Home Care In Bethlehem, CT

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Bethlehem Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bethlehem, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Bethlehem, CT
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Bethlehem, CT
Benefits of Home Care in Bethlehem, CT
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Assisted Living Referral Services
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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Elderly Care for Debra T.

“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work”

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In-home Care for Anita

“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a”

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Home Care Services for Madison R.

“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of”

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Non-medical Home Care for Gregory C.

“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at”

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Personal Senior Care for Milissa K.

“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for”

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Home Care for Liam C.

“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure.”

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Senior Care Services for Dorothy W.

“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began”

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Personal Care Services for Susan W.

“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal”

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Senior Caregiver for Pope A.

“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary”

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In-home Caregiver for Kevin N.

“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company,”

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In-home Care Services for Dorothy29

“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office”

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Non-medical Caregiver for Caring5863

“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of”

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Home Caregiver for elizabeth S.

“I have a very good providers from this Company”

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Debra T.

Anita

Madison R.

Gregory C.

Milissa K.

Liam C.

Dorothy W.

Susan W.

Pope A.

Kevin N.

Dorothy29

Caring5863

elizabeth S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Bethlehem, CT?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Types of Elderly Care in Bethlehem, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

Eating
Mobility Issues
Incontinence

Bathing
Dressing
Grooming

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Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

Medication Reminders
Meal Preparation
Pet Care
Prescription Refills

Morning Wake-Up
Walking
Reading

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Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Sand Island Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

Grocery Shopping
Transportation to Appointments
Nutritional Assistance
Conversation

Planning Outings
Completing Errands
Transportation to Community
Events and Social Outings

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Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Melting Pot or visit Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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Benefits of Home Care in Bethlehem, CT

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Age in Place

According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.

Peace of Mind

If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.

Socialization

Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.

Personalized Care Plan

No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Bethlehem, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bethlehem, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

Housekeeping
Laundry
Recreational Activities
Social Outings
Emergency Medical Response
Medication Monitoring
Family Visitation
Personal Care

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

Bethlehem Manor
Atria Bethlehem
Alexandria Manor
Holy Family Senior Living
Good Shepherd Home - Bethlehem
A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Amy Knadler

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bethlehem, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Bethlehem officials still searching for missing donkey, possibly heard Thursday night

BETHLEHEM — Weeks after it first went missing, the search is still on for a missing donkey that got away from its home on Hickory Lane, officials say.In a post on Facebook, Bethlehem Animal Control said they are still searching for Jackie t...

BETHLEHEM — Weeks after it first went missing, the search is still on for a missing donkey that got away from its home on Hickory Lane, officials say.

In a post on Facebook, Bethlehem Animal Control said they are still searching for Jackie the donkey after it went missing on Jan. 11. But officials report it may still be in the area.

"Jackie has not been found, but last night, we received a call in the Middle Road Turnpike area reporting a braying donkey," they said. "There are 3 donkeys in the area of Hard Hill, but they are not Jackie. This area is not too far away from where Jackie was last seen."

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Officials said the caller works with equines and had contacted neighbors asking if they had ever heard a donkey in the vicinity before even calling animal control. They said that caller walked the property and drove around while searching and calling for Jackie.

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"Woodbury Connecticut Animal Control was notified as well as Jackie's owners, who rushed out immediately to the area," they said.

In a prior post on Facebook, Bethlehem's Animal Control Department said Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Jackie, who has been missing since Thursday.

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"The owner is asking that if you do have her to please bring her home or bring her somewhere safe and alert animal control so that we can coordinate her being picked up," it said. "You will be asked to provide your name and contact information."

Animal control said the donkey was reported missing from Hickory Lane, adding she was last seen when a passerby took a photo of her.

"She was only seen once when this picture was taken," it said. "Unfortunately, we were not alerted, and despite our best efforts, as well as our donkey expert's efforts, she is still missing."

Animal control said officials are asking anyone who lives in the area to check their door cameras, as well as their own livestock to see if she may have joined up with them. It said a drone was deployed, and she was not seen wandering on her own.

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Desmond's Army is a nonprofit organization that aims to better the lives of animals and combat animal abuse. Last year, it offered a $1,500 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the owners of a husky who had been abused in Naugatuck.

Anyone who sees Jackie can contact Bethlehem Animal Control or Woodbury Animal Control.

Donkey Gone: Connecticut Community in a Tailspin Over Missing Jackie

A Connecticut community is desperately searching for their missing donkey.Get our free mobile appThe donkey's name is Jackie and it went missing from Hickory Lane in Bethlehem, CT last week. This is a statement that was released by Bethlehem Animal Control on Saturday:"Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the positive identification of the finder and recovery of Jackie the donkey who is still missing. The owner is asking that if you do have her to pleas...

