Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 3

April 2023 PUBLISHER

Mary Dougherty | mary.dougherty@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Premiere Issue It is a striking coincidence that our team brings you the first issue of Ridgefield City Lifestyle Magazine during the initial days of spring. It is a time of change and anticipation which makes introducing this magazine now especially relevant. We are fortunate to have so many places and productions to experience in our quaint town. New experiences, a strong sense of community, contribution, family and creativity are a few of the things integral to the Ridgefield Lifestyle. I hope that you experience an abundance of these and appreciate the curated highlights on the pages that follow. As we enter the spring season where there is a renewed energy in the air, I hope that you take the time to indulge in this issue that is simply a tribute to some of the people and places that make our town so special. More importantly, I hope that you patronize your favorite locales and try some new ones. The Ridgefield Lifestyle is extraordinary. We experience all of the seasons, a lush country setting and a vibrant arts scene with world class productions and exhibitions. We really do have the best of both worlds as we embrace the natural beauty of our country roads and wooded lots while being able to access one of the greatest cities in the world with ease. This Premiere Issue features the Executive Director of the Aldrich Museum, the abundant contributions of the Ridgefield Thrift Shop and some insights about the new location of Deborah Ann's Sweet Shoppe. I hope that you take the time to frequent all three of these locations this month as new exhibits, flavors and styles await. Thank you to our editor, Ashley Alt and our contributing photographers and writers who have used their respective creative talents to get this issue ready for you. I would also like to express immense gratitude to the City Lifestyle Corporate Team who have given me the opportunity to bring their transformative brand to you. Finally, a special thank you to our founding partners who have made publishing this magazine possible. I am constantly in awe at the generosity of our local business leaders who support offerings that unite our community. It is my hope that each and every time you read this magazine you come away a little more grateful as to how fortunate you are to live here! Cordially,

M A R Y D O U G H E R T Y, P U B L I S H E R | @ R I D G E F I E L D C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/RIDGEFIELD |

EDITOR

Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Ashley Alt, Mary Dougherty CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Jennifer Barrett of New Light Creative Services, Jason Mandella, Jay Graygor, Dona Giorgadze, Chelsea Vetre, Michele Williams, Jennie Carr, Sally Yarrish

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Ridgefield City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Ridgefield area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Ridgefield City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Premiere Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

09 A Conversation with Cybele Maylone

Lifestyle Letter

Local Limelight A RTS + C U LTU R E

Locals Only LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Hot Spot LI FE + C U LT U R E

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Open House HO ME + DES I GN

Must See LI FE + C U LT U R E

Outdoor Adventure LI FE + C U LTU R E

Local’s Choice A RTS + C U LT U R E

Meet the Executive Director of The Aldrich Museum

12 The Extraordinary Contributions of the Ridgefield Thrift Shop A champion of sustainability, philanthropy and of course a great deal

16 Deborah Ann’s Takes Center Stage The new space that’s got everyone talking

26 An Architectural Masterpiece For Art Aficionados Modern minimalism right in our backyard

O N T H E C OV E R

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A CONVERSATION WITH CYBELE MAYLONE

“I loved the opportunity to have more space, including a garden, which I love,” Maylone said of the move. She explained she made a “concerted effort” to live near the museum, as she wanted to preserve that part about living in a city. “Being able to walk to and from work, having that slice of urban living felt important,” she added, “Taking on the position I have now with the Aldrich seemed like an incredibly exciting place to step into, and it has been an exciting four years.” Obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration, art has always been a “very transformational experience” for Maylone, who grew up in Evanston, IL, a suburb just north of Chicago. “Art makes me feel and think things that I don’t get from anything else,” she explains. “It’s what makes art feel so moving. It inspires awe and wonder and curiosity — the reason I seek it out is because of the new things that art reveals.”

Meet the Executive Director of the Aldrich Museum Executive Director of the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Cybele Maylone moved to Ridgefield from New York City four years ago in pursuit of the opportunity to lead the Aldrich, the only museum in Connecticut dedicated solely to the exhibition of contemporary art.

