The online blog Mommy Poppins just released their top nine things to do with kids this spring in Litchfield County. With warmer weather (hopefully) around the corner, it is a great time to explore the nature and other outdoor activities Litchfield County has to offer. Check out these recommendations and let us know which one is your favorite!

1. Sharon Audubon Center: the center encompasses four nature sanctuaries and 3,000 acres in Northwestern Connecticut, an education center, and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. Come and meet 21 different birds of prey at the raptor exhibit, including a bald eagle and great horned owl. Take a hike through one of its many beautiful nature paths, and stop by the museum to see more fun animals and areas to play. (Sharon)

2. John J. McCarthy Observatory: a world-class astronomical observatory with a built to scale model solar system! (New Milford)

3. White Memorial Conservation Center: dedicated to protecting its forests and countryside, the center provides year-round environmental education programs for kids. Go geocaching at the Little Pond Trail, view the live snake habitat and fluorescent rock cave in the children's room, or take a hike along a boardwalk trail through a wetland environment. Make sure to check their spring break camps! (Litchfield)

 

4. Arethusa Farm & Dairy Farm: take an open house tour at the farm in Litchfield, and stop by their dairy store in Bantam to get some homemade ice cream, and cheese! (Litchfield & Bantam)

5. Litchfield Hills Farm Fresh Market: stop by the indoor farmer's market and check out the different vendors offering seasonal field-fresh produce. Besides the stands there are guest artists, workshops, and children's activities including story hour for the little ones. (Litchfield)

6. Daffodil Display: a lovely daffodil garden that began in the 1930s and covers a couple of acres. Open from sunrise to sunset! (Litchfield)

7. Wisdom House: this retreat and conference center is home to a classical 7-circuit labyrinth. (Litchfield)

8. Cricket Hill Garden: a specialty plant nursery, one of the first nurseries in the U.S. to sell true-to-name varieties of the Chinese Tree Peonies. Go explore their seven-acre peony festival! (Thomaston)

9. Eric Sloane Museum: a prolific artist, author, and illustrator of over 30 books. Go visit Eric Sloane's studio as well as the Kent Iron Furnace museum next door. (Kent)

 

If you have some free time this weekend and are looking for fun and educational events in Washington, check out these events open to the public!

Thanksgiving Floral Design Demonstration

On November 18th at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, Loretta Stagen, a professional floral designer for over twenty years, will be giving a free lecture and demonstration on designing Thanksgiving centerpieces.

During the event Loretta will demonstrate her designs by creating 5 different Thanksgiving centerpieces with flowers, foliage, and vegetables.

Loretta Stagen's floral designs are described as lush arrangements that are both stylish and timeless. Her designs will bring joy to your Thanksgiving meal!

Friday November 18th at 10:00am (Free)

                                     

Evening Owl Prowl with Steep Rock Association!

Join Fran Zygmont and Rory Larson in search of Saw-whet, Screech, Barred, and Great Horned owls.

The event will start at the Macricostas Preserve parking lot, off Christian Street. There will be a 15 minute informative talk about the different owl species, then the group will go and search for them in the preserve and around Lake Waramaug

.

Participants are required to bring a flashlight and wear quiet clothing.

Saturday November 19th  6:30pm - 9:00pm (ages 6 and above)

Check out their website to register and for more information on the event!

 

 

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Stars Hollow Coming to Life!

Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

On October 21, 22, and 23 Washington Connecticut, the town widely known as the home to many of the sites Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino gathered inspiration from for her original script, will transform into the fictional Stars Hollow and host the Gilmore Girls Fan Fest. This weekend will give Gilmore Girls fans the chance to visit and stroll through the town where the story took place.
Fans will be able to experience familiar events from the show, such as tea at the inn, a cake tasting at the market, coffee at the hardware store, a staged knit-a-thon, and a Friday night dinner.

