10 STYLISH WEEKEND PURSUITS SHARED BY OLIPHANT'S CARA HOTCHKISS IN LITCHFIELD, CT

You now have a great reason to take a weekend leaf peeping trip. Jewelry designer Cara Hotchkiss recently opened Oliphant, a fresh home store that captures the same fun, colorful spirit as her bright beaded Oliphant necklaces. The name came from her grandmother's maiden name of the Litchfield, Connecticut resident, who felt her love of home goods could be an asset to the town. It was missing a great spot that appealed to interior designers and those looking to do their own homes,  and pick up a hostess gift of two. The shop, situated in the old Talbot's space, is sure to become a destination. The result of her stylish eye is a chic and on-trend mix of great brands you know and love. She has hand - picked pieces from Lee Industries, Roberta Roller Rabbit pillows, over sized art from Natural Curiosities, colorful table lamps and graphic rugs.  This bucolic upstate Connecticut town  is the prefect place to visit come fall.  Fun activities abound, as does delicious food in restaurants from former NYC chefs. Cara shares her roundup of the best things to do in Litchfield this fall, aside from watching the leaves change.

1. Shop at the amazing home, design and jewelry store- OLIPHANT, on the Green, 29 West Street in Litchfield, CT  
2. Mountain bike, Kayak, hike or have a picnic in 4,000 acre White Memorial Foundation
3. Take a horse drawn hayride and pick your own pumpkin at Bunnels Farm…you may even want to think ahead and order a Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey! 
4. Enjoy a ride in the rolling hills and admire the beautiful foliage 
5. Wine and cheese tasting at Sunset Meadow Vineyards
6.  Take a hike up Mohawk Mountain 
7. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the West Street Grill overlooking the Village Green in Litchfield
8. Indulge in a luxurious stay at the exclusive Winvian featuring 18 individually architecturally designed cottages, spa and gourmet restaurant 
9. Go apple picking at March Farms 
10. Enjoy a fresh and local culinary treat at Community Table Restaurant

Photos courtesy of Oliphant

 Oliphant 

The shop is arranged in move-in ready vignettes

Lamps add a pop of color to a black and white area near the register

Love the turquoise and fuchsia together

Pretty jewels all in a row

Looking for easy to mix furniture basics? Yup, she's got that covered

Regency details and gourd shaped lamps add a zingy crisp look

Pattern play

A rainbow of color in accessories

A hit of zebra and a zigzag rug balance out neutral upholstery

Earrings arranged

Better off red

Go bold with zebra and red