LITCHFIELD COUNTY: SIP, SAVOR, STAY & PLAY

LITCHFIELD COUNTY – A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS: WHERE TO SIP, SAVOR, STAY & PLAY

During the summer months, Litchfield County is the quintessential vision of country-chic living. Just an hour drive north of Fairfield County and two hours from NYC, this quaint community is now home year-round to many former city dwellers and international tastemakers alike. Whether for a quick weekend away or an extended stay, this is the place to sip, savor, stay and play. Here, City Country Beach shares its guide to the very best of what to expect in this budding New England town during the warmer months ahead.

City Country Beach co-founder, Jaimee Marano

SIP & SAVOR

Little Owl

Is there anything more relaxing than a glass of wine in a cozy bar set in the countryside? We think not. Welcome to The Owl. Tucked away in the quaint town of New Preston, CT, owners John Bourdeau and Ryan Cangello partnered in early 2020 to expand The Owl Wine Bar into The Owl Wine & Food Bar.

Ryan, who ran a notable restaurant in the heart of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood for years, was able to bring his experience to the table, as well as his vast knowledge of food and beverage for weekenders and locals to enjoy throughout the year.

With a new menu and expanded wine and cocktail program, the partners introduced a refreshed design concept for the space where city sleek meets country chic. Thanks to the help and creativity of the Plain Goods Team, the owners were able to reimagine both the interior and exterior of the space – and all of the details in between – to create an inviting space perfect for any occasion.

Arethusa Farm

Arethusa has turned Bantam, CT into an evolving culinary destination – and the product is picture perfect (hello, IG!). Arethusa’s owners George Malkemus and Tony Yurgaitis aren’t your typical dairy farmers. As president and vice president, respectively, of Manolo Blahnik USA, the two know how to make anything chic – including our favorite items to indulge in (not including the iconic stilettos they also represent). In addition to their role as tastemakers (pun intended), they’re also land preservationist who gave a second life to the farm which was once nearly lost to a real estate developer who had another vision for the property. In 1999, Malkemus and Yurgaitis purchased the property and turned it into the hautest spot for ice cream and much more.

STAY + PLAY:

PILAR BLLaC

This is THE spot for all things beauty – especially if you’re on the hunt for the perfect brow. There’s a reason why Pilar has been dubbed “the Eye Brow Queen.” She is in demand by celebs and tastemakers alike, who travel from near and far to indulge in her artistry. Booking ahead is highly recommend.

Additional services include:

Brows: Shaping, Tinting, Lamination; Skin: LightStim LED Treatment for fine lines, acne, overall quality of skin; Microblading; Makeup application

And, in case you’re wondering about the name… brows, lashes, lips and cheeks are Pilar’s focus to bring out your beauty, now coined as BLLaC.

The Mayflower Inn

Self-described as “a fresh and modern take on sophisticated New England style,” this stylish retreat feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city….and it truly is. The grand English country house and three standalone cottages are set on acres of land, begging for you to sit back and relax…or hike…or dine…or indulge in the spa. Recently reimagined interiors by Palm Beach-based designer Celerie Kemble offers whimsy (and comfort) in each perfectly appointed space. The property also boasts gardens galore, a massive wellness center (“The Well”) and chic retail destinations throughout, just in case you need to pick up a little something to take home or wear to dinner in either of the two cozy restaurants located in the main building.

THE HUNTRESS & WKND at THE MAYFLOWER INN

The Huntress by Jenny Wolf

Celebrated interior designer Jenny Wolf has opened an outpost of her ever-chic Pound Ridge-based retail store The Huntress at The Mayflower. Located in the hotel’s lobby, the whimsy and irreverence of Jenny’s signature style can be experienced in this jewel box of a store filled with gorgeous items for your home and closet.

WKND

When David Asmar brought WKND to Warren, he brought a little slice of NYC with him. You can shop a chic selection of clothing and accessories set at a permanent pop-up located in The Well (the spa) at the MayFlower Inn.