Category Archives: Connecticut
Gallery: The Inn at Woodstock Hills at Night
Experience the enchanting transformation of the Inn at Woodstock Hills as night falls, revealing hidden depths and mysteries waiting to be discovered. As shadows lengthen and darkness envelops the nooks and crannies, textures and objects take on a newfound vibrancy, seemingly coming to life in the moonlight. Explore the allure of the accommodations after dark, where every corner holds a new story and every detail beckons exploration. From the cozy charm of our guest rooms to the intricate beauty of the common areas, a nighttime adventure promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Embrace the magic of the night as you uncover the secrets of the inn, where every shadow holds a tale and every moment is infused with wonder.
Satisfying Cravings, Creating Memories: A Visit to The Vanilla Bean Café
Stepping into The Vanilla Bean Café feels like entering a cozy haven of culinary delights, nestled in the picturesque town of Pomfret, Connecticut. From its charming ambiance to its locally-sourced ingredients, every aspect of this café speaks volumes about its commitment to quality and flavor. For my dining experience, I decided to indulge in one of the café’s signature dishes: butternut squash ravioli with walnut sauce, sautéed spinach, and Parmesan cheese. As a lover of hearty, comforting meals, this selection seemed like the perfect choice to tantalize my taste buds and satisfy my appetite.
As the dish arrived at my table, I was immediately struck by its presentation – a vibrant array of colors and textures that hinted at the culinary masterpiece before me. The aroma of roasted butternut squash and toasted walnuts wafted through the air, awakening my senses and stirring anticipation in my heart. With the first bite, I was transported to a realm of culinary bliss. The delicate pillows of butternut squash ravioli practically melted in my mouth, their filling bursting with rich, earthy flavors that danced across my palate. The velvety walnut sauce enveloped each bite with a luscious creaminess, while the sautéed spinach added a fresh, vibrant contrast that elevated the dish to new heights.
But it was the walnut sauce that truly stole the show – its nutty, savory notes mingling perfectly with the sweetness of the butternut squash and the subtle bitterness of the walnuts. With each forkful, I found myself falling deeper under the spell of this extraordinary combination, savoring every moment of culinary ecstasy. From the impeccable execution of the dish to the thoughtful pairing of ingredients, every aspect of my dining experience had been carefully curated to perfection.
But The Vanilla Bean Café is more than just a place to enjoy exceptional food – it’s a sanctuary for the senses, a place where food, community, and culture converge to create unforgettable memories. As I bid farewell to this culinary haven, I knew that I would carry the flavors of my meal with me long after the last bite had been savored. And for that, I am eternally grateful to The Vanilla Bean Café for an experience that will linger in my heart and on my taste buds for years to come.
Rediscovering Charm: My First Impressions of the Inn at Woodstock Hills
As I stepped into the foyer of the Inn at Woodstock Hills, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mingled with anticipation. The Victorian-inspired room exuded a timeless elegance, with its ornate furnishings and intricate details reminiscent of a bygone era, with pink toile curtains and textures as well as paintings that transported you to a certain place and time. It was a refreshing change from the dreary weather outside—a warm and cozy sanctuary that welcomed me with open arms after a rainy arrival.
What struck me immediately was the proximity of the inn to a place where I had exhibited my artwork a decade ago. It was as if fate had brought me back full circle, allowing me to rediscover this hidden gem nestled in the heart of Woodstock Hills. And to my delight, I found myself literally having the inn all to myself—a rare treat in today’s bustling world. As I settled into my room, I couldn’t help but marvel at the quaint charm that surrounded me. Every corner seemed to tell a story, and I felt as though I had stepped into a world frozen in time. The ambiance was so inviting that I found myself eagerly reaching for my camera, eager to capture every nook and cranny of this enchanting place.
Exploring the inn was a delight in itself, with its labyrinth of hallways and cozy alcoves just waiting to be discovered. Each room seemed to have its own unique personality, from the cozy sitting area by the fireplace to the elegant dining room where I enjoyed a sumptuous meal. I even marveled at the dragonfly motif on the upholstered couch in the hallway! Dragonflies are my favorite and a spiritual symbol to me. I had never seen that type of fabric before and instantly inspired me to do a photoshoot there.
But perhaps what I appreciated most was the sense of serenity that permeated the inn. It was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—a place where time seemed to stand still, if only for a moment. And as I wandered the grounds, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such tranquility.
