The Lux Bond and Green Guide | Spring 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 an artsy adventure, elevated afternoon tea, or live music, 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.
Litchfield Hills, CT
Nestled in the northwest corner of Connecticut about an hour from Hartford, the Litchfield Hills are the perfect weekend escape, offering charming inns, fine dining, and boutique shopping. Stay at the Abner Hotel, a stylish retreat in the center of Litchfield blending historic charm with modern comfort.
Savor farm-fresh cuisine at Arethusa al Tavolo and Community Table Restaurant and Bar, or take a leisurely stroll through Kent, where you can explore charming boutiques like House of Books and Terston. Make sure to stop into Wilson’s by Highwatch in town for a quick pick-me-up.
In Litchfield, shop R. Derwin Clothiers for timeless fashion, The Housatonic Trading Co. for antiques, and explore New Preston’s curated finds at J. Seitz & Co., Plain Goods, and Pergola Home.
Between shopping and dining, hike the various trails such as the Hidden Valley Preserve in Washington with its iconic Thoreau Bridge, the Appalachian Trail in Kent, or stroll the historic Litchfield green, and soak in Litchfield County’s classic New England charm.
Northampton, MA
Offering a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining, and rich history, Northampton, Massachusetts, is an ideal weekend getaway 1.5 hours from Hartford. Explore downtown’s independent shops and eateries, including Thornes Marketplace, a hub of unique boutiques and restaurants, and stop for a pint at Progression Brewing Company. Art enthusiasts can visit R. Michelson Galleries, showcasing contemporary art. In nearby Amherst, visit the recently restored Emily Dickinson Museum to step into the life of one of America’s most iconic poets.
Stay at The Ellery, a boutique colonial-style hotel just steps from the Botanical Garden of Smith College, featuring a variety of plants in The Lyman Conservatory. Dine at Homestead, offering locally sourced ingredients in a cozy setting.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Norwottuck Rail Trail, perfect for biking and walking, or Mt. Holyoke with views of the Connecticut River Valley. With its blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, Northampton promises a weekend full of discovery.
Portland, ME
For a quintessential New England seaside experience, head 3 hours north of Hartford, Connecticut, to Portland, Maine. This charming city offers a vibrant blend of maritime history, culinary excellence, and cultural attractions.
Stay at the Blind Tiger, a boutique hotel housed in a Federal-style mansion built in 1823. Each room is uniquely designed, influenced by its own local “host,” each of whom writes personalized welcome letters, ensuring a distinctive and welcoming experience. For dining, enjoy farm-to-table dishes in a rustic setting at Fore Street, and savor fresh seafood and innovative menu items at Eventide Oyster Co. For a contemporary and innovative take on iconic Maine dishes, dine at Twelve and experience communal dining at The Honey Paw, where mismatched plates showcase vibrant New England–influenced Asian dishes.
Explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Port District, lined with boutique shops. Discover a diverse collection of works at the Portland Museum of Art. Take a scenic harbor cruise to enjoy coastal views of this beautiful area.
ENTICING EVENTS
As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, Connecticut and Massachusetts come alive, transforming into a charming outdoor haven perfect for springtime adventures.
The DELAMAR HOTEL COLLECTION offers an elegant afternoon tea experience at select locations. Available Tuesday through Thursday, beginning at 2:00 PM, this service features premium teas, delicate finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and artisanal jams, all served on the exclusive Plum Check collection by MacKenzie-Childs. Guests are welcomed with a glass of private-label brut Champagne to start the afternoon. Reservations are required at least 48 hours in advance.
DELAMAR HOTEL COLLECTION; DELAMAR.COM | AFTERNOON TEA IS AVAILALBE IN THEIR GREENWICH, SOUTHPORT AND WEST HARTFORD PROPERTIES.
Back for its second year, THE CAPITOL GROOVE is a premier music festival held in Downtown Hartford. Scheduled for June 28-29, the event features a diverse lineup of artists, including Thundercat, Bleachers, and Cake. The festival offers a vibrant outdoor setting with craft beverages, food trucks, and a lively atmosphere. Children under 12 can attend for free, making it an ideal outing for families and music lovers.
BUSHNELL PARK, HARTFORD, CT; THECAPITOLGROOVE.COM
In spring, the WELLESLEY COLLEGE BOTANICAL GARDENS thrive with vibrant blooms and lush greenery across 22 acres of outdoor gardens, greenhouses, and a visitor center on campus. Weekly Sunday tours led by student guides feature a 40-minute to 1-hour exploration of the Global Flora greenhouse, showcasing unique plants in an accessible setting.
WELLESLEY COLLEGE, 106 CENTRAL STREET, WELLESLEY, MA; WELLESLEY.EDU