I’m really excited to kick-off a new series today called “Favorite Places,” starting with The Mercurial’s Amanda Bloom. Backstory: When I started this blog in October of 2011, I quickly realized that while Connecticut is geographically small, each region has it’s unique charms. I decided the best way to capture this was to interview people from different parts of the state about their favorite Connecticut places.
My first interviewee is Amanda Bloom, founder and editor of The Mercurial, a Greater Danbury-based web magazine, and the owner and co-curator of The Mercurial Gallery.
How long have you lived in Connecticut, and what brought you to the state?
I’ve lived in Connecticut since the age of one. I moved from Englewood, New Jersey to Norwalk, Connecticut with my family in 1985/86. Moved to Newtown in 1993 and to Danbury in 2007.
Favorite town or region to spend time in?
Fairfield County is my favorite, Litchfield County second.
Favorite place in Connecticut to be outdoors?
I grew up on Norwalk/Westport beaches, so lower Connecticut shoreline is a favorite. Tarrywile Park in Danbury is a huge and beautiful place to hike, and it’s within walking distance from my apartment.
Best place to be indoors?
Heirloom Arts Theatre in Danbury. Heirloom is a long-historied theatre that now showcases both big name and up and coming indie bands, artists, and film.
What’s the restaurant you take out-of-towners to?
I went to Ecco, the rooftop eatery at La Zingara in Bethel, last weekend. It was fantastic. Craft beer, really nice food, reasonable prices, and a fresh, casual atmosphere. It was pretty thrilling watching Sunday’s thunderstorm roll in from the rooftop (Ecco has a retractable roof).
Favorite Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter activities to do in Connecticut?
Gardening in the spring and summer, apple-picking in the fall, winter time – resting and enjoying the snow!
Amanda Bloom is the founder and editor of The Mercurial, a Greater Danbury-based web magazine, and is owner and co-curator of The Mercurial Gallery, located at 11 Library Place in Danbury. The gallery’s Staff Show opens on Saturday, July 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join us for great art, refreshments, and an artist meet and greet! You can follow The Mercurial on Twitter and on Facebook.
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