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Condé Nast Traveler Names Litchfield Among Best Places to Go in 2025
Condé Nast Traveler named Litchfield and Litchfield County to its new list of The Best Places to Go in the US in 2025 – shortly after Forbes put the spotlight on White Memorial ia a story entitled “A Hidden Natural Wonder Awaits Connecticut Visitors.”
Litchfield joins top destinations such as Alaska, Boise, Idaho, Denver, New Orleans, and Puerto Rico in being recommended in the Condé Nast story.
The section of the story detailing some of Litchfield’s charms and lifestyle amenities says:
In Litchfield town the old courthouse on the Green (that’s brimming with shops and cafés) has been refashioned into contemporary-art-filled boutique hotel The Abner. Earlier this summer the rustic-modern Lost Fox Inn opened in a 1740s tavern from the folks behind Mt. Temper’s Foxfire Mountain House, and come March, Hudson Valley favorite Troutbeck will unveil sibling property Belden House & Mews in a Colonial Revival estate reimagined by local-owned Champalimaud Design.
And while you could make a weekend of wandering through Litchfield town—pop into Milton Market, a chic home goods and gifts store (think vintage transferware and block-printed linens)—you’ll do well to venture out. In nearby Bantam, tucked into a factory warehouse packed with artist studios, is Dumais Made, a ceramics and lighting studio founded by Charles Dumais (spot his lamps at the Abner hotel) with his husband Kevin—Charles also doubles as local guide extraordinaire. Grab an ice cream from nearby Arethusa Creamery or coffee and salted chocolate chip cookie from Krafted Brew Lab.
Meanwhile, Forbes writer Gary Stoller gives the spotlight to White Memorial in a new story, saying near the beginning, “Unknown, though, to most travelers is Litchfield’s 4,000-acre natural wonder, White Memorial Foundation.”
Read the Forbes story, and if you somehow don’t know about White Memorial, head to the website and to the section with trail maps.
Beecher Memorial Restored on Litchfield Green
Since 1908, a memorial to the Beecher family has stood in the center of Litchfield. Members of the Litchfield County University Club raised funds for a field stone monument on the East Green, on the site where Lyman Beecher preached between 1810 and 1826.
The group commissioned a bronze tablet and medallion featuring the likenesses of two of Lyman’s children, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry Ward Beecher, both of whom were born in Litchfield. (Harriet Beecher Stowe is known best as the author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and Henry Ward Beecher was a clergyman and social reformer who supported the abolition of slavery.)
A century later, the memorial was in jeopardy. A widened road and overhead branches accelerated the monument’s deterioration and obscured its visibility. A group of volunteers organized in 2021 to plan for the memorial’s future. The committee, representing organizations and interests across Litchfield, created a restoration plan that prioritized making the memorial more accessible to pedestrians, maintaining the monument’s historic character, and using more durable materials and methods.
The restoration work is now complete. The public is invited to the rededication of the Beecher Memorial on Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Litchfield (21 Torrington Rd.). The event will begin with welcome remarks and a brief history of the Beecher Memorial, followed by a presentation of the restored monument on the East Green. A reception will follow inside the First Congregational Church.
The restoration work was generously funded by a grant from the Seherr-Thoss Foundations of Litchfield, with additional support from the Borough of Litchfield, Litchfield County University Club, and Greater Litchfield Preservation Trust. The relocation and restoration of the memorial’s stonework was completed by Litchfield resident and excavation contractor Matt Blasavage. Francis Miller of Conserve Art LLC, a leader in the conservation of monuments and outdoor sculpture, completed restoration of the bronze medallion and plaque.
Below, the Beecher Memorial shown in a circa 1910 postcard.
A Guaranteed ‘White’ Christmas in Litchfield
Litchfield woke up to a fluffy white blanket of snow on the morning of Dec. 5, just in time for a festive holiday weekend at the White Memorial Conservation Center that unofficially serves as a prelude to the annual Litchfield Holiday Stroll.
Whether or not the snow hangs in until Christmas, the cluster of holiday events we highlight here will certainly have the seasonal magic of ‘White’ Memorial – and, thanks to serendipity, will also take place against the backdrop of a winter white landscape.
Sip and Shop, Dec. 6
White Memorial’s 2nd annual Sip and Shop event is back and bigger this year.
