Looking for a quiet corner of Connecticut with natural beauty and small-town charm? Try New Hartford! Nestled in the Litchfield Hills, New Hartford is perfect for outdoor lovers—offering hiking, river sports, and scenic drives—plus cozy cafés and local shops in a relaxed New England setting.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit New Hartford is from late spring through fall (May to October). Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and fall foliage, or visit in winter for skiing and snow tubing nearby.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Located off Route 44 and Route 202, New Hartford is about 45 minutes from Hartford and 2 hours from New York City.
  • By Train: The nearest Metro-North station is in Waterbury; from there, take a short drive or rideshare to town.
  • By Plane: Bradley International Airport (BDL) is about 45 minutes away by car.

Where to Stay

  • Chapman House Bed & Breakfast – Historic inn with antique charm and hearty breakfasts, right in the heart of town.
  • Local Vacation Rentals – Cabins, cottages, and farmhouse stays available throughout the scenic countryside.
  • Nearby Farmington Valley Hotels – More lodging options can be found in Canton, Avon, and Torrington just minutes away.

Top Attractions

Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area

Go tubing or kayaking down the Farmington River during the warmer months.

Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area

© Rachanon/stock.adobe.com

The name of this state recreation area may have a knack at scaring people off, but don’t let it do the same to you. You won’t find any fallen angels or demon’s at Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area, but you will find some beautiful lush greenery and a popular river for tubing within it.

On warm days, locals love heading down to the area, which is home to the Farmington River, and enjoy an afternoon of tubing and cooling off in the water. What’s great is that access to the recreational area is free, though you will have to pay a small fee to rent a tube if you don’t have your own. Make sure to bring a picnic lunch with you to make it a whole-day occasion.

92 Main Street, New Hartford, Connecticut

Connecticut Valley Winery

Connecticut Valley Winery

© haveseen/stock.adobe.com

Boasting a record-breaking 25 medals at the Big E Northeast Gold Wine Competition, the Connecticut Valley Winery is a great place to visit for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts. The winery is also open to people who are just starting to learn about wines, as visitors are welcome to take tours of the vineyard to learn about how wine is made.

Sample some of their award winning vintages, some of their newer bottles, and get to know some great people all at the same time! We recommend tasting some of their red and estate bottled wines like the Black Tie Cabernet Franc, the Chianti the Olè Sangria or the Deep Purple.

1480 Litchfield Turnpike, New Hartford, Connecticut 06057, Phone: 860-489-9463

Farmington River Tubing

Farmington River Tubing

© Farmington River Tubing

Experience incredible thrills as you splash your way down a river on top of a tube with Farmington River Tubing. You’ll take a 2.5 mile trip down a set of rapids, which you can do linked with your companions or, if you’re brave enough, alone.

Not quite sure if you’re ready for the rapids? Don’ worry about it! You can take a milder route down that’s just as fun. Just make sure to call on the day that you plan to come by. Farmington River Tubing operations vary daily depending on the river’s conditions to make sure that you and your buddies have a ride that is as safe as it is enjoyable.

92 Main Street, New Hartford, Connecticut 06057, Phone: 860-693-6465

Ski Sundown

Family-friendly ski area offering slopes for all skill levels and night skiing in winter.

Ski Sundown

© Ski Sundown

With awesome conditions, trails that groomed twice daily, amazing views and even more spectacular sunsets, winter is made even better at Ski Sundown. Whether you’re an avid skier, in love with snowboarding, or just starting out with winter sports, you’re welcome at the beautiful powder white courses of Ski Sundown.

Other amenities of the park include a terrain park for people who want to work on their tricks, an Après-ski in tavern, which is exclusive for people skiing in and out, family fun races, and lessons for first timers. The best part? The parks are open until 10pm at night so you can make the most out of every single day out on the slopes.

126 Ratlum Road, New Hartford, Connecticut 06057, Phone: 860-379-7669

Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks

Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks

© Jacob Lund/stock.adobe.com

The Farmington River is a beacon of natural wonder, breathtaking beauty and adventure for the town of New Hartford, and one of the best ways to see all that it has to offer is aboard a canoe or kayak. Now, if you’re looking for the river experts in town, look no further than Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks.

Specializing in river trips, boat rentals and even boat sales, Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks has got you covered if you’re in the mood to take a paddle down the river. Go on a group canoe or kayak trip if you’re a seasoned boater, or try taking one of the kayaking and canoeing classes that Main Stream’s exceptional instructors teach to learn the basics (and some advanced techniques, too!).

