Signs Summer Coming to Litchfield: Gooseboro Opens, Concerts
The Litchfield landscape has reached its full Spring splendor, the tens of thousands of narcissus at the Laurel Ridge Daffodils are just reaching their peak – and with the warmer weather come sure signs that summer is on the way.
Here are 5 pieces of “breaking news” that signal the joys of summer are on the near horizon.
☀️ Gooseboro Drive-In is opening for the season this Friday, April 25, bringing the return of burgers, hot dogs, fried seafood, shakes, banana splits and more at the roadside spot near Mt. Tom Pond that’s been around for six decades.
Gooseboro is open seven days a week until it closes for the season, typically in mid-October. Check the Facebook page and Instagram feed for specials and any updates on hours. The address is 1293 Bantam Rd.
☀️Litchfield Park & Recreation just announced the lineup for the series of Wednesday evening summer concerts (6-8 p.m.) on the Green in Litchfield center. Bring lawn chairs, a blanket, and a picnic. The concerts are well-attended and fun.
☀️The Bantam Community Farmers Market returns for another season May 16 and continues every Friday through Oct. 31 at the community field on Route 209 (273 Bantam Lake Rd.) This year’s vendors include great local and organic farms, a “cheese shop,” the coffees of Krafted Brew Lab – and Eagle Eye with its artisan sourdough pizzas.
The Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market, meanwhile, remains indoors at the Litchfield Community Center on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until moving outdoors to the Litchfield Center School parking lot starting June 7 and continuing through Oct. 25.
☀️The White Memorial Conservation Center just announced a whole series of summer events, including the 15th Annual Celebration for the Bats on July 15. Festivities will begin with bat-themed cupcakes and lemonade in the Activity Shed and a bat chat with White Memorial’s Gerri Griswold in the A. B. Ceder Room. Guests will learn about the BAT’S COUNT! Bat Cam project in partnership with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and then, as darkness sets in, help count the bat colony as it emerges from the Green Barn. There will be music, too. The event begins at 7 p.m. and is free, but guests must pre-register online here. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person to help defray Conservation Center programming expenses
☀️The Litchfield Historical Society has scheduled its popular summer walking tours, including an Artists of Litchfield tour on Saturday, May 31, at 1 p.m. The cost is $10 for non-members and guests will meet at the Litchfield History Museum (7 South Street) before exploring Litchfield’s town center through the words, sketches, paintings, and photographs of artists. Registration is requested. See the historical society’s calendar page for other walking tours and events.
These are just a few of the great events and traditions that define summer in Litchfield, including the famous Litchfield Hills Road Race on June 8, and the weekend of festivities surrounding it. See the Visit Litchfield CT featured events page and events calendar for more.