Guests are invited to stop by from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 to shop in the gift shop while it is full of local, unique, and affordable items perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Amanda Surveski Wildlife Art, Stead Farm, RFarm-Local Organic Farm, Of Coins and Crystals, and Michael Shulde’s Woodturning will also be on hand, selling their local products.
Litchfield Distillery will be there sampling their tasty drinks, there will be cookies from Litchfield Catering and Deli, and more snacks curated by Gerri Griswold of White Memorial.
Oh, and here’s an insider’s tip: This event is where this season’s handcrafted trees created by Lukas Hyder, Executive Director of the White Memorial Foundation, will first become available. See the Litchfield Arts Council post for details.
Wreath Making, Dec. 7
White Memorial invites guests to make their own festive wreaths for the holiday season using local greens, cones, berries, birch bark, and ribbon, under the guidance of workshop instructor Jean Bronson, who has been making wreaths for over 30 years, and teaching wreath making workshops for 10 years.
The workshop from 2 to 5 p.m. is limited to 12 guests and spots appeared to remain open as of mid-afternoon Dec. 5.
The cost is $60 and all materials are included.
Register Here: Wreath Making Registration
Joy to the World: Holiday Music for Guitar and Mandolin
With Judy Handler and Mark Levesque, Dec. 7
The Conservation Center is hosting Judy and Mark Levesque for a holiday concert from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring enchanting instrumental renditions of traditional and contemporary holiday music, and a variety of lively tunes and lyrical melodies with an international flavor.
Judy and Mark play their own arrangements of beautiful, inspiring holiday music from many cultures on the guitar and mandolin, including music from the U.S., England, Ireland, Wales, Puerto Rico, Spain, Ukraine, songs of Hanukkah and themes from the Nutcracker. Some singalongs will be included on the program and a chance to join in on rhythm instruments.
Judy and Mark, who are married, are founding members of the New American Mandolin Ensemble, which formed in 2013, has performed internationally, and released a CD in 2017. They run a teaching studio for private lessons and groups in Vernon, CT as well as a recording studio for guitarists. Learn more on their website.
All tickets are $15. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required and can be done online: Joy to the World Registration
Litchfield Holiday Stroll, Dec. 8
The Litchfield Holiday Stroll takes place from 3-5 p.m. around the Litchfield Green on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Among the highlights are a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, of course, a Plumb Hill Middle School Choral Performance at 4 p.m. in the Congregational Church, strolling carolers from Lakeview High School – R20, who will gather at Espresso59 at 4 p.m., and Litchfield Center School students performing in front of the holiday tree on the Green (shortly after 4:45 pm).
There will also be story time at Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance, Who-Ville ornament making at the Litchfield Historical Society, cookie decorating with the Girl Scouts at the Congregational Church, and hot chocolate with the Boy Scouts in the center of town.
2024 Shop Small Passport: Win a Raffle Basket
The Shop Small and Shop Local event in honor of Small Business Saturday is on in Litchfield and lasts an entire week, from Black Friday (11/29) through Friday, December 6.
Litchfield Holiday Events to Make the 2024 Season Special
Litchfield has an old-fashioned, family-oriented holiday spirit, which is enhanced by wonderful seasonal events, including these staples. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to connect with more holiday events and other great things happening in Litchfield.
Prime Finds, Home for the Holidays, Nov. 16 – Dec. 29
The Prime Finds Home for the Holidays shop, filled with treasures, returns for its ninth year.
The pop-up shop is located at the Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield and opens Nov. 16 this year. It continues until Dec. 29 (except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Each year, area residents donate very fine things for Prime Finds, including high-quality used furniture, home decor, and holiday gifts, and all the proceeds go to the mental health programs at Prime Time House.
Lourdes in Litchfield is located at 50 Montfort Rd., off Route 118 east of Litchfield center.
OWL Festival of Trees, Nov. 30
For the annual Festival of Trees, the Oliver Wolcott Library is transformed into an elegant party that includes hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. Library patrons create unique and stunning wreaths, trees and centerpieces, which guests bid on. 2024 tickets are here. Don’t miss the holiday kickoff party of the season.
There’s also a Week of Wonder Online Holiday Auction.
Bantam Fire Company Christmas Tree Sale, Nov. 29, 30, and Dec. 1
This is the 30th year that the Bantam Fire Company is selling holiday trees as a fundraiser.
This year’s sale will be held Nov. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The top-grade trees are from New York State, stand 6 to 7 feet tall, and include Balsam, Fraser, Korean, Concolor, and Turkish firs. All trees are $75.
