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Style Expert Jane Keltner de Valle's Guide to Litchfield

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Introducing Auberge Insiders

“There’s a long tradition of creatives retreating to the hills of Litchfield—artists, writers, designers. You cannot find anything more New England than the area’s bucolic landscape of rolling hills and understated beauty.” ~ Paloroma Founder Jane Keltner de Valle

Day 1

“Summer nights don’t get much better than dinner on the terrace overlooking the gardens, followed by fireside cocktails and s’mores under the stars. The lobster spaghetti paired with a dirty martini is heavenly. And if you’re dining with children, you can...
  • 5:00 PM | Enjoy an Al Fresco Dinner at the Mayflower 

    Indulge in elevated countryside cuisine. Dinner in the Tap Room showcases the local area’s incredible bounty. View Menu

     

  • 8:00 PM | Gather around the harvest moon bonfire

    Take in the countryside beside the warm glow of the Mayflower’s nightly bonfire, indulging in after-dinner cocktails & making complimentary s’mores

Day 2

“The spa, pools, and gardens at the Mayflower are truly magical. I recently discovered the Hammam and cannot recommend it more highly. Set aside at least a day for some spa treatments and lazy poolside lounging.”
  • 8:00 AM | Morning countryside hike

    Venture off property for a scenic hike at Steep Rock Preserve or the White Memorial Conservation Center. Trek through the lush countryside and enjoy Connecticut’s bright flora and fauna.

  • 9:00 AM | Unwind with a spa treatment

    Discover ultimate restoration at the Mayflower’s holistic wellness destination. Reserve a rejuvenating spa treatment like the revitalizing Full Body Reboot. 

  • 12:00 PM | Afternoon antiquing at Michael Trapp

    After an indulgent spa session, journey to the town of Cornwall to explore the best antiques, vintage finds and a selection of curated wares at Michael Trapp, many a designers’ go-to for antiquing and treasure hunting.

  • 2:00 PM | Grab a bite at The Pink House

    Head over to The Pink House for a late lunch after exploring antiquities, which was founded by the chic and ever talented Marina Muñoz, who built her career as a fashion stylist and is quickly proving herself as a doyenne of casual cool dining. 

Day 3

"The countryside offers wonderful hiking destinations. The boardwalk at White Memorial is my personal favorite, a long, winding loop surrounded by constalks, marsh, and blue sky. It looks like a painting. Steep Rock near the Mayflower is another great...
  • 9:00 AM | Coffee & Croissants at The Bakehouse

    Visit The Bakehouse in Litchfield for a morning pick-me-up that consists of craft coffee, breakfast essentials, and one of The Bakehouse’s coveted croissants.

  • 11:00 AM | Explore Litchfield 

    Explore the quaint town of Litchfield, known for its rich arts, culture, history and shopping. Browse the collection of boutiques like Littleish, Bantam Tileworks, Guy Wolff Pottery, and finish with a visit to Arethusa Dairy Ice Cream for an afternoon treat.

  • 6:00 PM | Dinner at Community Table

    Journey to Community Table for dinner and taste ingredient-centric dishes that celebrate the incredible  bounty from Connecticut’s farmers and purveyors.

  • 9:00 PM | Late night tipples in the Tap Room

    View Menu

Day 4

“New Preston has become a destination for design shops: Privet House, Plain Goods, and Pergola are the best and all walkable to each other. If you have children in tow, there’s a cute candy store that will buy you a little extra shopping time. There’s also...
  • 10:00 AM | Breakfast in the Garden Room

    Start your morning with breakfast in the sun-drenched Garden Room, designed by distinguished interior designer, Celerie Kemble. 

  • 12:30 PM | Spend the day in New Preston

    Mayflower Inn’s neighboring  area in Litchfield Hills is known as “America’s antiquing capital.” Head over to the charming town New Preston and step inside Plain Goods, Privet House and Pergola for a curated antique shopping experience filled with unique treasures, and finish with a coffee from Smithy’s.

  • 5:00 PM | Enjoy Campfire Delights

    Gather around the bonfire to indulge in a specially curated menu of sweet or savory culinary delights from the Mayflower’s expert culinary team, including fire-warmed fondue and rustic seafood treats amongst the inn’s perfectly manicured gardens and greenery.

  • 7:30 PM | Delight in an old school drive-in movie at Four Brothers

    For a unique and nostalgic movie experience, end your night with a visit to Four Brothers, a “modern-retro” drive-in movie theatre.

About the Insider | Jane Keltner de Valle

The veteran editor and former Architectural Digest style director is a cofounder of Casa Valle gallery in Tribeca with her husband Giancarlo Valle, of the international design practice Studio Giancarlo Valle. In addition to their gallery and studio, the...
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Stay in a luxuriously appointed guest room or suite

Experience the sophisticated charm and relaxed country style of our distinguished, luxury accommodations.
Read More

Stay in a luxuriously appointed guest room or suite

Experience the sophisticated charm and relaxed country style of our distinguished, luxury accommodations.

Curated Summer Destination Guides

Auberge Insiders

Introducing Auberge Insiders, a curated collection of Summer Destination Guides crafted in collaboration with notable tastemakers deeply connected to each Auberge destination. Designed to offer an unparalleled blend of exclusive insider experiences both on and off-property, the bespoke multi-day itineraries provide a highly curated roadmap for exploring the best of each locale through the lens of those who know it best.

Please note this is a sample and advance booking is required for most experiences. This destination guide is designed to be fully customized based on your individual preferences and availability at the time of booking. To start planning, contact our itinerary designers at 707.266.7568.


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