Ridgefield CT: Art in the Connecticut Woods

WHY GO: Ridgefield CT is a feast for all five bodily senses – sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste. And one more: the sense of humanity. This town of 25,000 is home to Connecticut’s only National Park, which also happens to be the only National Park in the country dedicated to an American painter.

There are three live theaters, a contemporary art museum, and a “magical” movie theater run exclusively by adults with developmental disabilities. You’ll find an organic farm, highly rated restaurants, a haute hot dog cart that’s been serving locals for decades, and a newly renovated boutique country inn.

On its surface, Ridgefield is the quintessential New England town. Colonial homes line a wide Main Street. The Town Hall, adorned with a blazing gilded eagle, stands in a central location where the First Selectman’s door is always open. And the church is still the tallest structure around.

There’s a city sophistication here, though, that belies the Norman Rockwell feel of the place. Residents are just as likely to be transplanted Manhattanites as dyed in the wool Connecticut natives. Expectations are high for state-of-the-art culture and comforts.

Come to Ridgefield and you can step into the past and feel the cold steel of a British cannonball, explore the rustic art studios of our country’s most cherished artists, or see a staged play before it moves to Broadway. You can also enjoy modern amenities, stay in a beautifully updated country inn, and pay a visit to the future. All in one weekend. Read on…

Looking for more quirky things to do throughout the Constitution State? Check out this Best Under the Radar Things to in Connecticut post.

Things to Do In Ridgefield CT

TOUR: Weir Farm Historic National Site, Wilton

The only National Park in Connecticut, and one of two in the country dedicated to the arts (the other is Saint-Gaudens National Park in New Hampshire), Weir Farm in adjacent Wilton CT, allows visitors to discover the story of those who shaped American Impressionism, and delight in the stunning landscapes of backcountry Connecticut, with its distinct stone walls, flowering trees, and undulating meadows and woodlands.

In 2014, after a nine-year restoration project, the home and studios of J. Alden Weir, one of America’s first Impressionist Artists in the late 1800’s, were opened to the public. The result is pure bliss.

The gauzy mist that envelopes 60 acres of ponds, gardens, and forests most mornings here seemingly inspired Weir’s work. Weir owned property in the Adirondacks in NY, but was so captivated by the light, color, and topography of this Revolutionary-era farm when visiting his friend, Irwin Davis, he traded a valuable painting that he picked up in Europe for the place. Weir spent summers here from 1882-1919.

McKim, Mead, and White Designed Home

Weir hired the architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White to design the dining room, and decorated his country home with eclectic art and artifacts that attracted his eye. His barn studio, originally windowed on all sides, apparently let in too much light for his needs. Weir boarded up all but one wall: as he preferred the less glaring northern exposure.

Weir’s middle daughter, Dorothy, married the prominent sculptor, Mahonri Young (grandson of Mormon Church President, Brigham Young), who fabricated some of his best-known work in the second studio on site. After Young’s death, the farm was purchased by artists Doris and Sperry Andrews, who painted and lived here until 2005.

Start at the Visitor’s Center

Visitors can amble on dirt paths, tour the home and two freestanding studios, and be inspired to create some new artwork. Start at the Visitor’s Center in the Burlingham Barn where you can sign up for a tour, obtain a Painting Sites Guide that directs you to the spots that Weir and other guest artists rendered on canvas, and then pick up a packet of art supplies to “Take Part in Art” yourself.

There are also Art Therapy and Stone Wall Workshops, and Yoga in the Garden. Open May-October Wed-Sun 10-4, free tours of the Weir House 11, 1, 2, and 3pm, grounds open daily year round sunrise to sunset.

GO/MOVIE THEATER: Prospector Theater Ridgefield CT

My brother and sister-in-law, who live in Ridgefield, call the Prospector Theater “magical.” After visiting, I second that emotion. (Which is why I’m placing it high on the “Things to Do” list.)

The Prospector encompasses four theaters – one with a dozen Eames Chairs as front row. These auditoriums range from a private 16-person space to the largest, for 167 patrons. It is a theater unlike any other, but should be a model for every town in the USA.

