By Tyler R. Morrissey
Litchfield County offers a wealth of opportunities from outdoor recreation and cultural events to charming local businesses and of course, enjoying the area’s beautiful surrounding views. So make the most of the summer by escaping to the hills. After visiting this stunning region of Northwestern Connecticut, chances are you’ll never want to leave.
With plenty of lodging options, you can plan more than a day trip to this dazzling region of the Nutmeg State. Some popular places to stay include the The Mayflower Grace, a glamorous spa with a divine terrace in Washington, Conn. Other popular inns are Fife’n Drum Restaurant and Inn, located in the heart of Kent, Limerock’s The Inn at White Hollow Farm, a small, turn-of-the-century farmhouse with four gracefully appointed bedrooms, as well as The Litchfield Inn, which is nestled in the enchanting scenic hills of the county, offering quality accommodations and services at a reasonable price. Don’t miss out on your chance to stay at The Inn at Kent Falls, an early 1900s inn located in Kent, Conn., This particular inn has won Connecticut Magazine’s “Best Bed & Breakfast” award four consecutive years, most recently in 2016.
Cultural attractions throughout the county offer something for everyone. The annual Litchfield Jazz Festival takes place every summer at the Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen, Conn. Also at the Goshen Fairgrounds, wine lovers can enjoy the Connecticut Wine Festival where you can taste wines from 16 local wineries from around the state, while enjoying live music and sampling specialty food. If you love antiques and a great bargain, make sure you visit the Flea Market and Antique Hunt at The Elephant’s Trunk in New Milford, Conn. This is a great spot to find collectibles and treasures from years past. Step back in time as you browse artifacts at the Litchfield Historical Society, some even dating back to before the American Revolution. You can be a kid again at Arethusa Dairy, known for their extra thick milkshakes and waffle cones. For music lovers be sure to take in some concerts and summer festivals at Music Mountain in Falls Village, one of the finest chamber music halls in the country, and of course, the nearby Tanglewood music venue in Lenox, Mass., with performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Outdoor enthusiasts can release their inner adventurer while enjoying access to Litchfield County’s 4,000-acre White Memorial Conservation Center, which offers nature programs and activities for all ages, as well as an expansive network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Sharon Audubon Society is a great place for adults or little ones to see owls, eagles and hawks, while enjoying marked walking trails. Hiking enthusiasts will also want to check out Kent Falls, which makes for a great leg work-out by hiking up the falls. Spectacular views of the Berkshires are just a short drive away. Don’t forget to stop by the many unique shops and restaurants in the area with public parking in Great Barrington. After the summer months, stick around for great snow sports at Mohawk Mountain and Woodbury Ski Area.
Litchfield County has something for everyone from its stunning landscape to rich cultural experiences and historic past. Each of the area’s distinct communities boast an assortment of local antique shops, specialty businesses, art galleries, restaurants, museums and nature activities to keep both visitors and residents occupied during all four seasons. Litchfield’s rolling hills and serene beauty make it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway, second home or permanent place of residency.
Be sure to check out our Litchfield brokerage’s special “Escape to the Hills” catalog for further details, and a selection of current offerings now available in the Hills as part of our Litchfield County lifestyle campaign. You can also follow our Litchfield County Instagram account at @escapetothehills, for more updates. Click here to “escape” now!
