Food + Beverage

Home Away From Home

Escape to Winvian with the whole family. Article by Marisa MacLean Imagine a place where the boundaries between imagination and reality blur, where every corner holds a new surprise, and where your family’s dreams come to life—that’s exactly what we found at Winvian. Nestled in the Litchfield Hills, this distinguished Relais & Châteaux, AAA Five-Diamond property features 18 uniquely themed cottages, each designed by a different architect to capture a piece of Connecticut’s natural beauty and...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Dinner, Lunch or Brunch, With a View!

River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar and Tequila Rio Serve Up Fresh and Diverse Food With Stunning Water Views Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by John Helmke It’s hard to say which of the several dining spaces at River: A Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, is more captivating.  For sure the main seating area, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive views of the Connecticut River (which encompasses the Boathouse down river in Glastonbury) is a show-stopper. Though it can seat...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

Your Neighborhood Bakery

How Small State Provisions is Crafting Community, One Loaf at a Time Article by Brian Boyer | Photography by Julie Bidwell In an industry dominated by mass-produced goods, Small State Provisions – with locations in West Hartford and Avon - stands as a testament to the power of passion, quality, and community.  Founded by Kevin Masse in 2019, the bakery began as a humble cottage operation out of his home, with a mission to bring the art of sourdough bread to the heart of Connecticut.  Today...

September 2024

Beauty

FemCare Medspa

Empowering Women And Addressing Their Unique Health Needs Photography by Connecticut Headshots Julian Grant, a seasoned emergency department nurse with nearly two decades of experience, founded FemCare Medspa in West Hartford with a vision to create a space where women feel truly heard, understood, and empowered. Located at 61 Raymond Road, FemCare Medspa evolved from Reboot Drip Therapy, operated by Julian in North Haven from 2022 until January 2024. This rebranding marked a significant...

September 2024

Food + Beverage

A New Wine Bar and Ice Cream Shop

Sicily Coal Fired Pizza Expands It Dining Options Article by Lucinda Jamison | Photography by Michele Tereso Middletown already offers a vibrant dining scene, but Tony Prifitera, owner of Sicily Coal Fired Pizza, is taking things to the next level with the recent addition of the Nitro Cream 'n Crumbz ice cream shop and an upscale lounge, The Wine Bar. The new ventures aren't just about food and drink; they're about offering experiences that leave a lasting impression. Nitro Cream 'n Crumbz is...

September 2024

Fitness

Summer Is Almost Over

Don’t be mad at me. I know we still technically have until September 22nd for the official end of summer, but traditionally we think of Labor Day weekend as the end of the summer. This is when the kids go back to school, businesses kick it in high gear and the big trips have already been completed. Now it’s time to get back on track with our healthy habits again.I have had many conversations with friends and clients regarding what season is more difficult to maintain healthy eating and exercise...

August 2024

Style + Beauty

September Style

Local Retailers Show Off Their Fall Fashions in Our Annual Style Issue Article by Eileen M. McNamara | Photography by Azur Mele and Peter Mellekas September is our Style Issue here at West Hartford Lifestyle Magazine and this year we decided to hold a fashion shoot to show off some of the fall styles offered at some of our amazing boutiques here in the region.  Helping us pull it all together was Tina Kiniry and the team at Tina Kiniry Modeling & Acting Agency of West Hartford, who produced...

August 2024

Beauty

Oksana Salon

From Moldova to West Hartford, Oksana Villeneuve Has Won Accolades in International Competitions Article and Photography by Allison Bellucci Oksana Villeneuve’s journey from a child of Moldova to owning her own hair style and beauty salons is a remarkable story of passion, resilience, and seizing opportunities.  The owner of Oksana Salon in West Hartford and Longmeadow, Ma., she arrived in the U.S in 1989 and pursued her childhood passion for hairdressing amidst the challenges of adapting to...

August 2024

Home + Design

Sharon McCormick Design

Personalized Touch, Award-Winning Designs Photography by Blaine Johnathan Photography An award-winning residential interior design firm with more than 20 years of excellence and experience, Sharon McCormick Design approaches every new project with a fresh perspective and an eye toward fulfilling the client’s vision. The firm’s expansive portfolio reflects its versatility and personalized design philosophy. “I don’t believe in imposing a certain style on my clients,” says Sharon. “I approach...

August 2024

Home + Design

International Marble and Granite Enterprises

The family-owned company specializes in stone and solid surface products Article by Alexis Demircan Founded in 2010, International Marble and Granite Enterprises (IMAGE) is a family-owned company that specializes in custom fabrication of stone and manufactured products for counters, floors and even walls.  The Hartford-based firm prides itself on the diversity and quality of its products, as well as its attention to detail and cutting-edge fabrication processes that includes a laser-guided...

August 2024