It’s now the middle of January, and we’re fully settled into the winter season. While winter has never been my favorite, I try to find something special to enjoy in each season, little moments that feel unique to this time of year. Last week, we talked about sledding, and of course, the inevitable question follows: what do you do when you come in from the cold? You warm up by the fire.

The house I grew up in had a wood stove that could turn a bitter winter day into something almost cozy, if you knew how to work it. My dad treated that stove as a challenge, probably because my mom grew up in South Carolina, where winters don’t come with relentless winds, surprise snowstorms, or the need to hibernate. Saying he took it seriously is an understatement. He would beam with pride when he coaxed the temperature up to 75 degrees, as if he’d just won the lottery.

I could sit here and teach you how to build a fire the way my grandpa did, with careful logs placement and just the right amount of newspaper, but honestly? It’s much easier to share the best spots around the Valley that already have that cozy, fireside feel. Grab a drink, find a seat, and let someone else do the work of keeping you warm. Here are some of my favorites to help you settle in this winter.

Seasons Restaurant & Taproom – Avon
Seasons Restaurant & Taproom in Avon blends casual elegance with cozy comfort. Their indoor fireplace creates the perfect winter backdrop for coffee, dinner, or a cocktail. Tip: Don’t miss a seasonal craft cocktail or house-made dessert. For the coziest experience, visit early evening or late afternoon, when the fire adds extra warmth and the atmosphere is at its most inviting.

Market Place Kitchen & Bar – Avon
Market Place Kitchen & Bar in Avon offers a modern American menu paired with a dedicated fireplace room, perfect for curling up with a coffee or enjoying a relaxed dinner. Tip: Start with a hot chocolate or house-specialty cocktail and order a small plate or appetizer to share. Best fire-side experience: evenings, when the fireplace is lit and the restaurant’s warm ambiance is at full effect.

The North House – Avon
Historic charm meets hearth at The North House in Avon. Its Forge Room boasts the longest continuously operating fireplace in Connecticut, creating an atmospheric setting for a winter brunch, lunch, or coffee break. Tip: Pair a specialty cocktail or hot chocolate with their seasonal fare. Best time: early afternoon on a weekend, when the light streams in and the fireplace fire adds a warm, inviting glow.

Crown & Hammer Restaurant & Pub – Collinsville
Tucked into the historic Collinsville train depot, Crown & Hammer offers pub‑style fare in a warm, fire‑lit space that invites you to linger. Tip: Sit in the bar/dining room near the hearth with a craft beer or seasonal cocktail and catch the glow of the fire on a winter afternoon. Best time: between lunch and early dinner, when the fire’s lit and the crowd is relaxed.

Millwright’s Restaurant – Simsbury
Millwright’s Restaurant offers classic tavern-style warmth, with a stone fireplace that draws you in on chilly winter days. Ideal for lunch, coffee, or a relaxed dinner, the tavern area exudes rustic charm. Tip: Try a locally sourced sandwich or their signature soup by the hearth. Best fire-side experience: mid-afternoon or early evening when the tavern is quieter and the fireplace is roaring.

Caffè Nero – West Hartford
Step into Caffè Nero in West Hartford and find a cozy nook surrounded by bookshelves and a glowing gas fireplace. Perfect for lingering over a cappuccino, latte, or seasonal hot chocolate, it’s an ideal spot for a quiet winter morning or a relaxed afternoon. Tip: Try one of their artisan pastries alongside your coffee. For the coziest experience, grab a seat by the fireplace during mid-morning when natural light warms the space.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

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