CONTINUED >

Cybele Maylone at the Aldrich

“From the membership to group exhibition showings, the art museum is devoted to being ‘meshed in the community,’ stating the spirit of making art accessible to people’s everyday lives is ‘very rewarding’.” ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON MANDELLA AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

Previously leading a nonprofit art center in Brooklyn, UrbanGlass, a position she proudly held as Executive Director for five years, Maylone worked very closely with the artists there, a place she explains is “devoted to artists in all manners of glass.” Now with her work at The Aldrich, she’s bringing that same “deep and active collaboration with artists,” working almost exclusively with living artists, most of whom are from the United States. “We definitely show the work of artists who live outside of the U.S. as well,” Maylone says. From the membership to group exhibition showings, she explains the art museum, which welcomes 30,000 people each year, is devoted to being “meshed in the community,” stating the spirit of making art accessible to people’s everyday lives is “very rewarding.” Through her work with The Aldrich, Maylone adds that she especially enjoys the opportunities to work with other members of the cultural community, including the symphony, The Ridgefield Playhouse, and Thrownstone. “The cultural offerings in Ridgefield, along with the open space, are things I love taking advantage of,” she says. “Ridgefield has been a warm and welcoming place ever since my family and I moved here, and I am looking forward to continuing to bring that connection to culture within the community.”

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The Extraordinary Contributions of the Ridgefield Thrift Shop A champion of sustainability, philanthropy and of course a great deal ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

LOCA LS ON LY | LOCA L SERVI CE S

The Ridgefield Thrift Shop is not your typical thrift store. If you’ve been there, you know what I mean. Operating more as an intimate boutique than a thrift store, complete with merchandised displays that reflect the current season, this local gem appeals to donors, volunteers, and anyone who loves a great deal. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the shop also prides itself on sustainability within several facets, and is extremely active philanthropically within the community. Operating 100% as a non-profit organization and run solely by volunteers (some of whom have been a part of the RTS family for 40+ years), every penny after business expenses are covered goes to local charities. President of the Board Jennifer Mitchell explained the mission of RTS is to “support local non-profit organizations through recycling, repurposing, and reselling generously donated goods,” all while providing the opportunity to purchase affordable, and truly unique, merchandise. “Whether something is $100, $10, or $1, there is something for everyone,” she emphasized. The Ridgefield Thrift Shop was incorporated in 1946 as an independent non-profit organization chartered to sell donated goods to raise money for other charitable organizations, all in support of Ridgefield residents. As the shop grew, the mission remained the same. Now, there are over 100 volunteers that work diligently to run RTS efficiently. “We try to do as much as we can not to contribute to landfills,” Mitchell said. In line with several of its sustainability efforts, the shop works closely with ACR Trading, a long-standing clothing recycling company which picks up any clothing that can’t go on the sales floor. “Then, what we can’t sell on the floor relating to housewares, we donate to goodwill,” Mitchell added. The donation station is located in the back of the shop, where everything is neatly labeled and organized,

making the process smooth and efficient for donors. From clothes and linens to housewares, artwork, and books, donors are welcome to bring anything they no longer use. “We have a lot of regulars,” Mitchell said. “There are people who come in weekly to donate. The store wouldn’t run without our generous donors,” she added. The store also wouldn’t be what it is without its volunteers, who undergo a four-part training program which outlines expectations of their duties from learning how to price women and men’s clothing to shadowing veteran volunteers. The shop boasts numerous accomplishments from volunteers to donors and beyond. In 2022, the shop was able to give grants to 81 non-profits, and even awarded a handful of scholarships to students. Local non-profits can apply for an RTS grant during a designated time period (found on their website) in order to be considered. Past grants have been awarded to recipients including ACT of Connecticut, Woodcock Nature Center, Angel of Ridgefield, Family & Children’s Aid, and more. The finance committee of 5 members is made up of the President, Treasurer, Finance Chair and two RTS Members who review, prioritize and suggest funding to the RTS Board and then membership for approval. All in all, the space is vast — 10,000 square feet in total — 5,000 on the main floor and 5,000 in the basement. The basement is almost another store, each section categorized (just like it is on the main floor) by children’s clothes, Christmas decorations, and designer goods among designated departments that select members and volunteers are the head of. The shop also holds online auctions for their higher-valued items, a concept that came about during Covid when volunteers couldn’t work and customers couldn’t physically come into the store. Held through the RTS website every Wednesday, higher-valued items, like a 14K Gold necklace, gets auctioned off.

“Operating 100% as a non-profit organization and run solely by volunteers (some of whom have been a part of the RTS family for 40+ years), every penny after business expenses are covered goes to local charities.”

