Darien New Canaan, CT February 2026

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NELL DIAMOND OF HILL HOUSE HOME

R e f i n e d T i m e l e s s D e s i g n e d f o r I m p a c t

L i l l e D e s i g n s i s a D a r i e n - b a s e d b o u t i q u e s t u d i o s p e c i a l i z i n g i n r e f i n e d e x t e r i o r s f o r

d i s c e r n i n g r e s i d e n t i a l a n d c o m m e r c i a l c l i e n t s . W i t h a n a r t f u l b l e n d o f e l e g a n c e a n d i n t e n t i o n , w e c r a f t t i m e l e s s o u t d o o r s p a c e s t h a t r e f l e c t b e a u t y , b a l a n c e , a n d p u r p o s e

D E S I G N S E R V I C E S

3 D L a n d s c a p e D e s i g n

E x t e r i o r D e s i g n

( R e n o v a t i o n / N e w Co n s t r u c t i o n )

W W W L I L L E D E S I G N S N E T

F l o r a l I n s t a l l a t i o n s

S e a s o n a l P l a n t e r s

p h : 4 7 5 3 2 8 2 2 6 5 | e m a i l : h e l l o @ l i l l e d e s i g n s n e t

I n s t a g r a m : @ L i l l e D e s i g n s c o / @ L i l l e F l o r a l s Elevate Your Outdoors With Us Contact Us Today

Love Local, Always

February is often wrapped in hearts and roses, but here in our community, love shows up in quieter, more meaningful ways through the businesses we support, the stories we share, and the people who bring our towns to life. This Love Local Issue is a celebration of exactly that.

At the heart of this month’s issue are three feature stories that remind us how powerful it is when passion, purpose, and place intersect. We’re thrilled to welcome Hill House Home to Greenwich Avenue, a moment that feels both exciting and deeply personal. Founder Nell Diamond’s full-circle return to Greenwich is a reminder that the brands we love most are built on intention, comfort, and thoughtful design, values that resonate strongly with our community.

Love also takes courage, vulnerability, and trust, which is why our feature on matchmaker Jill Dunn feels so perfectly timed for February. Her work helping people find meaningful connection offline, intentionally, and with heart offers a refreshing perspective in a world dominated by apps and algorithms. It’s a story we hope you’ll share with anyone who might need a little hope (or encouragement) in their own love story.

And because love comes in many forms, we’re also spotlighting Dental Specialists of Darien, where care goes far beyond clinical excellence. Their philosophy of treating the whole person and not just the problem reflects the kind of local businesses we’re proud to support: thoughtful, deeply rooted, and community-first.

You’ll also find Megan Schinella’s monthly roundup of can’t-miss local experiences, offering inspiration for getting out, trying something new, and enjoying what our area has to offer whether that’s a cozy winter outing, a wellness reset, or a spontaneous plan with friends.

With Super Bowl Sunday landing this month, we’ve included game-day recipes perfect for gathering, hosting, or simply enjoying from the couch. Think crowd-pleasers with a local twist—because even football food tastes better when it’s shared.

February may be short, but it’s full of moments worth savoring. From Valentine’s Day to winter weekends and everything in between, this issue is an invitation to lean into community, support local, and remember that love isn’t just something we celebrate, it’s something we practice.

Thank you for being part of ours.

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Adam Vohra | adam.vohra@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christina Collins, Leslie Kumar, Megan Schinella

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Noa Griffel, Bevy Rutledge, Christina Collins, Brook Road Photography, Abby Cole Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Proverbs 3:5-6

Greenwich, Meet Hill House

Recipes

Game Day

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: Founder Ashley Langer celebrated Hot Tommies’ launch with a stylish soirée, unveiling her chic heated vest as the ultimate confidence layer for modern women balancing warmth, fashion, and on-the-go lives.
Photography by Bevy Rutledge

ultimate confidence layer for modern women balancing warmth, fashion, and on-the-go lives.

8-14: Founder Ashley Langer celebrated Hot Tommies’ launch with a stylish soirée, unveiling her chic heated vest as the
Photography by Bevy Rutledge
15-21: longévité, an aesthetic longevity practice founded by @skinbysarahmedical and @yourlongevitypa opens in Darien, Connecticut.
Photography by Bevy Rutledge

GREENWICH

GREENWICH Hill House meet

When Nell Diamond opens the doors to Hill House Home at 117 Greenwich Avenue, it’s more than a retail expansion, it’s a full-circle moment.

