fairfield County. CONTINUED >

The 1974 case was featured in the local newspaper: Melissa Needle wonders if she’ll be playing when the Fairfield Little League begins its 25th year next Sunday. Her brother Howard (background) will be slugging, but Melissa is still waiting for a judge to decide if she can break the sex barrier and play with the boys. (Photo by Howard Reed) AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

Melissa Needles

Melissa and her dad, Attorney Charles Needles

M UST SE E | FINAN CE + L E GAL S E RVI CE S

“Needle | Cuda: Divorce and Family Law has grown into one of the premier divorce and family law firms in lower Fairfield County.”

In 2010, Attorney Melissa Needle was inspired to form her own firm with longtime paralegal, Jessica Calise, which eventually evolved into Needle | Cuda: Divorce and Family Law. Needle | Cuda now has five lawyers, three paralegals, and administrators. Melissa saw an opportunity to take a balanced and holistic approach to divorce and family law. Her observation was that most firms were either super aggressive or too “touchy-feely”. Melissa is known in the legal community as a fierce and forceful litigator, yet, she has a reputation for being a compassionate human being with extraordinary integrity. Melissa is not only as a commanding lawyer but also as caring mother, wife, daughter, sibling, and friend. Her eye is always on the big picture and looks to protect the long-term interests of her client’s family unit. Melissa and her Partner, Attorney Alexander Cuda, along with the rest of their team, think of their practice as being in the business of helping people move their lives forward. Completing the process by successfully negotiating a separation agreement and obtaining a dissolution of marriage in family court is part of the equation – but one can fall short if each spouse does not have a sustainable, enforceable, long-term path

forward for themselves and for the needs of their children. Needle | Cuda: Divorce and Family Law has grown into one of the premier divorce and family law firms in lower Fairfield County. Attorney Charles Needle joined the firm two years ago and serves “Of Counsel.” His extraordinary commercial and litigation background and 59 years of experience and wisdom is a tremendous resource to the firm. Plus, Charles and Melissa get to share their love of the law every day. The Needle Family Law legacy has continued on to a fourth generation. Melissa’s daughter graduates Brooklyn Law School in May and will begin work in New York at a prominent global law firm. Melissa’s nephew and Charlie’s Grandson is a magna cum laude graduate of Fordham Law School and is a third year associate at another prominent international firm. Additionally, one of Charles’ nephews is a cum laude graduate of Villanova Law School and is currently an Associate In Philadelphia. Born from a core value of fairness and equity instilled from an early age, coupled with a young athlete’s desire to just play ball, Melissa’s journey to becoming a notable attorney was as good as a home run. Hard work, compassion, and determination not only describe Attorney Melissa Needles but defines the entire Needle clan.

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

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ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA SCHOENGOLD BERANBOM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY COLE PHOTOGRAPHY Jeff Alper

I NSP IR E D BY | PR OFESSI ONAL S E RVI CE S

Professional Profile S T R AT E G I C G R O U P B E N E F I T S

In a town with a robust business district and booming downtown scene, it’s a unique opportunity to learn a little about the enterprises that add so much to our community. One such business is Strategic Group Benefits. Since joining the family business in June 2002, longtime Fairfield resident, Jeff Alper has led the growth of his employee benefits agency while always maintaining a close tie to the town he calls home. Jeff’s focus on connection has rippled into the relationships he’s created between his team, whom he credits as the backbone of his business — and the personal attention he’s known for among his clients.

Q: CAN YOU GIVE US A LITTLE OVERVIEW OF YOUR COMPANY. Strategic Group Benefits was established in November 2000 in Fairfield, CT by my parents Allan and Helaine Alper. What began as a family business, providing employee benefits to a few dozen clients has now flourished into a thriving employee benefits agency representing over 200 clients nationally with their employee benefits offering.

Q: WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT AND WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS’S SPECIALTY? Our focus is working with small to mid-size companies nationally, canvassing all industries, with 5 to 300 full-time employees. We represent all regional and national insurance carriers offering group employee benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life and disability.