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In addition to the online auctions, the shop also sends out a newsletter every Tuesday to their list of 2,000 subscribers (and growing), letting them know anything new that may be of interest coming to the shop. “We have one volunteer who takes all of our Vera Bradley bags home to wash, iron, and stuff. That’s the type of thing we’ll send out in the newsletter, letting customers know about a coordinated or special-themed happening.”

LOCA LS ON LY | LOCA L SERVI CE S

The entire behind-the-scenes process seems to run like a well-oiled machine, seemingly becoming more efficient as the years go on and the processes become more streamlined. “It is quite a production, but there is a method to our madness,” Mitchell says. The shop is open to the public Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4 pm. Donations can be made Monday-Saturday 9 am-4 pm.

“We have one volunteer who takes all of our Vera Bradley bags home to wash, iron,

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and stuff. That’s the type of thing we’ll send out in the newsletter, letting customers know about a coordinated or special-themed happening.”

L E A R N M O R E : The RTS team concludes the

biggest impact made is the financial support provided to local non-profits through the donations of residents. In addition, RTS is an integral part of the Ridgefield High School Annual Business Symposium, has partnered with RHS for an intern program, and works with a teen volunteer program that partners with the National Charity League and the National Honors Society at RHS.

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

Deborah Ann’s Takes Center Stage The new space that’s got everyone talking ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe, Ridgefield’s long-time local treasure, has relocated to the center of town, settling into a much larger, much brighter space that they now call home. Nestled front and center on Ridgefield’s iconic Main Street, the new space allows for more seating, more ice cream, and more fun. “It’s been a lot of work with the renovation, but I’m glad to see it all come together,” Deborah, the Shoppe’s co-owner, said. For those needing an introduction, Deborah Ann’s was founded by husband and wife duo Mike Grissmer and Deborah Ann Backes in 1998, starting out with

H OT SP OT | L IFE + CU LTURE

their own homemade chocolates and later making their own premium ice cream. “That was when our first child was born,” Deborah said. “So it’s impossible to forget the year we opened.” A significant factor that differentiates Deborah Ann’s from other ice cream shops is the fact that their ice cream is made in-house using fresh dairy from Upstate Farms, a co-operative of family farms in upstate New York, which pledges not to treat their cows with growth hormones. With a multitude of ice cream flavors ranging from birthday cake, butter pecan, cherry vanilla and rum raisin to chocolate

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“The entire shoppe is designed for customers to have a hands-on, interactive experience while they “ooh and ahh” at the abundance of delectable treats.”

custard, maple walnut, strawberry and pistachio, there truly is something for everyone to lap up and enjoy. Currently carrying a whopping total of 56 different ice cream flavors, the Shoppe also offers alternative options such as frozen yogurt, sorbet, coconut-based ice cream and dairy free ice cream. Deborah Ann’s has been adored by both Ridgefield’s and surrounding town’s sweet treat lovers, from toddlers to teenagers to adults, with the team’s enthusiasm for the new space obvious. You’ll have to check it out for yourself. Their original space was located next door to the Ancient Mariner restaurant in the Ridgefield Shopping Center. Thereafter, they moved to Main Street’s iconic corner with the big cow laden on the sidewalk, ready to be sat on by passersby to enjoy their ice cream, chocolate, or old school candy bar. The more expansive and eye-catching space, still with the cow out front, houses everything delicious the original space held — just in a more Willy Wonkaentranced, captivating way. When you walk through the front doors, your eyes may widen and your jaw may drop, as you take in the 1950s’ style decor a la the red glitter bar stools on the “ice cream side,” and rainbow-colored everything on the left hand side, including colorful swirl lollipops and a vibrant, luminescent light fixture above the stairs. That’s another new development from the original space — an additional level. With the additional level also came an elevator, located on the far left side of the top floor, right next to the cash wrap. This makes for

H OT SP OT | L IFE + CU LTURE

quick up and down runs staff may need to make, as well as those needing wheelchair accessibility — something Deborah emphasized she is particularly pleased about. The entire shoppe is designed for customers to have a hands-on, interactive experience while they “ooh and ahh” at the abundance of delectable treats, from decadent chocolate-covered pretzels and homemade specialty fudge to sprinkled ice cream sandwiches and gift-packaged candy. The exterior of Deborah Ann’s got an upgrade, too, equipped with a picturesque front patio with rod-iron tables and chairs for customers to enjoy their ice cream. There is also a smaller back patio, which patrons can access from the parking lot behind the shoppe or through the door on the bottom level. They also have an app, aptly named Deborah Ann’s, where customers can place orders for pickup — for those times you don’t feel like waiting in line (or your chocolate craving is getting the best of you), you can choose from the app-selected menu items including hand scooped ice cream, soft serve ice cream, hand spun milkshakes, fruit smoothies, frozen drinks and more. Deborah mentions the team whips up seasonal flavors to reflect the weather changes and highlight the holidays, and encourages customers to be on the lookout for early Spring flavors including strawberry chocolate ice cream and carrot cake. Ice cream cakes will be available soon! Yum and yum. IG: @dasweetshoppe WEBSITE: deborahanns.com PHONE: 203.438.0065

