Norfolk, CT is an intimate New England town which is surrounded by the natural beauty of Connecticut’s forests and hills. There’s a wonderful variety of things to do, no matter if you’re planning a vacation filled with quiet solitude or lively gatherings. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Infinity Music Hall and Bistro
Infinity Music Hall and Bistro is not just a concert venue - it’s a complete entertainment and dining experience. The venue was originally built in 1883 as a combination barbershop, saloon, and opera house. Even then, there was nothing even similar to it in the picturesque city of Norfolk. Today, the music hall retains much of its original charm, including the original stage, while adding modern upgrades such as a world-class sound system. The relaxed and intimate setting is the perfect place for you to enjoy great music along with fabulous food. Stop in for the popular open mic night to get a glimpse of some extremely promising local artists.
20 Greenwoods Rd W, Norfolk, CT 06058, Phone: 860-542-5531
2.Haystack Mountain State Park
Haystack Mountain State Park is a public recreation space that every outdoor adventurer should explore while in Norfolk. Encompassing Haystack Mountain, visitors are able to drive to the top on the winding mountain roads or hike up there on the rugged trail. Either way, you’ll be able to take in the breaktaking views of the surroundings, which are at its prime in the fall when the spectacular colors of the foliage really stand out. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find the 34-foot-tall Haystack Mountain Tower, which was built in 1929 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
385 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-482-1817
3.Campbell Falls State Park
Have a memorable outdoor experience within the diverse natural areas of Campbell Falls State Park. Campbell Falls is a great example of nature being preserved as naturally as possible; though informal trails are there from years of being a popular hiking spot, there are no paved trails or other major facilities. The lack of development within the park has actually made it a thriving space for the local flora and fauna, much of which you can get up close and personal with as you hike through the area. Another popular activity that you can partake in while at Campbell Falls is stream fishing.
117 Old Spaulding Rd, Norfolk, CT 06058
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4.Norfolk Historical Museum
Maintained by the Norfolk Historical Society, a non-profit organization which was established in 1960, the Norfolk Historical Museum is a wonderful place for visitors to better understand the people and events that have shaped the town. In the museum, you’ll be able to see a number of records and artifacts relating to the artistic, literary, natural, and civic history of the town. The building in which the museum is housed in is itself a historical marvel; built in 1840, the building was used as the old Norfolk Academy and the Town Hall and Jail before it was used as the museum.
13 Village Green, Norfolk, CT 06058, Phone: 860-542-5761
5.Dennis Hill State Park
Dennis Hill State Park is a 240-acre estate that is absolutely marvelous to explore any time of the year. You can hike to the summit to see panoramic views of your surroundings and on a clear day, you may be able to see as far as New Hampshire. The colorful leaves during the fall foliage season should not be missed if you find yourself in the area during that time. In addition to hiking, visitors at Dennis Hill State Park can also partake in outdoor photography, bird watching, picnicking, and much more.
385 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, CT 06058, Phone: 860-482-1817
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6.Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument
Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument is a historic site which was established in 1946. Visitors will be able to see a well-preserved 19th century iron-making blast furnace right in the middle of Burr Pond State Park. The main furnace is a large stone structure which towers at over 40 feet tall; it was built by John Adam Beckley in 1847 for the production of pig iron and continued to operate until 1919. There are several other dams and furnaces to be seen alongside the nearby Blackberry River. Activities you can participate in in the surrounding state park include hiking, picnicking, pond fishing, or taking a seasonally-offered tour of the furnace.
Burr Pond State Park: 385 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-364-5147
7.Berkshire Country Store
No matter if you call it a country store, general store, or a trading post, there’s no denying that these establishments are a historic centerpiece for rural small towns all across the nation. The Berkshire Country Store is one such place that serves the surrounding community and its visitors with a wide variety of goods but also a restaurant serving classic foods which are delicious. Going to the store will take you back in time as the decor, products, and hospitality all are reminiscent of eras past. You can feast on a hot or cold sandwich such as the Sweet Chili Chicken Melt or the Beauty & the Beef Berkshire wrap. Other items include pizza, hot dogs, burgers, soups, salads, and a number of sides.
6 Station Pl, Norfolk, CT 06058, Phone: 860-542-7176
7 Best Things to Do in Norfolk, Connecticut
- Infinity Music Hall and Bistro, Photo: malkovkosta/stock.adobe.com
- Haystack Mountain State Park, Photo: Smileus/stock.adobe.com
- Campbell Falls State Park, Photo: johnburk1/stock.adobe.com
- Norfolk Historical Museum, Photo: Norfolk Historical Museum
- Dennis Hill State Park, Photo: Penny/stock.adobe.com
- Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument, Photo: Beckley Furnace Industrial Monument
- Berkshire Country Store, Photo: Berkshire Country Store
- Cover Photo: duke2015/stock.adobe.com
More Ideas in CT: New Britain Museum of American Art
Committed to preserving and showcasing all aspects of American art, the New Britain Museum of American Art is seen as a key player on the well-known Connecticut Art Trail. The museum’s permanent collection contains 8,300 works of art, including sculptures, photographs, illustrations, paintings, and works on paper. Their exhibits cover the entire span of American history from the colonial period all the way to the present day. One of the key strengths of the museum’s holdings is their Sanford B.D Low Illustrations collection, which features many well-known contributors to American art, such as Norman Rockwell. History buffs will enjoy viewing the museum’s well-regarded collection of colonial and federal portraits. The diversity of themes, styles, and historical periods represented in the museum’s permanent collection gives visitors a holistic view of American identity.