A Connecticut community is desperately searching for their missing donkey.

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The donkey's name is Jackie and it went missing from Hickory Lane in Bethlehem, CT last week. This is a statement that was released by Bethlehem Animal Control on Saturday:

"Desmond’s Army Animal Law Advocates is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the positive identification of the finder and recovery of Jackie the donkey who is still missing. The owner is asking that if you do have her to please bring her home or bring her somewhere safe and alert animal control so that we can coordinate her being picked up. You will be asked to provide your name and contact information."

They are asking anyone who has seen Jackie to call (203) 233-1137.

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Have you seen this donkey?

Basically, if you see a donkey where a donkey should not be, your alarm bells should go off. If you see a donkey on Metro-North, pick up the phone. If you encounter a donkey reading the funny papers, make the call. If you see a donkey in the returns line at Home Depot, phone it in. Otherwise I don't know how we will find Jackie, donkeys all look the same.

APOLOGY: I'm sorry to any donkeys I may have offended in my earlier statement. I meant no harm when categorizing donkeys as all the "same." My comments were uncalled for but I had no intention of harming the donkey community with my remarks. A Connecticut community is desperately searching for their missing donkey.

Seriously people let's get this fixed, Jackie is a mom who has been separated from her son.

Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Podcast on Apple and Spotify

2 Fun Donkey Fact from Tree Hugger:

Donkeys' Large Ears Help Them Stay Cool

Wild asses such as donkeys evolved in arid locations in Africa and Asia, where most herds tend to be more spread out. The large ears help heighten a donkey's sense of hearing, so it can pick up the calls of herd mates — and predators — from miles away. Another use for the donkey's long ears is heat dissipation. The larger surface area helps the donkey expel its internal heat at a high rate to stay cool in the hot desert environments.

They Are Highly Social

Donkeys are social animals that don't like to be alone. They evolved as herd animals and form deep, lifelong bonds with other donkeys or animals with whom they share a pasture.

Close bonds between two donkeys are called pair bonds, and there is also research to prove their legitimacy.5 Separating a pair has negative effects on the donkeys that include stress, pining behavior, and loss of appetite.

This is why for those interested in owning a donkey, it's commonly advised to bring home two, or at least place your donkey with potential friends such as a horse.

The Least-Crowded Towns In Connecticut To Catch Fall Foliage

Connecticut, also known as the Nutmeg State, is a popular destination, particularly during the fall season. Having earned its title as the number one hiking state, Connecticut's towns come to life in autumn when the already-gorgeous, dense forests and vegetation change color to vibrant orange, yellow, and red hues. From the charming town of Kent to the quaint town of Norfolk, Connecticut offers some of the prettiest and least populated regions to experience the season, thus making any fall foliage trip here serene and scenic.

Weekend Escapes8 Best Small Towns in Connecticut for a Weekend Escape

Kent

With a population of less than 2,000, the small town is a great place to catch fall foliage. Located on the state's northwest corner, Kent's Macedonia Brook State Park is where fall colors become the most vibrant. The White Blazed Cobble Mountain Trail is a secluded and quiet trail that overlooks the Taconic and Catskill Mountains. The town is approximately two hours away from New York City and is perfect for visitors looking for an unpopular and lowkey spot to enjoy the autumnal ambiance. Kent also offers various activities such as apple picking, kayaking, and hiking in Kent State Park which are ideal during September and October.

Cornwall

Known for its scenic hills and vibrant foliage, Cornwall is only 11 miles away from Kent. The quiet town has become a wildlife sanctuary for black spruce bog, a unique plant that you can find at Mohawk Mountain State Park. Its rocky hills and mountainous trails have made it popular amongst hikers, earning the state its reputation as the number one state in America for hiking. These tails are very difficult and have great biodiversity, so make sure you are well-equipped before endeavoring this hike! For those looking for a calm, lazy getaway, you can always enjoy a stroll by the scenic West Wall Cornwall Bridge which overlooks the Housatonic River and breathtaking greenery.

Bethlehem

Only one hour away from Hartford, Bethlehem is best known for its beautiful farms and breathtaking views. The calm town is only populated by 3,000 people and is home to the White Memorial Conservation Centre, a popular destination for visitors during the fall. One of the most unique activities to do in Bethlehem is visiting Lilymoore Alpaca Farm, a lovely home for alpacas, huarizos, and llamas. For visitors looking to take a nice hike, take the public trail leading to Nonnewaug Falls and enjoy its greenery and plantation. However, the trail behind the waterfall is not open to the public, so make sure you take the correct trail to the waterfall.