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Simple Spring Recipes

The following Spring recipes are provided by cookbook author of “Around The Georgian Table” Dona Giorgadze and food blogger Chelsea Vetre. The asparagus soup, snow pea stew, and skinny margarita are Giorgadze’s recipes, and the lemon garlic butter pasta dish is Vetre’s. Enjoy!

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONA GIORGADZE & CHELSEA VETRE

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Asparagus Soup

This is a perfect spring dish that can be ready in under 10 minutes. It is super light, healthy, budget friendly and delicious. Giorgadze used to make this dish from wild asparagus when she lived in Georgia. “Kids were picking them in high mountains and my grandma was making a big pot of asparagus soup,” she said. “It was very tasty as she used fresh herbs from her garden and eggs from our chicken. I love to make it in spring when I have access to asparagus from the farm or farmers markets.”

makes: 2-3 servings

ingredients: • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces • 2 cups water • ½ yellow onion • 2 tbsp butter • 2 eggs • Salt, pepper, fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill)

directions: 1. In a medium pot sautè the onions in butter until they are golden over medium low heat for 3-5 minutes. Add asparagus and cook for another minute, stirring. 2. Add water, turn the heat up and let it boil. Simmer for a minute or two. 3. Beat the eggs in a bowl together with ½ cup water, pour the mixture into the soup and whisk. 4. Add the herbs, season with salt and turn the heat off. CONTINUED > AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

Snow Pea Stew

This dish is ready in 15 minutes. It is fresh, light, super healthy, flavorful, budget friendly and anyone can make it. Giorgadze suggests that even though you can find snow peas around the year in the supermarkets, you should prepare this dish in spring and summer when peas are in season. Also, use baby potatoes and lots of fresh herbs and garlic!

ingredients: • • • • • • • •

1 pound snow peas, cut in half 1 pound baby potatoes, cut in half 2 cups water ½ cup each, cilantro and parsley, chopped Few sprigs of scallions, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tbsp olive oil Salt, pepper, chili flakes, to taste

directions: 1. Boil the potatoes in a saucepan for about 10 minutes on a medium heat, covered. 2. Add the snow peas and simmer for 5 minutes. 3. Add the herbs, garlic, drizzle the olive oil, season with salt and pepper and turn the heat off.

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta

ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice fresh ½ tbsp lemon zest ¼ cup butter, block form 4-6 garlic cloves finely minced, appox 1.5 tbsp 2 ½ tbsp shallot diced ¼ tsp salt (omit if using salted butter) ¼ tsp crushed red pepper 2-3 tbsp basil, chopped ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese plus more for topping • 3 tbsp reserved pasta water • ½ lb pasta of your choice

makes: 2 servings

prep time:

directions: 1. Cook your choice of pasta according to the directions on the package. While it is cooking, prepare all of your ingredients. When the pasta has 5 minutes left until it is done cooking, begin making the sauce. 2. Heat a medium to large size skillet over low heat and add in the butter. 3. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic + shallot. Mix both into the melted butter and cook until fragrant. This will likely take 2-3 minutes. 4. Once fragrant, add the red pepper flakes and salt and mix. The mixture should be loose and liquid-like. 5. Once the pasta is done cooking, reserve 3 tbsp of the pasta water and mix the reserved water into the garlic butter sauce in the skillet.