One of the highly anticipated events is a cast panel which will take place on Saturday, October 22. Confirmed appearances during the festival include: Jackson Douglas (Jackson, Rini Bell (Lulu), Aris Alvarado (Caesar), Biff Yeager (Tom), Kelly Bishop (Emily), Yanic Truesdale (Michel), Vanessa Marano (April), Rose Abdoo (Gypsy) and Ted Rooney (Morey). 

Other events include:
-    Town troubadour
-    Screening of the pilot on Friday and the finale on Sunday.
-    A cocktail hour and a Friday Night Dinner (food truck style)
-    Screening of the top two episodes (by vote) on Saturday at the Town Hall
-    A cooking segment to introduce the new 'Eat Like a Gilmore’ cookbook. Kristi Carlson, the author of the cookbook (coming out the end of October), will also be on hand to discuss recipes you might find at Luke's Diner or Sookie's kitchen.
-    Photo Opps "on the Green"
-    Book Readings at The Hickory Stick Bookstore
-    A Dance Recital at The Pavilion
-    Antique Shopping in Washington Depot & New Preston     
-    Gilmore Trivia

Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

What comes to mind, for me, every time I think about the festival, is a direct quote from Amy Sherman-Palladino in a 2001 Desert News interview about her thoughts on the series. Pulling one from Amy's book I'll say, 'If I can make people feel this much of what I felt walking around this fairy town, I thought that would be wonderful'. And that's really why we're doing this, it's all for fun, for fellow fans.

The festival offers fans a chance to experience parallels of the fictional town, Stars Hollow, highlighting some of the most crucial elements that made the town so impressionable to the creator. 

*The event is sold out.

For more details about the event go to www.gilmoregirlsfanfest.com. 
 

 

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Join Us for Fall Fun with Steep Rock Association!

Check out the fun-filled and educational nature exploration programs that Steep Rock is hosting this fall. From studying reptiles and insects to historical hikes in our beautiful Steep Rock Preserve, there is something fun for everyone!

Space is limited! Register online to secure your spot for one of these great programs!

Snakes of Connecticut                               

Tuesday September 20, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Join Brian Kleinman of Riverside Reptiles for a power-point presentation on the natural history and identification of Connecticut's native species of snakes. This will be followed by an introduction to several of Connecticut's snakes, including the famous Northern Copperhead.

The program will be held at the Gunn Memorial Library: 5 Wykeham Road, Washington CT.

For Ages 12+ - children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on this program visit their website.

River Bug Hunt!

Saturday September 24, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join Rory Larson, Steep Rock Association's Land Steward, for a morning in the Shepaug River. Scour submerged rocks immediately upstream of the riding ring bridge in Steep Rock Preserve and identify the dislodged bugs! All equipment (nets and bins) will be provided.

The program will start in the parking lot near the riding ring in the Steep Rock Preserve.

All ages welcome – children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on this program visit their website.

Hike with us on the Roxbury-Tunnel Road Connector

Saturday October 1, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hike from the Tunnel Road from the Steep Rock Preserve Riding Ring in Washington, to Roxbury’s Battle Swamp Preserve during a collaborative Roxbury Land Trust – Steep Rock Association hike. Guides from both the Roxbury Land Trust and Steep Rock Association will lead the three-mile, one-way hike. Along the way, these hike leaders will discuss, among other things, the history of the preserves, land trust resource management, and the Shepaug River.

The program will start in the parking lot near the riding ring in the Steep Rock Preserve.

For Ages 15+ - children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on this program visit their website.

Nature on the Go…at the Library!

Saturday October 1, 1:00 p.m. for families

Tuesday October 4, 3:00 p.m. for K-1st graders

Thursday October 6, 3:30 p.m. for 2nd and 3rd graders

Explore nature indoors with stories and crafts. Nature books read to you by Steep Rock Association (SRA) staff & volunteers surely add delight to your day. From sunflowers to butterflies, children will discover some of nature’s joys and mysteries.

The program will be held at the Gunn Memorial Jr Library.

Please contact the Gunn Memorial Library for registration: 860 868 2310

For more information on this program visit their website.