The sale is held behind the Bantam Firehouse at 92 Doyle Rd. in Bantam center.
Fire Company volunteers will assist in the selection of the trees and complimentary local delivery is available.
Holiday Sip & Shop at White Memorial, Dec. 6
White Memorial’s 2nd annual Sip and Shop event is back and bigger this year.
Guests are invited to stop by from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 to shop in the gift shop while it is full of local, unique, and affordable items perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Amanda Surveski Wildlife Art, Stead Farm, RFarm-Local Organic Farm, Of Coins and Crystals, and Michael Shulde’s Woodturning will also be on hand, selling their local products.
Litchfield Distillery will be there sampling their tasty drinks, there will be cookies from Litchfield Catering and Deli, and more snacks curated by Gerri Griswold of White Memorial.
Litchfield Holiday Stroll, Dec. 8
The Litchfield Holiday Stroll takes place from 3-5 p.m. around the Litchfield Green on Sunday, Dec. 8, this year!
Among the highlights are a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, of course, a Plumb Hill Middle School Choral Performance at 4 p.m. in the Congregational Church, strolling carolers from Lakeview High School – R20, who will gather at Espresso59 at 4 p.m., and Litchfield Center School students performing in front of the holiday tree on the Green (shortly after 4:45 pm)
There will also be story time at Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance, Who-Ville ornament making at the Litchfield Historical Society, cookie decorating with the Girl Scouts at the Congregational Church, and hot chocolate with the Boy Scouts in the center of town.
A Christmas Carol – Live Theatrical Performance, Dec. 10
Red Monkey Theater Group’s Sean Coffey performs his one-person adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in a free program that begins at 6:30 p.m.
Experience Dickens’ classic story of love, compassion, and redemption in a whole new way. Ebenezer Scrooge and a whole host of characters discover what the spirit of Christmas is really about and delve into the magic of the holiday season.
Sean Coffey is an actor based in Westchester, N.Y. He studied at Fordham University and has performed locally throughout the tristate area.
Zoom Link: Click here at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 to Zoom to this event.
In-Person Registration Required: Click here to attend in-person.
Holiday Lantern Tour of Litchfield, Dec. 15
Bundle up for a special holiday-themed “lantern” tour of Litchfield’s Historic District from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 15.
The tour starts at the Litchfield Historical Society, where guests will enjoy historically inspired cocktails and treats before grabbing lanterns and heading out to learn about past celebrations and winter pursuits in Litchfield.
Walking tours last approximately one hour and cover one mile. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly.
Space is limited. The cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Registration is required.
Vote to Help Name White Memorial’s Baby Rat Snakes
Only a few days remain to make $1 donations to vote and help name the White Memorial Conservation Center’s baby rat snakes.
Sunny and Luna are the names with a solid lead, but Zig and Zag could make a comeback, while the moment may have passed for Hocus and Pocus.
You can vote as many times as you like, so theoretically it’s possible to tip the scales in favor of any of the options. But act quickly, as voting only continues through Election Day, Nov. 5.
Vote Here
Donations made in the naming game will go toward the Animal Care Fund, which benefits all of the live animals at White Memorial.
The White Memorial Foundation preserves span Litchfield and Morris with 4,000 acres of forests, fields and wetlands etched by 40 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. It was created in 1913 by Alain C. White and his sister, May W. White.
The main area off Route 202 in Litchfield is home to the Conservation Center and Nature Museum. See the website to learn more and connect with White Memorial’s ongoing series of guided hikes and may other events.
Also see the state’s website about snakes that are native to Connecticut.
Frights & Delights This Weekend in Litchfield (Oct. 25-27)
The weekend before Halloween is packed with fun frights and delights. Here are a some of the don’t-miss activities and experiences – starting Friday with the last Bantam Community Farmers Market of the season, featuring a costume contest and Halloween candy for all visitors.
Last Weekend for Hayrides at Bunnell Farm
This is the last weekend to visit the landmark Bunnell Farm for a hayride, to purchase pumpkins, traverse the corn maze, and shop the farm stand for fall gifts.
The Flashlight Maze, open from 6 to 9 p.m., is hosted by Lakeview High School Class of 2026 on Friday evening (10/25) and by Warren Schools on Saturday.
Entry is $10 per person, so grab your flashlight and get ready for an exciting challenge in the dark.
You can also visit the corn maze during the day, take a hayride, and pick pumpkins from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. on Saturday and Sunday.
