Things To Do In Litchfield

Have Fun At The Westgate Entertainment District

This place is a huge mall and has plenty of spots to find good food, drinks and entertainment for the entire family. Among others you will find a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants, bowling alleys and other games, ice skating, water effects and much more.

You can spend an entire evening here and just have an amazing time together with your family and friends.

Enjoy Date Night At Sky View Drive

Litchfield Skyview is the perfect place for a romantic movie night.

This outdoor cinema theater opened in the spring of 1950.

Since its opening, the Litchfield Skyview has been one of only four drive-ins in the country located on the historic Mother Road.

Only one other Illinois drive-in can make this claim.

The Litchfield Skyview Drive-in is a Route 66 Hall of Famer, with a Wayside Exhibit at the entrance.

Located on the Scenic Byway is an exhibit that chronicles the stories of the property’s patrons and the property’s history.

Enjoy various community activities, from school plays to scavenger hunts, at the historic drive-in.

How To Get To Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is well-accessible, and thanks to it, the park is a popular stop on every Australia itinerary.

You do not need 4WD to get to Litchfield, but it is necessary to have a car or campervan to get there and to explore the top sights as it is necessary to drive between places, even though they are not that far from each other.

Sometimes roads can be closed in the wet season because of flash floods, so check the road conditions before you go.

To get to Litchfield, drive along sealed Stuart Highway, and then turn to road number 30, which will take you to the heart of the park via gateway township of Batchelor. Continue driving until you reach the sign, Litchfield National Park.

There is no entrance fee to the Litchfield National Park.

The park is less than two hours’ drive south of Darwin. Because of the proximity, it is a popular one-day or an overnight trip.

As we traveled from the south, we arrived in the park from Katherine National Park that is a little bit over two hours drive.

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Heading To The Connecticut Hills Here Are Our Suggestions For Some Cant

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Please note that many establishments throughout New England have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. Please check with individual businesses and organizations for the latest information before making travel plans.

The rolling green hills of Litchfield County are home to some of the great tweener towns of New England, not to mention the town of Kent, named by Yankee to the top spot on its Top 25 Foliage Towns in New England list some years back. History is treasured here, as evidenced by the meticulously restored homes and the classic village greens. But at the same time, proximity to Manhattan keeps this corner of Connecticut contemporary. Sometimes described as a classier alternative to the Hamptons, the Litchfield Hills are a popular escape for city folk, who in turn have helped raise the bar for restaurants and accommodations in the area turning what has long been a destination for antiquers into a haven for foodies, too. And all of this, of course, is surrounded by a rural landscape perfect for hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor fun. Heading to the Connecticut hills? Here are our suggestions for some cant-miss things to do and places to eat and stay in Litchfield County.

First Congregational Church of Litchfield | Things to Do in Litchfield County

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Visit The Tapping Reeve House And Litchfield Law School

This town landmark is maintained by the Litchfield Historical Society on South Street.

The Litchfield Law School is the first law school, and visiting it will reveal the evolution of law education and instruction.

It will not only tell how Litchfield became the forerunner to such an important institution but also provide interesting recollections about the towns Litchfield Female Academy.

The Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School does this through interpretive exhibits, hands-on areas, and role-playing.

The visitors of the Tapping Reeve House can experience a law students life as they put on period clothes, decide on what supplies to buy, and vote on issues of the day.

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Litchfield Hills Audubon Society

The Litchfield Hills Audubon Society manages three different properties with hiking trails for bird spotting and more. They include Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, Kalmia Sanctuary, and Wigwam Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

All three places offer options for hiking and water features, but they each have their own specialties. If you cant visit all three, see below to find the one that suits your interests most.

• Boyd Woods Audubon Society: 106 acres filled with hiking trails
• Kalmia Sanctuary: Best place for birding and a butterfly garden
• Wigwam Brook Wildlife Sanctuary: Chance to see beavers, or at least their nocturnal work

Litchfield Hills Audubon Society also runs many programs so check their calendar to see what is on schedule during your visit.

Admission: Free

The Best Time To Visit Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park can be visited all-year-round, but you can experience here two distinct seasons.

May to September is the dry and less humid season. The temperatures are still high, but the weather is much pleasant than during the wet season. This time of the year is super-popular, and pools by the falls and campsites fill up quickly.

On the other hand, rainy days are rare, and you can enjoy swimming in the park to the fullest.

We were traveling in Australia at the end of December, and especially here, in Litchfield National Park, the humidity and high temperatures were almost unbearable.

We slept in a car without air-con running at night, and I must admit that one night I really had a breakdown because of the incredible heat , and the next day after visiting Litchfield we were headed to Darwin, where we paid for a room with air-con.

These window shades would have been lifesavers, as they can be used as a bug net. Unfortunately, we didn’t have one.

