If you haven't yet made the drive to 30 Kent Road in New Milford, you're missing one of the Candlewood Lake area's true gems. Housatonic River Brewing sits on 7 acres along the beautiful Housatonic River, and since opening in 2018, Dave and Dianne Littlefield have built it into something their community genuinely loves. With over 150 beer recipes crafted to date, there's always a rotating selection on tap — including the signature IPA Gentle on My Mind, the perennially popular Willie Make It, and the Jimmy Buffett-honoring Pirates in Parrots.

Beyond the beer, HRB has added a full kitchen serving award-winning burgers, house-smoked meats, and crowd favorites like Texas Twinkies — plus a full bar with creative cocktails and an extensive bourbon list.

Then there's the music. HRB has been voted Best Small Live Music Venue by Connecticut Magazine readers five years running, and their calendar backs it up. Live music happens every Friday and Saturday night from 7–10 pm and Sunday afternoons from 4–7 pm, year round. Coming up: Gravity Feed on Friday May 22nd, Lost Rebel on Saturday the 23rd, and The Rakes on Friday May 30th. Check the full schedule at housatonicriverbrewing.com.

Downtown New Milford continues to evolve, and one of the newest additions helping fuel that momentum is Zaza’s On Main.

Located directly on the town green at 7 Main Street, the restaurant opened late last year and has quickly become one of the more talked-about dining spots in town. Owners Tyrone Taylor and Arthur “Artie” Praino created the concept around “global flavors, bold cocktails, and vibrant energy,” blending upscale comfort with a lively social atmosphere.

Now, Zaza’s is looking to take things a step further. A proposal currently before the town would add an outdoor patio bar overlooking the green — something neighboring business owners say could bring even more foot traffic and nightlife energy to Main Street. Several nearby merchants have publicly supported the idea, calling the restaurant a positive addition to downtown’s growing dining scene.

The restaurant’s menu mixes familiar favorites with more eclectic offerings, including seafood, pizzettas, pasta, steaks, burgers, brunch options, and craft cocktails. The atmosphere leans modern and social, with live music and weekend energy helping distinguish it from more traditional local spots.

As warmer weather arrives, Zaza’s may become one of the more active outdoor dining destinations in the area — another sign that downtown New Milford’s restaurant scene continues to grow.

You can learn more or view the menu at Zaza’s On Main.

For decades, summer at Candlewood Lake wasn’t complete without a visit to Down The Hatch — whether you arrived by car or pulled up by boat for seafood, cocktails, and one of the best waterfront views around.

Now, the future of the iconic lakeside restaurant is uncertain.

The Parente family, which operated the seasonal restaurant for nearly 50 years, announced last year that they would be retiring and selling the business. Since closing for the season in September 2025, Down The Hatch has not announced plans to reopen, and the entire waterfront property has officially hit the market for $6.75 million.

What makes this news especially significant for Candlewood Lake residents is that Down The Hatch has long been known as the only full-service restaurant directly on Candlewood Lake that patrons could access by boat. The property includes private docks, outdoor deck dining, rental cottages, parking areas, and additional waterfront land.

Real estate listings describe the property as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” with more than 11,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and the potential for expanded or even year-round operations.

For many local families, though, the memories go beyond the real estate details. Down The Hatch became a Candlewood Lake tradition — a casual gathering spot where boaters docked for lunch, families watched sunsets over the water, and summers simply felt a little more complete.

While there is still hope a buyer could eventually revive the restaurant in some form, for now, many lake residents are left wondering whether one of Candlewood Lake’s most recognizable summer destinations has served its final seaso