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‘Space Whale’ Now the ‘Face’ of Litchfield Hills Rowing Club
The Litchfield Hills Rowing Club is sporting stylish new branding that ripples with “lake monster” intrigue as it embodies the message that the successful and growing club is still all about community, camaraderie, and having fun.The new face of the club based on Bantam Lake is the “Space Whale,” affectionately named Hilly.If having a whale […]
Memorial Day Weekend in Litchfield: 6 Top Agenda Items
The Bantam Fire Company in the 2022 parade; photo from the company’s Facebook page. Memorial Day Weekend has a split personality. The holiday itself has a somber tone. It’s set aside to remember and honor all those died serving our country. The long weekend that culminates on Memorial Day, meanwhile, marks […]
West Shore Seafood Lobster Roll on Best of New England List
The 12 best lobster rolls in New England, according to chefs, include the delicious one you can find at West Shore Seafood on Route 209 above Bantam Lake in the Bantam section of Litchfield.That’s according to the story published this week on the digital platform Eat This, Not That!Chef Adrienne Lufkin, the founder of Struesli, the […]
White Memorial Guided Hikes So Popular They Get Bespoke Page
Apple Hill viewing platformWalking in the woods on the 40 miles of trails spanning the 4,000 acres of White Memorial preserves in Litchfield and Morris ranks as one of the best outdoor experiences in Connecticut.Know what’s even better?The FREE guided hikes that explore White Memorial’s special trails and places offered on […]
This Weekend in Litchfield (May 5-7) Is Jam-Packed with Fun
Spectacled Eiders at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in a photo by Tim Laman. It’s not just the Laurel Ridge Daffodils, the tulips in Cobble Court, and the flowering trees at Topsmead State Forest that show Spring has really sprung in Litchfield – it’s the calendar of events, too. The Litchfield Historical Society […]
10 Great Things to Do in Litchfield in May
May is one of the nicest months of the year and Litchfield reciprocates with a roster of events to entertain, inform, and delight. Without further ado, here are 10 great things to do in Litchfield in May … with a tasty bonus event. Visit the Laurel Ridge Daffodils Litchfield’s signature Laurel Ridge Daffodils are in […]
Litchfield Historical Society Shines in the Spring Spotlight
Catherine Fields, center, with her award, and State Sen. Karen Reddington-Hughes, right, with the General Assembly proclamation. Photo source: LHS Facebook page. Litchfield Historical Society (LHS) Executive Director Catherine Fields was honored with both a Connecticut General Assembly citation and an Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations […]
April Blooms With Great Activities in Litchfield
Whatever you do this month, stop and see the gorgeous display of tens of thousands of Laurel Ridge Daffodils in the Northfield section of Litchfield … and also connect with these great events and activities that are “blooming” throughout the remainder of April. (See our Visit Litchfield CT calendar for more events.)Bats: Earth’s Allies With […]
Arethusa Farm Is Going to Wamogo, Litchfield Schools
The future of Litchfield’s landmark Arethusa Farm, a source of speculation since the death of co-owner George Malkemus, became clear with the news that a major part of the farm south of Route 63 will be donated to a foundation that will make it permanently available to the Region 6 and Litchfield public schools, which […]
Litchfield’s Laurel Ridge Daffodils May Peak Early This Year
The annual spring display; image from the Laurel Ridge Daffodils Facebook page.The annual spring display of tens of thousands of daffodils and narcissus at Laurel Ridge along Wigwam Road in the Northfield section of Litchfield is expected to peak a bit earlier this year after the mild winter.Last spring, the Laurel […]
Litchfield Restaurant Week Is Here! (March 24-31)
At the Corner oysters. Litchfield Restaurant Week is here! Today (3/24) through March 31 you can enjoy special 3-course menus and promotions at nearly 20 of the town’s award-winning restaurants, bakery-cafes, delis, pizza places, gourmet shops, and even our local Haight-Brown Vineyard. That range creates a lot of delicious options for enjoying the […]
WFSB Films Litchfield Restaurant Week Preview Airing March 24
Melissa Cole, left, with EDC Chairman Will Neary and member Tara-Marie Lynch Bares. Melissa Cole of WFSB – Channel 3 Eyewitness News came to Litchfield Wednesday morning to film a story on Litchfield Restaurant Week. Her story will air March 24 on Great Day Connecticut to launch the town’s first-ever Restaurant Week, running from […]
What’s Happening in March in Litchfield
The old saying about March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb seems on target this year—especially if there’s a lamb dish on one of the menus for the inaugural Litchfield Restaurant Week, taking place March 24 to 31. See our RW page for details and to view the menus as […]
Art Gallery Launching at Market Place Tavern in the Old Jail
Litchfield is getting another art gallery.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 […]
Get Ready for Litchfield Restaurant Week March 24 to 31
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 […]
Valentine’s Day in Litchfield: Take Romance Beyond the Obvious
Milk House Chocolates 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. Litchfield has you covered on all fronts in fine style. See our Visit Litchfield CT Shopping page […]
Locals Scoop Up Litchfield Mag Reader’s Choice Awards
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! First Place Awards At the Corner cocktailsArethusa al tavolo for Fine DiningBantam Bread Company for BakeryAt The Corner […]
Delicious Litchfield: Best Restaurant Awards Roll In
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!The experts gave Overall Excellence awards to Arethusa al tavolo, Materia Ristorante, and Winvian Farm … and that’s just the […]
Will the Ice Yachts Fly Across Bantam Lake This Winter?