Woodbury

Woodbury is located in western Connecticut and is home to the Highwire Deer and Animal Farm, a farm that houses several species of deer, horses, zebras, and much more! Woodbury is the perfect place to catch Spooky Season as well. Fall-fest events such as Flashlight Night at the Corn Maze and The Carribean-Themed Corn Maze Adventure are held at The Farm in Woodbury. If you prefer a cozy night inside, you can visit Farmhouse Antiques and enjoy its lowkey vibes while the leaves cascade outside the window.

New Preston

New Preston is a rural town located in Litchfield County’s northwestern corner. Populated by almost 800 people, the quiet town is a perfect destination for a calm and scenic fall retreat. The dense forests and rich biodiversity are most vibrant during the fall. The best spot to catch these colorful views is the Macricostas Preserve. Its hiking trails overlook Lake Waramaug, and its shore is ideal for viewing the landscape and colorful trees during the fall. Make sure to pack a camera; the views are stunning!

Warren

Located in the state's most scenic county, Warren is a town in northwest Connecticut and is home to less than 1,000 residents. The scenic Route 7 ends in Warren, which stretches 308 miles and passes through the Housatonic Meadows Park up to Falls Village. If hiking and camping are not your cup of tea, opt for a visit to the Hopkins Vineyard and enjoy some wine! This vineyard also overlooks Lake Waramaug. Make sure to add this quiet town to your Connecticut travel list and catch the town's wonderful views, especially in autumn!

North Canaan

North Canaan is a town in Litchfield County and is part of the Northwest Hills Planning Region. The relatively small town is ideal for a calm and scenic getaway. The town’s most popular monument is the Beckley Furnace which has historic industrial monuments. The town was founded in 1818, and the historic contributions of the town have been in the iron industry. This monument is located in the Connecticut State Park which also has many beautiful trails and is set in the heart of a dense forest. The park is perfect for an educational school trip during the fall season and a great destination to experience a nice fall walk.

Norfolk

Located in the northwestern corner of Connecticut, the town's vibrant fall colors have made it ideal for fall foliage. The town is home to 3 state parks as well as the best spot to view the greenery: Norfolk’s Haystack Mountain which leads guests up to a historic stone tower at the top. The town also holds many Octoberfest events, such as the Annual Haystack Mountain Challenge. For visitors who are short on time and cannot stay in town, be sure to drive by the scenic Loop 2 Route which overlooks historic New England architecture and breathtaking scenes, which are particularly breathtaking in autumn.

Road TripsDiscover 7 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in Connecticut

Conclusion

From breathtaking mountain views to alpaca petting zoos, fall is truly the best time to make a trip to Connecticut. Peak color is between early October and early November. The northernmost corners are the first to become cold and experience the foliage firsthand. The westernmost towns have the densest plantations and are ideal for hiking and camping. However, no matter which region prospective visitors plan on, they will be met with gorgeous foliage throughout.

'It's a cool property': The story behind Connecticut's popular 'geodesic dome' Airbnb

Among all the unique Airbnb properties in the northeast, one Connecticut property has continuously stood out as the most “wish listed” in the state. Notable for both its design and location, the geodesic dome at Sun One Organic Farm in Bethlehem has been thoughtfully crafted to he...

The dome was originally constructed on the 65-acre property’s southern perimeter as an occupancy for the farm's summer apprentice. Owner Rob Maddox said it took more than six months to build and “was a long-time goal" of his. He originally had a teepee structure for the apprentice's lodging, but it wasn't weathering the New England seasons, so Maddox enlisted a friend who was "really into domes." It was constructed partially out of wood from a beech tree on the property.

Maddox got an email from Airbnb one day saying the site would give people a $50 credit to list a rental property. "Free money, I thought," said Maddox. He listed the dome not thinking it would get any interest. A week later, he had a booking. "We didn’t even have the bed in the dome, so we put a futon we had out there," he said.

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The dome's popularity grew. In 2017, the rental was featured in a Buzzfeed list of unique glamping rentals in the U.S. Shortly after, a video on the property was released by Travel Insider showcasing the dome's tiny, yet impactful offerings, boosting visibility even more.

In a typical pre-pandemic year, Maddox said the dome gets about 120 booked nights, and he estimates that about two fifths of the guests are from Brooklyn. "We know that people need to get out of cities, and when they do, why not come to Connecticut?" he said. "It's a cool property."

The dome is listed for $48 a night, and is a totally off-the-grid experience. There is no heat, electricity or cable, and the internet is spotty. Just a short walk from the cabin itself is a fully-equipped facility with a bathroom and shower. But while inside the dome, there is nothing more than a handful of skylights, a side table and a bed. There is a greenhouse with a woodstove nearby that provides some much needed warmth during colder months and a place to bring your dinner or enjoy a bottle of wine before trekking back to the dome.

