As the Rodgers and Hammerstein song goes, “June is bustin’ out all over…” I always get a little overwhelmed when summer arrives; there is so much to do around the house and in the garden. This is also when the social calendar starts filling up. But thanks to my friend Claudia Kalur, who helped me sift through the many events coming up this month, I was able to choose my top picks of the local happenings in Litchfield County.
The annual Gunn Library’s “Library Luminaries” dinner on June 4 is always a fun event, as it is not only an opportunity to spend an evening with Litchfield County’s notables personalities, but also to see other people’s houses. The evening starts with cocktails at the historic Ehrick Rossiter-designed Gunn Memorial Library. When you are there, take a look at the gorgeous H. Siddons Mowbray murals. For more information, contact the Gunn Memoral Library at gunnlibrary.org or call (860) 868-7586.
The Litchfield County Antiques Show on June 25 and 26 is the premier summer antiques show in the region. Held at the Kent School in Kent, this year’s show promises something for every collector, from Americana, European and English antiques to arts and crafts and mid-century modern. The gala preview party is Friday, June 24, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Hope to see you there! For more information, email lcashow@optonline.net, or call (860) 567-0613.
Also on June 25, the Pilobolus Dance Company will have its annual summer benefit on the lovely lawn of “Quatre Vents” in Washington. This is an event we never miss; not only is it always a fun evening with great food, silent auction and dancing, but it’s also the main fundraiser for this famous modern dance company. For more information, call Allison Prouty at (646) 450-4709 or emailallison@secondbolt.com.
The region is filled with yard sales in June. If you can give up a precious summer morning for an excursion, visit the annual Privet House “Backyard Sale” on June 4. Located behind Privet House in Warren, the sale also includes the wares of other antiques dealers and merchants. You’ll find great items at discounted prices. Get there early as things fly. For more information, contact info@privethouse.com or call (860) 868-1800.
I always enjoy touring people’s gardens. The Private Gardens Tour of Connecticut takes place on three separate Saturdays in June, and tickets can be bought individually. Only one Saturday to spare? Make sure you go on June 26 for the Private Gardens of Litchfield County to see the gardens of Hollister House, Michael Trapp and Bunny Williams, among others. For more information, go to gardenconservancy.org.
After all these tours, antique shows and yard sales, you’re likely to build up an appetite, so try the tap room and restaurant at the Falls Village Inn in Falls Village. Designed by Bunny Williams, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information, go to thefallsvillageinn.com.