In many ways, my first impressions of the Inn at Woodstock Hills were like a journey back in time—a chance to reconnect with a simpler, more refined way of life. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable experiences are found in the most unexpected places. And as I bid farewell to this charming retreat, I knew that it would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.
Discovering Tranquility: The Inn at Woodstock Hill, CT
Nestled in the heart of Woodstock, Connecticut, the Inn at Woodstock Hill beckons travelers with its timeless charm and unparalleled hospitality. This beautiful bed and breakfast boasts 21 comfortable guest rooms, each individually decorated to create a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of a four-poster bed or the cozy warmth of a working gas fireplace, every room is designed to ensure a relaxing and memorable stay.
Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the charming town of Putnam and within easy reach of Hartford, Boston, and Providence, the Inn at Woodstock Hill offers a tranquil retreat close to major metropolitan areas. Despite its proximity to urban centers, this boutique hotel provides a peaceful oasis where guests can escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The inn’s fine dining kitchen and banquet space are renowned for serving mouthwatering meals that showcase the best of New England cuisine. Whether you’re planning a wedding reception, corporate event, or intimate gathering, our banquet hall and facilities provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
During your stay at the Inn at Woodstock Hill, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area and discover the beauty of the Quiet Corner. From scenic drives through the countryside to exploring the charming towns of Woodstock and Putnam, there’s plenty to see and do just beyond our doorstep. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply relaxing in the serene surroundings, our historic hotel serves as the perfect home base for your explorations.
In conclusion, the Inn at Woodstock Hill offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and charm, making it the perfect destination for your next getaway. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend retreat, a family vacation, or a special event, we invite you to experience the beauty and tranquility of our historic inn. So why not book your stay with us today and discover all that Woodstock, Putnam, and the surrounding area have to offer?
Exploring Woodstock, CT: A Quaint New England Gem
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of northeastern Connecticut lies the charming town of Woodstock. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant community, Woodstock offers visitors a quintessential New England experience like no other. From historic sites to outdoor adventures and culinary delights, there’s something for everyone in this hidden gem of a town.
A Journey Through History
Woodstock boasts a fascinating history dating back to colonial times. Founded in 1686, it is one of Connecticut’s oldest towns, and its historic district is a testament to its storied past. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined streets adorned with well-preserved colonial and federal-style homes, soaking in the ambiance of a bygone era.
One of the town’s notable landmarks is Roseland Cottage, a stunning Gothic Revival mansion built in 1846. This National Historic Landmark offers guided tours, allowing visitors to step back in time and admire its intricate architecture and lush gardens.
Natural Beauty Abounds
For nature enthusiasts, Woodstock offers a plethora of outdoor activities amidst its scenic surroundings. Quaint country roads wind through rolling hills and verdant forests, perfect for leisurely drives or cycling adventures. The Air Line State Park Trail, a former railway line converted into a multi-use trail, provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering stunning views of the local landscape.
Just a short drive from town, visitors can explore Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest, which feature pristine lakes, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Whether it’s fishing, boating, or simply enjoying a peaceful day in nature, these recreational areas offer a tranquil retreat from the bustle of everyday life.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
No visit to Woodstock would be complete without sampling the local culinary offerings. The town boasts an array of charming cafes, farm-to-table restaurants, and artisanal bakeries, where visitors can indulge in delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
For those craving a taste of New England tradition, a visit to one of Woodstock’s maple syrup farms is a must. Witness the maple sugaring process firsthand, and savor the sweet goodness of freshly made maple syrup – a true delight for the taste buds.
Community and Culture
Despite its small size, Woodstock exudes a vibrant sense of community and cultural richness. Throughout the year, the town hosts a variety of events and festivals that celebrate its heritage and showcase local talent. From craft fairs and farmers markets to concerts and art exhibitions, there’s always something happening in Woodstock to delight residents and visitors alike.
Conclusion: Discovering Woodstock’s Charms
In conclusion, Woodstock, CT, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, natural beauty, and welcoming community, it offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, immersing yourself in nature, or savoring the local cuisine, Woodstock invites you to experience the best of New England charm. So why not plan your visit today and uncover the delights of this enchanting town?