For the adult visitors, Norbrook Farm Brewery of Colebrook will be on hand Saturday and Sunday, serving its craft beer.
The farm is located at 498 Maple St. and the phone number is(860) 567-9576.
SALOween Ball at American Legion Post 27
The Morgan Weir Sons of the American Legion are throwing a Halloween costume ball on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at Post 27. It will feature DJ Traveling Vin, a raffle, snacks, a cash bar, and prize for best costumes. Tickets are $15.
For additional information, call (860) 567-9930. Post 27 is located at 418 Bantam Rd.
Litchfield Lions Club Fall Festival
The Litchfield Lions Club’s Fall Festival, Car Show, and Cornhole Tournament begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Alain White Community field on Route 209 in Bantam. Admission is free.
In addition to cars and cornhole, there will be pumpkin carving, food trucks, vendors, and more.
Trunk-or-Treat starts at 2:30 and continues until 5. There will be a prize for the best costume and a prize for the best decorated vehicle.
For more information, call 860-459-8197
Scarecrows in the Meadow
The Litchfield Historical Society’s wonderful Scarecrows in the Meadow display in the Tapping Reeve Meadow behind the Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School at 82 South St. continues through Nov. 3.
Stop by any day from dawn to dusk to explore the assembly of scarecrows created by local businesses, non-profits, and families.
For details, see the historical society’s calendar page.
Note: The Litchfield Historical Society’s spooky Stories to Keep You Up at Night Lantern Tours on Oct. 27 and 30 are sold out.
Frights in an Audubon Society Preserve
The Litchfield Hills Audubon Society’s Experience the Spooky Side of Nature takes place Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary on Route 254 and it’s free.
If you dare, join Litchfield Hills Audubon for a guided walk on a trail and encounter spooky spots with spiders, crows, bats and more, the event listing says. Participate in an activity at each spot. Wear your costume, if you like. If you make it back to where you started, you can enjoy cider and donuts.
Halloween Season in Litchfield 2024: Events & Activities
Litchfield is a town that takes the harvest and Halloween season seriously – and does it right!
From now through Halloween weekend, families in town, visitors, and guests can take advantage of lots of event and activities, spooky and otherwise, leading up to trick-or-treating.
The Prime Places for Families to Trick-or-Treat
Litchfield center is the prime spot to trick-or-treat on Halloween, specifically a loop that starts in the center of town and goes down South Street, down Wolcott Street or through the Tapping Reeve Meadow, and then back to the center on Meadow Street.
The Litchfield Historical Society will light up the Tapping Reeve Meadow on Halloween and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters who pass through the meadow. (For those who don’t know, theTapping Reeve Meadow is a magical spot behind historical society museums, the Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School at 82 South St.)
Litchfield Park & Recreation is celebrating Halloween this year with a costume contest and trick-or-treat event at the Bantam Community Farmers Market, from 3 to 6, on Friday, Oct. 25. The market is located at Alain White Field, 273 Bantam Lake Rd. (Route 209) in Bantam.
Fun, Festive & Spooky Stuff Is Happening Now
It’s pumpkin picking, hayride, and corn maze season at Bunnell Farm, a fifth generation family-owned and operated farm in the Milton section of Litchfield.
Pumpkin picking and hayrides are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 26, and in addition to daytime corn maze adventures, there are special flashlight nights. (Check the website for days/times.) The address is 498 Maple St., the phone number is (860) 567-9576, and the website is bunnellfarm.org
Scarecrows in the Meadow, 5th Annual Edition
The Litchfield Historical Society’s Annual Scarecrows in the Meadow display opens Oct. 19 with a community celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Tapping Reeve Meadow behind the Tapping Reeve House and Litchfield Law School at 82 South St.
Everyone is invited to explore the assembly of scarecrows created by local businesses, non-profits, and families. The opening celebration will feature a scarecrow making challenge, storytelling, and fall crafts and activities all day.
Visitors may visit the scarecrows and stroll through the meadow seven days a week, from dawn to dusk, as the display of more than 50 handcrafted scarecrows remains on view into early November.
For details, see the Scarecrows in the Meadow page and the calendar page
In addition to its annual Scarecrows in the Meadow display in the Tapping Reeve Meadow on South Street, the historical society is presenting a bunch of other Halloween season events.
