Spring Getaway to Litchfield County: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary
- Birch & Bambi
- Mar 27
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 27
There’s just something about Litchfield County in the spring. The air smells different. Fresh, earthy, like everything’s waking up after a long winter nap. The hills roll on, dotted with little towns that feel like they are straight from a New England postcard. If you’re looking for a getaway that hits all the spring vibes, Litchfield County is the place. Good hikes, waterfalls flowing, small-town eats, and views that make you want to stare forever, this corner of Connecticut delivers.
One of my favorite places to visit in the Spring is Laurel Ridge Farm in Litchfield. It’s private property but open to respectful visitors in the spring, and honestly, it’s worth rearranging your schedule in April just to catch the daffodils in bloom. Thousands of bright yellow, white, and peach flowers spread across the rolling hills, it feels like you're in a fairytale. Save time in your adventure for a drive over to Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall. You can actually drive right up to the summit, and the views stretch out for miles — perfect for catching sunset, sunrise, or just taking in the quiet. If waterfalls are your thing (let’s be honest, spring is the best time for them), Campbell Falls in Norfolk is tucked away and beautiful this time of year. It’s one of those spots that feels like a secret — shaded, mossy, and flowing hard after all that snowmelt. For something a little more dramatic, Great Falls in Canaan and Kent Falls in Kent are two must-sees in spring when the water’s really moving!
The best way to shake off winter is to get outside, and Litchfield County is full of hikes to help. Pine Knob Loop in Sharon is a short but steep trail with multiple views that make the climb worth it. Macedonia Brook State Park in Kent is full of moderate to difficult trails to rocky ridges and past little streams with plenty of spots to stop and breathe it all in. Another option, down the road, is Pond Mountain Trust which takes you around a pond and then up to the view of the valley below. People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted is great if you want to mix and match trails, and Sharon Land Trust’s preserves are perfect for something quieter — rolling hills, meadows, and beautiful farm views you probably weren’t expecting. If you’re in the mood for something quick, Lovers Leap State Park in New Milford has a short trail that leads to an old iron bridge, then follow the short trail for great views over the Housatonic River. Lion’s Head and Bear Mountain in Salisbury are both solid options if you’re chasing bigger views, and if you’re up for a longer hike, the Round Mountain to Brace Mountain Loop crosses into Massachusetts and New York. This hike has some of the best ridge views around!
After a busy day, I'm sure you’re going to want to eat — and luckily, Litchfield County has a ton of delicious options. Start your day at Blue Gate Farm Bakery in Sharon, a tiny little spot with amazing pastries, fresh bread, and the best hot chocolate. Cornwall General Store recently got a complete upgrade, it's a perfect stop before a hike for a breakfast sandwich or after a hike for a quick lunch. In the same area you will find 45 On Main in Kent. This quirky stop is perfect for coffee, chocolate, and treats before or after your trail adventures. If you’re packing a picnic, Petraroia Deli in Litchfield is great for grabbing sandwiches and snacks, then head to Topsmead State Forest. Here is the perfect place to take a walk, lay out a blanket and just hang while you devour your sandwich. For dinner, Da Capo in Litchfield is a well-known Italian spot, or @ The Corner has great drinks and seasonal dishes. If you’re wandering through Norfolk, you NEED to stop at Berkshire Country Store. I am obsessed with the spicy buffalo veggie wrap. From the parking lot you can even access a short little boardwalk, or view the Haystack Mountain tower.
