A collaboration between Market Place Tavern in the Old Litchfield Jail and the organization Art Tripping will bring new art exhibits every four to six weeks to the room in the restaurant facing North Street.
The first exhibit opens March 3 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m., and features paintings by Zufar Bikbov and the assemblages of Nancy Laviero. Each new exhibit will have an opening event.
In addition to the galleries in the center of town, Litchfield is home to amArtHouse in Bantam and the Switch Gallery in the Bantam Arts Factory.
Murelli, a member of the Litchfield Economic Development Commission and Litchfield Arts Council, founded Art Tripping in 2018 to create community art experiences, nourish creativity, develop art and educational programs, and be a significant catalyst for community development.
Bringing people of various economic and social strata together is also part of the mission, as well as inspiring an understanding of “the unlimited possibilities that experiencing art, in all of its forms and genres, brings to our world.”
According to Murelli, John Morosani, a member of Litchfield Sustainability, approached her a couple of years ago and asked her to work with the Board of Selectmen in town to establish an arts council.
“This would fulfill one of the benchmarks of Sustainability’s brief from Connecticut Sustainability to create more public art,” Murelli said, adding that the collaboration between Art Tripping and Market Place Tavern fulfills a piece that goal by creating another opportunity for community art experiences.
Art Tripping also organizes and sponsors the Litchfield Makers Market on the Green the Saturday of Road Race Weekend, which is always the second weekend in June.
Another of Murelli’s projects involves working with students at Litchfield High School, where she teaches art, to create a folk art mural of ancient Mexican spirit animals called Alebrijes, as part of an interdisciplinary lesson with the AP Spanish Students who did the art history research.
It is 20 feet long and will be installed in At the Corner restaurant’s ATC South St. taco bar.
The first ever Litchfield Restaurant Week is coming March 24 to 31!
After the “howling” success of its summertime Top Dog best hot dog contest the past two years, the Town of Litchfield’s Economic Development Commission is taking the leap into sponsoring a restaurant week.
You know the recipe: Restaurants create special three-course menus offered at a fixed price point that represents value for the multiple courses and the caliber of the cuisine.
That allows guests from both near and far to discover new places, enjoy lots of fine meals within the space of a week, or both.
Make sure to follow Visit Litchfield CT on Facebook and also on Instagram for updates as the final ingredients for the restaurant week come together. We’ll be sharing menus and posts from participating restaurants, as well as photos of their special dishes.
The Visit Litchfield CT website will also have a special Litchfield Restaurant Week page linking to all the participating restaurants, their menus, and their social media accounts.
The restaurants that have committed to participating so far are below.
Flowers, chocolate, wine, and a dinner at a fine restaurant. These are the classic ingredients for Valentine’s Day romance, and they’re classic because they deliver on their promise year after year.
To book dinner at a fine restaurant, head to our Restaurants page and follow the quick and easy links to social media pages where Valentine’s Day menus are being posted.
This post is aimed more at non-traditionalists and those who resist the implied directive to celebrate the official holiday of love on a weeknight because that’s where the date chosen by a pope falls most years.
(The last time Valentine’s Day fell on a Saturday was 2015 and that won’t happen again until 2026, and as for the pope, it was Pope Gelasius I who established the Feast of Saint Valentine in AD 496 and tethered it to Feb. 14.)
Before digging in, a caveat: Take loved ones out for dinner on Feb. 14 if you can. Our restaurants just brought home a whole bunch of top dining awards, regionally and statewide, and they work up pretty magical Valentine’s Day menus.
Whether or not you go out, here are five recommendations for V-Day romance with a twist—we’re thinking Saturday or Sunday, or even Tuesday during the day when it will be 55 degrees—followed by a sampling of related special events.
Walk in the WoodsMiss Edith’s cottage at Topsmead in the summer.
We think it’s the most romantic thing you can do in Litchfield. White Memorial is an obvious choice for a venue, and Topsmead State Forest, with its English-style cottage, exudes romance. Wherever you walk (check our Outdoors page for more resources), pair it with pitstops at bakeries and coffee shops and perhaps lunch, too.
Shopping Surprise
Come to Litchfield with your sweetheart and explore the shops that most appeal to your special someone. That’s romantic enough, but we suggest sealing the deal by observing what your date loves the most and then creating whatever subterfuge necessary to secretly buy that item and present it as a V-Day gift during cozy time at home that evening.
