Witnessing the Mayflower Inn’s lawn transform from a blank canvas into a grand celebration of love is nothing less than breathtaking. Artfully tucked into acres of sculpted gardens and woodland, the Mayflower Inn’s venue affords an uncompromising wedding ceremony or reception. Two ceremonies? Twice as magical. Brought to life by a bride and groom of Jewish and Kalmyk faith, a past couple celebrated their union with two ceremonies to honor both of their heritages.

The city that never sleeps often sends me seeking elsewhere to find restoration— and a long afternoon spent over peach wine amid the rolling hills at Hopkins Vineyard is usually that place. The haven along the Connecticut Wine Trail, a collection made up of 24 vineyards statewide, is something out of a countryside fairytale. With a charming red barn and endless greenery, the vineyard melts away the memory of city hustle and bustle and soothes you into savoring the sweetness of countryside life.

Hiking has always set me at ease, and I look forward to trips to Connecticut for the serenity that comes with being immersed in the surrounding natural splendor. That’s exactly why I keep returning to the trails that wind along the Steep Rock Preserve. Not only does the 998-acres of idyllic hiking trails reveal sweeping viewpoints, lush hillsides, and babbling brooks with every step, but also unveils historic, hidden gems along the way.

Any fan of the television series “Gilmore Girls” has undoubtedly fallen for the show’s fictional town “Stars Hollow.” Boasting legendary New England charm, the parallels between Stars Hollow and Washington Depot, Connecticut are striking— and it’s no accident. In fact, Gilmore Girl’s writer, Amy Sherman-Palladino, drew inspiration for the comedy-drama during her stay at the Mayflower Inn & Spa (later to influence the show’s fictional Dragonfly Inn). Seven seasons later, the cult classic’s first Gilmore Girls Fan Fest was held in Washington Depot, attracting over 1,300 fans in 2016. However, you don’t have to attend a fan fest to get a taste of life in Stars Hollow. In simply exploring the whimsical towns within Litchfield County, you might find yourself retracing the steps of the Gilmore Girls.

"Ai Chi is a meditative movement carried out while standing in water. More often than not, I will meet guests seeking ways to quiet the mind and de-stress, but find it difficult to sit still through traditional forms of meditation. Ai Chi enables participants to experience the benefits that meditation promises through physical movement— it’s a stillness in motion, if you will. At an Ai Chi class, you can expect for the water to be a warm 92 degrees, and chest deep. There are always a few participants that are happy to learn that they will not be going underwater— you do not need to be an expert swimmer to take Ai Chi, and you can count on your hair and makeup remaining perfectly intact."

Arethusa Farm & Dairy is widely-known for its old-fashioned ice cream, but most people are surprised to learn that the farm’s award-winning, creamy goodness all began with the signature stiletto heels that regularly appeared on “Sex and the City.” That’s right— high-end shoe brand Manolo Blahnik’s President and VP, George Malkemus and Tony Yurgaitis, are the farmers behind Arethusa Farm, and have been since 1999. Now you know who to thank for the most delectable dairy products you can image.

Rain or shine, the Averill Farm Stand is open, and rain or shine, I go for the heavenly apple cider donuts. A true must-visit in the town of Washington, Averill Farm is primarily a fruit orchard that has been family-run for 10 generations and counting. The hidden gem awaits at the end of a lovely drive, minutes from the Mayflower Inn. Abundant with the simple delights of the countryside— cut flowers, homemade jams, honey, cheeses, locally-sourced pies and more— the charming farm provides a special experience to immerse in the farm-to-table culture of Connecticut.