Born and raised in London, Diamond spent part of her early childhood living in Greenwich, a detail that makes this new storefront feel deeply personal. “Opening a Hill House store on Greenwich Ave is truly a dream come true,” she shares. That sense of nostalgia and intention is woven into every detail of the space and the brand itself.

Diamond’s design sensibility was shaped early by classic British interiors and textiles, an influence that still defines Hill House’s aesthetic today. After attending Princeton University and beginning her career in finance, she quickly realized something was missing. “It didn’t feel right,” she says. “I wanted to work at a consumer brand.” That instinct led her to Yale School of Management, where she reconnected with Connecticut and where the idea for Hill House was born through Yale’s entrepreneurship program.

Founded in 2016, Hill House began as a directto-consumer home brand celebrated for its elevated bedding and textiles. But in 2019, everything changed with the launch of the Nap Dress® a piece that would become both a cult favorite and a cultural phenomenon. With its signature elasticated Nap Smocking, the dress redefined what it meant to be stylish and comfortable, quickly expanding Hill House into a fashion-forward lifestyle brand.

Today, Hill House offers far more than its iconic dresses. The brand now includes ready-to-wear, outerwear, accessories, sleepwear, kids’ apparel, and a beloved home collection that remains close to Diamond’s heart. As the company approaches its tenth anniversary in 2026, the throughline has remained consistent: pieces should feel special, but never too precious. “We aim to make things you reach for again and again,” Diamond explains. “Because you’re comfortable and you look great.”

That philosophy comes to life beautifully in the new Greenwich store. Designed with a strong residential feel, the space draws inspiration from classic interiors, layered with thoughtful vignettes that invite customers to slow down and explore. One standout detail sits behind the cashwrap: an arched china cabinet filled with Villeroy & Boch Petit Fleur plates—an unexpected, charming moment that feels both personal and timeless.

Given Greenwich’s strong residential character, Diamond wanted to create something extra special for the home collection. Toward the back of the store, shoppers will discover an upholstered bed dressed in a custom recolored version of Hill House’s Vine Stripe print. Only the second store in the brand’s fleet to feature a bed, following Charleston. It’s a discovery moment that feels intimate and joyful. “It genuinely makes me so happy every time I see it,” Diamond says. Greenwich itself felt like a natural next step. With a loyal customer base throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties, the location allows Hill House to connect with its community in real life. There’s also a familiar overlap with the brand’s seasonal Nantucket and Palm Beach clientele, reinforcing a shared lifestyle sensibility. For Diamond personally, the convenience matters too. “I love spending the day in our stores,” she notes. “Being able to hop on Metro-North and be there so quickly has been lovely.”

For those discovering Hill House for the first time, Diamond recommends starting with the Nap Dress, the brand’s unmistakable signature. Next, the Hotel Robe, a longtime bestseller especially popular during the holidays, offers everyday luxury and personalization through monogramming. And for those drawn to fashion-forward pieces, the newly launched Resort Capsule delivers effortless elegance. Diamond’s personal favorite, the Becca Dress, features white lace with a subtle metallic sheen and is perfect for dinner with platform sandals or thrown over a swimsuit as a chic cover-up.

As Hill House Home opens its Greenwich doors, the excitement is palpable, not just for the brand, but for the community welcoming it. Rooted in comfort, beauty, and thoughtful design, Hill House feels right at home on Greenwich Avenue. And for Nell Diamond, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful destinations are the ones that bring you back to where it all began.

Founded in 2016 by Nell Diamond, Hill House Home is a modern lifestyle brand known for its iconic Nap Dress®, elevated home goods, and timeless design. The Greenwich store is located at 117 Greenwich Avenue and marks a meaningful return to the brand’s Connecticut roots.

Kitchen&Bath|Furniture|Windows

SpaceLayout|Color&FinishSelections Interiors

23 Vitti Street New Canaan, CT 06840 203-594-1890 intentionalselfaesthetics.com

TERESA ALASIO MD Owner & Medical Director
Dr. Anna & Dr. Michaela

RECIPES FOR GAME DAY

Score big on Super Bowl Sunday with these winning recipes from Feast and Merriment.