Don’t miss the Stories to Keep You Up at Night Lantern Tours, an evening of Litchfield’s most gruesome and spooky true stories, including fires, disease, witches, executions, and even an unsolved murder in true crime style. There are three dates to choose from. The tours start at the Tapping Reeve Meadow with historically inspired cocktails and last approximately an hour. $15 for historical society members, $20 for Non-Members. Limited space available so register online soon.
Halloween Season Events at Litchfield Community Center
Litchfield Community Center is the spot to take the kids for Halloween Fun Day on Oct. 19. In addition to Halloween stories told by award-winning storyteller Rona Levanthol, there will be games, snacks and more. Costumes are encouraged.
The day after Halloween, Nov. 1, the community center and Litchfield Historical Society are collaborating on a Glowin’ Ghouls & Goblins Halloween Bash amid the scarecrows in the Tapping Reeve Meadow.
A Halloween Ball at the American Legion Hall
The Morgan Weir Sons of the American Legion (SAL for short) is holding a SALoween Ball on Oct. 26. Details are in the graphic.
Litchfield Lions Club Fall Festival With Pumpkin Carving
The Litchfield Lions Club is holding a Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct 26, featuring a car show, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, vendors, and pumpkin carving. Details are in the graphic.
Halloween Extravaganza at Bohemian Pizza and Tacos
Northfield Fire Company Halloween Candy Convoy
Litchfield Dining News: Award Nominations & New Restaurants
Materia Ristorante in Bantam is nominated for Litchfield County Restaurant of the Year, and Christopher Hodson of Materia is nominated for CT Server of the Year, in the Connecticut Restaurant Association 2024 CRAZies Awards.
The Litchfield County Restaurant of the Year nomination also puts Materia in the running for overall Connecticut Restaurant of the year.
Materia Chef David DiStasi was named Connecticut Chef of the Year in the 2023 CRAZIES Awards and Materia Ristorante won Restaurant of the Year Award for Litchfield County. In 2022, Materia won the Restaurant Newcomer award. See the Materia menu.
The public can vote through the end of November to help their favorite Connecticut restaurants and restaurant professionals win awards. Vote here.
Winners will be announced Dec. 9, when hospitality owners, operators, chefs, servers, and vendors from across the state gather for the CRAzies gala at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
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Olivia Olson of ATC South St. in Litchfield is nominated for Bartender of the Year in the 2024 CRAzies. See the drinks menu.
Lost Fox Tavern at the Lost Fox Inn
The Lost Fox Inn opened in July after a painstaking renovation of the former Tollgate Hill Inn property off Route 202 between Litchfield center and Torrington.
The Tavern features a bar, a main dining area, and The Garden Room with the original paneling, wide chestnut floorboards, and a fireplace for autumn, winter and spring warmth.
Chef CJ Barroso’s menu features starters like Prince Edward Island mussels, Spanish octopus, and Niman Ranch pork belly, and entrees like olive-poached halibut, loin of lamb, grass-fed steak and Cornish game hen. See the dinner menu
The Tavern is open for dinner and drinks Friday through Monday from 4 p.m. 571 Torrington Rd. | 860-222-0855 | lostfoxinn.com | [email protected]
The Courtroom Restaurant & Verdict: Rooftop Bar at The Abner Hotel
The Abner Hotel in the former Litchfield County Courthouse made its debut Sept. 12, and the 20-room boutique hotel includes The Courtroom restaurant, a modern tavern, and the rooftop bar called Verdict:
The Courtroom is in the historic main courtroom and Chef Michael Alfeld’s menu features modern tavern-style dishes infused with continental flavors, made from locally sourced ingredients. See the dinner menu.
Dining hours are 5 to 10 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
Verdict: is open from 3 to 10 p.m., weather permitting. Learn more and see the drinks menu.
15 West St. | 860-567-4137 | theabnerhotel.com | Send a message
La Catrina of Bantam
A new restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine opened in Bantam in early September.
La Catrina is in the former home of Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar and is serving lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch.
According to the Republican American, owners Enrique and Consuelo Estrava opened La Catrina of Westchester in Croton on Hudson, N.Y., in 2021 and a customer there, who has a house in Litchfield, recommended Bantam for another location.
Enrique Estrava, who’s also a chef, told the Rep-Am that the menu will feature traditional homemade Mexican food with French and Asian influences. See the menu.
810 Bantam Rd. | (860) 361-6401 | lacatrinabantam.com
All photos from restaurant websites/social media accounts.