Escape from New York: 5 Things To Love About Kent, Connecticut

I live in New York City. And as everyone knows, New York is one of the most wonderful, loud, smelly, crowded, lovely, hideous, chaotic, sweaty, hip, annoying, exciting, cool places to be in the whole world. I love it. And I also occasionally hate it. And when I just plain can’t stand it anymore and need a break (and everyone needs a break from time to time), I go to Kent, Connecticut in Litchfield County. I’m writing this post while sitting on my porch, and I truly couldn’t be more excited to explain why this is one of my favorite places on earth.

 

My “Office”

When I’m here in Kent (as I am right now), this is the place I spend most of my time: my peaceful porch. The bugs up here can get pretty vicious (ticks, mosquitos, gnats), so I love to sit on the screened-in porch and write, read, drink wine, and even sleep.

House of Books

When I go into the town of Kent, one of my all-time favorite spots is House of Books. Voted one of the best independent bookstores in Connecticut, House of Books is a lovely shop with a wonderful selection of books, a great line-up of author events, and the nicest bookstore owner ever, Robin Heard. Here I am at a book signing, meeting the amazing Elinor Lipman, author of ON TURPENTINE LANE:

Gifford’s

Gifford’s market is wonderful because not only can you stop in for a cup of coffee and a berry muffin, or a hamburger and fries, but you can also order your Thanksgiving turkey, your Christmas fillet of beef, or a dozen mini crab cakes for a cocktail party. They do it all! And if you’re not in the mood to cook dinner, then you can go to their lovely restaurant right around the corner.

 The Great Outdoors

My favorite thing by far about Kent, CT is nature! Whether I’m at Kent Falls or Macedonia State Park, I NEVER get over the beauty of this New England paradise. It’s gorgeous in every season:

 Wildlife

I never know who will be wandering around in the woods behind my house. I’ve seen bobcats, bears, deer, turkeys, bats, frogs, coyotes, herons, ducks, woodchucks and weasels. Here are a few pictures I’ve managed to take of my outdoor neighbors:

I highly recommend taking a drive or going for a hike in Litchfield County! It is the perfect escape from busy city life, and I am my happiest self when I’m here.

And if you’re still not convinced, let me show you the best bar in town, otherwise known as my backyard:

Author: Amy Poeppel

Amy Poeppel grew up in Dallas, Texas and left the south to attend Wellesley College. Since then, she has worked as an actor, a high school English teacher, and most recently as the Assistant Director of Admissions at a school in New York City. Her three fabulous boys are all off in Boston attending school, and she and her husband now split their time between New York and Frankfurt, Germany. A theatrical version of SMALL ADMISSIONS was workshopped at the Actors Studio Playwrights/Directors Unit. She later expanded it into her first novel.

2 Replies to “Escape from New York: 5 Things To Love About Kent, Connecticut”

  1. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR PORCH AND WHERE YOUR HOME IS LOCATED!! I’D SURE LOVE YO HAVE SUCH A PLACE TO GO TO. I am very glad to see that you have this place to get away to. Your book is on my summer reading list! The reason I know New England…I lived in Binghamton, NY when I was younger and we used to travel all over New England and upstate Mts in NY. NOW..I live in Apex, NC since moving from NY. It’s right outside Raleigh, NC. BEST WISHES IN ALL YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS, Deb

    1. Thank you so much for reading the post and also for putting Small Admissions on your summer reading list! It is great to have a chance to get out of the city from time to time. I live NYC, but it’s a bit exhausting! New England is lovely. And North Carolina is gorgeous, too!! Hope you enjoy the book! xoxo Thank you for getting in touch!

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