The Super Bowl is about four things: football, friends, family, and food. And what’s better than that?! When you’re hosting, the goal is to keep things easy—mixing hot and cold dishes so you’re not stuck in the kitchen, and prepping ahead so the day feels relaxed and fun rather than rushed. When planning, focus on bold flavors, good contrast, and dishes that hold up well on the table.

Finger foods are ideal for this kind of gathering because they invite grazing and keep the energy casual. A mix of familiar favorites like guacamole and spinach artichoke dip, alongside unexpected standouts like hot beer cheese dip—kept warm in a mini slow cooker—and irresistible Chinese sticky wings, creates a spread everyone keeps coming back to. For these and more winning game day recipes, visit FeastandMerriment.com.

AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISSY COLLINS

WINNING CHINESE STICKY WINGS

Ingredients:

• 3 lb chicken wings

• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil.

• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, Mirin, or dry sherry

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey

• 1 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated

• 1/2 tsp five spice powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and pat dry the wings with paper towel and set aside. Combine all the remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix well. In a separate bowl marinate the chicken wings with half the marinade, reserving the remaining amount for basting. Marinate the wings for 30 minutes and no more than 1 hour.

One by one, shake off any excess marinade and place the marinated wings on a tin foil lined baking tray - preferably with a raised grid that has been sprayed with non-stick oil (the grid helps with air circulation and crisping).

Bake for 25 minutes then baste and flip the wings. Bake for 10 more minutes and baste again. Then, after 10 more minutes, flip and baste one final time for a total cooking time of 45-50 minutes. The meat should be falling off the bones easily.  Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

GAME DAY  GUACAMOLE

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe large avocados

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)

• ¼ cup finely diced red onion

• 1 small garlic clove, grated or very finely minced

• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, to taste)

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped.

• 1½ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)

Directions:

Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop into a bowl. Mash gently with a fork, leaving some texture. Stir in lime juice, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, and garlic.

Taste and adjust salt and lime as needed.

Serve immediately, or press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning.

Helpful Tips:

Use ripe—but not soft—avocados

They should yield slightly to pressure without feeling mushy.

Season early, taste often

Salt brings out the avocado flavor; adjust lime and salt gradually.

Mash by hand, not a processor

A fork keeps the texture fresh and rustic, not gummy.

Add lime juice right away It brightens flavor and helps slow browning.

CONTINUED >

TOUCHDOWN  BEER CHEESE DIP

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 tbsp flour

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup beer (lager style recommended)

• 1½ cup sharp cheddar cheese - freshly grated, not packaged

• ½ cup gruyere cheese- freshly grated

• ¼ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic

• ½ tsp dijon mustard

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• Pretzel nuggets, tortilla chips, or crusty bread for dipping

Directions:

In a small sauce pan, gently heat the milk until warm but not boiling.

Meanwhile, in a medium sized saucepan, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat and whisk in the butter to make a roux. Cook the flour and butter for about two minutes.

Slowly whisk in the warm milk, adding a small amount at a time, until all the milk has been added and combined into a smooth texture.  Slowly whisk in the beer. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking often for about 5 minutes or until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon

Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the seasonings, then add the grated cheese one handful at a time, whisking until fully melted. Taste for seasoning. Serve in a warm bowl or mini crock pot with sides such as warm pretzel nuggets (found in the freezer section of most grocery stores), sliced sausage, crusty bread cubes, or tortilla chips.

Helpful Tips:

Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the dip grainy.

Low heat is key. Gentle heat keeps the dip smooth; high heat can cause the cheese to seize or separate. Keep it warm, not hot. A mini slow cooker or insulated serving bowl keeps the dip perfect for hours. If it thickens, thin it. A splash of beer or milk brings it right back to dipping consistency.

For more details and step by step instructions for these recipes and more, visit www.feastandmerriment.com.

REIMAGINING DATING THROUGH CONNECTION, CLARITY, AND TRUST

WHERE REAL LOVE BEGINS

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOK ROAD PHOTOGRAPHY
“EVERY DATE IS INFORMATION, NOT REJECTION AND NONE OF IT IS WASTED.”