Q: WHAT MAKES YOUR APPROACH STAND OUT FROM OTHER COMPETITORS? Our daily mission is to service our clients with a “white glove, boutique” approach. We are dedicated to assisting our clients with all of their dayto-day employee benefit needs. We encourage clients to utilize their dedicated Senior Account Manager to assist with inquires such as enrollments, terminations, billing, ID cards, Cobra and so much more. Providing our clients, employees and dependents with high-level support has been the foundation since our inception. In addition to our dedicated team, the value-added services we implement to help our clients with HR, benefit compliance and administration sets us apart from the competition. CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

Chris Kenefick, Laura Sweeney, Mille Gordon, Jeff Alper, Ashley Vaz and Jaimy Fellin

Q: WHAT IS YOUR CONNECTION TO FAIRFIELD AND THE COMMUNITY? My business and residence are both located in Fairfield. My wife and I have lived in Fairfield since 2013. Our daughters attend school and participate in some of the many activities Fairfield has to offer. We love eating downtown, in Black Rock and Greenfield Center restaurants. As a Fairfield business owner, it’s important to me to promote and support other businesses in town. I love to run throughout Fairfield’s different neighborhoods. There is nothing better than running by the beach area on a quiet morning, as the sun is rising. My agency and team supports local events and organizations such as the Fairfield Police 5K Sunset Run and we donate food to Operation Hope throughout the year. We also look to help students attending Fairfield University and Sacred Heart with valuable internships.

I NSP IR E D BY | PR OFESSI ONAL S E RVI CE S

Q: ANY IMPORTANT ADVICE OR EASY TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES LOOKING TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SOLUTIONS? First, determine what sets you apart from your competition. Offering benefits can ensure you are viewed as an employer providing a competitive benefits package to help attract and retain talent. Learn what is important to your employees and their needs around benefits. Be sure to clearly communicate to your employees the details of your benefits offering which will help them understand and appreciate what you’re providing to them and their dependents. Remember to review and modify your benefits annually to accommodate the changes of your employees and business.

Q: WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR CAREER IS THE MOST REWARDING? I love what I do and there are several aspects about my work I find rewarding. The relationships that have been built with our clients is most notable and immensely fulfilling. Being able to help a client with their employee benefit “pain points” and watching the relationship grow over many years together is truly gratifying. The clients that we earned in the early 2000s are still clients today which is the true measure of our unique approach, dedication and hard work by all team members.

Jeff cite’s the knowledge and expertise of his team as the foundation of Strategic Group Benefit’s success.

MEET THE TEAM! Jeffrey Alper - As SGB’s Principal owner, Jeff is responsible for leading the agency and growing client relationships. Millie Gordon, Laura Sweeney and Jaimy Fellin are the agency’s Senior Account Managers. This talented group assists clients, employees and dependents with their day-to-day inquiries, challenges and requests. Chris Kenefick and Jaimy Fellin; Senior Benefit Consultants, collaborate to manage the annual renewals and marketing to in-force clients and employees. Ashley Vaz, Operations & Compliance Manager, oversees all internal operations, external carrier partners and processes within the agency. CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

“The relationships that have been built with our clients is most notable and immensely fulfilling. Being able to help a client with their employee benefit “pain points” and watching the relationship grow over many years together is truly gratifying.”

I NSP IR E D BY | PR OFESSI ONAL S E RVI CE S

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D I A RY O F A FA M I LY A DV E NTU R E ARTICLE BY LIZ JOY

From candid mom-talks, to chronicling her home renovations to offering easy style tips, Liz Joy has shared all of her family adventures through her popular blog and Instagram account, Pure Joy Home. Even her most recent journeys - the launches of Pure Joy Rosé - a delicious crisp rosé and Marea, a beach inspired fashion line - have both been a very successful quest. But on the edge of burnout, this busy influencer and entrepreneur heard the whisper of wanderlust in the back of her mind. “We were working like dogs, and it kind of felt like the year had caught up with us. A vision of running away together for a little bit, off to somewhere completely different, started to come into my mind and in my heart. Costa Rica sounded like a good place to start,” reveals Liz. And just like all those other milestones, Liz shares with us a snapshot of her family’s Central American adventure. -SBS

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

“A vision of running away together for a little bit, off to somewhere completely different, started to come into my mind and in my heart. Costa Rica sounded like a good place to start.”

