Day Tripping it to Kent, CT

Kent has long been known as being an artist community and a recent trip has really reinforced that for me. It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Fairfield and depending on which way you go, you can really enjoy a fun drive.

There is quite a bit to do and see starting at the Monument. After a drive up you might be ready for a cup of coffee and a little snack. One of the popular coffee houses is Kent Coffee and Chocolate. They have something similar to a Frapuccino, homemade chocolates and cookies. Outdoor tables make it a nice spot to people watch and the relaxed atmosphere is inviting. This time though I decided to try Belgique...wow, am I glad that I did. The coffee is fantastic and the pastries and chocolates are not only delicious, but works of art. The displays are stunning and everything from the cakes to the chocolates are made on the premises.

Stroll over to The Village Barns and enjoy the architecture and the sculptures in this shopping area. It is home to The Morrison Gallery owned by Billy Morrison and currently featuring works by Peter Woytuk and Robert Lenz. It is an amazing open space with clean lines perfect for showcasing the art. It is definitely a destination spot for collectors from all over. Across the way you will find Black Sheep Yarns owned by Nancy. Nancy had a lovely selection of yarn and a large wooden table that I can only imagine is a great spot to gather with fellow knitters.

When you're done knitting go next door to Essentials Day Spa to be pampered. Christine the owner/esthetician was at hand to tempt me with the many services she offers. Massages, Honey Facials, Shea Butter Cocoon...I could have spent the afternoon there gladly! How about a fresh squeezed juice? New Leaf Natural Foods is across the way. There are a few clothing stores for adults and kids as well. Hungry for lunch...how about a pannini at the Pannini Cafe? Everything is made at the cafe except the bread. Smiling faces behind the counter & yummy sandwiches made this lunch spot special.

Head up the main drag and stop into Heron American Craft Gallery. You can find jewelry, glass, ceramics and so much more. Across the street you can't miss Foreign Cargo Gallery. They feature items that the owners have come across in their foreign travels. They have eclectic displays and it is worth a trip! Further north on N Main St. is one of my favorite shops in Kent, Terston. They feature home accessories and the latest styles in women's clothing. I always find several things I'd like to go home with! Kent Green is another shopping area that is home to the Farmer's Market on Saturday.

While you're walking around make sure to enjoy all the artwork and sculptures that line the streets. If you're hungry from shopping and gallery hopping you still have several other choices. You can hit J.P. Gifford Market and Catering Co. owned by James and Mike. It's another informal eatery that opened about 3 months ago. Huge chalk boards are chock full of tantalizing sandwich combinations and glass cases display interesting salads and sides. Again, everything here is homemade including the bread!

So what if you're tired and are looking for a place to hang your hat for the night? Fife 'n Drum which has an old world feel has been around since the early 70's. You can stay at the Inn, shop at the gift shop or grab dinner at the restaurant. The restaurant features piano music nightly and work by local artists adorn the walls. They also have a pub for a casual dining experience.

If you like the great outdoors, check out Kent Falls State Park. With over 290 acres you can hike, camp, fish and enjoy picnicking. You can also enjoy 1 of the 5 Housatonic Heritage Bike Tours. You can pick up a color map at several of the stores in town.

Have a great time!!!

Charming Stratfield Colonial

Come see this fabulous updated colonial in the Stratfield area of Fairfield.

Charming Stratfield Colonial

Day Tripping it to Washington Depot, CT

My husband is always asking me where I want to go for a ride. This is somewhat of a challenge because of the criteria...no more than 45 mins to an hour from home and windy roads for a fun driving experience. This got me thinking that there probably are a whole slew of people wondering where to go for a day trip when you live in Southern Fairfield County. I thought it would be fun to go explore, write a little blurb and put together a little video clip of our travels.

Our first stop in the series is Washington Depot, CT. Washington is best known for the Mayflower Inn. We stayed at the Mayflower a couple of years ago and had a great experience. Staying at the Inn and being pampered in the Spa was heavenly, but we quickly realized it was a quintessential New England town. Beautiful scenery, parks and traditional architecture won us over.

When you go to Washington Depot, forget your cell phone at home. Washington Depot has no cell towers and they aim to keep it that way. It’s not that the cell service is poor, it’s that there is none. If hiking and being in the throws of a massage don’t take your mind off of things the lack of your cell will force you to. I really didn’t mind that much, but did have to ask a local merchant to use their land line to set up an appointment for a client.

We had coffee at Marty’s, THE place to go for your Java fix. It is a bustling place with comfy couches, counters at the windows, and overstuffed chairs. Marty’s serves brunch, salads, sandwiches and light plates all prepared in the back kitchen. There’s also a large communal table. Marty’s has wireless internet and is a Gallery as well. You can enjoy the artwork while munching on a scone and then surf the web.

Across the way and owned by the same owners is Green Hill which is a lifestyle store and Washington Sports. The stores have an eclectic selection of items and look as if they would be found in SoHo.

If you’re looking for some reading material head directly to The Hickory Stick Bookshop. This is a great bookstore. It’s has an open feel, a large selection of books and is the small town bookshop you remember before the big name bookstores hit. Pick up a book and sit in one of the many cushy chairs.

Are you a knitter? No worries, The Village Sheep is a great place to touch and feel all those great yarns you might only see in the magazines or on line. Nate, a black lab mix rescue dog is the official greeter and will probably give you a tour if you have a treat for him. The owner Maggie, purchased the Village Sheep in 2008 and brought it to its current location in downtown Washington Depot. She is helpful and has a great selection of yarns and tools to choose from. Comfy chairs and sofas, cookies and a fireplace make this an inviting spot to, yet again, sit and relax.

Feeling hungry for lunch yet? The Pantry owned by Michael and Nancy Ackerman since 1986 is a good choice. In existence since 1977, it’s where day trippers and regulars alike go for gourmet chow. They are opened from 10-6, Tuesday through Saturday. They bake their own bread and what makes this eatery different is the housewares store that encircles the dining tables. Everything from exotic olive oils, to sea salts to beautiful french pottery. There are lots of baked goodies to choose from and a take out section of appetizing prepared foods. They also run a catering division.

You can work off all your calories by taking a walk or hiking on the many trails offered at Steep Rock Nature Preserve. Steep Rock is one of the oldest land trusts in CT. They have over 4,774 acres to explore. Everything from beginner to advanced trails, fishing and different programs are offered. Dogs are welcomed.

If hiking isn’t your thing then continue to explore the downtown. There are several galleries to sneak into and view the local art. Enjoy!