Food for your soul....a girls' getaway

This weekend trip to the 'Quiet Corner' of Connecticut is designed with a woman's taste in mind Women, there is strength in unity. Take care of you and escape for a fall weekend away with friends; enjoy a wholesome country weekend of pressure-free adventure complete with energizing walks, delicious country dining, wine, laughs, boutique shopping, art and antiques amidst a total change of pace and place. What better time than October to get out and enjoy the turning maples and nurturing friendships before the holiday season revs into gear. Connecticut's Quiet Corner, the north-east corner of the Nutmeg state beckons within an easy drive so near, but so blessedly removed from everyday. Below are a few ideas for get-away seekers. There is a little something for everyone. Please be sure to call ahead to confirm the hours and days of operation for the recommended places listed below: Accommodations Recommended: The Cottage House, Thompson, Elegant and tranquil 1812 Inn with all-white palette cottages, most with fireplaces and private entrances. Continental breakfast included. Spa services on site. Info: www.ltmcottagehouse.com Tel. 860-923-3886 Inn at Woodstock Hill, Woodstock The area's most luxurious Inn on 19 rolling acres and on National Historic Registry. Info: www.woodstockhill.com, Tel. 860-928-0528 Other options: Elias Child House B&B, Woodstock, 18th Century colonial tucked away, yet close to shopping, antiquing, dining and more. Info: www.eliaschildhouse.com, tel. 860-974-9836; Day one itinerary Breakfast: At your Inn or B&B or Victoria Station Caf , Putnam Info: www.victoriastationcafe.com, tel. 860-928-2600. Time to spa -Treat yourself to a spa facial or a massage before tackling the many specialty shops greenhouses and boutiques. Spa services available in Pomfret at The Pomfret Healing Center & Spa, tel. 860-963-0846, www.pomfretcenterspa.com Or get physical rent bikes at Silver Bicycle, Putnam. Very limited rentals available, please call ahead; best to bring your own. Bike shop can recommend a quiet and scenic route. Info: www.thesilverbikeco.com, Tel. 860-928-7370. Shopping Check out the Antiques Marketplace, Putnam, Connecticut's largest and most diverse antique mall with 30 vendors and great prices. Tel. 860-928-0442 www.antiquesmarketplace.com Lunch options: Vanilla Bean Caf , Pomfret, Winner of many Best's from Connecticut Magazine including Best Outdoor Dining, Best Sandwiches and Best Vegetarian. Info: tel. 860-928-1562, www.thevanillabeancafe.com Jessica Tuesday's, Putnam Another Connecticut Magazine's "Best". Info: tel. 860-928-5118 www.jessicatuesdays.com Afternoon browsing: Logee's Greenhouse, Danielson Family nursery since 1892. 1,000 tropical container plants, including a century-old lemon tree. (860-774-8038, www.logees.com Coco's Cottage, South Woodstock, tel. 860-928-1514 Garden Gate Florist, Gifts & Antiques, South Woodstock tel. 860-928-0571 Sawmill Pottery, South Woodstock, tel. 860-963-7807 Scranton's Shops, South Woodstock, Early New England blacksmith shop converted into space for 90 local artisans (tel. 860.928.3738) and/or McClellan Elms, South Woodstock 18th and 19th c. furniture, Oriental rugs, primitive to formal selections. Housed in historic McClellan House. Info: www.mcclellanelmsantiques.com, tel. 860-928-0885 Dinner: Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Pomfret, Tour and taste before enjoying a gourmet meal in the wine garden or the fireside tavern. Producer of New England's top selling white wine, Ballet of Angels. Make dinner reservations well in advance. Info/reservations: tel. 860-974-3549, www.sharpehill.com, Still River Caf , Eastford, Gourmet restaurant in a historic barn on 27 acres. Acclaimed by the New York Times and others for using local products including ingredients they farm themselves. Tour the vegetable and herb gardens before dinner. Open for dinner Friday and Saturday only. Brunch/lunch Sunday. Info: www.stillrivercafe.com, tel. 860-974-9988. Heritage Trail Winery & Caf , Lisbon (Caf opening 10/10/08) Vineyard producing cabernet franc and other varietals with winery housed in 1700's National Historic Register Cape. Owner/ Celebrity Chef Harry Schwartz offers boutique batch gelato as well as wine tastings paired with local cheeses. "Green" Caf will offer local natural meats and fish smoked on property, organic vegetables grown on locally and mustards and reductions made from Heritage Trail wines. Info: www.harvestrestaurant.com or The Inn at Woodstock Hill, Woodstock, tel. 860-928-0528, www.woodstockhill.com Casual option: TheVanilla Bean Caf , Pomfret, tel. 860-928-1562, www.thevanillabeancafe.com Get physical at :CT Audubon Society, Pomfret, Five-plus miles of designated trails on over 700 acres for casual walk or for guided birding. Many workshops. Check the site to see what's on the calendar. Info: www.ctaudubon.org, tel. 860-928-4948 Shop at Celebrations, Pomfret, tel. 860-928-5492 www.celebrationsshoppes.com, or Hazelwood Fine Crafts, Pomfret, tel. 860-928-5888 www.hazelwoodfinecrafts.com, or Majilly's, Pomfret, tel. 974-3714 www.majilly.com Before heading home, afternoon tea at Mrs. Bridges Pantry, South Woodstock, British-style tearoom and gift shop. www.mrsbridgespantry.com tel. 860-963-7040 Consider incorporating a balloon ride into your weekend. Book ahead with Eastern Connecticut Balloon, (www.easternctballoon.com) tel. 860-376-5807. Rides are early morning or late afternoon and are weather dependent. This is truly a ride you will never forget! Visit www.mysticcounty.com for more ideas or detail on any of the above locations.