170 Main Street, Route 44, New Hartford, Connecticut 06057, Phone: 860-693-6791

Gresczyk Farms

Gresczyk Farms

© liayti/stock.adobe.com

Known for providing spectacular produce to northwest Connecticut, Gresczyk Farms is a family owned and operated farm that is beloved by locals and visitors alike. The farm boasts of 130 acres of crops, a whopping 600 egg laying chickens, and 1.5 acres of gorgeous berries growing on their farm. What’s great about Gresczyk is that they use an integrated pest management technique that allows them to grow high quality and sustainable produce.

If you’re looking for top notch and affordable bedding plants, Gresczyk has them, too! Visitors are welcome to stop by their garden center to check out their wide selection of perennials, mixed hanging baskets and other produce.

860 Litchfield Turnpike, New Hartford, Connecticut 06057, Phone: 860-482-3925

The Collinsville Antiques Co.

The Collinsville Antiques Co.

© The Collinsville Antiques Co.

Say hello to New England’s largest antiques shop when you visit The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford. Featuring 22,000 square feet of shopping heaven, The Collinsville Antiques Co. is your gateway to hundreds of thousands of cool and unique items such as jewelry, furniture, lighting, collectibles or just some awesome knick-knacks.

With plenty of parking onsite, you don’t have to worry about missing out on a trip to this antiques bonanza. Make sure to come with a list of stuff that you’re eager to find and an open mind. You never know what treasure you’re going to come across at The Collinsville Antiques Company.

283 Main Street, New Hartford, Connecticut 06057, Phone: 860-379-2290

  • Nepaug State Forest – Enjoy peaceful hikes, mountain biking, or leaf-peeping in this large wooded preserve.
  • Farmington River Trail – Scenic walking and biking path that winds along the river through forests and fields.
  • Main Street Shops – Explore a handful of local shops, cafés, and antiques in a cozy village setting.

Where to Eat

  • Parrott Delaney Tavern – Rustic gastropub offering craft beer, burgers, and comfort food in a lively atmosphere.
  • New Hartford Diner – Classic American breakfasts, sandwiches, and a friendly local vibe.
  • Pleasant Valley Drive-In Snack Bar – Grab burgers, shakes, and fries during movie season at the nostalgic drive-in theater.

Local Events

  • Pleasant Valley Drive-In Movie Nights (Spring–Fall) – Watch films under the stars at one of Connecticut’s last drive-in theaters.
  • Autumn on the Farm (October) – Local farms offer pumpkin picking, hayrides, cider, and fall fun for families.
  • New Hartford Day (September) – Annual celebration with food vendors, crafts, music, and town pride.

Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of New Hartford, Connecticut

  • Barkhamsted (10–15 min) – Hike the People's State Forest, fish the Farmington River, or enjoy peaceful woodland drives.
  • Canton (15–20 min) – Shop at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, bike the Farmington River Trail, or browse galleries in Collinsville.
  • Torrington (15–20 min) – Catch a show at the Warner Theatre, visit art museums, or explore historic downtown streets.
  • Pleasant Valley (10–15 min) – Launch a kayak, enjoy riverside picnics, or hike scenic trails in wild surroundings.
  • Avon (25–30 min) – Stroll Talcott Mountain trails, shop in boutique centers, or explore local restaurants and breweries.
  • Litchfield (25–30 min) – Walk historic green spaces, visit White Memorial Conservation Center, or tour charming antique shops.
  • Winchester (20–25 min) – Relax by Highland Lake, explore community events, or enjoy classic small-town New England life.
  • Harwinton (15–20 min) – Hike state park trails, visit local farms, or enjoy a peaceful country drive.
  • Granby (West Granby) (25–30 min) – Visit vineyards, explore McLean Game Refuge, or enjoy fall foliage along rural roads.

More events and things to do.

FAQ

  • What makes New Hartford, CT special?
    • New Hartford, CT is a small town bursting with character and interesting attractions to visit.
  • How does New Hartford change with the seasons?
    • Fall and winter bring a unique charm to the town with fantastic ski slopes and spectacular foliage.
  • What are some recommended outdoor activities?
    • Head over to the Farmington River for some incredible scenery.
    • Visit the lake for some spring fly fishing.

At a Glance


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring nature. Chapman House Inn – A charming bed and breakfast with historic charm. Visit Nepaug State Forest – Great for hiking and birdwatching.
Summer (June-August) – Best for river adventures and enjoying the warm weather. Rock Hall Luxe Lodging – A luxurious and relaxing retreat. Go tubing on the Farmington River – A fun and scenic water activity.
Fall (September-November) – Stunning foliage and crisp weather. The Greenhouse Bed and Breakfast – A cozy stay surrounded by nature. Explore Ski Sundown – Great for early skiing or scenic chairlift rides.

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