Glad you’re back. This week: three seats left at the table, a mountain with a complicated name, and a few things worth leaving the house for.

Patrick
The Litchfield Ledger

We’re down to the last three seats for Dinner Club at The Lost Fox.

One long table, a prix fixe dinner by Chef Thomas Burke, a little jazz, and an evening built for conversation.

Save your seat here.

Mohawk Mountain rises in Cornwall, Connecticut. You may have driven past it. You may have skied it. You may never have asked why it has that name.

According to DEEP, Tunxis and Paugussett people used the ridge as a signal point. From that elevation, they sent smoke signals warning nearby communities as Mohawk raiding parties moved in from the north and west.

The Mohawk did not live on this mountain. Their homelands lay mainly to the north and west, in what is now eastern and central New York, especially the Mohawk Valley. They were part of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Confederacy, and were known as the Keepers of the Eastern Door. In the colonial period, their power extended far beyond their home villages, and their raids into western New England alarmed Indigenous communities near what is now Connecticut.

The mountain worked as a warning system. An alarm. A place where fire, height, and horizon helped nearby Indigenous communities communicate.

Mohawk Mountain stands 1,683 feet above Cornwall. On a clear day, the view stretches across the hills of northwestern Connecticut toward the Berkshires, the Taconics, and even the Catskills. Over time, people cut its trees for charcoal, grazed sheep on its slopes, replanted its forest, put Civilian Conservation Corps crews to work there, and eventually built a ski area.

In short, it is called Mohawk Mountain not because the Mohawk lived there, but because local Indigenous communities used the mountain as a lookout to watch for Mohawk raiding parties moving in from the north and west.

VISIT THE MOUNTAIN

79° / 55° · 🌤️ Partly sunny

Oliver Wolcott Library, Litchfield – Explore centuries of ceramic artistry at Two Potters: Guy Wolff & Matin Malikzada, a special exhibition showcasing the work of two master potters whose traditions span continents and generations. Meet the artists during the opening reception and discover handcrafted pieces that reflect the rich heritage of New England pottery and the ancient ceramic traditions of Afghanistan. This unique exhibit celebrates craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and the enduring beauty of functional art. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM MEET THE ARTISTS

78° / 64° · 🌦️ Showers

Cornwall Market, Cornwall Bridge – Discover the traditions and techniques of Chinese tea culture during Tea With Honey: Gongfu Cha, a hands-on class exploring the art of Chinese tea brewing and ceremony. Participants will learn about tea equipment, preparation methods, and brewing skills while enjoying a guided tasting of exceptional teas. All materials are provided—just bring your curiosity and love of tea. 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM SIP & LEARN

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Learn how to create a productive and sustainable Edible Forest Garden during this engaging presentation from the Northwest Conservation District. Participants will explore the principles of permaculture, discover how natural forest ecosystems can inspire food-producing landscapes, and gain a step-by-step plan for designing their own thriving forest garden at home. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM GROW FOOD

85° / 67° · 🌦️ Showers

Barre Equestrian, Woodbury – Saddle up for a fun and rewarding summer of horseback riding with this five-week group lesson series designed for riders of all experience levels. Participants will build confidence in the saddle while learning essential horsemanship skills, including grooming, tacking, untacking, and proper horse care. With a relaxed and social atmosphere, it's a wonderful opportunity to improve riding skills, make new friends, and form lasting connections with the horses. Thursdays | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Session 1 Begins June 11 RIDE INTO SUMMER

South Farms, Morris – The Social continues with an evening of live music featuring the Luke James Band, along with chef-prepared dinners, wood-fired pizza from Milestone Pizza, desserts, and refreshing drinks. Gather on the lawn for a laid-back summer night filled with great food, local music, and community spirit in one of Litchfield County’s favorite seasonal traditions. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM GATHER & GROOVE

White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield – Trade the usual happy hour for a one-hour guided walk through White Memorial with Kelly Orr. Each month explores a different trail, with a healthy, easy recipe handed out at the end of the hike. Dress for the weather and meet in the Museum. Pre-registration requested. Free; donations accepted. 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM HAPPY HOUR HIKE

Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen – Welcome summer with a relaxing Paint & Sip evening featuring hand-painted floral glass cans inspired by bright hydrangeas and golden blooms. Guided step-by-step by Painting on the Gogh, this beginner-friendly workshop includes all materials and two custom-painted tumblers to take home. Enjoy a creative night at the vineyard with your favorite wine and a beautiful keepsake to remember the season. 6:00 PM PAINT & SIP

