The Ridgefield Staycation
Travel seems a bit more daunting these days, but if you’re like my family, you desperately need a vacation right now. In a town like Ridgefield, a staycation isn’t a sacrifice, it’s a win-win. You get to escape the daily grind, have fun and get in some much-needed relaxation, all while supporting the local businesses that make our town so charming.
Here’s an example of a weeklong staycation that works for my family.
Day #1 ~ Family Fun Day: Even grown-ups need to play, especially now.
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Host your own “Nailed It” style baking competition! Pick up fun and creative baking supplies that abound at Elizabella’s Bake Shop.
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Build an obstacle course with things around the house. Then see who can complete it the fastest. Or create a scavenger hunt.
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Try out a new hobby, like knitting. Nancy O’s has an incredible selection of yarns and offers classes too! And if you’ve ever wanted to try making jewelry, Guilded Lynx and Zoe & Co Sugarbeads are the places for you!
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Start a journal. Squash’s has beautiful journals and writing implements, so you can truly make it your own.
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Pick up a craft, lego, or science experiment kit from the Toy Chest to do together as a family.
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View the fabulous work of local artists online at Ridgefield Guild of Artists.
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End on a sweet note by grabbing a frozen treat from Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shop or cupcakes from the Cake Box or both!
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Need a nightcap? Watch the Ridgefield Theater Barn’s Ghostlight session (at 8:45 pm Wednesdays and Saturdays via Facebook Live).
Day #2 ~ Love Nature Day:
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Read a book in your favorite rope swing or hammock from Olley Court and Books on the Common or find a quiet spot under a tree to meditate.
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Go hiking, go for a run, do some gardening, spend a day at the pool or beach, go fishing, kayaking, or take a bike ride, whatever is feasible. If you don’t have a bike, Ridgefield Bicycle Company has got you covered and if your sneakers need to be retired, Ridgefield Running Company will help you find the perfect pair, based on your specific needs.
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Visit historic Weir Farm, a local gem, and National Park right in town.
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Campout on the back porch or in your backyard. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores on the fire pit, tell scary stories (you can always get a book from Books on the Common if you don’t want to make them up.)
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Play board games under the stars (Toy Chest has plenty to choose from, including many great ones you’ve never heard of. Our favorite…Bubble Talk.)
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And don’t forget to have a fully stocked cooler, like a Yeti from Ridgefield Hardware.
Day #3 ~ Spa Day:
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Melt away stress and come out with your skin glowing with a massage and facial at Medicinal Skin or Susi Laura. You might appreciate the massage even more than usual after a night of sleeping on the ground. ;)
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Then, enjoy a refreshing smoothie with fresh ingredients from Nature’s Temptations, Ridgefield Organics Market, or Organika Kitchen.
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Continue your spa day by giving your hands and feet a makeover with a mani-pedi at Ridgefield Nail Bar.
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Finally, top off your day of relaxation by getting in touch with your spiritual side with a trip to Angel Cooperative or Touch of Sedona.
Day #4 ~ European Excursion: (I hope you’re hungry!)
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Enjoy a light breakfast at Ross Bread & Coffe Shoppe for fresh pastries and other light fares
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Sit outside in the sun for lunch and dine on French favorites at Luc’s Café or Spanish tapas at Tablao
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Sip a handcrafted coffee at Tazza or Tusk & Cup
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Savor dinner at award-winning Bernard’s and dine in the breathtaking garden or enjoy authentic Italian cuisine al fresco at Posa.
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Start learning a new language at the Language School, so you’ll be ready to chat it up abroad when travel opens up again.
Day #5 ~ Wine & Fashion Day: A shopping excursion is always good for the soul!
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Treat yourself to a new outfit and some fun accessories. Check out Lucy’s, Hutton’s, J. McLaughlin, Audrey Road, or even Ridgefield Running Company for the sporty members of the family. In town, the possibilities are endless!
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Then find the perfect accessories at shops like Zoe & Co Sugar Beads or Turkey Ridge. If you really want to go all out with your new look, visit Whip Salon or Adam Broderick’s, and show your hair some love.
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Then, visit a local vineyard, like DiGrazia Vineyard in Brookfield, for a wine tasting in your new digs. I couldn’t find a vineyard in Ridgefield, so if you want to keep it local, visit one of our amazing wine shops including 109 Wine Cellar XV or Ancona’s, to sample some of their featured wines. Make it even better by pairing your wine with some amazing artisan cheese from 109 Cheese & Wine.
Day #6 ~ Support the arts day
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Take in a movie at the Prospector, go on a guided tour at the Aldrich Museum, check out what’s going on at the Ridgefield Playhouse, or see a show at ACT of Connecticut (if they are open).
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Then purchase a piece of artwork from a local artist at RPAC Gallery with the money you would have spent on a hotel. Right now, more than ever, the arts need your support. So, why not bring home an original art piece as a keepsake that will remind you of all the memories you made during your staycation?
Day #7: Celebrate animals day
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Spend the day with your pet. They’ve helped you get through quarantine, so why not show them some extra love?
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Get some new toys and accessories at Ridgefield Pet, take your dog for an extra-long walk, build a cat play fort out of cardboard boxes. Don’t have a pet? Visit ROAR and consider giving one a forever home!
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Or take a trip to Guardian’s Farm in Southbury, visit their goats and other farm animals and purchase handmade soaps, lotions and more made with their goats’ milk! (Saturdays & Sundays only, from 11-3. Make arrangements ahead to confirm.)
Keep in mind, the businesses listed here are some of our favorites but Ridgefield has so many amazing spots. The idea is to shop local and support the businesses that make our town so special. They need us more than ever! (and we need them!)
Many of the places mentioned require reservations or appointments now, even though they may not have in the past, or they may have limited hours. Additionally, some locations may be closed, depending on current circumstances. So, be sure to call ahead or visit their website for details and to make arrangements.
Want to make your staycation even better? Pick up food or have meals delivered when not dining out to avoid dishes. And let the laundry pile up. It can wait. ;)