DAY 1: Costa Rica is the most beautiful place I have ever seen! The landscape is simply stunning – the mountains come right up against the beach! And the lush landscape which houses all sorts of new animals… monkeys, sloths, the most colorful birds I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I’m in a visual paradise.

homeschooling is so much more than books - although Brian and I are working on long division - we are just having so many conversations about life and everyday stuff. Every other sentence is, “What does that word mean”, or “How do you say this word in Spanish?” It’s been freeing to explore and learn through experiences, it’s learning in real life.

DAY 4:

DAY 12:

We arrived on Tuesday and are in Papagayo and so far, the trip has been the best trip we’ve ever taken as a family. Costa Rica is a special place. The people here are so nice! Everyone knows you by name and it is such a family friendly place.

I have to say one thing that’s been a little challenging is our wild toddler. He’s such a joy and is picking up so much from being with us 24/7. His vocabulary is exploding and his personality is so fun to be around. But it is hard having a big age gap because Brian and Grace do one thing and he tries to keep up but really can’t. So then one parent goes one way and the other goes the other way. It’s not that often and I hate to even write something negative but it is the truth.

DAY 6: The food here is INSANE and fresh and we are all loving everything. OMG the mangos, the fruit, the guac, the COFFEE, everyone has a very happy tummy. And we’re active. Hiking! Swimming! Paddle Boarding!

DAY 8: We went on an excursion to the jungle and did zip-lining and a really fun ropes course. This was the most fun thing we have ever done as a family. The kids absolutely loved it. It was amazing to see them conquer their fears. There is a place in Papagayo called the Outpost which has all sorts of excursions. We used a trusted babysitter for William so we could do this and also for a date night which was SO NICE!! We went to the Four Seasons for dinner - that resort is bananas!

DAY 10: Before exploring this adventure my biggest worry was…HOMESCHOOL?!!? And now I see that

DAY 14: We spent the day at Playas de Coco, and it was our first taste of real Costa Rican culture. I LOVED seeing a local beach town, seeing the shops and the sodas (sodas are restaurants here), the local kids playing in the park, the surfers, the art, all of it. The kids were blown away because it was so different from anything they had ever seen, tasted, smelled… That’s the good stuff ya know? The best part of travel, seeing different ways people live. Coco was really cool, the kids bought little trinkets from the souvenir shop - Brian got a Costa Rican soccer jersey that he’s been wearing on repeat and everyone here compliments him on it so he loves that. Grace got a fluffy sloth which she carries around with her everywhere and William got one, too. We had local ice cream and ate dinner at Father Rooster. CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

“What has been the most special part of this trip is just being together as a family. It’s allowing for more time to be uninterrupted when we’re together. That feels like the biggest gift.”

DAY 16: I’ve been really trying to pamper myself here. Going to bed early, waking up early, working on meditation, working out consistently, painting, and reading. I have slowed down my brain a lot which I desperately needed!

DAY 18: What has been the most special part of this trip is just being together as a family. It’s allowing for more time to be uninterrupted when we’re together. That feels like the biggest gift. Yes, the kids argue and complain like normal kids, but they are also bonding like crazy. The other night we were all just sitting around after a fun day at the beach, just talking and laughing together. It felt different than being at home. It felt like we were having adult conversations and the kids were just opening up and exploding with stories. Brian and I looked at each other - and just knew that we made such a good decision in coming here for this extended time.

DAY 32: We are in Nicaragua now, we left Costa Rica with every intention of going back after our planned one week here, but we ended up loving it so much that we decided to stay! We’re right on the beach, the property has everything, farms for the kids to explore and a massive garden. There’s lots of kids to have fun with and a school which Brian, Grace AND William (yay!) are going to. It’s in close proximity to really cool cultural spots that we’ve enjoyed visiting - great surfing, and an amazing yoga studio. There’s a spa, horses, I could go on… There is so much to do for

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

the whole family, and it’s EASY. We feel crazy lucky to have landed in this spot.

DAY 37: For the first time, this week I started to miss my house a bit, and my studio. And I miss Colony Pizza! What I wouldn’t give for a cherry pepper pie topped with grated parmesan and an ice cold beer. I also miss my friends and my brother and I can’t wait to see them!!! But for now, I’m going to enjoy this and soak it up as much as I can because boy, we truly are on the best adventure I could ever dream of.

