Opening Our Doors For Trade Secrets Weekend

Matt Marden, Lidey Heuck, Bobby Graham

Trade Secrets Weekend is one of the signature events of the Northwest Corner, bringing together garden lovers, designers, antiques enthusiasts, and home entertainers from across the country to celebrate beautiful living while raising vital funds for Project SAGE. It's a weekend rooted in generosity, community, and a shared appreciation for homes and gardens—values that perfectly align with the spirit of DUGAZON. That's why we were so excited to host our very first Trade Secrets Open House on May 16, an afternoon we hope will become a cherished annual tradition.

The nibbles by Lidey Heuck.

Lidey Heuck prepping for the Open House.

Stylist and Foodie, Liz McClean reading up on recipes.

DUGAZON filled with friends and guests.

DUGAZON filled with friends and guests.

Garibaldi Spritz from Cooking in Real Life.

From 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., the shop was filled with friends, neighbors, gardeners, and visitors from near and far, all gathering to celebrate one of our favorite weekends of the year. We were honored to welcome our friend, cookbook author and entertaining expert Lidey Heuck, who brought the flavors of her cookbook, Cooking in Real Life, to our table. Guests enjoyed Viskey Bakery biscuits with Virginia ham, Lidey's homemade focaccia with peppers and onions, and Bobby's famous Cousin Emily Cheese Straws. Everything was paired with chilled rosé, Prosecco, and Lidey's refreshing Garibaldi Spritz, creating the perfect setting for an afternoon of relaxed hospitality.

Throughout the event, Lidey signed cookbooks as guests shopped, visited, and lingered over food and conversation. As a proud Trade Secrets partner, we were also honored to donate 15% of the day's proceeds to Project SAGE, whose mission and work are at the heart of this remarkable weekend. Trade Secrets has become one of the region's most beloved traditions, attracting visitors from around the world while supporting an organization that provides essential services throughout Northwest Connecticut.

Our first Trade Secrets Open House perfectly captured what DUGAZON is all about: opening our doors, sharing good food and beautiful things, and creating a place where people feel welcome. We look forward to making this an annual tradition, so mark your calendars for Trade Secrets Weekend 2027 as we open the doors to DUGAZON once again. We can't wait to welcome you back.

Photography by Debra Lill