Ice yachts on Bantam Lake in January 2022.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 […]
Big Sunday Breakfasts in Litchfield for Good Causes
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 […]
15 Things to Do in Litchfield to ‘Warm Up’ January 2023
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 […]
Little Pond Boardwalk, LHAS New Year’s Weekend Guided Hikes
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 […]
‘Hidden’ Holiday Shops of Litchfield (Great for Kids!)
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 […]
Win a Made in Litchfield Gift Basket
As 2022 comes to a close, we’re excited to present our end-of-year “Made in Litchfield” basket giveaway — featuring one-of-a-kind specialty items from local businesses and makers!Join us as we celebrate another year of living, visiting, and loving Litchfield…and all it has to offer. Thanks for being a part of our vibrant community. Instructions on how […]
Holiday Lantern Tour in Litchfield + Other Weekend Highlights
Looks like the second weekend in December will be sweet and festive in Litchfield, with plenty of food, music, and nature to counterbalance all of the holiday shopping. Here are some highlights, including the Litchfield Historical Society’s special Holiday Lantern Tour of the historic district Sunday, which is sure to fill up fast. Pastry Cook […]
Another Blockbuster Art Weekend in Litchfield, CT
A confluence of openings and events at Litchfield’s art galleries is happening again, with the cultural opportunities extending from Thursday through Saturday.The Oliver Wolcott Library hosts a reception Thursday for its exhibit of Judith Secco’s painterly photographs, and the Alofft Gallery on the Green hosts an exhibit opening reception Friday evening.Saturday features an opening at […]
Shop Small Weekend in Litchfield Is Here!
Welcome to Shop Small® Weekend in Litchfield!When you shop at your favorite participating retail shops from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, you can collect stamps on a special Shop Small® Passport for a chance to win a gift basket full of local goods. Pick up your Passport at any participating retail store (shown below) over the […]
Litchfield Holiday Stroll Details Set (And They’re Great!)
HOLIDAY STROLL UPDATE: The rainy weather Nov. 27 prompted Litchfield officials to postpone the Holiday Stroll, which now takes place Sunday, Dec. 4, beginning at 2:30. The holiday tree was lit on the 27th. Details for Litchfield’s annual Holiday Stroll were announced Nov. 16, making clear that this year’s event promises to be absolutely wonderful. […]
Litchfield Restaurants Up for Lots of ‘Best of’ Awards
𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑅𝑎𝑏𝑏𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠, ‘𝐻𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒’ at Materia Litchfield is one of Connecticut’s top dining destinations, and more than just great food goes into that recipe. The rich history, architecture, scenic beauty, nature preserves, Bantam Lake, and other attributes make the town magnetic; the fact that visitors can enjoy great food […]
Holiday Glow in Litchfield: Big Events Are Coming
With Halloween done and dusted, Litchfield is seamlessly segueing into the holiday season, full of sparkle, promise and joy, as well as festive events that welcome winter, stimulate shoppers, and count down to Christmas. Thanksgiving weekend is prime time and star billing goes to the Oliver Wolcott Library’s Festival of Trees and the town’s Holiday […]
Weekend & Halloween Events + Where to Trick-or-Treat in Litchfield
The last weekend in October brings holidays-level excitement to Litchfield that comes from its bounty of spooky Halloween events, combined with compelling non-Halloween events, and gilded with a great weather forecast that’s an invitation for fall foliage walks and autumn strolls around town.It all tilts toward Halloween on Monday, when the town has outdone itself […]
Three Halloween Costume Parties + Oct. 21-23 Weekend Events
What other town offers three terrific opportunities to delight in celebrating Halloween with old-school costume parties and trick-or-treating? And they’re spread over three days, allowing for spooky-stylish immersion.Marketplace Tavern at The Old Litchfield Jail, decorated in spooky chic style, is throwing a Halloween party Oct. 28, announced like this on its Facebook page:GET YOUR SPOOKY […]
Litchfield Harvest Season: Pumpkins, Apples, Hayrides & More