DAY 42: The kids are LOVING it here. They have the freedom to walk around the property on their own, they’ve made so many friends and they love the school here. We’ve been going on great hikes and adventures to different beaches and towns. We are starting to volunteer as a family at the local community center which I’m really excited about. We’ve been watching the sunset with our friends every night - the sun sets right over the pacific and it’s a magical time when everyone comes together to the beach and just watches. We initially were going to only stay a week so that we could continue on with our travels but the whole purpose of this trip was to slow down, be present, and have fun together, and we can do all that and more from the comfort of this place. We have grown to love it so much and don’t want to leave … so why don’t we stay!? And so that was that. The adventure continues… Instagram: @lizlouisejoy

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Sleep Inside, Outside 5 Incredible places to (literally) sleep under the stars

Photography by Amangiri, USA

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It’s always magical to spend a night sleeping under the stars. In decades past, adventure seekers have packed the SUV or camper with tents and gear for ‘roughin’ it’ in the great outdoors. But the swanky and exploding category of luxury outdoor hotel is something to investigate for an unforgettable, next-level experience. For those who prefer glamping rather than pitching their own tent fireside, here are a few options that incorporate sweeping views and a unique

opportunity for travelers to be more authentically embedded in the landscape of the place they’re visiting. These resorts have bucket list-worthy rooms that capture the best of both the luxury resort experience and the outdoors. Whether you crave the dry heat of the remote Utah desert or the luminous beauty of the Northern Lights, we’ve curated a short list of some places you *must* check out.

Photography by Amangiri, USA

Amangiri, Utah In southern Utah, Amangiri is a five star resort perfect for an adventurous weekend in the desert. However, it is the simple rooms built to emphasize the beauty of Canyon Point that truly make it an incredible place to stay. Each suite has an outdoor lounge and fireplace with private pools or rooftop terraces available too. Don’t miss a dip in the ‘gram-worthy pool, which wraps around the landscape’s curved dunes and arid plateaus. CONTINUED >

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Photography by Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland These arctic igloos make Urho Kekkonen National Park look like a dreamy winter wonderland. Snuggle up inside the glass-roofed globe and watch the dancing northern lights overhead. Get immersed in the world of northern lights, midnight sun and other miracles of this world-renowned arctic resort. Just bundle up before stepping outside – temperatures can drop to -22 degrees!

Photography by Valtteri Hirvonen

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Photography by Starlight Room

Starlight Room, Italy You won’t find a more memorable way to “sleep indoors, outdoors” than The Starlight Room in Italy. It sits 7,000 feet up in the Italian Dolomites. The small, glass-walled cabin rests atop skis which allow it to be positioned perfectly for guests’ stargazing pleasure as they are immersed in breathtaking nature. Its remote locale means the only ways to reach the summit are snowmobiling, fat biking or snowshoeing.

Photography by Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica This jungle hideaway is so out there, you have to whitewater raft down a river or ride a gondola to get there. A network of hanging bridges connect the villas, which have thatched roofs, plantation teak wood floors, rattan furniture and private plunge pools. In the evening, zip 400 feet down a cable for a meal at the Nest, a platform at the top of a ceiba tree, then take a night-time stroll along romantic pathways lit by candles and lanterns. CONTINUED >

Photography by Pacuare Lodge AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / FA I R F I E L D

Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza The Spanish island Ibiza boasts lush pine forests, hidden calas (cove beaches) and Hacienda Na Xamena, a resort suspended on a cliff 600 feet above the Mediterranean. Guests flock to its spa for the eight saltwater thalassotherapy (seawater as a form of therapy) lagoons, which are linked together with waterfalls. Swim to the edge of the pool and drink in the sweeping sea vistas.

