Barrett Bookstore: Calling All Darien Book Lovers!

A person could spend hours happily browsing the shelves at Barrett Bookstore, and over the years many thousands of bibliophiles have done just that. This Darien icon is the epitome of what local, community-oriented bookstores used to be, and you can recapture a bit of that feeling when you visit Barrett Bookstore today.

As you walk around the store, you'll start to see that the books in stock have been chosen with care and reflect the personalities of the owners. And once you wander into the aisles, you might find yourself thumbing through a classic spine-tingling mystery novel or flipping through pages of Shakespeare's love sonnets. You might even find yourself planning your next vacation as you skim travel guides for Greece, Australia, or Thailand.

The bookstore also hosts many community events, ranging from book signings with local and nationally known authors to weekly story time sessions for budding bookworms.

Barrett Bookstore
314 Heights Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-2712
www.barrettbookstore.com
www.facebook.com/barrettbookstore/info

Cava: Wine And More

New Canaan’s Restaurant Row has a terrific assortment of eateries to try, but one that always winds up near the top of recommendation lists is Cava, a spectacular northern Italian eatery that has been a mainstay for years. Walking in the door, you’ll find a cavernous, romantic dining room with spectacular ambience. Service is equally sharp, with attentive, well-informed waiters who will address your every need. The menu is extensive and exceptional – some popular appetizers include the grilled octopus with lentil salad, the ricotta-stuffed fried zucchini blossoms and the tuna tartare. Entrees run the gamut from typical Italian favorites like pastas and pizza to more innovative fare. The pizzas are especially popular, with a tender, flavorful crust and excellent sauce and toppings. Prices are exceptionally reasonable for the high quality of food on offer.

Cava
2 Forest Street
New Canaan, CT 06842
(203) 966-6946
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cava-wine-bar-and-restaurant-new-canaan

Leonce Antiques: One of a Kind Antiques

Leonce Antiques has a reputation for exceeding its customers' expectations with a carefully curated selection of antiques, all of which are lovingly displayed in this beloved establishment. The store boasts 10,000 square feet of space, making it optimal for storing larger items as well as maintaining a massive selection of goods. Leonce is perhaps best known for its phenomenal silver dining ware selections, but the store also features an array of home décor items unavailable at similar establishments. Despite the store's large size, browsing is a joy thanks to the thorough organization of the pieces. While much of the merchandise is on the expensive side, the pieces showcased here are one-of-kind items meant to be collected for generations. More like a museum than an antiques shop, Leonce Antiques is the perfect place for that rare item with which to beautify your home.

Leonce Antiques
1435 Post Rd East
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 254-8448
http://www.leonceantiques.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/leonce-antiques-westport

Compo Beach: The Preferred Beach of Westport

Both visitors and residents agree that Westport’s Compo Beach is the premiere spot for fun and relaxation. Offering a beautiful view of the Long Island Sound, Compo Beach is composed of 29 acres of gorgeous sand, in addition to many recreational facilities. The variety of multi-purpose recreation areas cater to more active visitors, while the beach itself offers the perfect environment for some much-needed relaxation. Concession stands are available, offering visitors a chance to replenish before enjoying more fun in the sun. Let the kids run wild at the lavish play area while mom and dad catch up on some much-needed quality time. While the parking fee is a bit more expensive than at similar beaches, it allows Compo Beach to maintain the higher standard that visitors have come to expect. Both kids and adults are sure to love Compo Beach, making it the ideal place for the whole family.

Compo Beach
260 Compo Beach Road
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 341-5090
http://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?page=321
http://www.yelp.com/biz/compo-beach-westport

Public Domain/Public Domain

Woodcock Nature Center: A Wilton Haven

Commune with nature at Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton. This 149 acre preserve provides habitat for hundreds of species to call home. Free and open to the public 365 days a year, there are three miles of well-maintained trails that traverse wetlands and forests. Take a load off on one of the many benches along the way where you can be still and watch wildlife like birds, turtles, snakes and lizards. The center offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature in a safe and supportive way. There are classes available for children as young as 18 months as well as overnight summer camps for teenagers. Check their website for upcoming programs.

Woodcock Nature Center
56 Deer Run Road
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 762-7280
www.woodcocknaturecenter.org
www.yelp.com/biz/woodcock-nature-center-wilton

Public Domain/Public Domain

Find Interior Design Style for Miles at Lillian August Designs in Norwalk

Norwalk is a town where people take a good deal of pride in their homes, and one secret that the whole town shares is Lillian August Designs. This exceptional home furnishings store has been providing top-quality pieces to Norwalk locals for a generation.