The fall foliage and autumn harvest season are peaking at the same time in Litchfield, making this the perfect weekend (and beyond) for a colorful walk in the woods and visits to our farms and farm stands for pumpkins, apples, hayrides, a corn maze, and more.Make sure to check out the Farms & Farmers Markets […]
10 Great Fall Foliage Walks in Litchfield, Autumn 2022
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s fall foliage map has Litchfield’s autumn colors reaching their peak starting this weekend, which is a bit early because of the summer drought but also perfectly timed to the long holiday weekend (Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day). Litchfield is even more of a destination than usual in the fall because […]
Spooky Looks Good on Litchfield, a Classic Halloween Town
Ask a Baby Boomer or early Gen X-er about what Halloween used to be like and what made a “real” Halloween town and you’ll hear tales of elaborate lawn displays, serious costume creations, rituals like watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” families and groups of friends tricker-treating together on foot across multiple neighborhoods, tales […]
Family Fun in Litchfield This Weekend Through Halloween
Autumn is a great season for family events and activities in Litchfield, whether you live in town, are a regular visitor, or discovering our scenic, historic, and welcoming town for the first time. The options range from Family Nature Day at White Memorial, Park & Rec’s outdoor movie night, and a family dinner at Litchfield […]
Litchfield Gallery Hopping Wknd: 5 Stops + Auction Preview
I did a series in a very hot August, 2022, Julia RooneyArt lovers have a terrific opportunity this weekend to gallery hop in Litchfield and see exhibits at five venues, catch an artist talk, and attend the preview for the auction of a noted collection of Modern and contemporary art, furniture, […]
The Nields in Bantam, Bethlehem Fair, Historical Society Party …
Bethlehem Fair, Sept. 9, 10, 11If you missed the Goshen Fair last weekend, or went and want more country fair immersion, you’re in luck. The focus turns to just south of Litchfield this weekend at the Bethlehem Fair.There’s a classic car and truck show Friday evening, which is also bracelet night for rides, and all […]
Goshen Fair and More Labor Day Weekend Fun
You can always tell it’s Labor Day Weekend and the Goshen Fair is on from the extra traffic in Litchfield center. The fairgrounds are on Route 63, the pretty state road that’s also historic North and South streets in Litchfield, and it sure seems like a majority of fairgoers come and go via our town. […]
Autumn Arrives Early Via Teasers for Big Litchfield Events
Technically there’s another month of summer before the fall equinox Sept. 22 that formally ushers in autumn, but who’s counting?The season of fall foliage, crisp days and chilly nights, apple picking, brisk walks, scarecrows, Halloween, and Thanksgiving is perhaps the most magical time of year in Litchfield, so it’s understandable to see websites and social […]
Another Big Weekend for Music In & Near Litchfield (Aug. 12-14)
The Litchfield Park & Recreation Summer Concert Series may have wrapped up the 2022 season Wednesday evening, but if anything the rhythm of the beat is getting stronger—at least on the weekend calendar. Alpaca Gnomes at the Litchfield Community Center “You do not want to miss this!” the Litchfield Community Center declares of its Friday, Aug. […]
Bantam Lake Ski Show, 4-H Fair, White Memorial Paddle …
Big things are happening the first weekend of August that celebrate the water and the land!The Bantam Lake Ski Club’s annual waterskiing show is Saturday and Sunday, the Litchfield County 4-H Fair is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Goshen, and White Memorial celebrates the Bantam River with an early morning paddling event Saturday.Bantam Lake Ski […]
The Dog Days of Summer, They’re Actually Purebreds
Congratulations to Jackie’s Restaurant for being voted “Top Dog” in the Economic Development Commission’s second “Dog Days of Summer” best hotdog contest. The announcement was made by EDC Chairman Will Neary at the Park & Rec free concert on the Green Wednesday evening. (The concert series continues July 27 with the Steve Dunn Band.) Jackie’s […]
We Let the Dogs Out! Litchfield’s Best Hot Dog Contest Is On
We let the dogs out! (with the help of 13 popular local restaurants)The Litchfield Economic Development Commission’s second annual “Dog Days of Summer” best hot dog contest begins today (July 14) and continues through July 18.Here’s how it works: You head to any/all of the “breeders” listed below, dig into their traditional or creative dogs, […]
Hot Dog Contest, More Free Concerts … on the Horizon