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday October 2, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

In honor of St. Francis Assisi’s birthday, an interfaith Blessing of the Animals will be held at the Riding Ring near the main parking lot of Steep Rock Preserve.  Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, hamsters, parakeets...all creatures great and small are welcome to bring their human companions and receive a blessing for health and well-being. Photographs of beloved animals who are no longer with us can also be brought for blessing. Volunteers from Steep Rock Association will welcome you while First Congregational Church of Washington volunteers will be on hand to offer blessing and refreshments of all sorts for animals and their human attendants.

Registration is not necessary!

For more information on this program visit their website.

Holiday House Hike into History

Saturday October 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join Steep Rock Trustees for a historic trip back in time to explore the ruins of the magnificent hotel designed by Architect Ehrick Rossiter, which once stood on a Steep Rock hillside overlooking the Shepaug River, and examine how the Holiday House impacted the lives of so many of its visitors.

The program will start at the parking lot near the riding ring in the Steep Rock Preserve.

For more information on this program visit their website.

 

 

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Celebrate the end of summer with our two favorite land trust picnics!

Steep Rock Association and Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust invite you to join them for their Annual Family Picnic and Fall Celebration!

On Saturday September 10, Steep Rock Association is hosting their annual family picnic from noon until 2 p.m. There will be complimentary programs, hamburgers, hotdogs, fixings, lemonade, and cookies! The picnic will take place at the Steep Rock Preserve in Washington Depot.

No registration required!

For more information and directions go to their website

On Saturday September 17, Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust is having their Fall Celebration from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The program includes breakfast, hot air ballooning (weather permitting), hayrides, annual meeting, BBQ lunch, nature hikes, live music by Switch Factory, face painting, and arts & crafts. Located across from Smyrski Farm: 238 Merryall Road, New Milford CT.

 All day family fun!

For more information visit their website

                

 

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Don't miss out on the Bridgewater Country Fair fun!

Make sure to stop by the Bridgewater Fair this weekend for a traditional fair experience. Focused on preserving the character of country fairs, the Bridgewater Fair is an event where farmers and other country folk come together to compete with their prized livestock, produce, and arts and crafts.

                                            

Photo Courtesy of The Bridgewater Country Fair

Besides the contests there is a lot to see and participate in at the Fair. Events offered all weekend include: rides, amusements, commercial tents, industrial and agricultural exhibits, hunting and fishing expo, dunking booth, mechanical bull, and knocker ball. Check the schedule for the livestock shows, children’s pedal tractor pull, antique tractor pull, children’s pet parade, pie eating, hay bale throwing, baking contests, home and art contests and much more, to make sure that you don’t miss out!

                        

Photo Courtesy of The Bridgewater Country Fair

There is also a large variety of great food tents throughout the fairgrounds serving all kinds of treats from hotdogs to chocolate covered bacon. Make sure to try the famous roast beef sandwiches, chicken breasts, and corn!

On Friday evening the Annual Bridgewater Fair Parade will kick off the weekend festivities. The parade starts at 6:45 pm with marching bands, color guard, and many other attractions making their way down Main St, Bridgewater. The parade features Volunteer Fire Companies from Connecticut and New York. They will be carrying their colors and showing off their newest trucks and antique fire equipment. 

                                             

Photo Courtesy of The Bridgewater Country Fair

Photo Courtesy of The Bridgewater Country Fair

A great family outing with something fun for everyone!

Check out their website for more information on hours, location and tickets (Parking is Free!).

 

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Author Susanna Salk seen in the Mirror at Privet House

The details are not the details. They make the design.
Charles Eames

Susanna is all about the details, those small exquisite touches that transform rooms into chic interior spaces. She has staged many houses for us and her design sense is further enhanced by her ability to create powerful vignettes with decorative items. 'IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: Creating Big Moments in Your Home Through The Stylish Small Stuff' is her latest book published by Rizzoli New York. The book highlights how top interior designers like India Hicks and Bunny Williams make powerful statements with beloved objects.