Over 100 adults with developmental disabilities (called “prospects”) have found full employment, each according to their passion. And each passion, called “sparkle,” is turned into a job. Prospects are taught life skills though innovative means – e.g. using rap to learn vocabulary.

Joe’s “sparkle” is Star Wars. So, he learned to operate a complex embroidery machine and emblazoned his own shirt and others with “May the Sparkle Be With You.”

Josh Adelson (pictured), has a penchant for socializing and teaching others. As such, he was my excellent and knowledgeable tour guide throughout the building.

Prospectors run the Ticket Counter/Concession Stand. They pour wine and beer at the “Heads Up Café” (look up to see a ceiling blanketed with 33,718 pennies – a nod to the building’s former iteration as a bank). Others make gourmet popcorn, create gift card bows out of recycled movie posters, usher, take tickets, help with dazzling and uplifting decorations for every movie premier, and otherwise emerge from the shadows as vital and productive members of the community. The Prospector Theater is, according to my sister in law and everyone else, “the most special place in town.”

FYI, The Prospector Theater is one of the Getaway Mavens 10 Perfect Places to Pop the Question in CT. 

TOUR: Keeler Tavern Museum Ridgefield CT

The museum features costumed guides who escort visitors though rooms built in 1713. You are transported to a time when homes were small, kids slept four to a bed and a woman’s work was truly never done. A British cannonball fired at the Tavern on April 27^th, 1777 has been preserved where it landed. It’s embedded in a corner post – the most ogled reminder of the country’s War of Independence.

GO: Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

A few doors down from Keeler Tavern, fast-forward to the future. The museum hosts innovative and cutting edge exhibitions and programs for adults and children. Video art, mixed media installations and plain old canvas paintings provide guests with a peek at a rotating roster of contemporary art. $12 adults, under 12 free, Sat. 10-5, Sun, Mon,Wed-Fri. 12-5, closed Tues.

VISIT: Ridgefield Guild of Artists Gallery (Across from the Ridgefield CT Theater Barn)

This upbeat association includes about 200 artists, from “an 85 year old who just took up painting to professional artists.” Sign up for a “Drink and Draw” art class, or take a tour during gallery shows. Check website for events and openings.

DROP IN: Lounsbury House Ridgefield CT

How magnanimous is Ridgefield? The town took over a grand main street mansion, built in 1896 for Phineas Lounsbury, the 53^rd Governor of Connecticut, and turned it into a Community Center open to all. Aside from being a sought-after wedding venue, this “cornerstone of Ridgefield” has been “entertaining and building memories for the town for 60 years.”

There are art, holiday, and cooking events throughout the year, to which the public is invited. Even without anything going on, it’s worth it to step inside, walk up the double staircase, and peek into one of the most glamorous bridal-prep rooms on the planet. Check website for open events.

THEATER-MUSIC/COMEDY: Ridgefield Playhouse

A celebrity magnet in this fife-and-drum town, The Ridgefield Playhouse hosts musical, magical, and comedy acts in a relatively intimate space. Seth Meyers, Colin Jost, Lyle Lovett, Randy Rainbow, The Zombies, The Wallflowers, Christopher Walken, have all appeared here.

THEATER: ACT – A Contemporary Theater of CT

Opened in 2018 in the former Phillip Johnson designed Schlumberger building, ACT features well known and going-to-Broadway premier productions staged by SAG actors in a fantastically modern space.

THEATER: Ridgefield Theater Barn

BYOD (Bring You Own Dinner) to this Community Theater where locals take over the boards.

SHOP: Ridgefield Running Co.

In 2014, Megan Searfoss, founder of Run Like A Mother (a “women-only 5K” launched in 2008), opened what has fast become one of the “Top 10 Running Stores” in the country: Ridgefield Running Co. Of course, this store sells running shoes and other paraphernalia for people who enjoy foot-powered speed. But Ridgefield Running Co. is the only running shop in New England to feature a 3-D scanner and treadmill-analysis that together generate a custom-fit.

SHOP: Books on the Common

Like most culturally progressive small towns, Ridgefield has an independent, community-minded bookstore. And whenever I find one of those, I sing its praises.

