I must admit, there is an appeal to the New England scene. Especially in autumn with its ever-changing leaves, kitschy pumpkins, and dark-academia-meets-small-town vibes. Alas, autumn is a bit of ways away, but that doesn’t mean you should look over the region for this summer’s getaway. Channel your inner Gilmore Girl by driving up to New Milford, Connecticut and visiting for a night or two this season at the Homestead Inn and grab bites at Sparrow Bar + Restaurant.
Homestead Inn
Find a cozy spot to relax with a loved one or spend a solo trip at the Homestead Inn. Located in the countryside of Housatonic Valley, this Inn has been in operation since 1928 and continues that tradition by radiating warmth and hospitality from the first step into the inn.
My getaway started with a warm welcome of fresh pastries in the foyer, a blazing fireplace, and a cascade of natural light. The innkeepers, Nicole and Antonio, showed me around the picturesque property and to my room: the Candlewood Lake Room. The room was newly renovated with a nautical chic design that felt very New England.
I snacked on my pastry with a cup of jasmine tea—courtesy of the help-yourself tea bar downstairs in the foyer—while laying on the queen sized bed. What’s a vacation without the sensual pleasure of just relaxing after a long drive. Well not complete without a hot bubble bath. I slip into the old-timey tub for a spell and leave feeling cozy, warm, and sleepy. The fluffy robe from the closet makes an appearance as I read Gone Girl and call it an evening.
The mornings at Homestead Inn consist of homemade breakfast from the delightful Nicole. She marks me down for the 9:30 time slot and cooks delicious meals like Egg Benedict, home fries, quiche, and an abundance of toast and jellies. I eat by the window while watching the quiet town of New Mildford wake up around me.
In the evenings, after returning from a long hike at Kent park or shopping at the local farmer’s market, I sit in the foyer to enjoy a cup of tea, write, or watch Gilmore Girls. The fireplace crackles in front of me while yesteryear music floats from the speaker. A marvelous way to end the day at the Homestead Inn.
Sparrow Bar + Restaurant
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A short stroll from my room at Homestead Inn is the Sparrow Bar + Restaurant. A modern Asian fusion restaurant that is equal parts inviting and innovative. My evening consisted of delicious bites that have me thinking Connecticut is the newest food scene. Here is what I dined on:
Mocktails || Nojito and Amalfi Spritz
A juicy NA take on my favorite cocktail, the Nojito can only be described in one word… juicy. The balance of tart limes, sweet sugar, and overall irresistible flavor kept me sipping as I people watched from my booth. I have missed Mojitos since going dry so this mocktail hit the spot, I could have easily drank five more. Upscale, tasty, and fresh— that’s the Nojito.
A summer staple sip found in the romantic coast of Italy, my next mocktail was the Amalfi Spritz. A bitter orange flavor with a splash of non-alcoholic white wine transported my mind to a warmer and European summer vibe. Simply delicious!
Bites || KFC Bao Buns, Duck Fried Rice, Cheesecake
First course starts strong with KFC Bao Buns. Soft steamed buns envelop fried chicken smothered in gochujang bbq sauce and kewpie mayo. Topped with napa cabbage and tart pickles to freshen up the savory appetizer. Every scrumptious bite transported me to Asian markets in Chinatown, the KFC Bao Buns were the real deal.
In a blink of an eye my entree arrived: Duck Fried Rice. This dish had all the fixings from pickled chiles, spicy chili crunch, gochujang, furikake, and scallions in addition to the succulent duck and crispy rice. The fried egg on top added a creamy depth and balanced flavors with fresh kimchi. I kept going bite after bite … this dish was addictively delicious.
There is always room for something sweet and my wandering eyes land on the cheesecake. A crustless soufflé with creamy layers of cheesecake and jammy strawberries on top. The texture was spongy and every morsel melted in my mouth. Compliments to the chef because hands down this cheesecake was the best I’ve had in a while.
Find your place of peace in New Milford, Connecticut at Sparrow Bar + Restaurant and Homestead Inn!
