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
- 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
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What makes New Hartford, CT special?
- New Hartford, CT is a small town bursting with character and interesting attractions to visit.
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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.
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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.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area
- 2. Connecticut Valley Winery
- 3. Farmington River Tubing
- 4. Ski Sundown
- 5. Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks
- 6. Gresczyk Farms
- 7. The Collinsville Antiques Co.