Sweet Litchfield Tour
Start with a sweet breakfast one of our scratch bakeries; we’re thinking of cinnamon buns, muffins, scones and more + fine coffee or tea. While you’re in town, visit the old-fashioned Litchfield Candy Company, and then take a drive north on Route 63 to experience Milk House Chocolates at Thorncrest Farm.
Haight-Brown Vineyard
The invite on the website of Connecticut’s oldest farm winery is a Valentine in itself: Visit our bar room for wine and cocktail flights, wine, cocktails and beers by the glass, wines by the bottle. Order crab cakes, short rib sliders or our famous house charcuterie from our Café menu! Head outside to our deck and enjoy picturesque views of the vineyard! In the winter, cozy up by the fire with a mug of warm spiced wine! See the website to connect.
Litchfield Distillery Visit
Litchfield Distillery offers complimentary tours and sample tastings of its award-winning spirits, arranged by reservation on the website. Walk-ins are also welcomed if a timeslot isn’t full. Tours are offered on the hour (Mon-Sun) beginning at 11 a.m. The last tour begins at 4 p.m. (except Sunday when the last tour begins at 3 p.m.). See the website for details and the link to reserve. For questions, call us at 860-361-6503. Visit the Facebook page for updates. Oh, you’re wondering why a distillery tour and tasting is romantic. Consider the tasting notes on the Double Gold Medal-winning Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Nose: Hints of vanilla and butterscotch are complemented by a nice balance of apple, cinnamon, and baking bread. Palate: Spicy and a little sweet with nice notes of rich tobacco and toasted baking spice; a hint of apple. Finish: Full mouthfeel with heat in the back palate. Extremely long, spicy finish with a hint of citrus.
Valentine’s Day Events
The Love in Litchfield Lantern Tour
As of Wednesday morning (Feb. 8) it appeared that spots were still available but act fast as the tour will sell out. The special Valentine’s Day “lantern” tour of Litchfield’s Historic District takes place Friday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 and features the great love stories of Litchfield’s past! The tour starts at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street) where guests will enjoy historically inspired cocktails and treats before grabbing lanterns and heading out on our tour. The cost is $15 for LHS Members and $20 for non-Members. Details and registration are online.
Victorian Valentine’s Day Workshop
The Litchfield Historical Society’s annual Family Victorian Valentine Workshop takes place Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street) Valentine’s Day in the Victorian era was an elaborate affair. Adults and children alike can draw inspiration for the Society’s collection of Victorian and early 20th century valentines while learning traditional papercrafts and making their own cards for family and friends. Tea and cookies will be served. The Victorian Valentine Workshop is $10 for members, $15 for non-members, or $30 for a family. Register Online Here
21st Annual Bob and Peg Andrulis Memorial Sweetheart Run/Walk
We’ll admit that a 5-mile run or 3-mile walk isn’t everyone’s idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day warmup, but for others it’s just the ticket. This USATF-certified course starts and finishes at the Litchfield Community Center, which benefits from the proceeds. Pre-registration is $30, $10 for children (10 & under) and free for those 80 and older ($35 after 2/9/23 and on the day of race. Long sleeve T-shirts go to the first 150 registrants, and there will be goodie bags and refreshments. To pre-register online, go to online registration and to register with application form go to paper application form. Registration day of event 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Singles Mingle
The Litchfield Community Center’s first-ever Singles Mingle, for those 245 and older, is exactly what it sounds like, an invitation to find love or friendship event. Swing by to play games, speed date, and get to know other singles in your area. Feel Free to BYOB. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online.
Ducks in Love
The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy’s “Ducks in Love” weekend features a tour of the world-class aviaries with an Aviculturist and opportunities to observe waterfowl in their brilliant breeding plumage, and perhaps courtship displays. Afterward, cozy up by the fire with a warm cup of spiced cider. Saturday, Feb. 18, is the general Ducks in Love tour and refreshments. For a more private experience (and a box of Thorncrest Farm chocolates), book a guided tour on Sunday Feb. 19. To sign-up and for more information, visit the “Ducks in Love” page: https://bit.ly/3iYwcX5
Litchfield had more than 20 first place awards in Litchfield Magazine’s recently announced 2023 Reader’s Choice Contest. Results were published in the Best of Litchfield County issue.
See the full results online, and congratulations to all!
