Litchfield County

Litchfield County can be found in the beautiful Northwest Hills of Connecticut, and is home to the historic town of Litchfield, first settled by Europeans in 1721. Litchfield County offers a historical setting for perusing antiques, shopping, dining and outdoor recreation. A short drive from the state capital and from New York, Litchfield County is home to beautiful campgrounds and parks as well as idyllic small towns where travelers can wander back in time visiting period inns, museums illustrating historic life in rural New England and antique shops brimming with treasures.

Litchfield County is home to numerous art galleries and theaters. Art lovers will enjoy visiting The Gallery at Country Loft Antiques, Artwell and Woodbury Antiques and Fine Art. Warner Theater in Torrington has shows for everyone, from plays to stand-up comedy to concerts. The Nutmeg Ballet in Torrington, one of New England's premier ballet schools, with performances all year round is sure to please visitors of all ages.

If your family is seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation, Burr Pond, 8 miles north of Torrington, offers many scenic wooded trails, with fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, mountain biking and picnicking in the summer and over 40 campsites. And for the intrepid traveler, there is cross-country skiing and ice-skating in winter. You can also enjoy self-guided nature hikes in the 70 acres of natural habitats of the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center in Bristol. Hike up 500 m. to the summit of Ivy Mountain in Goshen and enjoy picking wild blueberries in early summer. Or visit Humaston Brook State Park in Northfield to discover a waterfall that makes its appearance every spring. There are four fishing outfitters in Litchfield County: The Armory in New Preston; Fall Mountain Outfitters in Torrington; Clark Outdoors in West Cornwall; and Housatonic River Outfitters in Cornwall Bridge. The last two, along with Housatonic Anglers in Cornwall also offer fishing guides, to make sure your trip is successful.

Visitors can brush up on their history at the Torrington Historical Society, where they can learn how some of Connecticut's earliest settlers lived. Early settler furniture, clothing and household objects are on display as well at the Litchfield History Museum, open from mid-April through November. Also open in the summer, families can find excitement and fun at the Lake Compounce Family Theme Park in Bristol. This is Connecticut's largest water park and boasts over 50 rides and attractions! Season passes and group packages are available.

After antiquing, shopping for specialty items, visiting the past and strolling through nature, check out Miranda Vineyard in Goshen or the Haight Brown Vineyard in Litchfield for a glass of local wine. Later, dine at one of Litchfield County's historic inns, such as Tollgate Hill Inn and Restaurant in Litchfield, to experience fine dining and quaint country living. Those looking for pampering after a long hike can find it at the The Spa at Litchfield Hills, a full-service day spa offering massages and facials as well as boutique gifts. And be sure to pick up something to bring home from one of the crafts stores, such as Brookfield Craft Center in Brookfield or maybe commission a unique piece of woodwork from Salisbury Artisans in Salisbury. There is something for everyone to discover in Litchfield County, with its unique combination of family entertainment, shopping, arts and nature. 

Whether you enjoy hiking in the summer or getting cozy at an inn in the winter, Litchfield County can be a year-round destination.