For Jillin’ It founder Jill Dunn, matchmaking was never about algorithms or checklists, it was about people. The idea for her now-thriving matchmaking practice took shape after her divorce, when she found herself navigating modern dating as a single mom with two young children and very little free time. Dating apps felt transactional and exhausting. What she craved and what she quickly realized others craved too was real connection.

Searching for in-person singles events in Fairfield County, Jill came up empty. So she did what natural connectors do: she created one herself. That first event in her hometown of Norwalk sold out, filled the room, and sparked something immediate. Guests lingered, conversations flowed, and the question she heard all night was simple: When is the next one? Within weeks, Jill hosted another event, then another. As she met more singles, she instinctively began seeing who might be a fit for someone else even if they hadn’t attended the same gathering. What started organically soon evolved into a deeply intentional practice.

“Dating isn’t about instant chemistry or perfection. It’s about curiosity, alignment, and staying open long enough for connection to unfold because some of the best relationships start with ‘I wasn’t sure at first.’”

Eight years later, Jillin’ It has led to marriages, long-term partnerships, and countless meaningful relationships. Yet Jill’s philosophy remains refreshingly human. “Dating, reimagined” means pulling people out of swipe culture and back into grounded, intentional connection. Jill often critiques what she calls “Amazon Prime dating” the illusion that you can filter for the perfect partner and have them delivered instantly. Instead, her work centers on values, emotional alignment, and curiosity over judgment.

Jill’s own experiences shape everything she does. She’s open about dating after divorce, the vulnerability it requires, and the emotional highs and lows along the way. That honesty resonates deeply with clients. She doesn’t approach matchmaking from a pedestal, but from lived understanding. Her role goes far beyond making introductions; she becomes a guide, helping clients stay hopeful, reflective, and confident without losing themselves in the process.

Every potential match is carefully vetted. Jill personally video chats with everyone, verifies key details, and conducts background

checks. “In a way, I go on the first date for them,” she explains. By the time two people meet, the fundamentals already align. The first date isn’t an interview, it’s simply a chance to see if there’s openness for a second. That shift alone removes enormous pressure. What truly sets Jill apart is her commitment to transformation, not just outcomes. Clients learn to see dating as information rather than rejection. They stop dating from scarcity and start dating with clarity. Many of the strongest relationships Jill has helped create began with uncertainty and proof that connection often unfolds quietly, over time.

As Jillin’ It grows, so does its impact. With expanded offerings like the Jillin’ It Love Club, a growing team, and more in-person experiences planned, Jill remains focused on what matters most: helping people feel seen, supported, and open to love again. For anyone who’s felt discouraged by modern dating, her message is clear, don’t put your life on pause. Come as you are. Connection is closer than you think.

shsconnecticutsw.com

203-363-4400

500 W Putnam Ave, Suite 400 Greenwich, CT

info@shsconnecticutsw.com

Specialty training, conservative care, and a family-first philosophy in Darien

DESIGNED WITH PRECISION

At Dental Specialists of Darien, dentistry is where science, design, and human connection meet. Led by board-certified prosthodontists and partners Dr. Marie Falcone and Dr. William Zapata, the practice is rooted in precision, compassion, and a legacy of excellence spanning more than 60 years. As the third generation to own and operate the Darien practice, the couple brings both deep respect for its history and a forward-thinking approach to modern dental care.

Dr. Falcone’s path to prosthodontics was driven by her passion for creativity and healthcare. A graduate of Barnard College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, she earned a full scholarship to complete her Master’s in Bioethics, graduated in the top ten percent of her class, and specialized at the University of Connecticut with a focus on esthetics and dental shade matching. She is also the first and only woman to serve as President of the Connecticut section of the American College of Prosthodontics.

Dr. Zapata’s journey was inspired early on by his father, also a prosthodontist. After graduating at the top of his class, he completed advanced residency training and a three-year prosthodontics specialty program at UConn, where he also taught dental students. His advanced training centers on facial esthetics and precision-driven smile reconstruction.

Together, they lead with a shared philosophy: treat the whole person, not just the tooth. Patients often remark that the office feels more like a family living room than a clinical setting. Listening, understanding personal stories, and easing anxiety are central to every visit. Clinically, their mantra is clear, aim for perfection and settle for excellence. A standard reflected in their meticulous attention to detail.