At West Street Grill, Coconut Curry Shrimp with curry-ginger coconut sauce, zucchini, carrot and squash noodles, Shiitake mushroom, and black sesame seeds.Connecticut Magazine‘s dining experts and readers sure love Litchfield restaurants!
All three were also honored in the Most Romantic category. Arethusa al tavolo also picked up Best Appetizers and Best Desserts awards, and joined Winvian in being honored for Best Wine Selection.
At The Corner and West Street Grill were both given Best New American awards by the experts, who honored The Village Restaurant with a Best Traditional American award. That’s 3 hotspots right across from the Green in the town center being named the best of the best in Connecticut. (West Street Grill was also an Experts’ Pick for Best Lunch, and At the Corner was honored for Best Beer Selection.)
West Shore Seafood won a Best Seafood award from the experts. Meanwhile, Wood’s Pit BBQ in Bantam was named best BBQ in Litchfield County by the readers.
A Meraki breakfast sandwich; source, Meraki Facebook page.Meraki may be a tiny blink-and-miss-it spot just below Litchfield center, but the secret is certainly out that it’s a Connecticut hotspot for awesome breakfast sandwiches. Last October, Food & Wine included Meraki on its Best Breakfast in Every State list, and the Connecticut Magazine dining experts also celebrated Meraki as a breakfast haven.
Arethusa a mano in Bantam was also an Experts Pick for Best Breakfast.
The Connecticut Ice Yacht Club has called Bantam Lake its winter home since being founded in 1939 and when the lake ices over club members fly across the ice in their sleek iceboats at speeds that can exceed 60 miles per hour and even hit 80.
Unless there’s no ice.
“We should have driven out to Wisconsin last week,” Commodore Tony Bosco of Harwinton said Jan. 18 referring to competitions held out West. “Right now there isn’t any ice anywhere.”
The Club, with roughly 50 active members, is headquartered at White Memorial’s Point Folly Marina and Boat Launch, located at 123 North Shore Road in Litchfield. When the ice is in, the boats perch on the frozen surface in a cluster in the cove next to the Point Folly Family Campground and across from the camp store.
Anyone who wants to watch the action on the ice can park in the lot next the camp store or in the parking area at the entrance to the campground, located on a peninsula extending into the lake. In non-camping seasons, the campground’s dirt access road becomes a loop trail for those who want to enjoy a lovely walk.
With open water across the lake (as of Jan. 18) and the temperatures forecast for the rest of January, it doesn’t appear there will be iceboating anytime soon. There have been years when conditions never came together, including at least one season in the last 10 years.
“If we get a couple of cold nights, we could get ice in about five or six days but who knows when it’s coming,” Bosco said hopefully.
Follow @VisitLitchfieldCT on Facebook and on Instagram. We’re watching the ice every day, and the iceboats waiting expectantly in the camp store parking lot, and we’ll let you know the moment the boats are on the ice and the action begins.
If you’re looking for the Commodore on the ice, his iceboat is the large one with the distinctive American flag motif.
And if you want to read an account of one winter season many years ago, check out this 1991 New York Times story on Bantam Lake ice sailing.
Connecticut Ice Yacht Club members and ice yachts on Bantam Lake in January 2022.
Big Sunday breakfasts as public events that buoy community spirit as they aid good causes are a Litchfield tradition.
This Sunday, Jan. 15, there are two opportunities to enjoy a meal for a great price in a social setting with friends, neighbors and new acquaintances, with a third community breakfast on tap the following weekend.
If you’re up early and time it right, you might consider doubling up with an early breakfast in Northfield followed by an early lunch/second breakfast at the American Legion hall.
The first breakfast of the year at Post 27 is buffet style and takes place this Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon with a suggested donation of $12 per person. Dine at the post or get breakfast to go. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s are also available. Watch the Facebook page for updates or changes, or call 860-567-9930 with questions. The Legion Hall is located at 418 Bantam Rd.
Breakfast to Benefit the Class of 2023
On Sunday, Jan. 22, a big Sunday breakfast takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Litchfield Community Center to benefit the Litchfield High School Class of 2023. Pancakes, bacon, eggs and more for $10 per person, $5 for those younger than 12 or older than 70.
Winter months get a bad rap when it comes to going out and having fun unless you love skiing, skating and other activities that depend on cold and snow. There’s even a National Nothing Day, which falls on Jan. 16 this year.