Lost Fox Inn, Litchfield – Join the Litchfield Ledger for an intimate evening of seasonal dining, live jazz, and meaningful conversation. This special gathering brings neighbors together over a family-style three-course dinner crafted by Chef Thomas Burke, featuring locally inspired dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and the chance to connect with new friends. Advance tickets are required, and seating is limited to just 40 guests. 6:30 PM DINE & CONNECT

88° / 65° · ⛈️ Thunderstorms

Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center, Litchfield – Join artist Regina Ottman for a joyful day of creativity exploring the connection between music and visual art through oil pastels. Participants will learn painting and drawing techniques, experiment with color and mark-making, tour Regina’s gallery exhibition, and create artwork inspired by a variety of musical styles. All experience levels are welcome, and lunch is included. 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

CREATE WITH MUSIC

Goshen Fairgrounds, Goshen – Get ready for three days of high-octane excitement at the Goshen Stampede, New England’s ultimate country and motorsports festival. From thrilling rodeo action and monster truck mayhem to demolition derbies, truck pulls, live country music, food, and family-friendly entertainment, this action-packed weekend delivers nonstop fun rain or shine. Friday festivities kick off the weekend with an unforgettable blend of horsepower, rodeo thrills, and country spirit. Friday, June 12 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

GET DOWN, DIRTY & COUNTRY

Hollister House Garden, Washington – Experience the magic of the garden at dusk during Evening in the Garden. Sip a glass of wine in the barn before strolling through beautifully designed garden rooms, dramatic hedges, and lush seasonal plantings as the evening light transforms the landscape. This relaxing gathering offers a perfect way to welcome a summer weekend with friends and neighbors. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM STROLL & SIP

83° / 62° · 🌤️ Partly sunny

Matland Preserve, West Cornwall – Celebrate Connecticut Open House Day with a guided exploration of the scenic Matland Preserve, a 72-acre woodland property on the southern slope of Tarradiddle Mountain. Hikers will discover diverse terrain, striking geological features, and beautiful views while learning about this protected landscape and its natural history. 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EXPLORE THE TRAILS

Ace Hardware of Litchfield, Litchfield – Celebrate Road Race weekend at the return of Grill Days, a longtime local tradition packed with food, fun, and summer inspiration. Enjoy live grill demonstrations, pizza from Gozney ovens, samples, cocktails from Litchfield Distillery, adoptable pets from The Little Guild, live radio broadcasts, and a chance to win a Weber Spirit grill. Bring a Pet Pantry donation for an extra raffle entry while supporting a great local cause. 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM FIRE UP THE FUN

Ski Sundown, New Hartford – Raise a glass at the annual Litchfield Hills Brewfest, featuring more than 70 vendors pouring specialty beers, wines, ciders, microbrews, moonshine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Enjoy live music, food trucks, raffles, silent auctions, and an afternoon celebrating Connecticut’s craft beverage scene, all while supporting local nonprofit organizations. 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM CHEERS & SAMPLE

House of Books, Kent – Celebrate 50 years of one of Kent’s most beloved bookshops with an evening of music, treats from Swyft, swag, toasts, and plenty of community cheer. This birthday gathering honors a half-century of books, conversation, and local connection on Main Street. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CELEBRATE BOOKS

80° / 59° · 🌤️ Partly sunny

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, Litchfield – Start your Sunday surrounded by nature with Yoga with the Birds, an outdoor yoga class led by instructors from Charym Yoga Studio. Set against the peaceful backdrop of the conservancy, this relaxing experience offers a chance to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the sights and sounds of resident waterfowl. Admission also includes access to the conservancy grounds for the remainder of the day. Every Sunday | 9:00 AM FLOW WITH NATURE

Litchfield Town Green, Litchfield – One of New England’s most beloved running traditions returns as the Litchfield Hills Road Race celebrates another year of scenic roads, challenging hills, and unmatched community spirit. Runners will journey through historic town streets, country roads, and wooded trails while being cheered on by enthusiastic spectators throughout the course. Whether you're racing for a personal challenge or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this iconic event showcases the very best of Litchfield. Race Begins Promptly at 1:00 PM | Registration Opens 10:00 AM | Early Bib Pickup: June 13, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Sage & Salt RUN THE HILLS

69° / 52° · 🌧️ Rain showers

The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm, New Milford – Mushroom lovers won’t want to miss Mad About Mushrooms with Dino Kolitsas of Greca, featuring creative dishes inspired by the restaurant’s popular Mushroom Festival. In partnership with Stewart-Watson Farm, guests will enjoy a culinary exploration of specialty mushrooms through unique recipes including Savory Mushroom Baklava, Codfish and Lion’s Mane Moroccan Stew, and a decadent Ten-Layer Mushroom Lasagna loaded with burrata, ricotta, and gourmet mushrooms. 6:30 PM SAVOR MUSHROOM MAGIC