Washington, CT —
An Autumnal Escape

Favorite hikes

Steep Rock Land Trust. With over 2700 protected acres of land, Steeprock has many locations with trails. Choose an easy walk along the river or a challenging hike to multiple pinnacle overlooks.

Best date night cocktail

Community Table Bar. The uber chic Farm to Table restaurant has a great bartender and is the place to see and be seen. Order the Bee's Knees or the el Diablo cocktail. My wife, Stacey and my favorite. Cody makes the best drinks in the county!

Healthy organic breakfast

Hidden Valley Eatery. This is the top local hangout on weekend mornings.

Amazing lake view dining

Hopkins Inn. The views of Lake Waramaug from this terrace simply can not be beat. This lake is also a popular and coveted place to own a home for it’s summer watersport activity and serenity.

Place to drive fast

Lime Rock Race Track. Come watch a race or take a Skip Barber Driving Class. This winter our 16-year old kids will experience "Snowcross," where they will learn to drive on snow and ice!

Most delicious gourmet take out

The Pantry. The Pantry is the true heart of Washington, cooking for all our occasions and it’s always packed. Pick up a local berry or pumpkin pie for holidays but remember to order early!

Cuppa Joe: Marty's Cafe

This is the social center of the Depot. Great for breakfast and lunch, no Starbucks here!

Getting pampered

Mayflower Grace Inn and Spa. True luxury reside at this Relais and Chateaux Spa. Send your wife, like I do or come together and relax.

Best saturday social

Farmer’s Market at the Park. Washington Depot’s center was recently transformed with a gorgeous new park and garden. It will host the farmers market on Saturdays through October.

Oddest place to have lunch with a James Beard Finalist Chef

Pine Leaf Cafe. This new cafe is always bustling and Chef Joel Vielhand will personally make your breakfast or lunch. Enjoy it on the patio overlooking the river and gorgeous gardens in the middle of the Green Spot Nursery. Who knew I would eat so well when picking out mums for the house?

Most glamorous summer party

Pilobolus Ball which supports our internationally acclaimed modern dance company. Spend an incredible night at a rotating location - Spring Hill Farm most recently - watching a performance piece and mingling and dancing with old and new friends. It was even fun in 2015's monsoon rain storm!

Fall event

Gunn Memorial Library Antique Show. This is the social event of the fall season, such fun shopping with incredible vendors.

Ultimate luxury

Lake Waramaug house. This Lake is the hottest ticket in the county. The entry prices are steep but you will be in great company on this lake. People are buying $6mil houses and tearing them down! (We call this "surf and turf" - weekenders with country houses are picking up lake front houses as a second weekend home, often just a few miles from the country house. Having access to the lake is the "Ultimate Luxury" here... ).

Top foodie surprise

World class sushi at Norimaki, master chef Sekikawa makes everything himself so seating is limited, make sure you have a reservation.

Best local bookstore

Hickory Stick Book Sellers will guide to the perfect read. Fran and her staff have read everything! Come in for celebrity book signings which happen all the time.

Winter pleasure

Mohawk Mountain Skiing. Only half an hour from Washington, but make sure to book a spot on the kids program or sign up for the racing teams early as this is a popular weekend activity.