I came here for a birthday party and it was the first time visiting this farm. It is pretty cute…read moreand the birthday party was held in a small building with its own kitchen. The kids had fun feeding the farm animals. I will have to admit I had fun too. There are all sorts of farm animals, such as chickens, cats, dogs, goats, horses, bunnies, pigs and more. I am a cat person and I enjoy looking for the barn cats. The place is pretty clean for a farm and the kids enjoy the tractor ride. All the employees were nice and friendly. If you're planning a fun kids party, this is a great place for them.

You can't miss the iconic large red barn that has the word EGGS, but backwards on it. Flamig Farm…read morehas been in existence since 1907; located in West Simsbury. First visit, I got there around 4:40 and they were closing at 5; it was a short trip because I just wanted to get some eggs. The employee said they were closing soon and so was the petting zoo when I first walked in; I mentioned I was going to be quick and just wanted to get some eggs. I didn't know they had a petting zoo so I made a plan to go back again another time. The store was your typical farm stand, they had eggs, honey, cookies, apparel, and various of other knick knacks. They were having a sale, buy one dozens eggs ($7) and get one dozen free. The chickens were laying too many eggs and they wanted to get rid of as many as possible. The second time, I got in earlier in the day and purchased petting zoo tickets; $8 per person over 2 years old/under 80 years old and for an additional $2, you can purchase feed. I highly recommend getting the feed, the animals loved it. The petting zoo was bigger than I thought. There's even a playground with benches and picnic tables. The place seemed clean and the animals seem well taken care of. We saw pigs, llamas (my favorite), sheep, goats, alpacas, peacocks, cows, ponies (another favorite), donkeys, bunnies, chickens, and a black cat.Inside the shop, there were baby chicks, birds, and guinea pigs. There were signs explaining what type of animals, facts, and their story/names throughout. They also offer pony and tractor rides for an additional fee. There's a huge pavilion with picnic tables; you can bring your own food in. Also, there is an Airbnb onsite and people book their weddings there. There are many events hosted there as well; children programs and summer camps are popular ones. My kids and I had a blast petting and feeding the animals. I highly recommend!

I love to support local. I've been hearing about Barden Farm for years & finally was able to stop…read morein. The fresh vegetable selection is outstanding and the corn on the cob we purchased for dinner was excellent. The kernels were so sweet & popped off with a crunch. The market is adorable, very well organized & decorated. The staff was super friendly and the prices are so reasonable. We will be back!!

Great selection of pumpkins and good hay ride down to patch. Pumpkins are priced right...good…read morevalue. I have to say...the apple cider donuts they sell are excellent. When I bought them, they seemed a bit old but wow, they were delicious and even better heated up! This is a "no frills" sort of farm but it's very convenient and really nice staff.

This was ridiculously pricey. It cost so much just to make soap when we actually went to the pen to…read morelook at the goats. They there was no goats out there. I was so disappointed, and when I went to the back to see the goats there was literally no goats there at all so we finally went to the side that had goats, and then a dog randomly started barking at us. The lady walked out of the door and told us to leave this was an extremely disappointing experience. The supervisor was really rude. and overall it was way too pricey and just a waste of time I would not recommend.1star

During my self care journey, my friend made plans for us to try goat yoga. It was truly one of the…read moremost incredible experiences of my life this year. The goats are magical and healing. Yoga itself is nice but adding the goats is a whole another level, I did not know my soul needed.I laughed so much and had the best time. Goat Yoga sounds weird ,but it is incredibly wholesome. Absolutely try this do not hesitate.

Spent a fun afternoon exploring Action Wildlife! Located in Goshen CT, Action Wildlife is a…read morenon-profit organization focused on animal conservation where a variety of animals reside. From Highland Cows, Ostrich, kangaroos, capybaras, and zebra and so much more, there is no shortage of cute animals to see. Parking is ample and admission cost is reasonable (18/adult). Aside from all the great animals to visit outside, there is a great display of taxidermy wildlife inside. Visitors are provided with the option to enjoy the park on foot or driving around (with options to stop along the way). I would highly recommend making the trip out to visit!

Such a cool spot! Transported to Africa but you're in Connecticut…read more It's a safari and petting zoo. It's about a one mile loop. You can walk or drive. There are over 350 animals. From zebras, ostriches, donkeys, and more. There is a museum and playground too. There was ample parking and we purchased food to feed the animals. My kids and I enjoyed seeing and feeding the animals. The animals seemed healthy and well-fed. I recommend a visit!

I love these farm stands! I saw that they posted on Facebook and had to check them out. They are…read morelocated on Cherry Brook Road in North Canton. There is a small parking area and a stand. The stand is entirely self serve; pay via cash or venmo. They had sunflowers in jars, produce (peppers, tomatoes, etc.), potted plants, corn stalks, and more. Everything was fresh and from their farm. I purchased a jar of sunflowers for $8. They were so pretty and lasted a while. If you're into farm fresh items, I recommend a stop!