5 minutes

6. Turn off the burner, and add in the lemon juice and parmesan, mixing it into the sauce.

cook time:

7. Add in the pasta and toss until it is fully coated in the sauce.

total time:

8. Add in the lemon zest and basil then mix again. Option to garnish with more parmesan and red pepper flakes.

10-12 minutes

17 minutes

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Skinny Margarita “Margaritas are pretty slimmed down (or ‘skinny’) already, ingredients-wise, so all we’re doing here is removing some of the refined sugar and replacing it with more natural ingredients,” Giorgadze said. “Because orange liqueurs like Cointreau or triple sec are traditionally used to add sweetness and a little extra citrus flavor to a margarita, we’re going with a little orange juice (fresh is best) and agave instead. This means not only are these ‘skinny margs’ lower in calories, they’ve also got slightly less alcohol (meaning you can enjoy more of them). Win win!” Giorgadze reminds us that just because they’re “skinny” doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with these. Her tip? Try blending your margs up with ice for a frozen libation, or experiment with sliced jalapeño, cucumber, basil, blood orange, or pomegranate — and don’t forget to use extra fruit or veggies for a garnish.

ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

Kosher salt Zest of 1 lime 1 lime wedge Ice 1 ½ oz tequila (Patron silver) 1 oz fresh lime juice 1 oz fresh orange juice 1 tsp agave syrup Lime wheels (for serving)

directions: 1. Pour salt onto a small plate. Stir in lime zest. Using lime wedge, rub rim of a rocks or margarita glass. Dip rim into lime salt. 2. In a cocktail shaker, place 2 ice cubes. Add tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and agave. Cover and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds. 3. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with lime wheels. Dona Giorgadze IG: @donagiorgadze Chelsea Vetre IG: @chelseapeachtree

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

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in AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

An Architectural Masterpiece For Art Aficionados MODERN MINIMALISM RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARD ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY GRAYGOR

An aerial view of the property

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

Ridgefield is a town filled with exquisite, notable architecture. The classic designs that line Main Street and the surrounding neighborhoods are renowned and sought after. However, none have been featured repeatedly by the elite press including Architectural Digest, Architect, and The New York Times like the property at 191 Ridgebury Road. This estate, designed by renowned architect Rafael Viñoly, who has helped shape the New York City skyline with his industrial designs, has been described as an architectural minimalist masterpiece. The home was created to bring the Ridgefield

countryside inside, witnessed by the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling glass windows and adjacent swimming pools. This home is not something you can see from the windy Ridgebury roads that surround it, but you can appreciate the gorgeous country setting in picturesque Ridgebury. Viñoly designed the house to display Alice Lawrence’s vast art collection in 1990. Alice was the widow of a real estate developer, who died in 2008. “Alice was an eccentric, very wealthy woman from New York,” said local real estate agent Peggy Marconi. “She had a very specific vision for an industrial open space to showcase

“The home was created to bring the gorgeous Ridgefield countryside inside, witnessed by the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and adjacent swimming pools.”

her artwork.” The current owner of the modern cement and glass property has an art collection and an extensive portfolio of Manhattan luxury real estate. Viñoly has only designed a handful of residences among his roster of famed properties, including The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, the commercial 20 Fenchurch Street in London and the iconic residential skyscraper at 432 Park Avenue. The suburban fortress has been utilized for corporate meetings, fundraisers, and “Art in the Home” panels, where experts gathered to educate people on how to introduce a contemporary art collection in their home. Almost everything in the home was imported, from the enormous cement blocks that encase the home to the Italian cut glass sliding doors. With a penthouse library, indoor lap pool, and outdoor pool with a wrap-around deck, this home is a dream for anyone who understands and appreciates modern, architectural design.

THE 10,561-SQUARE-FOOT PROPERTY SITS ON NEARLY FIVE ACRES OF LAND, CURRENTLY LISTED FOR $8.5 MILLION. THE LISTING IS REPRESENTED BY PEGGY MARCONI AND KARLA MURTAUGH OF COMPASS REAL ESTATE.

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A Few Favorite Attractions

We wanted to showcase a few favorite spots in town. From dining and shopping to relaxing and exploring, there is certainly no shortage of extraordinary places in our charming New England cove.

The Prospector Theater Arguably the most fantastic movie theater on the East Coast, The Prospector Theater, which came to life in 2014, is a truly unique, truly special place that any movie-goer will fall in love with. The Prospector, as it’s called by locals, is a non-profit dedicated to providing employment to people with disabilities, with approximately 74% of its workforce made up of people who self-identify with a disability. Located in the heart of Ridgefield, just off Main Street behind The Ridgefield Library, this local treasure features a 4-screen theater, concession stand and cafe, which serves everything from coffee and tea to beer and wine — and of course, classic movie snacks like popcorn and Milk Duds.

