New England Classic: A Design Duo's Favorites in Washington, Connecticut

Washington, the impossibly charming and picturesque town in northwest Connecticut, is a two-hour drive from New York City but feels a world away. Michael DePero and Andrew Fry, co-owners of the lifestyle boutique Plain Goods in nearby New Preston, gave us a tour of the best of their home town. Get ready to pick produce, picnic outdoors, and dine by an open-hearth fire

WASHINGTON, Connecticut – Our lifestyle shop Plain Goods is in the village of New Preston, Connecticut, just down the road from Washington Depot, where most of the commerce happens. A little farther up the road is Washington, the town we call home, a picturesque New England village dotted with beautiful white-painted homes and churches. What drew us here from New York City and Northern California? Spots like these.

FOR BROWSING

The Hickory Stick Bookshop
2 Green Hill Rd.;+1-860-868-0525
One of our favorite places to buy books for ourselves and for gifts.

Huntington & Hope
2 Green Hill Rd.; +1-860-868-2424
A wonderful shop filled with vintage and English finds. The place to go for Sheffield silver and unique pieces hand-picked from the fields of the English countryside.

Elephant's Trunk Flea Market
490 Danbury Rd., New Preston; +1-860-355-144
The largest weekly flea market in New England is in New Milford, ten minutes away. We love it because there's something for everyone and we always find goodies here.

FOR SNACKING

Washington Pizza House
13 River Rd.; +1-860-868-0198
The toasted almond ice cream — small batch, home-style, by Big Dipper — is so delicious.

The Pantry
5 Titus Rd.; +1-860-868-0258
Some of the best hot cross buns and Irish soda bread we've ever had served by an ever friendly, helpful staff. There is a take-out counter with terrific prepared salads and a dining area. They have excellent salsa and guacamole, too.

The stunning grounds of Mayflower Inn. Photo courtesy of Mayflower Inn.

FOR A SIT-DOWN MEAL

Hidden Valley Eatery
88 Bee Brook Rd.; +1-860-619-0660
We come for scrumptious caramelized onion, portobello mushroom, and goat cheese pizza. Remember to BYO — maybe with a nice Rioja from the bottle shop in Washington Depot.

Mayflower Inn
118 Woodbury Rd.; +1-860-868-9466
Cozy meals at the bar by the fireplace, drinks in the intimate library room, brunch on the terrace overlooking the exquisite gardens: There's so much to love at the inn. Including the wonderful spa and outdoor pool.

G.W. Tavern
20 Bee Brook Rd.; +1-860-868-6633
Our easy, local, go-to spot for American comfort food in a charming setting in the winter and on the flagstone patio overlooking the Shepaug River in warmer months.

FOR A TASTE OF THE OUTDOORS

Averill Farm
250 Calhoun St.; +1-860-868-2777
A wonderful family farm run continuously by the Averill's since 1746 that specializes in apples and pears. Pick Your Own season typically begins in mid-August with 100+ varieties. Come fall, their cider and donuts are the best around. The farm store sells pumpkins, pies, honey, maple syrup, cheeses, tomatoes, and cut flowers. This is the real-deal, old-fashioned farm experience.

Hollister House Garden
300 Nettleton Hollow Rd.; +1-860-868-2200
Informal classic English gardens on a beautiful country property. We like the self-guided tour the best.

Steep Rock Preserve
Beautiful trails and hikes along the Shepaug River. In the summer, we have some favorite swimming areas where we bring a picnic lunch.

Washington Depot Farmer's Market
1 Green Hill Rd.
The place to be on Saturdays from 10–1, June through October. Fresh flowers, local fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Washington is about two hours from New York City. The easiest way to get here is by car, though there are Metro North trains that stop at the Harlem Valley Wingdale station. From there, it's a 35-minute drive into town.

A look at Michael DePerno's design work.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

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