ORIGIN: The Hollister House was built in the late 18th…read morecentury for Preston Hollister by his father Gideon, a local entrepreneur. The Hollister family resided in the home for generations, and continued having a prominent role in the community. The house is currently owned and maintained by tenant George Schoellkopf and a nonprofit-- Hollister House Garden. LOCATION: The house and garden are located on 25 acres in rural Washington, Connecticut. EXPERIENCE: George Schoellkopf purchased Hollister House and began transforming its landscape in 1979. The garden, which is open to the public, reflects his unique vision -- a relaxed English Garden. The garden is a great to see, but also to generate ideas for your own garden. Linda Levin, the Visitor Experience Manager, helped me identify some perennials that caught my attention during my most recent visit. A variety of workshops are offered at Hollister House Garden. Recently I participated in a mushroom growing workshop, and left with an oak log that will bloom in the spring. TIPS: Local residents are eligible got a discounted membership rate. With membership comes benefits, such as free admission at gardens across the country. Visiting hours are on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons with a $10 admission fee. Become a member for unlimited admission and emails about what is in bloom.

We were just bowled over by this place. As we strolled through the different layers, it seemed as…read morethough each view was better than the last. Hollister House Garden is an American interpretation of classic English gardens with a mix of the formal and the natural. This is an absolutely spectacular collection of plants and flowers. Created in 1979 by George Schoellkopf, the garden stretches out from a rambling eighteenth-century house. Giant, ten-foot-tall, perfectly sculpted hedges create an architectural structure that helps define a series of "rooms" within the garden, each with its own inspiring style. On our visit, a volunteer guide roamed the site, answering questions and offering suggestions. Their website provides a monthly preview of what's in bloom. We will definitely be back to see what new blossoms await us.

Excellent museum! Well worth visiting! Provides insight into not just local history but into…read moreperiod history. Thanks to all who support it.

The library is a brick building in downtown Bethlehem, next to the town hall. For Christmas in…read moreBethlehem, they sell raffle tickets and host a bake sale in the Adult section. There are a few handicapped spots in the front, leading into the adult section on top. The children section and community room are on the bottom, and most of the parking is below in back as well. It's a very cute library, and I definitely recommend it for their special events!

Friendly staff- good room for children to enjoy and even play. We have attended programs too that…read morewere welcoming and educational.

Very nice staff; warm and accommodating even at the last hour prior to closing …read more Place is clean. Location is clean ideal.

Let's get this out of the way - only I come here once a year to postmark my Christmas cards…read more However, you can't say enough about small town post offices. I've known everyone who works there for years. They are all local people and I see them at other venues/events in town. They know me. Even though December is their busiest month, they still have time to chit-chat and gossip, and even those in line will add details or opinions, as necessary. I'm lucky to get a hello from the counter people at my local PO, so it's a welcome change to what I'm used to. So, my friends and family can't wait to receive a card from "Christmas Town" from me every year. The PO provides cachets (decorative rubber stamps) you can use to personalize your mailing. This is a tedious activity for me, but it's not unusual to see a parent with small children standing around the tables, having fun pressing the stamps onto cards. Interestingly enough, the PO handles 200,000 pieces of mail in December - more than 1000% more than the volume for the rest of the year. Mail is routed through this PO from nearly every state and many foreign countries just for the postmark. If you're close by, or looking for a Christmas day trip (lots to do in the area), make it a point to post your cards from here. Your friends and family will enjoy it.

The sign of Morris is in a good location - it's right in front of ye olde Mill School and ye olde…read moreTown Hall ("ye olde" mine). No idea if they're ever open to the public; not only is this being written in the times of Covid, there's currently a lot of snow blocking their doors. However, in less winter times, the sign is located next to Popeys Ice Cream so one could even wander over while waiting for their food, instead of waiting in the way in the lobby, during a pandemic. Just a suggestion. The sign is a little hard to read and can benefit from a touch up.

Morris history nuggets…read more Ever hear of the Pootatuck Indians? They used to own this land. Morris was twice denied recognition as a town. When it was finally granted township in 1859, its population was under 800. Its namesake -James Morris was a pioneer in the principle of co-education. This is a two-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. It's located across the street from the Morris Volunteer Fire Department on the grounds of the Morris Historical Society. The marker was dedicated in 1974. It's front side is somewhat faded, but it's reverse side is in very poor shape with even worse fading and peeling. The full inscription reads: Originally called South Farms, this area was settled in the 1720's as part of the frontier town of Litchfield. The land was surveyed by Captain John Marsh in 1715 and was purchased for fifteen pounds from the Bantam tribe of the friendly Pootatuck Indians by a committee from Hartford and Windsor. South Farms built its first school in 1747; the first church, Congregational, in 1764; and established its first cemetery in 1748. The earliest library was opened in 1785. The boundaries of South Farms were defined in 1767 when the Ecclesiastical Society was incorporated with seventy families. Although chiefly agricultural, South Farms built saw mills and grist mills on its rivers, had several small industries and stores, and developed a summer resort business on Bantam Lake. Twice, in 1786 and 1810, the South Farms Society applied unsuccessfully for status as a separate town. In 1859 the South Farms Society petitioned the Connecticut General Assembly, stating that South Farms "... is in fact a separate and distinct community having little or no connection by its situation and business interest with the northern portion of said town of Litchfield." The petition, signed by 138 electors, was granted, and the Town of Morris was incorporated in June, 1859. It had an area, later increased, of 10,464 acres and a population of 769. The first town meeting was held June 27, 1859. In 1861 the first town hall was built, now serving as the Morris Historical Museum. The town was named in honor of James Morris (1752 - 1820), Yale graduate, Revolutionary War captain, selectman, and member of the General Assembly. He was best known as the founder and first principal of the Morris Academy. A pioneer in coeducation, the Academy (1790 - 1888) attracted students from nearly every state and many foreign countries. Erected by the Town of Morris and the Connecticut Historical Commission 1974

My husband and I had planned a two hour cruise in Mystic on the Argia on the day we were…read morecelebrating with our family visiting from California. We were looking for an activity that would be fun for a multigenerational group of 23 people with toddlers, seniors, and everyone in between. We had been in communication with Oliver for months in advance. About two weeks before the big day, we saw that the forecast called for showers throughout Memorial Day weekend, particularly the Sunday of our planned cruise. We monitored the weather and decided to make a decision closer to the day. Throughout the entire process of planning, Oliver was responsive, reliable, accommodating, and kind. On the morning of the trip, Oliver gave us multiple options and worked with us to make sure that we could cancel and get a full refund due to the inclement weather. He provided us with agency up to the last hour of decision making. On a day that could have been really stressful, Oliver alleviated some of that stress. That is exceptional customer service, and that is the reason we will be coming back to the Argia for another special occasion. Highly recommend working with Oliver and his team if you get the chance!

We had the privilege of witnessing the pure beauty and raw power of the majestic wind and sea on…read morethe sail boat in Mystic going into the Long Island Sound for Father's Day!! It was the most eye opening and glorious day and experience! It was such a spectacular view on the water. The captains provided such insight and history of the residents and homes in the vicinity. The captains were highly knowledgeable and talented.

Excellent service. Tiffany is exceptionally efficient & pleasantly helpful. I had a problem with…read morethe mail that was complicated & she took care of the problem quickly. The Morris, Ct PO does a great job.

The staff is wonderful. They are welcoming, knowledgeable, and have offered me many wonderful…read moresuggestions. The selection here has met my needs and the staff all my requests. A friendly and useful library experience.