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

Ridgefield Rail Trail

The Meetinghouse

The Ridgefield Rail Trail is a favorite for avid walkers, following an old rail corridor for 2.3 miles from downtown Ridgefield to the Branchville section of town. Residents utilize this easy-going, flat path for walking, running, strolling their kids, or walking their dogs yearround. The trail is open from dawn to dusk, every day of the week. The rail was constructed in 2000 by Connecticut Light and Power in order to “enhance the town’s open space” and give residents a place to safely walk, jog, and enjoy Ridgefield’s beautiful natural surroundings. Parking for the trail can be accessed on Haplin Lane, as well as the Ridgefield Playhouse.

The Ridgefield Meetinghouse may best be described as a hidden gem that welcomes people into a place of spiritual maturity. A special hub of Farm & Garden and Art & Wellness, the directors like to discern they are “a place to nourish and flourish through mind, body, and soul.” The Meetinghouse has always served a dual purpose as a house of worship and place of public assembly, currently working on important projects like Ruby’s Little Pantry that helps fight food insecurity in Ridgefield, among countless others. Check out their website for upcoming art shows, concerts, and other community-driven events at meetinghouse.life.

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum The Aldrich Museum was founded by art collector and fashion designer Larry Aldrich in 1964. Today, it stands as one of the oldest contemporary art museums in the United States that is comprised of non-collecting art, and is the only museum in Connecticut solely dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art. From stylish events to unique exhibitions to children and family programs and beyond, the Aldrich sets an exceptional standard for Ridgefield’s art scene. Further details can be found at their website, thealdrich.org.

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Sleep Inside, Outside

Photography by Amangiri, USA

3 Incredible places to (literally) sleep under the stars It’s always magical to spend a night sleeping under the stars. In decades past, adventure seekers have packed the SUV or camper with tents and gear for ‘roughin’ it’ in the great outdoors. But the swanky and exploding category of luxury outdoor hotel is something to investigate for an unforgettable, next-level experience. For those who prefer glamping rather than pitching their own tent fireside, here are a few options that incorporate sweeping views and a unique opportunity for travelers to be more authentically embedded in the landscape of the place they’re visiting. These resorts have bucket list-worthy rooms that capture the best of both the luxury resort experience and the outdoors. Whether you crave the dry heat of the remote Utah desert or the luminous beauty of the Northern Lights, we’ve curated a short list of some places you *must* check out.

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | LI F E + CULTURE

Amangiri, Utah In southern Utah, Amangiri is a five star resort perfect for an adventurous weekend in the desert. However, it is the simple rooms built to emphasize the beauty of Canyon Point that truly make it an incredible place to stay. Each suite has an outdoor lounge and fireplace with private pools or rooftop terraces available too. Don’t miss a dip in the ‘gram-worthy pool, which wraps around the landscape’s curved dunes and arid plateaus.

Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza The Spanish island Ibiza boasts lush pine forests, hidden calas (cove beaches) and Hacienda Na Xamena, a resort suspended on a cliff 600 feet above the Mediterranean. Guests flock to its spa for the eight saltwater thalassotherapy (seawater as a form of therapy) lagoons, which are linked together with waterfalls. Swim to the edge of the pool and drink in the sweeping sea vistas.

Photography by Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica This jungle hideaway is so out there, you have to whitewater raft down a river or ride a gondola to get there. A network of hanging bridges connect the villas, which have thatched roofs, plantation teak wood floors, rattan furniture and private plunge pools. In the evening, zip 400 feet down a cable for a meal at the Nest, a platform at the top of a ceiba tree, then take a night-time stroll along romantic pathways lit by candles and lanterns. Photography by Pacuare Lodge AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

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Inspire Me! ARTICLE BY MARY DOUGHERTY

These are a few of my favorite local spots that I love to frequent and take out of town visitors to see! 01. Gathering for cocktails under the crystal chandeliers and old world charm at the Lounsbury House. // 02. Soaking in the elegance and grandeur at the Fountain Inn. / 03. Celebrating the natural surroundings that have inspired artists for generations at Weir Farm. / 04. When I spot the sun setting against a country backdrop from a country road. / 05. Meeting for breakfast on the stunning wrap-around porch at the West Lane Inn./ 06. Strolling among the sea of festive lights and seasonal greens on Main Street during the holiday season.

LOCA L’S CH OICE | ARTS + CULTURE

MORPH MED SPA 63 Copps Hill Road Suite 200 Ridgefield, CT 06877 203-291-5335