ORIGIN: Over one hundred acres that surround the two…read moretowering silos had supported two families' dairy farms for nearly three centuries. In 1968 popular musician Skitch Henderson and his wife Ruth purchased the property as a personal retreat. The couple hosted musical performances, art exhibitions, and cooking demonstrations led by prominent chefs. In later years nonprofit and national historic landmark status was established for the property. ATMOSPHERE: Events take place in a repurposed post and beam barn. The beams are exposed, giving a rustic charm. EXPERIENCE: Alessandro Piovezahn, the current steward of the nonprofit property, is actively looking to revive the Silo's influential public events. I enjoyed an intimate concert that featured the work of a five-time Emmy-award winning composer Jeff Beal. A legendary Steinway piano brought his music to life. A reception in the barn preceded the concert, with food prepared by Chef Constantine (Dino) Kolitsas of New Milford's Greca Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar I also enjoyed an evening cooking class with Chef Carlos Perez of Litchfield's At the Corner restaurant. In the course of the three hour class we were guided on culinary techniques by Chef Carlos Perez and his former colleague Chef Billy Ross (now at New Milford's Greca). I greatly enjoyed learning how to make a thoughtful fall menu that includes popular dishes served At the Corner, and dining on the co-prepared dishes with fellow foodie community members. Given limited of 16 registrants, everyone was active. I already registered for another class with Chef Billy Ross. SELECTION: Classes representing a variety of cuisines and dish types are available, including gingerbread house-making, pasta, and risotto. TIPS: Check the farm's Facebook and Instagram accounts for event schedule. The class + dinner and cocktail was $125 per person. The Silo will host a winter farmers' market this year.

I am guaranteed to never step foot in the silo or any other establishment owned by the people who…read morerun the cooking school and will tell my local New Milford friends to avoid their establishments like the plague. . I had signed up for a Saturday morning cooking class 7/3 as a gift to my wife, but had an emergency that prohibited us from attending class. My wife called the school that morning and was told it would be no problem as we could select another class over the summer. I took them at their word, but after leaving FOUR voicemail messages spanning three weeks, no one bothered to return my call. I stopped by the school and left a message with a gentleman teaching a cooking class to please return my calls, but again I was never called back. Having exhausted attempts to reach the school to schedule another class, I decided to contest the $300 charge with my credit card co for the class I could not attend. Here it is 9/29 and the proprietor has not yet reached out to me, but has decided to keep my money stating the terms and conditions. I find this business lacks ethics for a small town like New Milford. Buyers beware! Please note the 9/17 call/message was not returned.

Another year of fun and flavors. With a free shuttle ride…read morefrom the high school to the center of town As always it was super crowded and full of fun, we decided to try different foods this year and support local vendors. It was a beautiful day to visit as well. Until

The annual Southington Apple Festival occurs in the fall for 6 days and on two weekends. In the…read moreNortheast, it is one of the longest and largest festivals. There's plenty of activities for the 100,000 people that visits. There were plenty of food tents, a parade, fireworks, carnival rides, arts & crafts, live music, and more. There were parking ordinances throughout. I saw many lots charging a fee and free parking throughout. We were able to find free parking at a municipal parking lot, after some driving aorund. The event was packed! I had apple cider margarita at a booth with live music. Also, I had apple crisp with vanilla ice cream from a church; both items were good! My family had a fun time at this traditional event and glad to have checked it off our list.

More than just a garden, this is a sensory experience. When everything is in bloom, there are…read morebeautiful colors and textures to see, terrain to explore, country fresh air to breathe and babbling water features to surround you. It's a treasure in the Litchfield Hills. One caution: The uneven land and rock staircases might be challenging for people with mobility difficulties.

ORIGIN: The Hollister House was built in the late 18th…read morecentury for Preston Hollister by his father Gideon, a local entrepreneur. The Hollister family resided in the home for generations, and continued having a prominent role in the community. The house is currently owned and maintained by tenant George Schoellkopf and a nonprofit-- Hollister House Garden. LOCATION: The house and garden are located on 25 acres in rural Washington, Connecticut. EXPERIENCE: George Schoellkopf purchased Hollister House and began transforming its landscape in 1979. The garden, which is open to the public, reflects his unique vision -- a relaxed English Garden. The garden is a great to see, but also to generate ideas for your own garden. Linda Levin, the Visitor Experience Manager, helped me identify some perennials that caught my attention during my most recent visit. A variety of workshops are offered at Hollister House Garden. Recently I participated in a mushroom growing workshop, and left with an oak log that will bloom in the spring. TIPS: Local residents are eligible got a discounted membership rate. With membership comes benefits, such as free admission at gardens across the country. Visiting hours are on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons with a $10 admission fee. Become a member for unlimited admission and emails about what is in bloom.