Taste of Winter Thought: Overlooked Warren Twinkles

Most of Northwestern Connecticut awoke this morning to a snarling, spitting storm that felt like the first icy finger beckoning us toward winter. There were pockets of sleety ice-snow on the ground, the temperature was in the 30s, town crew trucks were out sanding and the wind was whipping the trees around mercilessly.

As forbidding as that outdoor-scape was, especially for parents whose school districts did not call a delay, the scene also produced a childlike excitement. As the first real signal that autumn was on its way out, the storm was also a herald that the holidays were almost here. And cold, snow and holidays add up to a mandate to plan the Christmas tree-cutting trip.

One of the oldest and most popular tree farms in Litchfield County is Angevine Farm in Warren (http://www.angevinefarm.com/), a family-run operation perched on a hillside amid the kind of panoramic farming scene that you find on calendars. The tree farm and its Christmas Barn open for the season Nov. 20, and no matter where you cut your tree, Angevine is worth a visit because it's one of those places that exists according to the beat of its own homespun drummer. Consider this snippet from the Web site:

"On Saturday, there will be children’s craft tables, gingerbread decorating, theater pipe organ concerts throughout the day, free refreshments, farm tours and demonstrations. Bring your hiking boots and a picnic lunch to share on Hemlock Hill, the most beautiful picnic area in Warren."

Where else could you find a Christmas tree farm where the experience includes pipe organ concerts in a rustic barn made festive by the holiday displays. In this painterly photograph by Laurie Gaboardi from last holiday season, a few simple, pretty ornaments exude an almost sublime beauty.

New visitors to Warren wouldn't be wrong to think that the very rural town, one of the smallest in the region, is no hub of activity. Still, there's more going on here than meets the eye, and the resources that do exist are better than ever and worth seeking out. In the center of town, at the junction of Routes 45 and 317, is the relatively new Rooster Tail Inn (http://www.roostertailinn.com/). It's also home to an inviting tavern whose daily specials are both mouth-watering and very affordable. Here's a view of one dining/imbibing area from the Rooster Tail's Web site:

With a Christmas tree strapped to the roof of the SUV and pretty ornaments tucked safely inside, upscale shopping is in order either after lunch or before dinner. Happy to help are two intermingled businesses, Privet House (http://privethouse.com/) and Vol. 1 Antiques (http://www.vol1antiques.com/). The antiques shop is run by Suzanne Cassano, who teams up on Privet House with Richard Lambertson; he is half of the Lamberston Truex line of designer handbags that is now under the Tiffany's umbrella. What that means is that Privet House is bastion of impeccable style, full of interesting and unique items. Here's a shot by Walter Kidd of Privet House and Vol. 1 Antiques awaiting visitor's on a winter's day.

Before heading home, there's one more stop to make---just for a look. Warren is is one of three towns bordering Lake Waramaug, a lifestyle haven for the well-heeled and gorgeous natural feature. Go on Google Maps and seek out Tanner Hill Road in Warren, which affords a beautiful view in any season. Take a look at this view in a Walter Kidd photo: