The Lux Bond and Green Guide | Fall/Winter 2024
Escape the hustle of the season with our curated weekend getaways and holiday event picks, designed to help you experience the magic of winter close to home. From charming New England towns and scenic winter landscapes to festive local events and performances with a twist, these recommendations promise cozy escapes and memorable holiday moments. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat or a festive outing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall and winter.
WEEKEND STAYS WE LOVE
Explore our handpicked local getaways, where scenic charm, flavorful cuisine, and memorable adventures come together—all close to home.
Lenox, Massachusetts
Nestled in the Berkshires and just an hour and a half drive from Hartford, Lenox, MA, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. In early December, the town comes alive with local artisan markets, tree lightings, and historic homes adorned for the holidays. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby areas like Cranwell Resort and Kennedy Park offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking, with scenic trails at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lenox also boasts charming shops like MacKimmie Co., La Pace, and Catwalk Boutique, an upscale women’s resale boutique founded to support the Berkshire Humane Society. Pair your paperbacks with Pinot Noir at The Bookstore & Get Lit Wine Bar or visit Patisserie Lenox for a warm drink and treat. For relaxation, Lenox offers yoga classes, meditation retreats, and wellness programs at Canyon Ranch.
The town’s dining scene is excellent, with top restaurants like Cello, Pizza Boema, Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano, Bistro Zinc, and newcomer Dulu, located inside Doctor Sax House, a recently revamped nine-room boutique hotel. A short drive away in Stockbridge is the Norman Rockwell Museum, a must-visit for American art lovers.
Skaneateles, New York
Just four hours from Hartford by car, Skaneateles, NY, nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, is an ideal winter holiday destination filled with festive activities, beautiful landscapes, and small-town charm. The village, famous for its Dickens Christmas event, transforms into a Victorian-era holiday scene, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Wander through charming shops along Genesee and Jordan Streets, like DROOZ & Co., Hap + Main, Sea Culture, and Pride + Joy, or explore art at The Barrow Gallery and Imagine. For a casual breakfast or lunch, Skaneateles Bakery offers delicious pastries and sandwiches in a relaxed setting. Nearby, Anyela’s Vineyards invites you to enjoy an indoor wine tasting with panoramic views of the winter landscape. Dining options are plentiful, from the historic Sherwood Inn with its fantastic restaurant to Bluewater Grill and Rosalie’s Cucina, which overlooks the lake and specializes in seafood and American cuisine. Doug’s Fish Fry, a local favorite, offers fresh seafood in a laid-back atmosphere.
For relaxation, the Mirbeau Inn & Spa provides a luxurious experience with massages, facials, and a heated outdoor aqua terrace, perfect for unwinding in peaceful winter surroundings.
Woodstock, Vermont
A charming two-hour drive north from Hartford brings you to Woodstock, VT, a picturesque New England town. Wander through its historic streets, adorned with festive lights, and explore local shops like F.H. Gillingham & Sons, The Yankee Bookshop, and Collective gallery. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy downhill or cross-country skiing at Saskadena Six or Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.
For a taste of local cuisine, check out The Worthy Kitchen or The Prince & the Pauper, which has been providing an elegant dining experience for the last 50 years. For a casual bite or hot drink, visit Mont Vert Cafe for breakfast or lunch with locally sourced organic ingredients. Just 15 minutes away in Quechee, visit the Simon Pearce turbine-powered glassblowing studio, where you can watch artisans at work—whose products are also carried by Lux Bond & Green—and enjoy their award-winning farm-to-table restaurant with river views. Stay the weekend at The Shire, a family-owned hotel conveniently located close to downtown Woodstock.
During Wassail Weekend in mid-December, Woodstock comes alive with parades, craft fairs, and holiday festivities, making it a delightful winter destination.
ENTICING EVENTS
Connecticut and Massachusetts transform into winter wonderlands as the temperatures drop.
The 76th season of the WELLESLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA promises an exciting array of performances, with the belief that live music brings all people together. Among the highlights is their much-anticipated Holiday Concert. This special event will feature the music of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Johann Strauss II, as well as traditional Christmas songs and their annual Sing-along. In addition, the 2024-2025 season includes a variety of other performances, each designed to offer a rich musical experience. One night only – Saturday, December 14th.
MASSBAY WELLESLEY HILLS AUDITORIUM, 50 OAKLAND ST, WELLESLEY HILLS, MA; INFO@WELLESLEYSYMPHONY.ORG; WELLESLEYSYMPHONY.ORG
Christmas on the Rocks returns to THEATERWORKS HARTFORD this December, offering a witty and heartwarming twist on classic holiday tales. In this unique production, grown-up versions of iconic Christmas characters gather in a cozy bar on Christmas Eve, sharing their often hilarious life stories. With clever writing and engaging performances, this show has become a must-see holiday tradition in Downtown Hartford, blending humor and nostalgia for a festive night out. Running November 29-December 22.
THEATERWORKS HARTFORD., 233 PEARL ST, HARTFORD, CT; 860.527.7838; TWHARTFORD.ORG
Step back in time to a 19th-century holiday wonderland at Christmas by Candlelight at OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE. Stroll through the historic village illuminated by candlelight, enjoy traditional carols, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and hands-on activities like ornament making and gingerbread baking. After your visit, grab a pint 15 minutes right down the road at TREEHOUSE BREWERY, one of the top breweries in the country.
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE, 1 OLD STURBRIDGE RD, STURBRIDGE, MA; 800.733.1830; OSV.ORG
TREE HOUSE BREWERY, 129 STUBRIDGE RD, CHARLTON, MA; 413.523.2367; TREEHOUSEBREW.COM
Combining the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and A Christmas Carol, A Sherlock Carol at the WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE offers a clever and intriguing twist on classic tales. This production follows a grownup Tiny Tim as he works with the famous detective to investigate the mysterious death of Ebenezer Scrooge. The play weaves together elements of mystery and holiday spirit, creating an entertaining and atmospheric experience. Running for eight performances only – December 17-22.
WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE, 25 POWERS CT, WESTPORT, CT; 203.227.4177; WESTPORTPLAYHOUSE.ORG
Step out into the holiday spirit with your town’s classic New England-style HOLIDAY STROLL, a festive event perfect for families and friends. These free, annual strolls offer something for everyone, from meeting Santa and his elves to enjoying the holiday tree lighting. As you wander past your local Lux Bond & Green, take in the beautifully decorated windows and sample tasty treats with your neighbors.
WEST HARTFORD, CT - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5; WHCHAMBER.COM
WESTPORT, CT - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7; WESTPORTDOWNTOWN.COM
WELLESLEY, MA - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8; SHOPWELLESLEYSQUARE.COM
STYLE OF THE SEASON
Tennis Bracelets: The Timeless Trend
Back in the spotlight, line bracelets—commonly known as tennis bracelets—are proving themselves to be the ultimate versatile accessory this season. With their sleek design and seamless row of diamonds or gemstones, they effortlessly elevate any outfit with a touch of understated elegance. Celebrities and fashion influencers are embracing these bracelets for both casual and formal occasions, showcasing their unmatched adaptability. Whether worn solo for a minimalist touch or stacked for a more striking, layered look, tennis bracelets add the perfect hint of sparkle. This timeless piece has been refreshed with modern touches like mixed metals and vibrant gemstones, making it a must-have in any jewelry collection. Lux Bond & Green offers a wide selection of natural diamond tennis bracelets in various styles and price points, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every taste and occasion. SHOP NOW