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The farm has been in the Maddox family since 1890. In 1998, Maddox inherited the property and revitalized it with his vision – to make it an organic farm and start a CSA, which stands for "community supported agriculture." In recent years, CSAs have gained widespread popularity as a safer and more sustainable option for purchasing produce while supporting community farms. Maddox and his farm managers, Michael Waters and Katherine Sorenson, are dedicated to organic farming and offer produce free from common insecticides known as organophosphates, which are present in 81 percent of conventionally grown crops, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture.

"Over the years we've had [Airbnb guests] enjoy meals with us and help on the farm, harvesting things and helping cook," said Maddox. "It provides a real sense of joy to say, 'Wow I dug up these potatoes and now we are making this great meal over an open fire.'"

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During the pandemic, the dome was closed to visitors from April through June (peak booking months). When it reopened, most of the guests came from less than hour away for a staycation.

"I very much enjoy being a host. It's difficult with COVID because we are social people," he said. "But we have places where people can stay distant. We can create a very nice, safe experience for people until COVID goes away. And even then, some people just like being by themselves."

Winter months are less active for bookings, but there are activities on the farm such as snowshoeing or cross country skiing. In the spring, the property books up quickly; Maddox encourages visitors to plan and book in advance. Spring and summer activities include hiking, swimming and toasting marshmallows or cooking dinner over a stone fire pit.

Of the 220 reviews on Airbnb, nearly all are five-star. Most guests describe the experience as a “sustainable choice” and a good camping experience for those who may not be accustomed to being entirely alone. All proclaim that Maddox is an exceptional host of this unique escape in the Litchfield Hills.

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Maddox has enjoyed being an Airbnb host so much that he is actively planning on opening a new rental property on the farm's site that he hopes will be up and running this fall. In the 1940s, the property was a dairy farm called Three Springs Farm, and the old concrete silo still stands; that's where the new Airbnb will be located.

"We are in the planning stages of taking that silo and converting it into a space that will have a lot more amenities than the dome," he said. "The bathroom will be in the old milk house...We need to put up a door and fix it up nice."

Maddox believes that when it's done, it will be a "truly one-of-a-kind retreat."

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Connecticut’s Bethlehem post office delivers Christmas joy

It’s called Connecticut’s Christmas town because of its very special name. N...

It’s called Connecticut’s Christmas town because of its very special name. News8 took a trip to Litchfield County to head to Bethlehem, Connecticut.

And we aren’t the only ones who come here this time of year.

“It’s amazing this time of year in Bethlehem,” said Vera Rosa. “We have people who travel from all over the country.”

Vera works at the Bethlehem Post Office. It’s a main attraction in town every December. That’s because they give people a chance to stamp their Christmas cards and envelopes with a stamp that says Bethlehem on it. And people from all over the world love to get that unique stamp.

“People really love when they receive them and it’s from Bethlehem,” said Diane Schmidt, whose been sending out specially-stamped envelopes from that post office for 40 years. This year, she’s sending cards to friends in England and Australia.

The chance to apply the special Bethlehem markings attracts people to the post office from all over.

“We actually have family that comes from the other end of the state to use this post office, also,” Stephanie said.

Workers there see this as a source of pride. They happily explain the origins of this tradition to anyone who asks.

“Around 1938, the Post Master at the time his name was Earl Johnson and he wanted to send the president a Christmas card,” Vera said. “So he designed a rubber stamp, which is a simple Christmas tree and it said greetings from Bethlehem, Connecticut.”

Vera tells News8 every year, they send out about 100,000 cards — a large volume from a post office in a tiny town. But, there’s nothing small about that special stamp with such a huge name on it.

“This is where He was born, well, just not in Bethlehem, Connecticut,” Stephanie said.

This special post office also delivers Christmas letters to the North Pole. They also make sure customers know those important deadlines for Christmas deliveries.

“A lot of people are normally worried about that,” Vera said. “Today is actually the deadline for the ground packages in the post office. And I believe Wednesday is the deadline for Priority Mail. The system is going to get very loaded with packages going all over the country.”

Here are some other Christmas shipping deadlines to keep in mind:

AMAZON:

Dec. 17 = standard mail

Dec. 22 = two-day mail

Dec. 23 = one-day mail

Dec. 24 = same day mail

WALMART:

Dec. 17 = standard mail

Dec. 20 = two-day mail

Dec. 21 = expedited mail

At the post office in Bethlehem, they try to take the stress out of sending out holiday mail and season’s greetings. That’s one reason why families have been taking part in this unique Christmas tradition for generations.

“This is what we do every year,” Stephanie said. “This is what my parents did with me every year when we were little.”

“It’s an amazing thing,” she said. “It’s the magic of Christmas in Bethlehem.”

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