Exploration: NE Balloon Festival
GOSHEN, CT – I had been meaning to make a post of about this! But not much happened, so I wasn’t sure how to tell the story. July 9th, I traveled to Goshen, CT to meet up with a bunch of GLT sisters/members. GLT is Girls LOVE Travel®, a professional Facebook organization, nearly of 400,000 women who love to travel. They have chapters throughout the world for meet ups and gatherings, and there was a New England chapter. I decided one Sunday to travel an hour and a half to Goshen, CT to meet up with about 6 of us who met up at the festival.
New England Destination Guide
New England Destination Guide
I am very excited to have connected with Tomiko Harvey at Passports and Grubs to write this New England Destination Guide! A fellow colleague – Jessie Leiber over at Little Legends Design suggested I do a New England travel guide of the places my work has taken me. Below are some places off the beaten path that are perfect for the aspiring adventurer.
In addition to being a graphic designer, I am a fine art photographer who has exhibited work in over 32 exhibitions in the last 3 years. As an avid traveller, I have made a point to go to the receptions of these exhibitions to mainly network, meet new people and see a new place. I’ve been lucky to have exhibited abroad as well as nationally and have exhibited in almost all of New England. Today, I will share with you gems that cannot be missed that I have discovered while adventuring around New England!
1. Pomfret, CT – Celebrations Gallery and Shoppes
Unfortunately the shop has since closed, but the town of Pomfret, CT is certainly a destination off the beaten path. Located in the heart of Windham County Connecticut, it is a town that boasts beautiful rolling hills and bed and breakfasts that promote a country vacation. The town it’s self is known for a strong artist and crafters community and it’s businesses are a reflection of that. While on a vacation in the country you can stop by local artistsan shops and find the local dressmaker, furniture maker, holistic health practitioners, ceramics and other unique products. One must not forget to stop by Martha’s Herbery for local greens and herbs.
[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”41.915098, -71.908961″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]
2. Beverly, MA – Cabot Street Studios
This business has since dissolved and is now Zeitgeist Gallery. I had my first studio at this location for about 6 months. I feel like Beverly often gets overshadowed a lot because Salem, MA is right next store. The tourists flock to Salem for it’s obvious charm, but Beverly, has a lot of charm of it’s own. It is a small artist and holistic practitioner community that is well connected. With Montserrat College of Art right there, it is a great resource and destination for an emerging artist.
[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”42.51954, -70.896716″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]
3. Greenfield, MA – The Boxcar Gallery
This location too has since closed (noticing a trend here??). I swear there are galleries my work has been in elsewhere that have remained open! Greenfield is a hub of commerce and culture and one of the cool things about this gallery was that yes, it was indeed an old Boxcar – turned – gallery! Also interesting to note that this particular exhibition had original works of art from JMW Turner. It was pretty cool to exhibit my work amongst a classic. Greenfield is nestled in the Hampshire County in Western MA, and a great location spring and fall – especially so to see the foliage.
[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”42.587586, -72.599534″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]
4. Cambridge, MA – Gallery 263, Kathryn Schultz Gallery, University Place Gallery
Cambridge, MA is an interesting city as it houses many famous universities, businesses and is a high tech cosmopolitan city that boasts historical charm. The combination of the past and the future provides a unique symbiosis for emerging fields in art, science and technology. Cambridge, MA has a lot of unique gems and museums to walk through; for example the Harvard Natural History Museum and the MIT Museum provide invigorating stimulation.
[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”42.3751, -71.10561″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]
5. Provincetown, MA – Gallery Ehva
This destination has a fond place in my heart because my family and I would take me to Provincetown every summer growing up. As a child, I had dreamed of exhibiting in Provincetown and finally it happened in June 2014! I had met a gallery owner through an arts festival in Provincetown and we connected and planned to exhibit my work in their upcoming show that reflected Amy Winehouse; it featured works done by my age group (20 somethings) which was rare for me. We later partied the night away in Provincetown.
[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”42.058436, -70.178638″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]
6. Bethlehem, NH – 42 Maple Contemporary Arts Center
After going to college in the infamous Christmas City in Pennsylvania, being accepted into an exhibition in Bethlehem, NH was the ultimate irony. Bethlehem, NH is very different than Bethlehem, PA especially it’s location. In New Hampshire it is situated in the middle of Franconia National Park. A location where you can see the sights and hike the mountains. My work was accepted into a show called the Bee’s Knees which promoted the depopulation of the Bee species at a location known as “The Tallest Toy Box in Town” – 42 Maple Contemporary Center.
