Creativity Connects Bethel: Meet Linda Berry

Creativity Connects Bethel

What fuels a vibrant, connected and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Bethel?

When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good. Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Bethel? 

Creativity connects us.

Meet Bethel resident Linda Berry, entrepreneur, writer.

Any place in town where you go for inspiration and creativity?

Since relocating to Bethel from Ridgefield last Thanksgiving, I have fallen in love with my newly adopted town. I love the quaint downtown area and its shops and restaurants.  But to satisfy my love of the outdoors, I go to Meckauer Park, which, fortunately, is around the corner from my condo.  When COVID interrupted my get-acquainted period with downtown for a few months, time in the 39-acre park became even more appreciated. I circle the half-mile walking loop four or five times, and when halfway around, I enjoy looking across the pond at the row of shadows the majestic trees (variants of maple, I believe) make on the vast, sloping lawn. This is not to mention saying hello to the dogs on leashes, their humans, and other walkers/joggers of all ages and ethnicities.

Is there an organization in town that makes you feel good?

There are many. As a newcomer, I continue to make happy Bethel discoveries.  The latest: Ecco, the rooftop restaurant above the venerable La Zingara Restaurant. One of my earliest discoveries (out of a need to get to New York for a freelance job) is the cute Metro-North train station and its Daily Fare Bakery (perfect for a home-baked nosh on the longish ride to Grand Central). After that first round trip I picked up a wood-fired pizza for dinner from Victoria’s, now my go-to spot for a pie. Other discoveries that brought a smile: Bethel Glass and Bethel Upholstery, valuable resources when getting my new condo ready; Varano Bakery, with its huge selection of Italian pastries; the friendly Bethel Post Office; Caraluzzi’s Market and its wonderful selection of breads, seafood and meats; the Gift Cottage, to satisfy my chocolate craving, and the always-helpful True Value Hardware.  Still considering myself a newcomer, I look forward to the next find.

Finish this sentence: When I think of creativity in town I think of …

Byrd’s Books, hands down. This independent bookstore reaches out to customers in many creative ways, including lively emails, book groups and author events. I made an acquaintance with the owner, Alice Hutchinson, pre-Covid, and enjoyed getting book recommendations from her and her son, Steve.  When the doors were shuttered during quarantine, they ordered books for clients, and when the books arrived, you could pick them up in a bin outside.  The doors are again open at Byrd’s Books, which means customers’ conversations about books with Alice and Steve have resumed.