1. Brookfield Craft Center
City: Brookfield, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (203) 775-4526
Address: 286 Whisconier Rd.
Description: This is not strictly a store, but first and foremost the campus of a professional school, where creative craftspeople learn to make ceramics, jewelry, and pottery. In six historic buildings off of Route 25 on the banks of the Still River, the students and faculty use a blacksmith forge, a wood-turning shop, and a weaving studio to create some of the finest handicrafts in Connecticut. You can check out their exhibition gallery and gift shop to purchase these amazing crafts. Most of these are so-called dying arts, but you’ll see no evidence of death here, only a firm commitment to creation. Of course, if you get a chance to take classes here at Brookfield, it is a unique opportunity to improve your craft under some of the finest masters available.
2. Di Grazia Winery
City: Brookfield, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 775-1616
Address: 131 Tower Rd.
Description: Founded in 1978, this winery offers a unique array of wines. Founder and winemaker Dr. Paul DiGrazia pioneered the production of wines rich in antioxidants (try the Wild Blue—made with blueberries) and has created some of the most interesting blends on the trail. In the tasting room you find whites featuring grapes like Traminette, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc. Red blends, blush-style, and dessert wines are also featured, including a spectacularly smooth port-style wine and another that blends pear, black walnut, and brandy. Local honey can be found along with wine, pumpkin cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in Autumn Spice or the slightly sweeter Harvest Spice.