The Book Cover

Recently, Susanna held a town wide book event in every design lover's destination, New Preston, CT, where each shop featured tabletop vignettes created by the author. The day concluded with a book signing at J. Seitz Co, the first design emporium to open on East Shore Road in the town. Below are the images of the carefully curated displays, each of which were in effect a miniature essence of the store itself. 

With a stunning neutral palette and beautifully crafted antique furniture, Dawn Hill Antiques has fourished under founders John and Paulette Peden for over twenty years. According to a recent magazine article, “The store with its pale Swedish décor looks like a scene from an Ingemar Bergman movie with exquisite furniture and clocks in cool Gustavian shades of white and grey. “

The selection of utensils, ovenware and cooking accoutrements at New Preston Kitchen Goods would delight any budding or experienced chef. Owner, Marty Rook, is a food aficionado trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Marty furthered his experience at Picholine and La Grenouille in New York City. Marty's first-hand, real-world knowledge of what it takes to prepare, cook, and present the perfect meal for any season sets the standard for the store.

D.K. Schulman Design was opened in 2004 by Dana Schulman a well known model and fashion journalist in New York. The shop is a confectionary of sophisticated papers, cards, gifts and stationary collections. They offer everything for your social and special occasions.

Set atop the New Preston Falls, Pergola seamlessly blends natural living plant materials with weathered antiques, prints, books and containers to help you create the perfect indoor/outdoor designed environment. Both owners David Whitman and Peter Stiglin have a masterful eye for finding unusual items on their travels to Japan that cannoit be found in any other garden or design emporium.

Interior Designer Michael DePerno and Andrew Fry's Plain Goods Shop has a common thread throughout of simplicity, craftmanship and luxe materials. The store has a casual vibe and offers a curated collection of antiques, vintage finds, furnishings, textiles and clothing.

Susanna Salk at J. Seitz taken by Stacey Bewkes of Quintessence

J. Seitz & Company was founded by former magazine editor Joanna Seitz who was later joined by her husband Bill Seitz, a renowned interior design photographer at that time. This distinctive bastion of furniture, antiques, home decor, apparel, accessories, and jewelry has been housed in the same vintage building for over twenty-five years. Perched above a magical waterfall, it has long been a favorite destination for decorators, collectors, celebrities, world travelers and those who crave an uncommon shopping experience.

Privet House, featured in the opening image, is the fortuitous melding of the design sensibliities and style of Richard Lambertson (co-founder of Lambertson-Truex) and Suzanne Cassano (former product and concept guru at Calvin Klein). Unearthed French portraits from a barn in Provence find their place amond Morrocan linens, French Bergeres, Italian luxurious skincare and vintage fashion books. A must stop for any trip to New Preston!

Please click on the store links for addresses, phone contact information and store hours.

Susanna Salk's new book, 'IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS: Creating Big Moments in Your Home Through The Stylish Small Stuff' is a available at Hickory Stick BookStop, click here for their location.

 

 

 

 

 

South Farms in Morris, CT

South Farms offers an authentic country experience set in the most beautiful farm landscape. In addition to being an historic working farm, there is now an interior space that is rustic but with a modern, industrial vibe that is perfect for special events. Sarah Worden, who used to work at The Matthews Group, has teamed up with Ben Paletsky, the farm's owner and manager, to create an amazing setting for weddings, photo shoots, on-site film locations and other significant occasions. Sarah is the most exceptional events planner as well as being a sought after floral designer.

South Farms is redefining traditional New England agriculture by creating a venue that offers a wide range of agricultural products, services, and attractions. Ben Paletsky believes that farmland preservation is best accomplished by creating and nurturing sustainable farmland businesses that excel within a blended, value-added agricultural and agri-tourism environment. An entrepreneurial spirit is a common theme as exemplified in the relationship between the farm and Pioneer Hops who grows and processes hops for Connecticut craft beer brewers. .

We were able to spend some time with both Ben and Sarah and ask them what they love about South Farms.

Ben, you came back to run the business and revitalize this iconic farm. What is your mission?

"Farming is a lifestyle.  This lifestyle is a dream for many, contrasting the fast constant pace of city living.  The credibility of modern farmer extends beyond their ability to produce sustenance from the land, it includes their social impact.   South Farms is a living model of the reinvented farm.  We're focused on highlighting the uniqueness on New England agriculture, through an experiential blend of what's produced in the fields, in-house programs and events, and an awarding historic farm venue. The architectural essence of The White Barn at South Farms overlooking pastures extending to the horizon instantly reconnects our guests to generations of hard-working tradition, while inspiring them to the future."

 

A Vintage Vehicle with Farm Hay

Ben, what makes South Farms unique and how does it benefit the County?
 

"It puts the area on the map showcasing the uniquesness of New England agriculture. We offer Galloway grass fed beef which is a top Scottish breed and we use rotational grazing as well as feeding only hay cultivated on the farm. We also have Heritage Breed Pork, a three century old breed discovered in Berkshire County UK, which is known for its juiciness, flavor and tenderness. We have a seasonal Farmer's Market every Sunday from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm starting June 12th where our beef and pork are available for sale and we also have several other farms offering their farm fresh goods, live music, activities for children, The Winivan Farm Food truck and donuts along with other baked goods sold out of the AmandaBakes Airstream trailer."

 

Sarah, why is the space so special for events?

"The White Barn at South Farms stands out as an event venue in Connecticut and beyond because it combines qualities that are hard to find in one place: authentic charm through its agricultural history, and practical amenities like restrooms, heat/air conditioning, lighting and parking. Most clients looking for a rustic farm setting will find that as much as they want the authentic feel of a real farm or barn, they don't want to compromise on comfort and style. With South Farms, you don't have to. It's also flexible enough to host a range of varied types and sizes of events from intimate farm dinners to large weddings, fundraisers and festivals."

An Outdoor Ceremony at South Farms

A Charming Arrangement of Flowers and Plants

A Quiet Moment for the Bride and Groom at South Farms

Sarah Worden and Ben Paletsky

 

To learn more about South Farms, please click here.

To book an event or for more information about the farm, click here.

PLEASE NOTE: The White Barn is a year round venue with a heated barn with 5,000 sg ft renovated space within a 20,000 sq ft structure. 

 

BOOK NOW FOR YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT AND DON'T MISS THE FARMER'S MARKET ON SUNDAYS!

Stacey and Pels Matthews winning the Award for Number One Rental team Companywide at William Raveis Real Estate

Why not find your ideal summer rental from the team that has the top accolades for rentals in Litchfield County. The Matthews Group, known for their sales of  exceptional luxury homes in this area, are also known for the spectacular properties they list for rent. They offer summer retreats with many amenities that are the pefect country life paradise.

Here are a selection of wonderful summer rentals that are still available for the season.

James Taylor built It! This lovely five bedroom home in Washington has both provenance and unique country charm. There is a light-filled gourmet kitchen with cathedral ceilings that is perfect for summer entertaining.. A heated gunite pool featured below is in a beautiful buccolic setting. The property abuts the Steep Rock Land Trust.

Below is a Washington shingle-style home, a stunning country retreat on 10+/- private acres. A vaulted great room and chef's kitchen make this a wonderful interior space for entertaining. Some of the wonderful amenities include an exercise room, sauna, Har -Tru lighted tennis court and a heated pool/spa. The home is located in prestigious area near to Steep Rock hiking and close to the town center.

Historic Rock Gate Estate is the perfect property for a relaxing summer in the countryside. The carriage house is on the Washington Green, built in 1885 and designed by Ehrick Rossiter! There are 3/4 Bedrooms with 5 full baths. There is fabulous stone terrace off the back as well as a pool, barn and a private yard.