What truly differentiates the practice is how specialty-level training is applied to every patient, whether they need routine cleanings or complex full-mouth reconstruction. As the only board-certified prosthodontists in Darien and New Canaan, Drs. Falcone and Zapata bring three additional years of advanced education, dual master’s degrees, and a conservative mindset to all care. “We would never recommend something we wouldn’t do for ourselves or our family,” they share.

Among the most fulfilling cases they treat are children with congenitally missing or misshapen teeth, as well as adults who have avoided smiling or eating comfortably for years. Through collaboration with local specialists and advanced digital technology, they restore confidence, function, and joy, often in life-changing ways.

As husband and wife, their partnership adds to the practice’s warmth and cohesion. Their shared training, values, and mutual respect allow for real-time collaboration chairside, reinforcing the family-first culture patients feel immediately. Word-of-mouth referrals continue to fuel the practice’s growth, a testament to a team built on empathy, excellence, and genuine care.

CONTINUED >

“We focus on the person attached to the tooth—listening deeply, understanding their story, and delivering dentistry that feels personal, thoughtful, and truly centered on long-term wellbeing.”
“We

aim for perfection and settle for excellence, applying specialtylevel precision to every patient—whether it’s routine care, esthetic refinement, or life-changing full-mouth reconstruction.”

Ask Leslie!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome back to Ask Leslie! In this month’s issue, we’re talking about choosing where to volunteer, navigating household responsibilities, hosting without stress and managing friendships. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or wondering where your energy is best spent, this month’s column is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all to do it well.

xx

Leslie

As a working Mom, how do you balance everything and still decide which school activity or community commitments to volunteer for? I struggle to pick and choose where to devote my time, because every commitment feels meaningful in its own way.

Dear Over-Committed,

First, the fact that you care this much already makes you the kind of parent and community member people want involved. But caring doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.

When life is full, balance becomes less about doing more and more about choosing with intention. I’d start by designating a set number of volunteer hours each month that align most with your values and enjoyment. Once you reach your limit, you stop. A graceful “I’d love to support, but I can’t commit right now” is perfectly acceptable.

We set boundaries for our children with bedtime, screen time, and sugar. Give yourself permission to have limits too. I find that the most powerful commitment us busy moms can make is the one to protect our time, our energy, and our peace.

“My advice is to host the way that feels most natural to you. The best etiquette is the kind that lets everyone enjoy the evening.”

I suggest creating a separate calendar on your phone with a designated color for each volunteering commitment. It gives you a clear visual of how much you’re taking on each month. And if it starts looking like a rainbow, that’s your cue to scale back.

You don’t need to do everything to make an impact. You just need to fully show up for the things that matter most.

What’s the best approach to handling dishes when hosting? Cleaning up right after the meal or waiting until later. I personally prefer not to do dishes when I’m hosting, but I’m curious what the etiquette really is.

Dear Dish-Avoider,

There’s no hard-and-fast etiquette rule here. This one truly comes down to personal preference.

Some hosts love clearing everything before the next cocktail is poured while others would rather let the dishes linger and stay fully present with their guests. Both approaches are perfectly acceptable. I understand the appeal of each. Waking up to a clean kitchen feels like a gift to your future self, while staying present with friends has its own immediate rewards. When I host, I tend to quietly load the dishwasher while guests mingle. There’s often one friend who jumps in to help, and I actually love that moment because it turns cleanup into a bit of a one-on-one catch-up sesh.

As a guest, it’s polite to offer to help. As a host, you’re free to accept or decline. Maybe you’d rather have someone topping off glasses or warming the dessert. Use your discretion, read the room, and consider how you’ll feel the next morning.

If you want the evening to feel truly seamless, bringing in hired help is an option too.

My advice is to host the way that feels most natural to you. The best etiquette is the kind that lets everyone enjoy the evening.

Happy hosting!

I’ve been close friends with someone for over 20 years, and I always make an effort to show up for her at her personal events, professional milestones, everything. But when I’m there, she often barely spends time with me and focuses on working the crowd. And when she comes to my events, she just pops in briefly and leaves. How should I handle this imbalance?

