The Litchfield Hills of Northwestern Connecticut has an enduring allure. Where country inns, back roads, and scenery abound, surprisingly, this region has stayed free from the tourist rush that bombards the nearby Berkshires of Massachusetts or Vermont and New Hampshire. A weekend in the Litchfield Hills is always a true getaway, with wineries to visit, trails to hike, and fantastic meals to eat.
Mine Hill
Starting out in Roxbury, Connecticut, the first stop on the weekend itinerary is Mine Hill. Mine Hill was once a profitable mining site of iron in the mid-1800s with the village of Chalybes rising alongside it. It included a railway, blast furnaces, and other town buildings. What remains is a series of furnaces, which are well preserved and immense. Typically a furnace can be seen on its own such as Beckley Furnace in nearby Canaan or the iron furnace in Franconia, New Hampshire, but the remains of a whole complex are rare.
The parking area is located off the aptly named Mine Hill Road. Mine Hill is one of many protected parcels of land under the tutelage of the Roxbury Land Trust. Footing can be tricky in parts so the ability to get up close to the furnaces may be difficult for those visitors with stability issues. Notice the Shepaug River as it winds its way near the former village of Chalybes.
Kent Falls Brewing Company
As the state’s first farm brewery, Kent Falls Brewing Company set the trend for others that have come after, including Fox Farm. Arriving on the very rural Camps Road, the brewery is actually closer to Washington, Warren, and New Preston than to the falls it’s named for. Located in Kent, the aforementioned falls is the town’s most well-known natural attraction.
Arriving at the brewery, I was surprised to see how embedded in the countryside it is. The picturesque spot overlooks a pond. There are a few brewery buildings on site, with the first where the brewing actually takes place. The second is the taproom, and the third is a small farm store selling beer, merch, and farm goods.
The taproom is spacious with seating inside and out, overlooking fields. Jackie chose a sour which she thoroughly enjoyed. I went with an IPA and the Field Beer, their version of a Saison. Prior to the brewery, we grabbed lunch to go at J.P. Gifford Market in the center of Kent, a quinoa bowl for me and a sandwich for Jackie. We enjoyed the food while sipping our beers at the brewery.
Hopkins Inn
The accommodations were at Hopkins Inn in nearby Warren. Although born and raised in Connecticut, and a bit of an expert on the state, Warren was new to me. It’s a tiny rural town, quaint, with part of it bordering the serene Lake Waramaug.
The Hopkins Inn is circa the mid-19th century. A large white inn overlooking Lake Waramaug creates the perfect backdrop for the lodging. The room itself was small with minimal amenities (including no tv or refrigerator) but is perfect for getting away from it all.
Hopkins Vineyard
Across the side street from the inn is Hopkins Vineyard, one of the first Connecticut wineries, as it was founded in 1979. This vineyard has expansive grape-laden vines. Inside there is a pouring bar and tables to sip at. Outside is a large backyard with a sculpture garden, live music (during my visit), and an outdoor bar. Saddling up inside with glasses of the semi-sweet Westwind and a Chardonnay, we enjoyed the atmosphere while sipping our wine.
Averill Farm
With a late-night dinner reservation, we decided to hop on over to Averill Farm in Washington. We had been there before, so we knew what to expect. At the farm store, passing by the giant pumpkin, we purchased cider donuts, jam, and a Tractor Mac book for the kids. Visiting this picturesque farm nestled in the Litchfield Hills and enjoying the ride along the country roads of Washington makes for a perfect fall-time experience.
Community Table
With a late dinner reservation and arriving very hungry, we were hoping for a great meal. Community Table did not disappoint! The dimly lit restaurant was promising on arrival.
The menu consists of ever-changing farm-to-table dishes made with mostly local ingredients. The drinks, including the Autumn Bourbon Crisp and Gin Blossom, are simply divine. For an appetizer, the brioche is a stand-out. The plump bread stands upright and is drizzled with honey. We tore into it, slathering brioche with the sweet butter that is served with it.
The black bean soup is hearty and full of flavor. For the entree, I chose the scallops and clams with a lobster sauce over risotto. What a meal! It was incredible. Each part of the meal was truly exquisite with no room left over for dessert.
The Smithy Market
The next morning we ducked in and out of the Smithy Market and Cafe at 9 Market. This center of New Preston’s quaint but hip vibe is unparalleled. The cafe serves coffees and breakfast items in the morning while the market sells artisanal food items and local goods.
Washington Depot
In Washington, an inspiration for the Connecticut-based Gilmore Girls, we ventured into the well-known Hickory Stick book store, leaving with purchases for the kids. At Marty’s Cafe, next door to the bookstore, it was pastry, avocado toast, and lattes while sitting outside on this perfect autumn day.
Litchfield Distillery
On the way back home, we passed through the town of Litchfield. Litchfield’s oft-photographed town green and church is New England at its most scenic. After walking around downtown, in and out of boutiques, we headed to the Litchfield Distillery.
A few years back, I visited the Litchfield Distillery and took an extensive tour. Sampling their product, it is truly delicious. I took home a bottle of their vanilla bourbon. On this visit, we tried a few samples including the agave spirit, which was really easy to drink. (Think tequila but it can’t be called tequila.) I took home a sampler pack of spirits and four cans of a bourbon cocktail.
The End of a Weekend in the Litchfield Hills
A weekend in the Litchfield Hills was coming to an end, as we drove back home through the towns of Burlington, Harwinton, and Farmington before heading to the highway. Every time I visit this region I enjoy my time thoroughly. It has the same mystique to me as heading north to Vermont or New Hampshire. Life is a bit slower, with limited cell phone reception. Even the room at the inn has no wifi or television. It’s a beautiful way to unwind and get out of the busyness of everyday life.
Big thumbs up to the Litchfield Distillery. For me, there’s almost nothing else to see. Book a tour and tasting! Thank Z.
Definitely, thanks Rich!