Espresso 59 in Litchfield is the place to go when your sweet tooth kicks in, the pastries are next level. I also need to note that they make amazing grilled cheese. Hungry for some Barstool approved pizza? Sasso’s in Torrington is a local favorite with great drinks. Try the Panzanella Salad and a Garden Sour, my personal favorites! A newer restaurant in Torrington is Geppetto’s, another good Italian. Marketplace, in the old Litchfield jail, is perfect if you want something a little more elevated without feeling too fancy. If the weather’s nice, I highly recommend a visit to West Shore Seafood in Bantam. It's very casual with outdoor seating and great seafood, but options for vegetarians as well. Of course, no trip is complete without a stop at Arethusa Farm Dairy for ice cream — it’s famous for a reason. Looking for more of a mom and pop style ice cream shop? Peaches and Cream in Litchfield is the place to head. They are open year round and offer a wide variety of flavors, from Apple Cinnamon to Peanut Butter Caramel Fudge. Some other great spots to mention are Nodine’s Smokehouse in Goshen for gourmet meats and snacks, Love Heart’s Bakery in Bantam for homemade sandwiches and soups, or Mountainside Café in Falls Village for a delicious post hike meal. Another great spot for sandwiches is Germain's on Main in New Hartford, nearby Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks/SUP where you can rental kayaks and paddleboards. If you are looking for vegan options, Love it Vegan, in Torrington is your spot. Their menu is entirely vegan from the soups to the sandwiches to the ever-changing desserts.
If you’re the type who plans your vacations around good drinks and pretty views, Litchfield County has plenty of both. Sunset Meadows Vineyard and Hopkins Vineyard both deliver on scenery and wine, especially if the weather’s warm enough to sit outside! Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates in Goshen is also worth a stop, you can meet the cows and leave with some of the best chocolate you’ve had in a long time. Clocktown Brewing in Thomaston, Bad Dog Brewery in Torrington, Norbrook Farm Brewery in Colebrook (with farm animals and hiking trails), Little Red Barn Brewers in Winsted, and Brewery Legitimus in New Hartford are some of the well known local breweries. If you’re more of a wine person, Land of Nod Winery in East Canaan is super laid-back with a rooster running around. For a night like the locals, end at Bohemian Pizza in Litchfield. Here is a funky spot for drinks tacos, and pizza. Sometimes, they even have a fire going in the sand pit out back.
There’s no shortage of little things to do in between all these other stops. Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy is a fun stop if you’re into birds (tell me I'm not alone) and Lee’s Riding Stable offers trail rides if you want to swap your hiking boots for horseback. Bantam Lake and West Hill Pond are both beautiful if the weather’s warm enough to get out on the water. The Litchfield Candy Company in Litchfield is great for those with a sweet tooth. If you’re a sucker for local shops, West Main Street in Litchfield has a bunch of cute spots, Woodbury is full of antque shops, White Flower Farm is peak spring energy, and Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford is the move if you’re there on a Sunday. You can even catch a show at the Warner Theater in Torrington or browse crystals at Kelly’s if that’s your vibe. One of my absolute favorite Litchfield County shops is Soulbury in Woodbury. This store is perfect for crystals, candles, plants, jewelry and a variety of other gifts. If you pass through Canaan make sure to stop by at Freund's Farm Market & Bakery. They have fresh local produce and products. I love shopping in little farm markets like this. They also have a mini greenhouse with a variety of plants. Speaking of plants, Litchfield Hills Nursery in Litchfield is the go to nursery for trees flowers shrubs and more. This place is huge!
When it comes to spending the night, Litchfield County has no shortage of charming spots. If you’re in the mood to splurge, Winvian Farm or Mayflower Inn & Spa are both dreamy and epic. If you’d rather sleep under the stars, Lake Waramaug State Park and Black Rock State Park both have great family-friendly campgrounds.
Exploring Litchfield County can make you forget what day it is. The fresh air, small-town charm, and just enough to do without ever feeling rushed. Litchfield County is a perfect place to visit in the spring, and once you’re here, you'll have this giant to-do list full of all your next spots to explore.