On the other hand, we enjoyed the park despite the heat, and the waterfalls were super-impressive because of the amount of water.

Even though it was the rainy season, it did not rain that day of our visit, and we could even relax in Buley Rockhole.

Other pools were closed because of crocks danger.

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Tapping Reeve House And Law School

The Tapping Reeve House and Law School was the first of its kind in the United States. Tapping Reeve and James Gould founded the Litchfield Law School, which transformed the way law was taught in the 18th century. Many of their students either held prestigious positions, or played a role in educating further students.

Visitors start their exploration of what life was like as a law student with the video Coming to Litchfield. You then embark on a self-guided tour discovering the challenges and hardships students faced in order to pursue their passion. Your journey ends in the classroom where you can decide whether or not to visit the Litchfield History Museum for further education.

Tapping Reeve House and Law School Admission: FreeHours: April thru November 11 am 5 pm Tuesday thru Saturday and 1 pm 5 pm Sunday

Go Fly Fishing On The Housatonic

Housy, as the river is known locally, is a nationally sought-after spot for fly fishing, and its best spots are in the Litchfield Hills. Best known for brown and rainbow trout, its a strict catch-and-release area. If you lack the skills or gear, you can hire a guide and learn the sport for yourself.

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Litchfield Historical Society And Museum

History buffs will love the Litchfield Historical Society and Museum. Inside the Noyes Memorial Building, you’ll find the Litchfield History Museum, which features hands-on exhibits and interesting artifacts that highlight the town’s storied past. The exhibits, which change periodically, follow Litchfield’s history from its settlement in 1719 to today.

Be sure to time your visit right. The museum is only open on Tuesdays through Sundays from mid-April through November.

Below the museum, on the ground floor of the building, you’ll find the Helga J. Ingraham Memorial Library. While you can’t borrow the historic materials, a librarian can help you uncover interesting papers, photographs, and publications that outline the town’s past.

Insider’s tip: The historical society provides self-guided walking tour maps for $2. Or you can download and print a free version from their website.

Address: 7 South Street, Litchfield, Connecticut

Back In Time At Blyth Homestead

Discover what daily life was like during Litchfields mining days at Blyth Homestead. Built in 1928 and abandoned in the 1960s, interpretative boards share the homesteads history and the trials and tribulations of the era.

From where miners lived to how they worked, the well-preserved Bamboo Creek mine site completes the story. Here, tin was mined from the early 20th century, up until the mine was abandoned in 1955. Connect with nature on a two-hour round trip walk from here to Walker Creek.

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Pick Blueberries Strawberries Apples Or Pumpkins At Ellsworth Farm

Depending on the time of year you visit, theres likely something available for picking at Ellsworth Farm in Sharon, CT. Theres nothing so tasty as fresh-picked produce, whether you consume it immediately or turn it into pies and jams at a later point. This is a great place to go apple picking in CT in the fall months!

We went blueberry picking this past summer at Ellsworth Farm, and while we were up gathering the fruit, we got to take in the views of the rolling hills around us. Picture perfect, not to mention delicious.

The owners and staff are incredibly helpful and kind, and even gave my son a baseball cap when the hot sun was bothersome. If you decide to go, be sure to bring cash.

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Spend a Weekend in Connecticut: A perfect place to visit for a few days, Connecticut has a ton of fun attractions on offer. Whether you’re hoping to hit the beach, visit a charming small town, or ride a rollercoaster, you won’t be bored in this lovely state.

Get Outside in Connecticut: One of Connecticut’s most prized features can be found in its natural surroundings. From hiking along thundering waterfalls to swimming in vast, sparkling lakes, you’ll love spending time in the great outdoors in the Nutmeg State.

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Hike To Campbell Falls

While there are many waterfalls in the area, our favorite experience was taking the relatively short hike to see the very picturesque Campbell Falls. Yes, you do actually cross into Massachusetts before you see the falls, but the parking lot is in Connecticut, so it counts as the Litchfield Hills in our book.

You can actually cheat and park on a dirt track very near the falls, but we recommend you park at the official entrance as youll enjoy the pretty, wooded, half-mile hike down to the falls almost as much as the falls themselves.

The hike is not too hard, and should be easily navigable for children above 2 or 3. Like most waterfalls in the area, they are more impressive after the snow run-off or a rain.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Litchfield

The best time to experience everything that Litchfield National Park has to offer is May to October the weather is dry and pleasant and all roads are usually open. Litchfield is generally accessible year-round, and theres nothing like seeing the waterfalls in all their glory from November to April.

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Attend The Jazz Festival

The Litchfield Jazz Festival offers programs and events all year round. The most recent festival was in nearby Washington, Connecticut, but in 2020 the jazz festival was virtual. The Litchfield Jazz Camp is held every summer, then the Jazz Festival takes over during the last weekend of camp, featuring spirited music-making by both the students and the jazz pros.