[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”44.28034, -71.688141″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]
7. Gloucester, MA – Rocky Neck Arts Colony
Noted as the oldest artists colony in the country, Rocky Neck Arts Colony is nestled in Gloucester, MA – a charming, unique fishing town on the North Shore. The Rocky Neck Arts Colony community center is located in a renovated church in downtown Gloucester on a stretch of rocky land that sticks out into the water. There are many unique shops, galleries and restaurants to wander around. It is a nice way to spend a summer day without having to go all the way to Cape Cod.
[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”42.615929, -70.661989″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]
8. Bar Harbor, ME – MDI Biological Laboratory
This exhibition was unique as it was located at a biological laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. The exhibition was celebrating the centennial of Acadia National Park. I have heard of Bar Harbor being an excellent summer destination and with a unique combination of art and science it was a road trip not to be missed. Traveling only 5 hours from Boston, made it be an accessible getaway for the weekend. The trip was short enough where you weren’t stuck in the car all day but long enough to motivate you to stay longer. The area was magnificent with it’s scenic views and blue horizons. It’s a perfect destination for the outdoorsy and the beach goers. As an emerging artist in the field of art and science exploring the biological laboratory was a dream. It was interesting to see the scientists working there and the types of people the reception attracted.
[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”44.387579, -68.203902″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]
There you have it! The above locations have a fond place in my heart for they are slightly different than your typical country destination or even your beach community. Adventuring to these locations has been an eye-opener for me to see new sights and senses. It had never occurred to me that you can combine travel with exhibiting art, but if you make a point to attend the events it will naturally become a part of it.
Kristi Beisecker is an artist and freelance designer in Massachusetts. In her spare time she creates photograms using electricity and organic materials with analog darkroom processing. She also reads and writes about science and spirituality, composes and performs music and gives spiritual guidance.
Check her out on Social Media: instagram | twitter | facebook | pinterest
The Empty Spaces Project
Back in December I exhibited at a local gallery called The Boxcar Gallery. There I met a few more local artists and a gallery owner who owns a gallery in Putnam, CT. I learned that I was their first artist to be invited to their Tragic Love exhibit. Tonight I went out there to check out the space and have a few drinks. They were drawn to my ‘Smithsonian’ status (as it’s been lovingly called…) and it was the one of the many factors that went into inviting me to their show. A lot of work seems to have gone into the space and I guess this upcoming exhibition is like their “reopening”?! I don’t know!! But it has given me some thought as to how, where and the direction of my creative space will go. I’m intrigued by the idea of taking over empty store fronts for gallery and artist spaces (The Empty Spaces Project). There are some things that need to come to pass but for now I have to move out of my studio in Beverly and transition completely to Longmeadow.
Tragic Love Exhibition – The Empty Spaces Project
So funny thing about this exhibition.
Back in December I exhibited my artwork in a new gallery called The Boxcar Gallery in Greenfield, MA. I drove up there one night to attend the reception. I began talking to a gallery owner in Putnam, CT. Which is about an hour from where I am stationed in Western, MA. The gallery owner wanted to fit me in their Tragic Love exhibition. The last I heard was they were going to put me into their November exhibition (perhaps they meant February)? Anyway, I saw these images on facebook this week and was like WHA! How am I in an exhibition I did not know that I was aware of that I am in!
The funny thing is… it is Venus retrograde now. It typically is a time when all kinds of relationships that are important to you and that are real go haywire (it’s like mercury retrograde but instead of communications and technology its love, friendships, relationships and romance). Venus retrograde ends this friday! (but takes a few weeks to settle down).
Monday night I’ll be driving out there to drop off my artwork that I’m going to be bringing back here to Western MA after the weekend.
The Boxcar Gallery Reception
Friday I drove back to Western Ma to attend The Boxcar Gallery’s Opening Reception. This gallery is literally in an old boxcar. The gallery is located in downtown Greenfield, Ma. It is also part of The Empty Space’s Project. Kim, the owner of The Boxcar Gallery, had the opportunity to also exhibit some of Joseph Mallord William Turner, a painter from the 1800s. It was really nice to meet some of the artists in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. I also met the owners of a gallery in Putnam, Connecticut and they were interested in showing my work as well. First venture out in Western Mass, a success I’d say.
Celebrations Gallery and Shoppes
