John Robshaw’s Guide to the Design Hub of Connecticut

Fifteen years ago, I purchased a 1870’s house in Sharon, Connecticut. Years later, I opened a store in nearby Falls Village. I wanted to spend more time at home with my daughter - it all made sense. The area has transformed into a designer hub, with notable names like Bunny Williams, Hendricks Churchill and Michael Trapp nearby. Below is a list of some of my favorite spots, as well as some that I have on my list to discover. The team made a Google map for you for convenience. I invite you to visit this summer and say hello — I'm usually in the shop on Fridays.

— John

SHOP

• John Robshaw Shop - Falls Village, CT
  One of a kind vintage Indian furniture, bedding, textiles & more.
• 100 Main Street - Falls Village, CT
  Explore Bunny Williams collection and other local artisans at this centrally located shop.
• Marche - Falls Village, CT
  Just opened home goods shop.
• Michael Trapp - West Cornwall, CT
  Antiques and gardens galore!
• Montage Antiques - Millerton, NY
  Great finds await!
• Harney Teas - Millerton, NY
  Everyone’s favorite tea emporium.
• Hammertown Barn - Pine Plains, NY
  Wonderful antiques and home goods.
• Lawrence Jeffrey - Litchfield, CT
  Great estate jewelry.
• Milton Market - Litchfield, CT
  Modern day general store.
• Orangerie - Millbrook, CT
  An interior design and home store that doubles as a greenhouse.
• Plain Goods - New Preston, CT
  A home goods store that will make you want to refurbish an antique farmhouse.
• Pergola - New Preston, CT
  An uncommon collection of indoor and outdoor decor.
• Privet House - New Preston, CT
  An emporium of antiques that’s good for the soul.
• RT Facts - Kent, CT
  Cool vintage furniture and one of a kind pieces.
• Montage - Millerton, NY
  A massive collection of antiques, browse for hours.
• Black Sheep Mercantile - Millbrook, NY
  Vintage menswear.
• Millbrook Antique Mall - Millbrook, NY
  Over 30 vendors under one roof.

EAT

• Mountainside Cafe - Falls Village, CT
  Great sandwiches and soups. John’s favorite is the Southwest Salad. Don’t forget to get a cookie, they’re incredible! And the sales team is addicted to The Magic Bars. It’s a problem!
• Falls Village Cafe - Falls Village, CT
  Great grab and go coffee spot across the street from 100 Main.
• Whitehart Inn - Salisbury, CT
  Historic inn with a beautiful lawn and wraparound porch. No better spot to grab a drink.
• Fern - Lakeville, CT
  New hotspot that took over the Fire Department Building with delicious pizza and everything else.
• Falls Village Inn - Falls Village, CT
  The tap room is open for dinner 7 days a week, John loves eating calamari on their patio in the summer.
• Stissing House - Pine Plains, NY
  One of John’s favorites for dinner or Sunday brunch. This is where he goes for his birthday.
• Petraroia Deli - Litchfield, CT
  Breakfast and lunch with a great porch.
• Arethusa Farm - Bantam, CT
  Homemade cheese and ice cream, what more could you want!
• Irving Farm - Millerton, NY
  Hip local coffee shop with tasty pastries.
• Le Gamin - Sharon, CT
  Classic french food.
• Paley’s Farm Market - Sharon, CT
  Delicious farm sourced food.
• Sweet William’s Coffee Shop & Bakery - Salisbury, CT
  Baked goods & coffee.
• Babette’s Kitchen - Millbrook, NY
  Coffee shop & bakery.

STAY

• Falls Village Inn - Falls Village, CT
  Sleep on John Robshaw bedding!
• Whitehart Inn - Salisbury, CT
  Classic Connecticut Inn with wonderful ambiance.
• Troutbeck
  Estate hotel right on the border of New York and Connecticut. Great amenities including a farm to table restaurant.
• Mayflower Inn - Washington, CT
  Celerie Kimble decorated this New England spot with lots of fun bright colors.

DO

• The Center on Main
  Arts and community hub.
• Great Falls
  Falls Village is named for these 200 foot waterfalls - part of the Appalachian Trail.
• Lime Rock Park - Salisbury, CT
  This road racing track is home to the Skip Barber Racing School and hosts action packed events for the whole family.
• Clarke Outdoors - West Cornwall, CT
  Spend the day kayaking down the Housatonic River. No cars for hours, just trees and birds.
• Harlem Valley Rail Trail - Millerton, NY
  Spend the day biking.
• Wassaic Project - Wassaic, NY
  Artist run gallery and education center.
• MASS MOCA - North Adams, MA
  A bit of a drive from Falls Village, but a great day trip. Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the largest centers in the world for contemporary and performing arts.

HOW

• Best to drive, but if you wanted to take the train and uber or taxi to the main Falls Village hub, it is possible.
• Take the Harlem bound Metro North train from Grand Central to Southwest and transfer to the Wassaic train. Wassaic is about 30 minutes from downtown Falls Village, it’s best to schedule an Uber or Taxi ahead of time.