Shop For Specialty Foods in Ridgefield CT

The Hickories Ridgefield CT

The mission of this 100-acre organic farm is to raise livestock – lambs, sheep, pigs, chickens, and quail – in a humane and symbiotic relationship with fruits and vegetables, resulting in produce that is more nutrient-dense than your Stop & Shop variety. Plants and animals from The Hickories are tastier, and better for you, than those from supermarkets.

Wander the pastures, watch the animals gambol, tag along on a Farm Tour (Saturdays), purchase fresh cut flowers, and/or pick up Salsa, Pasta Sauce, Cows Milk Soap, Woolens, Sustainable Fiber, Quail Eggs, Organic Meat, or other handmade or farm-fresh items in the Farm Store. Open daily 10-5.

Deborah Ann’s Homemade Chocolates

Mike Grissmer and Debbie Backes, Yale Law graduates, left the corporate world to make and sell chocolate and other confections. Now, over 20 years later, Deborah Ann’s is a town institution, and has made Ridgefield a sweeter place.

Milillo Farm

Milillo is known for fresh-baked pies.

The Cake Box

Guess what they sell? And yes, these sweet goods are decadent, especially, and surprisingly, the vegan chocolate Bundt Cake.

Copps Hill Plaza

There’s a cornucopia of food merchants in Copps Hill, where you can pick up fixin’s for a dinner party or food-forward hostess gifts.

Ross’s Bread

Get your just-baked crusty loaf at Ross’s Bread.

109 Cheese and Wine

And then pick up some recommended fromage and a bottle to go with it at 109 Cheese and Wine.

Where to Eat and Stay in Ridgefield

EAT: Bernard’s

Sara Boussiou and her husband, Bernard, did stints at Le Cirque, and with Thomas Keller, before opening their own place in a rambling inn on prestigious West Lane in Ridgefield CT. Bernard’s is, not surprisingly, one of the top (if not the top) restaurant in town, ranking high on “Most Romantic” lists. Dine in the elegant linen and crystal main room downstairs. Or head upstairs to the more casual “Sarah’s Wine Bar,” which hosts live jazz music and local art for purchase.

Dinner entrees run $26 for Heirloom Brown Carrot Leek Ravioli to $46 for Lobster. But those in the know will order the unparalleled Cassoulet in winter or the memorable Chicken Paillard smothered with a variety of grains and greens from the backyard garden. Unbridled culinary joy.

EAT/SNACK: Chez Lenard

A visit to Ridgefield would not be complete without a stop at Chez Lenard. Voted “Best Hot Dog Stand in New England” by Yankee Magazine, “chef” Mike Principi wins top honors for dispensing graciousness and good will along with his Mexican, Swiss and French style franks. Folks come from far and wide to get a fix of this $3.25-$5.25 meal.

EAT/ BREAKFAST: The Early Bird Café

Locals flock to this age-old spot for breakfast. Specialties include omelets, French Dip and the homey feeling of friends gathering together to share their day.

EAT: Locals also recommend

TerraSole for upscale Italian. French restaurant, Luc’s, for its famous pot ‘o mussels. Steve’s Bagels for the best smoked salmon and coffee. The cute, hidden, “very good” cozy Italian Bartolo. And Hoodoo BBQ on Route 7 for, well, smoked meats.

STAY: West Lane InnRidgefield CT

The West Lane Inn, next door to Bernard’s, is the only place to stay near downtown Ridgefield. Good thing it’s a stunning, renovated, and newly refreshed boutique lodging.

New owners (as of Fall 2019), Christine Carnicelli and Danile Petrie, have taken the tired, traditional West Lane and updated it to beauteous effect. Hardwood floors and wooden staircase shine anew.

The 1849 mansion now sports 17 stylish, eclectic guest rooms, and modern common areas. Take a drink out to the wide front porch, wander the pretty grounds, or retire to a small game room. In the morning, a full hot breakfast is served on the veranda or inside in a bright dining area. Rooms rates, $225 – $265 per night, include parking, wifi, and full gourmet breakfast.