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“Down Country Roads”

Spend the day exploring small country towns and enjoying the beauty of the countryside in eastern Connecticut, just a half-hour from the capital city of Hartford.

First stop is Long Hill Gardens in Andover, a lovely rustic setting of perennial, wildflower, vegetable, and herb gardens. Enjoy a tour of the gardens, conducted by owner Julia Haverl, and learn about garden planning, growing perennials, and making arrangements of flowers and vegetables. Or choose “The Gardener Cooks,” a wonderful herbal cooking demonstration by Julia with herbs picked fresh from the garden. Tours can also be customized according to the group interest.

Then try some “down home” country shopping at Hurst Farm and Country Store in Andover. The farm is family owned, maintained by antique equipment and farmed the “old-fashioned” way. Enjoy the scenic views of the Connecticut hills from the porch and shop for home-canned products, herbs and spices, maple syrup and honey; all made and grown on the farm.

Lunch features great Italian food at Georgina’s Restaurant in Bolton, just a brief 20-minute ride from the Hurst Farm.

The final stop of the day is Liberty Candle in Bolton. Liberty Candle designs and hand crafts scented candles. Enjoy a tour and learn about candle making and then dip your own candles from a great choice of shapes and colors.

For more information:

Long Hill Gardens: 860-742-2407

Hurst Farm and Country Store: 860-646-6536

Georgina’s Restaurant: 860-647-0345