How Many Days For Litchfield National Park

We spent in Litchfield National Park one day, and we think it was enough time to see the best things the park has to offer.

Thanks to our rental car we were able to drive to all the sights ourselves.

Even though Litchfield National Park in one day is absolutely doable , two to three days will give you a chance to go off-the-beaten-path.

Camping in the park is a unique experience, so if time allows, it is for sure a good idea to stay longer.

The advantage of staying longer is that you can plan your day more carefully and avoid the other travelers as well.

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Things To Do Near Litchfield Hills

While you may be in the area to visit our forest, Litchfield Hills is worth visiting as itâs one of the best surviving examples of a late 18th century New England town. There are plenty of things to do in Litchfield, CT, and the surrounding areas.

• Litchfield Historic District: More than 475 buildings in the historic district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Stroll the area and visit the local shops and restaurants to soak in the local charm.
• Wine Tasting: There are several vineyards near Litchfield Hills, including Hopkins, Sunset Meadows, and Miranda. Whether you take a tour or just stop in for a tasting, itâs a nice way to enjoy the countryside.
• Knife Shop Falls: Located in Humaston Brook State Park, the Knife Shop Falls are a series of three beautiful, cascading waterfalls. If the weather is warm, go for a swim in the pool of the upper fall.
• Bantam Cinema and Arts Center: Visit the oldest continuously operating theatre in Connecticut to see the latest indie film or live comedy or music event. Set in a rustic barn, the current owners support the community by bringing in food and drink sourced from other local businesses.

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Relax At The Tapping Reeve Meadow

The outdoor space surrounding the Tapping Reeve House is a popular community gathering place for events in Litchfield.

This site is perfect with its historic landscape developed with several charming elements.

Tapping Reeve Meadow flaunts an education pavilion, a childrens garden, a small orchard, a wet meadow, a chestnut grove, stone walls, and traditional fencing.

The community activities held here are typically kid-friendly, such as outdoor story-telling sessions by the towns KidsPlay volunteers.

Scavenger hunts and bocce ball games, plus scarecrow displays during Halloween are also among the events usually held at the Tapping Reeve Meadow.

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Get Chocolates At Thorncrest Farm & Milkhouse

The magic is in the milk, farm owners Kimberly and Clint Thorne claim. Each cows milk is used specifically in the chocolates where its best suited. That means that a cow named Valor makes the milk for a dark chocolate ganache but Daydreams supply goes into making caramels.

Pull up to the picturesque barn and peek in at the cows and workers inside. Every part of the cows experience is planned meticulously, from the cross breeze in the barn to sweet hay they munch on, to maximize the output of deliciously sweet milk.

Walk down to the end of the barn and find a small door to the chocolate shop. Youll forget youre in rural Connecticut as soon as you spy the rows of exquisite chocolates theyre just as beautiful as any Ive seen in Paris. And the taste? Sublime.

Visit The Village Green In Litchfield

At the busy center of Litchfield is the Village Green, which is technically known as the Litchfield Historic District. The Village Green stretches from the North, South, West, and East Streets and features a beautifully manicured garden.

On the lawn, you will find many children playing while the adults relax in the sun or enjoy a picnic or dine in at one of the many restaurants across the street. The Village Restaurant located on West Street has been a local favorite since way back in the 1950s and a must-try when you visit the Village Green.

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Play Some Golf At The Wigwam Resort

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This is not only the best golf resort in the area, but actually one the best in the country. It has 3 championship courses, of which 2 were designed by the famous architect Robert Trent Jones.

The Red course is the shorter and easier one more suited for beginners, the Blue runs alongside the Gold course, but is shorter and easier and is suited for intermediate players, while the Gold course is the longest and most challenging of all.

Here you will also find rooms to spend the night at and several restaurants, bars and pools, to have an amazing overall experience.

Visit The Village Green

You’ll find the bustling heart of Litchfield nestled around the Village Green in what is technically the Litchfield Historic District . The Green runs between North, South, East, and West Streets and features a perfectly manicured lawn spotted with benches and giant trees.

You’ll find children playing tag or catch while adults lounge in the sun or enjoy takeout from one of the restaurants located across the street. Ollie’s Pizza is a perfect place to grab food to go, and the pizza boxes can serve as plates.

If you’re hoping for a sit-down meal, be sure to pre-book a reservation, especially during the popular summer and fall months. The Village Restaurant has been a local fave since the 1950s. Hearty fare, including eggplant parmesan and chicken Marsala, grace its menu.

Other tasty spots include for phenomenal pomegranate truffle Brussels sprouts and The Bakehouse for coffee, tea, and delectable treats.

When you’re not mowing down, visit the area’s eclectic boutiques. TheSilly Sprout is an adorable toy shop while Workshop Inc sells sophisticated women’s clothes and handcrafted jewelry.

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