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APRIL 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

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Seize the Beat: Book Talk & Signing with Brian Q. Torff

FA IR FIELD MUS EUM AN D HISTO RY C E NT E R | 1 :0 0 P M In celebration of the new book Seize the Beat: The Evolution of American Music, join acclaimed musician and Fairfield University professor Brian Q. Torff for a special talk accompanied by live music. Book signing to follow. RSVP recommended. $10 suggested donation. A P RIL 3 RD

Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu "Striving for Justice: Searching for Common Ground

Q UICK CEN TER FOR THE ARTS | 7 :30 P M The challenges of growing up black and female in apartheid South Africa have been the foundation of Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu’s life as an activist. The third child of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu, Rev. Tutu is the founder of Nozizwe Consulting, which brings groups together to learn from and celebrate their differences and shared humanity. Tickets: $30. A P RIL 8T H

Beach Bunny Fun Run

JEN N IN G S BEACH | 8 :00 AM Enjoy a 5K, Family Fun Run, Egg Scramble, Food trucks, and more! 8am pick up & late registration. 9am start. Registration required. Fairfieldrecreation.com A P RIL 8T H

Easter Egg Roll

PEQUOT LIBRARY 'S G R EAT LAWN | 1 0 :0 0 A M Enjoy some traditional holiday fun at the annual Easter Egg Roll. Dance the bunny hop, make crafts, play games, and meet the Easter Bunny himself! Bring your own hard-boiled eggs for coloring and decorating, and then choose your favorite egg to enter in the age-category races! Please bring a long-handled wooden spoon for the roll. Free and open to the public. A P RIL 1 5T H

Mutts Gone Wild

SHU COMMUN ITY THEATRE | 2:0 0 P M & 5 :0 0 P M Nine of the world’s most talented four-legged performers in an uproariously funny comedy dog spectacular that is leaving audiences everywhere howling for more! Tickets $27-$32. A P RIL 1 6T H

Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour

Q UICK CEN TER FOR THE ARTS | 7 :0 0 P M Celebrating 65 years, featuring Kurt Elling, Veronica Swift, Lakecia Benjamin, Christian Sands, and more! Tickets: $30.

CONTINUED >

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EVENTS CONTINUED

A P RIL 1 6T H

Marc Broussard

T HE R IDG EFIELD PLAYHOUS E | 7 :30 P M Marc Broussard’s incomparable brand of soul — an infectious mix of rock, blues, R&B, funk-pop, and soul coupled with his powerful vocals — has garnered worldwide praise from critics and fans alike. He returns to the Playhouse stage with a mix of old favorites plus new originals and more! Tickets: $45 A P RIL 1 8T H

Ground Swell: The Other Side of Fear

FTC WAR EHOUS E | 7:30 PM Part of the Outdoor Sports Center Adventure Film Series. An in-depth look at the 2021-22 big wave season through the eyes of Nic Von Rupp, Kai Lenny, Matt Bromley, Torrey Meister and pioneering female surfer Bianca Valenti. Tickets $12; $15 Day Of; $7 for 16 years & under. Doors open at 7pm. A P RIL 2 2 N D

Spring Fling

JACKY DUR R ELL PAVILLON | 7:0 0 P M Fairfield Parks & Recreation invites girls & boys in grades K - 8th, along with their father, mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling or ANY special person in their life for a fun night out! Music, Dancing, Light Refreshments, Photography. Tickets $18 per person. Semi-formal attire. Tickets available at Fairfieldrecreation.com A P RIL 2 3 RD

Cirque Alfonse Animal: A Farm Story

Q UICK CEN TER FOR THE ARTS | 7 :0 0 P M Take a journey of discovery through a series of slightly surreal farm fables served up with a touch of irreverence, impressive virtuosity and the irreverent circus company’s familiar comic touch. A production for young and old alike, Animal is the farm gone haywire! Tickets: $30. A P RIL 2 7 T H

Shop & Stroll Into Spring

DOW N TOWN FAIR FIELD | 6:00 P M Enjoy a night of shopping and socializing in downtown Fairfield! Find the latest fashion apparel, home décor, jewelry, toys, sporting goods, dinner gift cards, best-selling books and more! 6pm– 9pm. A P RIL 2 9 T H

Spring Artisan Fair

T HE S CAN DIN AVIAN CLUB | 1 0 :0 0 A M Local fine arts and crafts vendors showcasing handcrafted artistic gifts. Food, baked goods and beverages for sale. Free admission and parking.

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