Before we get to some fun and informative things happening this weekend, we need to alert you to some wonderful opportunities on the near horizon. Best Hot Dog Contest The second “Dog Days of Summer” Top Dog best hot dog contest, sponsored by the Town of Litchfield’s Economic Development Commission, begins next week, July 14, […]
Litchfield 4th of July: Fireworks, Pet Parade, Revolutionary Heroes
Litchfield Fireworks, Friday evening (July 1) If you saw Litchfield’s fireworks last year, you know. If you didn’t, you probably heard—the display was fantastic! Fireworks return this Friday at Litchfield High School and there are still spots available. The cost is $20 per vehicle. You register online and have to pay ahead of time. […]
Six ‘Hidden Gems’ to Discover This Weekend in Litchfield
We’re taking a different approach with this week’s roundup of great weekend activities. Things we would naturally highlight are still here as a list at the end, but we’re leading off with six discoveries Litchfield visitors and residents might not make as they trace the same routes around town and stick to familiar itineraries. Call […]
New Gallery, Dodgeball, Swing Music: Litchfield Weekend Plans
Fine art is on the agenda this weekend in Litchfield, which features the debut of a new gallery on West Street across from the Green and a reception with the artist showing works in the current exhibit at the Jennifer Terzian Gallery around the corner on South Street.If art’s not your thing, you can check […]
Litchfield Hills Road Race Weekend Is Jam-Packed With Fun
This weekend is Road Race Weekend, one of the most fun, festive, and important weekends on the Litchfield calendar.The Litchfield Hills Road Race marks its 45th running with the main event beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, and the race is embellished by other terrific activities, including the “post-pandemic” return of fun children’s races and the […]
Litchfield Weekend Agenda: Trails Day, Rowing, History Walk, Antiques Appraisals …
Several of Litchfield’s premier outdoor attractions are in the spotlight this weekend and Saturday is the big day with hiking, nature, and learning to row on the agenda.A crown jewel of the great outdoors, Topsmead State Forest, is celebrated on Sunday, and for those who don’t prefer a back-to-nature agenda, there’s also a focus on […]
Memorial Day Weekend in Litchfield: Parades, the Lake, Dining …
There’s no better place than Litchfield to enjoy Memorial Day weekend. That may seem like a bold declaration, but the town has all the elements that bring richness to the unofficial start of summer.With a history that dates back to the Revolutionary War, Litchfield always remembers those who died in service to the country. American […]
Five Great Things to Do in Litchfield This Weekend (5/20-22)
It’s not quite Memorial Day weekend but with temperatures in the 90s it will feel like summer Saturday and Sunday. Sun lovers will revel in outdoor activities, while others might prefer indoor adventures. Whatever your preference, there are always great things happening in Litchfield. Here’s a sampling for this weekend. Friday, May 20 The Hootenanny […]
White Memorial, Litchfield Land Trust Next on Instagram Live
If you love our new Visit Litchfield CT Instagram Live series or haven’t discovered it yet, there are lots of great conversations coming up hosted by Lindsey Turner, Vice Chair of the town’s Economic Development Commission. Each session begins at 10 a.m. To watch, simply follow @VisitLitchfieldCT on Instagram. When a conversation is starting, our […]
The Men in Red Heels Are Coming to Litchfield Center
On the morning of May 22, Litchfield center and the Green will be bustling with more than 200 visitors—and approximately 100 of them will be men and boys walking a mile in red women’s shoes. The festivities are part of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, an international initiative in which men and boys walk […]
Mother’s Day in Litchfield: Pampering for Every Type of Mom
Moms deserve the best on Mother’s Day (and every day), but making the day special can prove challenging. If you scan the mainstream media on the subject, you’ll get a lot of standard-issue advice: flowers, chocolates, expressions of love and appreciation and a nice meal out; no cooking, no dishes is pretty much a Mother’s […]
Watch Our Litchfield Historical Society Instagram Live Series
EDC Vice Chair Lindsey Turner, top, and Litchfield Historical Society Head of Education Kate ZulloVisit Litchfield CT launched an Instagram Live series April 27 featuring conversations between Lindsey Turner, Vice Chair of the Economic Development Commission, and Kate Zullo, Head of Education at the Litchfield Historical Society.The first episode focused on […]