August, an interior designer, started her own line of quilts and wallcoverings in the early 1980s and then moved into retail with a store in Westport. But the jewel in her crown is her eponymous 100,000-square-foot flagship design center in Norwalk. This massive warehouse is full of incredible furniture from hundreds of designers, as well as an expertly educated staff who can help you track down the precise piece you need to make your room complete.

Better still, the design center's delivery service takes all of the anxiety out of getting your new furniture back to your place!

Lillian August Designs
32 Knight Street
Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 847-1596
www.lillianaugust.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lillian-august-designs-norwalk

Aetheria Relaxation Spa: Organic Spa Treatments in New Canaan

New Canaan’s Aetheria Relaxation Spa is not only kind to your skin, but also to the animal kingdom. The organic day spa uses a body care collection that is cruelty-free. Such skin care treatments as enzyme peels, cleansing facials, and purifiers use Eminence Organic Skin Care products, which are handmade in Hungary. These products are also free from artificial dyes and synthetic solvents. Choose from a variety of pure essential oils to customize your aromatherapy during a Thai yoga or signature stone massage. Or exfoliate away dead skin cells with a pumpkin and apple garden body masque. The spa has something to suit most needs with before or after baby maternity spa treatments, bridal options, and seasonal specials.

You’ll find the spa inside an historic Victorian house with white siding and green shutters. The spa is open until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, which makes it easy to sneak in a massage after work or on the weekend.

Aetheria Relaxation Spa
121 Cherry Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-6650
www.aetheriaspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/aetheria-day-spa-new-canaan

Brioche French Toast Is Stuffed With Pastry Cream and Berries at SoNo Baking Company

John Barricelli, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, worked all over the region, including a stint with Martha Stewart, before opening SoNo Baking Company in 2005. Occupying a renovated former warehouse in South Norwalk, the 3,600-square-foot space gives Barricelli and his crew ample space to create the amazing bread that is SoNo Baking Company’s stock in trade. In fact, the bread baked here is served in many of the area’s finest restaurants!

Served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. within SoNo Baking Company's on-site cafe, Sunday brunch offers a brioche French toast that comes stuffed with vanilla pastry cream and mixed berries. Those craving something savory can opt for a farm-fresh brown egg omelet served with hashbrowns and toast, while an ever-changing selection of quiches keeps diners guessing. The lunch menu boasts an excellent Cubano sandwich and some very good salads, all at a fair price.

SoNo Baking Company
101 S. Water Street
Norwalk, CT 06856
(203) 847-7666
www.sonobaking.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sono-baking-company-and-cafe-norwalk

Expect Only the Freshest Organic Flavors From The Farmer’s Table

Farm to table dining is a concept that has acquired a large following and encourages patrons to appreciate where their food comes from. Expanding on this idea and bringing a bit of modern style to the experience, The Farmer's Table offers the finest in fresh produce, meat, and bakery items fresh from the farm and oven. Never worry about unnecessary additives or unknown ingredients; The Farmer's Table uses only the best local, organic meats and produce.

The menu is a reflection of the tastes of the season, regularly rotating — sometimes daily — to provide patrons with flavors that are a perfect complement to the day. Enjoy the pate or the wild mushroom ravioli with a cup of the daily soup for a meal that's as wholesome as it is delicious. The hip, exposed brick and wood interior is a comfortable, causal setting that makes eating and conversations easy. Stop by for a homemade, satisfying meal.

The Farmer's Table
21 Forest Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
https://www.facebook.com/FarmersTable
http://www.yelp.com/biz/farmers-table-new-canaan

Gelatissimo Is a Love Letter to Italy’s Beloved Frozen Treat

Discover the best gelato in the area at New Canaan's Gelatissimo, a delicious love letter to the beloved Italian treat. Over 66 flavors have been created and are rotated regularly to offer 22 tempting options at a time in this adorable gelato shop. Owned by Nuccia and Andrea Mazzonetto, an Italian-born couple, Gelatissimo uses a traditional family recipe that perfectly recreates the creamy texture and rich, bold flavors of gelato.

Try the bestselling mint chocolate chip for a familiar taste presented Italian-style, or select a fruitier option, like raspberry, for a bright complement to any occasion. Gelatissimo also makes to-die-for gelato cakes, an indulgent yet well deserved dessert to help you celebrate your next occasion. Visit the website for more information and hours of operation.

Gelatissimo
26 Forest Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-5000
http://www.gelatissimoartisangelato.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gelatissimo-new-canaan

Pin It on Pinterest