Emily M. Olson

A Connecticut couple with a love for the natural world turned their passion into a business. Rustic Gardens makes and sells floral masterpieces and outdoor works of art for the home.

The business is next to a historic site A pair of Connecticut business owners have decades to true specialty food work between them and it's an art that is now on the rare side for independent operators.

McCarthy's extensive, conversational knowledge of the Bellamy and Ferriday families' history includes anecdotes and charming stories regarding the many artifacts included in the collections on display.

On cue, the conductors and officials climbed aboard. Passengers were already settled in two cars, including the bar car. Then the train was off, and everyone seemed to be smiling.

“We've built a trust with our customers,” he said. “People like what we sell because it's clean; the food's clean. We're a pesticide free establishment; we don't spray our plants. And the animals graze good grass all day long.

The couple said the food stand's location is ideal for the area and draws customers who make it a destination, as well as newcomers, such as campers, hikers and other visitors.

A Christmas tree farm on Route 202 in New Milford, established by the former owners of the Silo and Hunt Hill Farm , has long been a traditional stop for families as they prepare for the holiday season.

For 60 years, a little thrift store has collected gently used clothing, shoes and housewares. It uses the proceeds to support services provided by the local visiting nurse association.

It's said to be the latest technology in lawn care: automated mowers, which are programmed to cut grass and return to their battery station when they're done.

A 32-unit Connecticut apartment building, approved in 2019, stands unfinished, and town officials are trying to find out what's next.