Food + Beverage

The Spirit of Branchville

Three Generations of Anconas Have Built More Than a Business Article by Katie Parry In 1870, the Danbury and Norwalk line of the Metro-North Railroad extended a branch line up to the center of town. The surrounding area, once known as “Ridgefield Station” or “Beers Station,” soon took on a new nickname: Branchville. For the last century, no one family has helped shape Branchville’s story more than the Anconas. Giuseppe “Joseph” Ancona was born in 1890 in Palma di Montechiaro, Agrigento...

Home + Design

Crafted in Stone

How Venezia Marble Turns Everyday Surfaces into Works of Art Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Ashley Hutchings For as long as humans have existed, stone has played an important role in their lives. In ancient times, stone was central to survival—for tools, for shelter, for protection. Later, it became art—sculptures, statues, and structures. Symbols of beauty and permanence.  In the last few centuries, function and beauty have joined forces in the heart of the modern home: the kitchen...

Life + Culture

Hometown Harmony

The Holidays Hit a High Note with Christmas Eve Caroling in Ballard Park Article by Kelly Berlin | Photography by Annie Fandl Photography ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through Ridgefield’s streets, Residents bundled up and prepared for a treat, At Ballard Park, neighbors and friends gathered ‘round, To celebrate the spirit of the season, community and our incredible town! With lights twinkling and melodies carrying good cheer, A new tradition began, to look forward to each year… ...

Local Services

Made in Ridgefield

Gift Guide Article by Corrin Arasa From bespoke beverages to handcrafted pottery to vintage reworks, you need not look far to find the perfect gifts this holiday season. This curated selection of unique, small-batch, and lovingly handcrafted goods is sure to please even the most discerning recipients.  Rockwater Pottery Jaclyn Londrigan named Rockwater Pottery after her 1865 Ridgefield home, which sits on a rock ledge with a constant flow of running water—a symbol she says evokes good...

Food + Beverage

Popportunity

At Prospector Popcorn, We’re More Than a Snack—We’re a Movement Article by Ryan Wenke, CEO, Prospector Theater | Photography by Prospector and Prospect Productions At the Prospector, we believe quality of life starts with financial independence. Employment provides purpose, paychecks, pride, and a path to a brighter future. Since our visionary, Valerie Jensen, founded the Prospector Theater in November 2014, we've been on a mission to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities...

Local Services

Founders Hall

The Power of Gratitude in Ridgefield Article by Jessica Mancini | Photography by Kate Wark Photography Gratitude in Ridgefield is more than a passing feeling. It is part of the rhythm of life here, as familiar as the glow of storefronts along Main Street on a winter evening or the voices of neighbors greeting one another at the market. It lives in the small gestures that bind us together and in the traditions that make this town feel like home. At Founders Hall, gratitude is something we see...

Travel

Off-Peak, On Point

Where to Go—When Everyone Else Isn’t Article by Kelly Berlin With the school year now in full swing, we’re dishing out a little dose of inspo for the upcoming holiday breaks. Our best advice: skip the most hyped-up hotspots and well-trodden locales, and go slightly off-season and off-the-beaten-path to find fewer crowds, lower prices, and more fun-filled adventures! For December Break Going into panic mode while searching for flights to FLL or MIA during the festive season? Close that...

Health + Wellness

Quiet Light Counseling

How Lauren Buckley Transformed Her Personal Pain Into Professional Purpose Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Veronica Green Photography When she was a little girl, Lauren Buckley used to daydream about getting married and having a big family. “All I ever wanted was to get married,” she recalls. “I wanted to have seven kids. That’s all I ever wanted! I was so excited when I got pregnant. I was so happy.” We’re sitting on cozy, overstuffed furniture in the office of her private practice...

Entertainment

It’s Babs!

Barbara Costello Dishes on @brunchwithbabs and her Spectacular Second Act Article by Katie Parry Unless you’ve consciously uncoupled from both social media and mainstream media, chances are you’ve heard of Brunch with Babs. And if you live in Ridgefield, you almost certainly have. Barbara Costello never set out to become “America’s most lovable grandma.” She wasn’t trying to go viral. She certainly never dreamed of becoming a New York Times –bestselling author. For Babs—better known to...

Food + Beverage

Elicit Brewing Company

Elicit’s New Danbury Location Brings Craft Beer, Cocktails, Food, and Fun Together Under One Roof Article by Katie Parry | Photography by Garrett Uhde and Adonis Giantomidis of Defining Studios Elicit Brewing Company—with its dozens of craft beers on tap, separate cocktail lounge, shuffleboard and cornhole bar games, and elevated pub fare—feels like bar-hopping to several different places in one night. The Danbury location, which opened in July, is the third Elicit in Connecticut. Parent...