Scenic Spots & Outdoor Adventures
Laurel Ridge Daffodils – Wigwam Rd, Litchfield, CT Website
Mohawk Mountain State Forest – 20 Mohawk Mountain Rd, Cornwall, CTMore Info
Campbell Falls State Park – Campbell Falls Rd, Norfolk, CTCampbell Falls Info
Great Falls (Niagara of CT) – 9A Water St, Canaan, CT
White Memorial Conservation Center – 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT Website
Topsmead State Forest – 46 Chase Rd, Litchfield, CTTopsmead Info
Apple Hill Observation Deck – East Morris, CT(Note: No exact address; located near 1243 Bantam Lake Rd, Morris, CT)
Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy – 55 Duck Pond Rd, Litchfield, CT Website
Lee's Riding Stable – 101 Prospect Mountain Rd, Litchfield, CT Website
Bantam Lake (Kayaking Launch at Point Folly) – 50 Palmer Rd, Morris, CT
West Hill Pond (Kayaking) – New Hartford, CT
Hiking Trails
Pine Knob Loop Trail – Rt 4, Sharon, CTMacedonia Brook State Park – 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CTMacedonia Info
People's State Forest – 106 East River Rd, Barkhamsted, CTMore Info
Sharon Land Trust Preserves – Sharon, CT Website
Lover’s Leap State Park – 178 Shortwoods Rd, New Milford, CT
Lion’s Head Trailhead – Bunker Hill Rd, Salisbury, CT
Bear Mountain (Appalachian Trail Access) – Salisbury, CT
Round Mountain/Brace Mountain Loop – Access from Riga Junction, Salisbury, CT
Food & Drinks
Blue Farm Bakery – 20 Low Rd, Sharon, CT Website
Cornwall General Store – 413 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, Cornwall, CT
Petraroia Deli – 16 South St, Litchfield, CT
@ The Corner – 3 West St, Litchfield, CT Website
Da Capo Ristorante – 625 Torrington Rd, Litchfield, CT Website
Berkshire Country Store – 6 Station Place, Norfolk, CT
Espresso 59 – 59 West St, Litchfield, CT
Sasso’s Coal Fired Pizza – 52 East Main St, Torrington, CT
Geppetto’s Pizza & Ristorante – 378 South Main St, Torrington, CT
Marketplace Tavern (Old Jail) – 7 North St, Litchfield, CT Website
West Shore Seafood – 449 Bantam Lake Rd, Bantam, CT Website
Arethusa Farm Dairy – 822 Bantam Rd, Bantam, CT Website
Nodine’s Smokehouse Retail Store – 192 Torrington Rd, Goshen, CT Website
Love Heart’s Bakery – 896 Bantam Rd, Bantam, CT
Mountainside Café – 251 Route 7 South, Falls Village, CT
Germain’s on Main – 159 Main St, New Hartford, CT
Breweries, Wineries & More
Sunset Meadow Vineyards – 599 Old Middle St, Goshen, CT Website
Hopkins Vineyard – 25 Hopkins Rd, Warren, CT Website
Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates – 280 Town Hill Rd, Goshen, CT Website
Clocktown Brewing Co. – 135 South Main St, Thomaston, CT Website
Bad Dog Brewing Company – 117 Water St, Torrington, CT
Norbrook Farm Brewery – 204 Stillman Hill Rd, Colebrook, CT Website
Little Red Barn Brewers – 32 Lake St, Winsted, CT Website
Brewery Legitimus – 283 Main St, New Hartford, CT Website
Land of Nod Winery – 99 Lower Rd, East Canaan, CT Website
Bohemian Pizza and Tacos – 342 Bantam Rd, Litchfield, CT
White Flower Farm (Garden Store & Nursery) – 167 Litchfield Rd, Morris, CT Website
Litchfield Hills Nursery – 1233 Bantam Rd, Litchfield, CT
Freund’s Farm Market & Bakery – 324 Norfolk Rd, Canaan, CT Website
Shopping & Activities
Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market (Seasonal Sundays) – 490 Danbury Rd, New Milford, CT Website
Warner Theatre – 68 Main St, Torrington, CT Website
Kelly’s Crystals & Jewelry – 1447 E Main St, Torrington, CT
Peaches ‘n Cream (Ice Cream) – 632 Torrington Rd, Litchfield, CT
Soulbury – 813 Main St, Woodbury, CT
Lodging & Camping
Winvian Farm – 155 Alain White Rd, Morris, CT Website
Mayflower Inn & Spa – 118 Woodbury Rd, Washington, CT
Lake Waramaug State Park Campground – 30 Lake Waramaug Rd, New Preston, CT
The Litchfield Inn – 432 Bantam Rd, Litchfield, CT Website
Black Rock State Park (Camping) – 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT
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