Dear Dedicated Friend,

You sound like the kind of friend everyone hopes to have in their life. You show up. You celebrate. You make the effort. That is who you are.

It also sounds like your friend “shows up” very differently, with a presence that can feel inconsistent and self-absorbed. Over time, that imbalance can feel hurtful and disappointing, especially in a friendship that spans decades.

Before jumping to conclusions, I’d ask yourself an important question: has this always been her way, or does it feel new? If it’s new, consider what may have shifted in her life or in yours. Long-standing friendships don’t always grow at the same pace or in the same direction, and sometimes changes in success, visibility, or moment in life can change the dynamic.

A twenty-year friendship is absolutely something to celebrate, but longevity alone doesn’t obligate you to go above and beyond. You don’t need to keep score, but I’d pay attention to how this relationship makes you feel. Continue being the thoughtful friend you are, while also meeting this friendship where it is, not where you wish it would be.

I’m a business owner, a mom, and a partner, but despite my best efforts to divide responsibilities, the cooking and most of the laundry still fall on me. I don’t mind doing some of it, but it’s exhausting and feels unfair, especially since I live with my fiancé and my 23-year-old daughter. Help!

Dear Miss Do-It-All,

Thank you for calling this out, because so many women quietly carry the same load (pun intended!). Being a business owner, a mother, and a partner is already a full-time balancing act. When the majority of the household labor still lands on you, it’s no wonder you’re crying, “Help!” It sounds like a household rhythm has been established, not necessarily by choice, but by habit. Use this as an opportunity to gently reset expectations. It can simply be a thoughtful conversation about what feels like too much right now and how the household can run more smoothly when everyone contributes in a way that feels fair.

In our house, my husband and I sometimes leave the “hand-wash only” dishes in the sink just to see who will make the first move. I call it “domestic flirting,” and he calls it “dishes do-si-do.” It sounds like your dance partner has been sitting this one out for a bit too long, and it’s time to invite him back onto the floor.

A well-run household, like a well-run business, works best when everyone knows their role. Good luck!

-Leslie

Want to submit a question to Ask Leslie? Email darien@citylifestyle.com or DM me directly on Instagram (and follow along!): ask_leslie_official.\

Local Experiences

THE BEST PLACES AND THINGS TO DO IN OUR AREA.

From shops, artists and more, show your love and support to our city’s creatives and visionaries. Enjoy these local establishments that you’re sure to fall for while giving back to our city’s economy simultaneously.

1. Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan, a historic visual arts center, School of Art, over 300 professional artists, and five galleries with free admission, offering classes for all ages and community programs

2. Penny Linn, Rowayton, a needlepoint and embroidery store in offering hand-painted canvases, threads, and accessories for all skill levels, and it has become a community hub for stitchers with classes and events.

3. Darien Arts Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the arts of all ages, classes, and special events and live performances. Students and attendees deepen their understanding and appreciation of performing arts in the community.

4. Crafty Kids, New Canaan, a fun space for children to grow their creative and social confidence through process art, hands-on DIY crafts and sensory play.

5. Floraco, consciously crafted, botanical products to nurture the connection between mind, body, and home.

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 3RD

Paper Flower Workshop with the Green Vase

Carriage Barn Arts Center | 11:00 AM

Come join the talented Livia Cetti of The Green Vase and learn how to create stunning paper roses. These beautiful blooms are crafted to last forever and showcase the art of handmade paper flower making. This two-hour class is a wonderful opportunity to learn this unique art form.

FEBRUARY 4TH

Mini Golf at Darien Library

Darien Library | 8:00 AM

Players of all ages are invited to puttputt their way through the Library on an 18-hole miniature golf course at the 11th Annual Darien Library Mini Golf event! All proceeds from Darien Library Mini Golf will go directly to the purchase of books, movies, and technology as well as the support of countless programming opportunities throughout the year.

FEBRUARY 19TH

Entrepreneurial Women’s Collective (EWC) Luncheon Event

HAYVN Darien | 12:00 PM

Entrepreneurial women luncheon with Jen Aks, TEDx Speaker, Author, Leadership Coach & The Power of Gesture, on embodied leadership for women. Connect with smart, supportive entrepreneurial women, learn new things, build relationships, and have fun.

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