The Lux Bond and Green Guide | Fall/Winter 2025
Our curated collection of weekend escapes, local events, and seasonal experiences, all chosen to inspire meaningful moments and memorable adventures close to home. Whether it’s a seaside adventure, mountain getaway, or family-friendly holiday event, there’s something to delight everyone.
WEEKEND STAYS WE LOVE
Explore our handpicked local getaways, where scenic charm, flavorful cuisine, and memorable adventures come together—all close to home.
Stonington, Connecticut
On Connecticut’s scenic coastline next to Mystic, Stonington offers a quintessential holiday escape. Stay at The Inn at Stonington, a charming waterfront retreat with fireplaces and harbor views, or choose a nearby bed-and-breakfast for a cozy New England experience. Spend the day wandering the streets of Stonington Borough, browsing boutique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores perfect for holiday gifts.
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss fresh local Stonington scallops at Breakwater, or comfort classics and festive cocktails at Dog Watch Café. For history and scenery, climb the Stonington Lighthouse for sweeping harbor views, then stroll along the water toward Whale Rock or take a brisk walk on nearby coastal trails. Wine enthusiasts can stop into Saltwater Farm Vineyard for a tasting in its restored World War II hangar, while beer lovers can sample seasonal brews at Beer’d Brewing Co.
As evening falls, cozy up by the fire back at the inn or enjoy a lingering dinner by the harbor. With holiday fairs and seasonal celebrations throughout the village—and within a short drive of Mystic, Connecticut, and Watch Hill, Rhode Island—Stonington blends small-town charm, coastal beauty, and plenty of winter cheer.
Jackson, New Hampshire
Tucked into New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Jackson feels straight out of a snow globe during the holidays. Stay at the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa, a 41-room bed-and-breakfast on a historic farm, where cozy lodging meets modern comforts. Spend the day skiing at nearby resorts like Attitash, Black Mountain, or Wildcat, then unwind at the inn’s Aveda Spa.
For dining, White Mountain Cider Company offers farm-to-table menus by the fire, and Red Fox Bar & Grille delivers wood-fired cooking (their Josper oven is the only one in New Hampshire) just steps from a covered bridge. Shoppers can stop at Flossie’s General Store for nostalgic gifts or RavenWood Curio Shoppe for artisan home décor and pottery.
Stroll through the village to admire covered bridges, snowy landscapes, and twinkling holiday lights, or enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation. Families will love Nestlenook Farm for skating and carriage rides, while nearby North Conway offers additional shops and dining options.
With artisan dining, festive activities, and storybook scenery, Jackson offers a winter retreat that’s as charming as it is picturesque.
New Paltz, New York
In the heart of the Hudson Valley, New Paltz comes alive with holiday sparkle. Stay at the historic Mohonk Mountain House, where crackling fireplaces and sweeping mountain views set the scene, or opt for a cozy boutique inn downtown. Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at B-Side Diner before wandering Main Street for vintage and boutique shopping at Water Street Market and The Vintage Shop, and then check out the iconic New Paltz Peace Sign.
History buffs will love exploring the 17th-century stone houses along Historic Huguenot Street or visiting the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike the Mohonk Preserve, snowshoe through Minnewaska State Park, or sip wine at Robibero Winery. Food lovers can savor farm-fresh cider, wood-fired pizza, and handmade pasta at Westwind Orchard and Brooklyn Cider House.
As night falls, unwind with dinner at Garvan’s Gastropub, located in a historic home, or linger over a fireside dinner at Mohonk. For something sweet, stop by The Bakery for holiday cookies and hot cocoa. With local craft fairs, festive markets, and seasonal performances, New Paltz offers a perfect winter escape that ble
ENTICING EVENTS
Connecticut and Massachusetts transform into winter wonderlands as the temperatures drop.
Step into a winter wonderland at the 17th annual FESTIVAL OF TREES at the Garden at Elm Bank presented by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, running from November 28 through December 28, 2025. Guests can stroll among elegantly decorated holiday trees, marvel at a charming “Snow Village” complete with model trains and sparkling light displays.
THE GARDEN AT ELM BANK, 900 WASHINGTON ST, WELLESLEY, MA; MASSHORT.ORG
Experience the magic of the season at THE BUSHNELL in Hartford, CT. On November 22nd, families can enjoy the Sensory-Friendly HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, featuring holiday crafts, movie screening, and a visit from Santa. Don’t miss the timeless holiday favorite, Connecticut Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER, with guest dancers and live music performed by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
THE BUSHNELL, 166 CAPITOL AVE., HARTFORD, CT; 860.987.5900; BUSHNELL.ORG
In Mystic, the holiday season kicks off on November 29th, with the SANTA ARRIVES BY TUGBOAT & HOLIDAY LIGHTED BOAT PARADE, a festive tradition that delights families each year. Crowds gather along the Mystic River to watch brightly decorated boats sail by, sparkling with lights and holiday cheer. The highlight is Santa’s grand arrival aboard a tugboat, followed by tree lighting at Mystic River Park and a chance to meet him
MYSTIC RIVER, MYSTIC, CT; INFO@MYSTICCHAMBER.ORG; MYSTICCHAMBER.ORG
Step back in time this holiday season aboard historic trolley cars at Connecticut’s trolley museums. At the SHORE LINE TROLLEY MUSEUM in East Haven, families can ride a heated vintage trolley for the beloved NEXT STOP: SANTA!, sipping cocoa, meeting Santa, and enjoying twinkling displays. In East Windsor, the CONNECTICUT TROLLEY MUSEUM hosts its WINTERFEST AND TUNNEL OF LIGHTS, where guests can glide through a sparkling tunnel on the open-air Montreal Tramways sightseeing car 4 or choose the cozy New Orleans Public Service closed car 836. Both events run weekends from November 28th through December 21st.
THE SHORE LINE TROLLEY MUSEUM, 17 RIVER ST, EAST HAVEN, CT; 203.467.6927; SHORELINETROLLEY.ORG
CONNECTICUT TROLLEY MUSEUM, 58 NORTH RD, EAST WINDSOR, CT; 860.627.6540; CT-TROLLEY.ORG
Celebrate the season with your town’s beloved New England-style HOLIDAY STROLL, a festive tradition for families and friends alike. These free, annual events feature something for everyone—snap a photo with Santa and his elves, watch the holiday tree sparkle, and enjoy music and seasonal treats along the way. As you stroll past your local Lux Bond & Green, admire the sparkling window displays and soak in the warmth of the community holiday cheer.
WEST HARTFORD, CT - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4; WHCHAMBER.COM
WELLESLEY, MA - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6; SHOPWELLESLEYSQUARE.COM
WESTPORT, CT - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7; WESTPORTDOWNTOWN.COM