Sunday Letter from Jody ~ May 3
The Ticking Tent, Spring 2026
I love to travel—it’s a part of my job that I really love, and The Ticking Tent was the first pop-up marketplace I participated in in the New York/Connecticut area. I look forward to this event each Spring (and Fall) for so many reasons, but especially for the chance to spend a few days in the lovely Fairfield, Connecticut region.
Connecticut is filled with tiny towns, all spread out and connected by roads lined with mossy rock fences. There’s a babbling brook around every few turns, and not a Target or big franchise clothing store in sight. Instead, it feels like apothecaries, flower farms, and homestead stands are more popular than anything else. I love it here.
This was my second time staying at the Belden House, and I couldn’t recommend it more. Originally built in 1892, the house has been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel and restaurant. It’s super cozy and quiet—the perfect spot for writing my Sunday letter on this rainy morning.
Because this trip was mostly work, I am still building a list of personal recommendations. I do think it would be wonderful to escape the maddening July heat in Memphis and bring my children here one day soon!
The Belden House & Mews — If you’re an early riser like me, you might want to request a room in the main house (rather than the mews) so you can better enjoy your coffee in the sunroom.
The Belden Bar & Restaurant — Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you should definitely come for dinner or a drink.
The Mayflower Inn — This reminded me of Blackberry Farm, but more manicured and colorful. I’d love to come back with Will and escape for a weekend. We ate lunch in the most gorgeous garden room and then sat on the “wicker porch.” Note to self: dream home includes a wicker porch.
I left wanting to fill my house with beautiful things—wallpaper from my neighbor Arriloom, pillows from Trove Design Studio, paper flowers from The Green Vase, jewelry from Rose & Moshka and Of Rare Origin, and personalized Mary Jane flats from SantM.
Stay tuned for our next trip down the road to the Fenimore Lane event with Ariel Okin at The Mayflower Inn.