Litchfield, CT, an Antiques Haven With ‘Hidden Treasures’
Litchfield may not be the Antiques Capital of Connecticut—that designation goes to neighboring Woodbury—but it is home to sophisticated and varied destinations for those who appreciate fine things from the past.And like the Laurel Ridge Daffodils, the antiques scene is blossoming with new activity this Spring.Litchfield County Auctions A Burmese Mandalay seated […]
Gooseboro, West Shore Seafood, Open for Season in Litchfield
Gooseboro Drive-In, or “The Goose” as longtime fans call it, opened for the season April 12, continuing a tradition of great roadside burgers, hot dogs, shakes, and banana splits that families have enjoyed for six decades.The Goose, located along Route 202 on the western side of Bantam near Mt. Tom State Park, added to the […]
Laurel Ridge Daffodils Ready to Put on a Show in Litchfield
Early spring snow and cold slowed the explosion of color provided by Litchfield’s famous Laurel Ridge daffodils off Route 254 in the Northfield section of town—but it’s coming soon.On April 8, a few daffodils had opened and others were ready to pop, indicating the tens of thousands of spring blooms may begin to reach their […]
Hike at Topsmead State Forest and Possibly Win a Prize
Hike at Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield this year (and lots of other Connecticut parks and forests) and you might win a hand-carved hiking staff from the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP recently announced the Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge 2022, and Topsmead is one of the 20 parks and forests […]
New Deli Opening in Prime West St. Spot in Litchfield Center
Frankie Jennett, whose parents and brother-in-law Jay Tranberg own Milestone Wood Fired Pizza in Thomaston, is opening Petraroia Deli in the former location of Superior Foods (and R. Derwin men’s shop) across from the Green on West Street. The target opening date for Jennett’s “dream spot” is May 1. Jennett plans to offer Italian-American inspired […]
Irish Soda Bread: Lots of Great Loaves in Litchfield
Irish soda bread is said to have originated with Native Americans and it became a staple in Ireland during the famine because it was easy to make with common, inexpensive ingredients. While the Irish don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by drinking green beer, they do treasure soda bread as a staple. Unlike most breads […]
White Memorial Wants Your Photos (Pizza Party Reward)
Nature lovers who enjoy the trails, fields, forests, streams, ponds, and wildlife of the 4,000-acre White Memorial Foundation have at least one thing in common: they take lots of great photos.In March 2020 as the White Memorial Conservation Center closed in response to the pandemic, the trails swelled visitors seeking the sanctuary nature provided, and […]
The Discerning Palate Gourmet Shop Opens in Old Litchfield Jail
The Discerning Palate, a new gourmet provisions shop, has opened next to The Bakehouse on the lower level of Old Litchfield Jail across from the Green. Owner Susan Guletsky describes the small shop as one-third cheese shop, one-third deli, and one-third European grocery. Featured fare includes fresh (and locally famous) La Molisana sausage made in […]
Valentine’s Weekend Romance in Litchfield
Where else in Connecticut do options for Valentine’s Day romance extend from traditional (a romantic dinner) to magical (a lantern light tour with love stories), to connoisseur-worthy (our hometown winery and distillery), and even include a sweetheart themed run/walk?First, Litchfield has you covered in terms of gifts with hometown appeal, including classics like jewelry (Ideal […]
Get Ready for Fall Foliage in Litchfield
The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) just released its Connecticut fall foliage map predicting peak autumn colors will begin sweeping across Litchfield Oct. 3 and remain vibrant through around Oct. 23. Click here to view foliage mapLitchfield is an autumn haven—partly because there’s so much more to enhance the experience, like coffee, tea […]
Our favorite cups of coffee…and more!
Gourmet coffee, espresso drinks, teas, homemade baked goods, sweeter treats, and desserts are what we crave (right?) during pit stops when enjoying all Litchfield has to offer over the long Labor Day weekend (or anytime). Fortunately, the town is blessed many great choices, each with a distinct personality and all worth discovery and return visits.