Autumn is in full swing in the Northeast, but winter is following closely behind. There’s something magical about wintertime in Litchfield County—snowcapped hills and mountains, charming towns decorated for the holidays, lovely winter hikes, skiing, and so much more. Following is a guide to some of our favorite winter activities in Litchfield.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Established in 1947, family run Mohawk Mountain is located in the Mohawk Mountains State Park. The ski area was created by Skiing Hall of Fame member, Walt Schoenknecht. Walt collaborated with local engineers to create the first, state-of-the art snow making system in the area. Here, avid skiers can take advantage of 26 trails—16 of which can be accessed at night—as well as 8 lifts on 112 skiable acres, all of which are situated on 350 pristine acres of state forest.
If a bit of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is what you crave, Mohawk State Forest has several cross-country trails. Please be advised that the trails are not maintained by the ski area.
White Memorial Conservation Center
The natural beauty of Litchfield County draws hiking enthusiasts to the area all-year-round—even in the winter. White Memorial Conservation Center is an expansive park that features 40 miles of trails that can accommodate hikers of every skill level. Snowshoers and cross-county skiers are also welcome. The trails are easy to access from one of the over 50 entrances to the park. Even better—the park is open to the public and is free-of-charge. Be aware that wet weather and ice can make trails slippery, so proceed with caution during winter weather hikes.
Wood Acres Farm: Horse Drawn Carriage and Sleigh Rides
Family owned and operated; Wood Acres Farm has been around since the mid 1800’s. When Ken Wood inherited the farm in 1970, he established a successful horse and carriage service. In 1986, the Wood family transformed the farm into a wedding/event venue. Today, Wood Acres Farm is known for their private horse drawn carriage, wagon and sleigh rides, which are sure to delight adults and children alike!
SHOPPING
The holiday season is upon us, and this festive time of year is synonymous with shopping. While you may be tempted to shop for holiday gifts at a “big box store“, we suggest you support local businesses. Here are some of our favorite locally owned shops in the town of Litchfield.
In its 50th year in business, Workshop is owned and operated by Janus Nelson. Here you’ll find carefully curated clothing and jewelry by various designers including Ecru, Issey Miyake and Planet.
Known for their high-quality Amish-made furniture, CP Farmhouse also has a lovely selection of country and farmhouse décor. If custom made furniture is what you’re looking for, they take orders for various types of furniture—bedrooms, dining rooms and more!
This independent toy store sells unique toys, games, puzzles, crafts, educational games, and clothing that you won’t find in most mass merchant stores.
DINNING
A day well spent in the great outdoors—or shopping—can certainly stir up an appetite. Litchfield has several dining options that cater to all types of palates. Here are just a few.
West Street Grill has been in business for 30 years and offers several types of cuisine for all types of palates, including French and Italian inspired bistro and trattoria food. They also have vegetarian and vegan options.
Seafood aficionados will love Lichfield Saltwater Grille. Enjoy entrees like Spinach and Artichoke Crusted Salmon, Fish and Chips, and more. There are also options for those who crave a steak or pasta. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are available.
THE LITCHFIELD INN
Ideally situated among the undulating hills of Northwestern Connecticut, The Litchfield Inn is a luxurious boutique hotel replete with a library, fitness center, and banquet space that is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. With twenty very well-appointed guest rooms—as well as twelve impeccably designed themed rooms—guests will certainly enjoy a good night’s sleep.