This West Morris home has a unique rustic elegance with spacious, well-lit rooms. The interior is newly finished in a modern eclectic barn style with 5+ bedrooms, gourmet kitchen and light filled open floor plan. The house comfortably sleeps 14. The outdoors boasts a Gunite heated pool with cabana, a fire pit, stone terrace and access to the Bantam River.

Summer Camp for kids and adults! Below is a 5 bedroom main house plus a 2 bedroom guest house in A++ Washington location. There is a Gunite heated pool, a pond with boats/fishing, a media room with foos ball, In the barn, there is a climbing wall, basketball and ping pong and an extensive gym. Outdoors is a paddle ball court, play house, golf cart and an in ground trampoline. An expansive high end kitchen opens to a stone terrace with a BBQ.

This Cozy rental is in the Warren estate area and near Lake Waramaug and the Hopkins Inn. There is a 3 bedroom main house and 3 bedroom guest house. The home is beautifully firnished and has an open kitchen layout, large foyer and a huge stone fireplace. Outdoors, there is a stone terrace with views, a large lawn, stone walls and a heated gunite pool.

This modern barn style house on Nettleton Hollow has privacy with long views. The home has an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms including a 4 bed bunk room. A luxurious master suite is at opposite end of the house. A retractable glass walled dinning room for indoor/outdoor entertaining in any weather is a superb feature. There are xpansive views, lawn and open areas. What a superb country getaway!

Uber Charm exudes from this sophisticated Bridgewater antique. The home is completely renovated with a 5 bedroom main house and a 2 bedroom guest house. Outdoors there is a heated gunite pool surrounded by all flat land abd impeccable gardens. The property is featured below.

There are breathtaking distant views from the Washington retreat seen below. The home has 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a large country kitchen and open living space. Outdoors, there is a large deck. a 60 ft. pool, a barn with indoor basketball court and  a 2 car garage. A long private drive offers complete privacy in a top location. You can hike to Steep Rock Land Trust from the property.

The all newly renovated house below has 5/6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and a gourmet kitchen and is in an excellent location. There is an open floor plan, a dining room that seats 25 and a lovely screened porch. The property is minutes to the Mayflower Inn and Spa and all town amenities. The heated pool has a Jacuzzi. For family fun there is a game room with apool table, foos ball, xbox, tread mill and a rowing machine. All utilities are included in the rental price.

We were very honored to win the number one rental team award and we look forward to helping you find the perfect rental this summer!

If you wish to look at all our rentals, please click here.

 

ENJOY!

A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful - and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.

Pam Brown

Fox Chase Farm is an elegant estate with a four bedroom main house and a four stall horse barn with a finished play room above. There is plenty of grassland for riding and there are numerous equestrian facilities for clinics, events and competitiions in the area. The one bedroom guest apartment has a separate entrance and a large private deck. This is a wonderful space that could easily be used for in-laws or a caretaker.

The Red Barn is in a Lovely Setting

A gorgeous stone terrace leads to a water garden with 5 waterfalls, an organic vegetable garden, expansive lawns, antique trees and spectacular perennial gardens. This is truly country life at its best. Every corner of this property has lush vignettes of natural beauty.

The Gardens and Waterfalls

Another View of this Exquisite Garden

The main floor master suite is truly glamorous with his and hers baths, walk in closets, and a large adjoining sunroom with lots of natural light.

 

The Master Bedroom

A Magnificent Sunroom

There is a cherry paneled library and a high end kitchen which is perfect for entertaining. Additionally, there is a full house generator and a heated three car garage to enjoy the winter weekends. The house was renovated eleven years  ago with many other improvements in the last three years.

The Den with Fireplace and Cherry Paneled Bookshelves

The Kitchen is Spacious with Lovely Views of the Property

This country estate is just a short drive to Litchfield town or Bantam where you can visit the renowned Arethusa Dairy Farm shop for ice cream or take in a movie at the historic Bantam Cinema. The shops in Litchfield offer a variety of country chic clothing or unique home design items, try R. Derwin Clothiers and Oliphant Design on Main Street.

All this in just two hours from New York City!

For more images and information about this property, please click here.