We don’t get it. January is like every other month in Litchfield; everything’s open, lots of interesting things are happening, and a snowy landscape or having to bundle up against the cold only add context that deepens experiences. In that spirit, here’s a list of 15 great things to enjoy in Litchfield this January.
Litchfield Distillery Tour & Tasting
Litchfield Distillery offers complimentary tours and sample tastings of its award-winning spirits, arranged by reservation on the website. That said, walk-ins are also welcomed if a timeslot isn’t full. Tours are offered on the hour (Mon-Sun) beginning at 11 a.m. The last tour begins at 4 p.m. (except Sunday when the last tour begins at 3 p.m.). See the website for details and the link to reserve. For questions, call us at 860-361-6503. Visit the Facebook page for announcements and weather-related closures.
Visit Haight-Brown Vineyard
Haight-Brown Vineyard has new owners who recently released their first wines and also recently welcomed James Beard honoree Chef Patrick Wilson to the team. Guests can also enjoy craft cocktails and craft beers with the growing and evolving food menu in the gorgeous setting at 29 Chestnut Hill Rd. (Haight-Brown Vineyard was even open on New Year’s Day!) See the website to plan a visit, or call 860-361-6969 with questions.
Ice Skating on the Municipal Rink
The public skating rink behind the Litchfield Town Hall is open for the season, attracting hockey players, skaters and even puppies. The town invites families and friends to enjoy the ice this winter. Town hall is located at 74 West St. Guests park behind the building and the rink is just behind the parking lot.
Watch the Ice Boats on Bantam Lake
Connecticut Ice Yacht Club members have made the Point Folly Marina and Boat Launch at The White Memorial Conservation Center their winter home base for nearly a half-century. As soon as Bantam Lake freezes with ice thick enough for sailing, you can find the ice yachts flying across the surface on weekends and also some weekdays. Park at the entrance to the Point Folly campground, or at the camp store, both on North Shore Road, to watch the action.
Enjoy/Discover Bantam Cinema & Arts Center
The revived Bantam Cinema is showing first run movies, including “Babylon,” “The Fablemans,” and “A Man Called Otto” in January, as part of a hometown lifestyle experience. In addition to freshly popped popcorn, with or without real butter, moviegoers can enjoy beverages that include Foxon Park sodas, Harney & Sons teas, Krafted Brew Lab coffee, Kent Falls craft beers in 16 oz. cans, Litchfield Distillery ready-to-drink cocktails, and even wines by the glass. See the website for movie times and more information.
Litchfield Hills Farm Fresh Market
The Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market isn’t just a summer affair. After its outdoor run across from Center School from mid-June to mid-October, the market moves indoors at the Litchfield Community Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday from now into June. It’s the place to go for fresh local products and to meet friends and neighbors. This month’s markets are the 7th and 21st. Watch the Facebook page for info and updates.
Knit Nights: Social Knitting Group with Alexandra Herst
There’s a new weekly knitting & crafting social meetup at the Litchfield Historical Society where participants can meet other knitters, get questions answered about tricky patterns, and expand their knowledge. It takes place on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and is hosted by Alexandra Herst, a local knitting & crafting enthusiast. Head online to register, or just stop by.
Exploring the Lake and Butternut Brook Trails
The Jan. 14 guided hike with Gerri Griswold, Director of Administration and Development for White Memorial, will highlight the Lake and Butternut Brook trails adjacent to the conservation center. “Witness a spectacular view of Bantam Lake from atop the Ice House ruins, then continue along the foot print of the old Berkshire Ice House. The Butternut Brook Trail may reveal the handiwork of beavers, one of nature’s most accomplished architects,” the event listing says. The hike is free and runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and guests should meet in front of the A. B. Ceder Room.
Fire & Ice Family Funfest
The popular and free Fire & Ice Family Funfest returns to the Litchfield Community Centre Jan. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m., and features ice sculptor games, winter hay rides, crafts, food, family fun, fireside storytelling, fire pits and much more. Participating organizations include the OWL Library, Litchfield Historical Society, Litchfield Lions Club, Litchfield Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Bunnell Farm and others. Register online.
Hootenanny at Litchfield Community Center
The Hootenanny concert Jan. 28 at Litchfield Community Center features the bands Dim Lights Thick Smoke and Wires & Wood. It’s a BYOB event, which also means bring your own dinner. Doors open 6:30 and the music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Register online.
Go Shopping ‘Underground’
We’re not talking caves or caverns but Litchfield is home to shops and galleries with a subterranean cachet. Primarily we’re talking about the row of resources located underneath At the Corner restaurant on South Street, including Hope & Honey Boutique, Jennifer Terzian Gallery, iChing Antiques, and Braeval clothing. Across the Green in the basement of the First Congregational Church, the FCC Bookstore offers thousands of gently read books in all genres. Visit them as a group for a unique Litchfield experience.
Litchfield County Auctions
Lovers of art, antiques and design should check out the January sales at Litchfield County Auctions, which include The Prindle Collection – Session 5 on Jan. 24, and The Collection of Seymour Stein on Jan. 25. Those are just two of many upcoming auctions that will be full of great finds.
Stone In The Garden With Andrew Pighills
The Oliver Wolcott Librarywelcomes back Andrew Pighills in a live and Zoom evening of garden inspiration Jan. 19. Pighills will inspire creativity as he illustrates where to place stone in the garden and discusses the best materials to use when creating contrast or harmony. He explores the placement of patios, steps and paths, stone mosaics, follies, benches, seats and other whimsies that enhance the garden for the enjoyment of all. Transplanted from Yorkshire, England, Pighills is passionate about his English garden heritage and the art of creating stone structures. The presentation runs from 7 to 8 pm. Those planning to attend live should register here. For a Zoom link, click here at 7 p.m. on Jan. 19.
The Battle Of The Bulge With Oral Historian Aaron Elson
Join Oral Historian Aarom Elson as he shares oral histories from veterans who served in The Battle of the Bulge in an Oliver Wolcott Library live and Zoom event Jan. 25 from 2 to 3 p.m. On Dec. 16, 1944, the German military launched the Battle of the Bulge and by early January 1945, the German military effort had failed. Elson preserves and shares the oral histories of WWII veterans and has recorded more than 700 hours of interviews and conversations with men and women of the Greatest Generation. To attend live, register here. Zoom participants may click here at 2 p.m. on Jan. 25 to join the event.
Shop and Dine in Litchfield Center & Bantam
It may be winter, but the shopping and dining in Litchfield center and Bantam remain vibrant. To connect with shops and restaurants, as well as sales and specials, see the shopping and dining pages on our Visit Litchfield CT website, which provide links to the websites and social media accounts of all your favorite places … and the ones you haven’t discovered yet.
A view along the Bantam River toward Little Pond from the footbridge on the Little Pond Boardwalk trail.
Two outstanding guided hikes are being offered on New Year’s weekend in Litchfield, a ramble around the Little Pond Boardwalk on New Year’s Eve with Gerri Griswold of White Memorial, and a First Day Hike on Sunday at the Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary of the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society.
Gerri Griswold, Director of Administration and Development for White Memorial, is also a beloved ambassador for the 4,000-acre nature preserve whose guided hikes fill up fast. Her version of ringing in 2023 involves an early morning hike on Saturday around the popular Little Pond Boardwalk trail. “Wear your finest party hat! We’ll supply the sparklers and a glass of cheer at the end of our walk,” the event listing says. The group is limited to 20. Participants must pre-register by calling 860-567-0857 or registering online: Register for New Year’s Hike to Little Pond and then meet at 7 a.m. in the A. B. Ceder Room at the White Memorial Conservation Center. The hike is free but donations are accepted to help defray programming expenses.
First Day Hike at Boyd Woods Sanctuary
Celebrate New Year’s Day Sunday with a First Day Hike at Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Children and adults are invited to join leaders Rich and Debbie Martin for a fun, invigorating hike through the woods. The event listing says: They will point out hidden treasures along the way. We never know what awaits us — perhaps a Saw-whet Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, or a Pileated Woodpecker? The hike is about two miles. The terrain is moderate in difficulty. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bring water and a snack, if you like. Meet at the Boyd Woods parking lot off Route 254 in Litchfield. For information or questions, contact Debbie Martin at [email protected].
Panicking about last-minute holiday shopping and waking up in the middle of the night with the fear you won’t be able to find a “worthy” gift?
Relax. Litchfield has you covered with wonderful shops that are stylish and sophisticated but also warm and welcoming. They offer everything from toys to home décor and accessories, kitchen goods, men’s and women’s fashions, gourmet provisions, and much more. (See our Shopping page to connect.)
Within the local shopping universe, there are a few holiday options with “hidden gem” status. Seek them out to solve last-minute gift challenges, especially for families with children.
White Memorial Conservation Center Gift Shop
The White Memorial gift shop greets visitors to the nature museum at the main White Memorial Conservation Center property off Route 202 and Bissell Road. It’s tucked away, so to find the shop you have to be visiting the museum or seeking it out.
Open year-round, the gift shop is most robustly stocked during the holidays with special things to delight nature lovers of all ages. For example, displayed around the small shop this year are lots of handmade wooden bowls and vessels crafted by local master woodturner Richard Heys from the wood of trees that have fallen at White Memorial.
In addition to ornaments, holiday cards, local maple syrup, and White Memorial T-shirts, caps, and sweatshirts, you’ll find stickers, water bottles, miniature watercolor paintings, books for adults and children, toys for children, plush animals, one-of-a-kind artwork, and lots of stocking stuffers.
The shop is today through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve. (General hours are Tues.-Sat., 9-5 and Sun., noon-5) For inquiries, call the shop at 860-567-0857. There’s also a new online store!
The White Memorial gift shop is of several great hometown options for families with children. Here’s the quick scoop on three other local gems where making children happy is the heart of the mission.
The Silly Sprout
Formerly located on West Street in Litchfield center, The Silly Sprout now calls a tiny building across from the entrance to White Memorial home. Here you’ll find a charming old-fashioned toy store. A new batch of Bruder trucks just came in, for example, and there are sleds for toddlers, dolls, dinosaurs, games, books, clothing, and a wide range of other gifts and toys.
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (but call for Christmas Eve hours). 503 Bantam Road | 860-361-9500
Little-ish
The shop Little-ish also has “hidden gem” status, if only for its location tucked away in Cobble Court behind the shops at the top of West Street across from the Green. Another hotspot for families with children, the shop offers everything from ornaments and stocking stuffers to planes, trains & automobiles, books, retro toys, musical instruments, dolls, games and puzzles, clothing and jewelry, and much more.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11-3 on Christmas Eve. 8 Cobble Court | 860-361-6272
Litchfield Candy Company
What other town has two hometown toy/children’s shops AND a hometown candy store?
The Litchfield Candy Company is small but sweet and very well-stocked with holiday goodies like chocolate Santas and Nutcrackers, boxed candy, truffles, fudge, and much more. Even better, the “10 Days of Deals for Christmas” sales continue through Friday. Today (12/21) all boxed candy is 10 percent off, Thursday that discount apples to Hot Cocoa Bombs and Hot Chocolate, and Friday any Santas or snowmen that remain are 10 percent off.
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 7 on Friday. 245 West St. | 860-567-1500
Prime Finds for the Holidays
This one isn’t necessarily for families with children, but Prime Finds Home for the Holidays is a “hidden gem” holiday shop with lots of treasures at great prices, including furniture, china, holiday décor, antiques, artwork, kitchen and glassware, and more. All purchases support the programs at Prime Time House, which supports those in Litchfield County who are on their pathway to mental wellness.
The shop, located at Lourdes of Litchfield, is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Best part: Everything is now 50 percent off.
We were in a mall and brand name big-box stores recently and it was insane. Skip all of that madness and come to Litchfield for wonderful gifts, concierge-style service, and the hometown holidays glow—part of which comes from taking advantage of all the local scratch bakeries and coffee shops, gourmet shops, and top-notch dining options.
Litchfield is getting another art gallery.
Murelli, a member of the Litchfield Economic Development Commission and Litchfield Arts Council, founded Art Tripping in 2018 to create community art experiences, nourish creativity, develop art and educational programs, and be a significant catalyst for community development.
Art Tripping also organizes and sponsors the Litchfield Makers Market on the Green the Saturday of Road Race Weekend, which is always the second weekend in June.
The invite on the website of Connecticut’s oldest farm winery is a Valentine in itself: Visit our bar room for wine and cocktail flights, wine, cocktails and beers by the glass, wines by the bottle. Order crab cakes, short rib sliders or our famous house charcuterie from our 
Litchfield Distillery
Big Sunday breakfasts as public events that buoy community spirit as they aid good causes are a Litchfield tradition.
Litchfield Distillery Tour & Tasting
Connecticut Ice Yacht Club
The 
Celebrate New Year’s Day Sunday with a 
The 
Formerly located on West Street in Litchfield center, 
What other town has two hometown toy/children’s shops AND a hometown candy store?
This one isn’t necessarily for families with children, but