Permanent Collection
Colonial Era
Anglo-American history is generally considered to have begun after Columbus completed his first voyage to America. The 16th and 17th century saw Juan Ponce de Leon explore the Florida coast and the subsequent settlements of Massachusetts and Virginia by pilgrims and English colonists, respectively. By the 18th century, the newly formed colonies began creating artistic communities and curating their own shows. John Smibert was a key figure in this endeavor, as he is considered to be the first academically trained painter in colonial America. The works by this founding artist demonstrate the way early American art was very much informed by techniques popular among London’s elite. In this way, visitors are invited to note this era as a starting point for American art and to contrast it with the unique ways it developed in later periods.
Early Republic to 1812
The 18th century was doubtless pivotal for the newly formed United States. Having declared independence from Britain, the young country elected it first president and constructed the White House. The art of era reflects the hope, dynamism, and chaos that characterized the early days of the republic. Much of the art created during this time was aimed at solidifying the legitimacy of newly ascended American leaders. Just as in the colonial era, British artistic conventions were employed to achieve this end. Though born and raised in Boston, Mather Brown was a great example of this tradition. Through the museum’s collections of his portraits, which depicted leaders and merchants alike, visitors can observe the way in which the new country chose to portray its freshly formed values.
Jacksonian to Civil War Era
With the rapid industrialization of the virgin wilderness covering a large portion of the United States, American landscape art was harkening back to an era of romantic simplicity and reverence for nature. When exploring the museum’s holding from this era, visitors can learn to recognize this trend in still life miniatures, landscapes, and even portraits. At the same time, the first overtures of an artistic identity separate from that of England become evident through the art of this time period. During this period, female artists started to come to prominence, in some cases completely outshining their male counterparts. Sarah Miriam Peale and her sister Anna were two such artists who are prominently displayed at the museum for their extraordinary contributions.
Civil War to the Late 19th Century
In contrast to the often stuffy British-inspired portraiture and romantic landscapes of the Jacksonian era, the period that followed saw a great shift in American art. The violence of the Civil War was expressed in the paintings of renowned American artist Winslow Homer. Interestingly, visitors will see similar themes in his landscape works produced later in his career. For the first time, the lives of ordinary citizens became noteworthy subjects for artists, resulting in paintings that are full of vigor and expressiveness the likes of which the new country had not yet seen at the time.
Early 20th Century to WW2
As America was beginning to urbanize, the public began to mourn a bygone and in many ways idealized frontier past. The art of the era reflected this, especially in the depiction of Native American populations, which by then were largely relegated to reserves. Museumgoers will likely notice the way in which the romanticized “Noble Savage” often depicted by Anglo-American artists of this era is in many ways a result of the colonial guilt and misunderstanding of America’s original inhabitants.
WW2 to Present
The period following WW2 saw massive social upheavals within the social and political fabric of the nation. Visitors will likely be able to see how American artists used art as a mechanism for enacting social change and expressing ideas often considered controversial.
56 Lexington St, New Britain, CT 06052, Phone: 860-229-0257
More Things to Do in Connecticut
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More Ideas in CT: Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino
The Grand Pequot Tower is the height of luxury at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. Guests can choose from 23 floors of rooms and suites, including The Villas, a cluster of suites with over 1,000-square feet of space and 24-hour butler service. The Vue 24 restaurant overlooks the resort from the hotel’s top floor for dinner or drinks with a view. The Norwich Spa at Foxwoods pampers guests with massage, facial and body treatments, and an array of spa facilities, including a fitness center and salon. Hours of gaming entertainment at The Grand Pequot Casino and world-class shopping await on the main floor.
Rooms & Suites
The 450-square foot deluxe rooms at Grand Pequot Tower offer either one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds. The rooms also feature a coffee maker, refrigerator, breakfast table, and writing desk, with a vanity and marble bathtub and shower in the bathroom. The king-sized Petite Suite features a half bathroom in addition to the full bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. The Corner Suite offers 1,400 square feet of living space, with separate bedroom and living room, master bathroom and dining area.
Also located within Grand Pequot Tower, The Villas are 23 luxury suites averaging 1,400 square feet, each with a large flat screen TV, living room, Jacuzzi tub, and 24-hour butler service.
Dining
A day at Grand Pequot Tower begins with breakfast in the Veranda Café overlooking the expansive New England forest surrounding the resort. Caputo Trattoria serves both classic Italian and Northern American cuisine, with antipasti, house-made pasta, and desserts. David Burke Prime ages some of the world’s finest steaks right in its on-site salt-brick aging room. The steakhouse also serves seafood, chops, and fine wines, with a special breakfast buffet. With classic Continental cuisine, cocktails, and panoramic views from the 24th floor of the hotel, Vue 42 offers an elegant yet modern dining experience. Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Kitchen & Bar is a 258-seat restaurant serving bold American creations from the award-winning celebrity chef Guy Fieri. For a change of pace, Golden Dragon serves a wide range of Chinese dishes. Guests can also order from the hotel’s in-room dining menu from morning to night.
Spa
Visitors to The Norwich Spa at Foxwoods can enjoy a massage or body treatment in one of 12 private rooms. The Spa has a fitness center with cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, each with their steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and lounge area. The salon at The Norwich Spa also provides a range of nail and hair services.
Golf
Foxwoods Resort Casino is home to Lake of Isles, an 18-hole championship golf course with over 900 acres of fairways, greens, and wooded hills. Golf Magazine lists the course among 2017’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” Lake of Isles also offers a 50,000-square foot clubhouse and 300-seat banquet hall perfect for a business meeting, wedding, or other celebration. The Matches Tavern serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a deck overlooking the property’s scenic 90-acre lake. For a better game, guests can register for private or group lessons at the Troon Golf Academy, with state-of-the-art technology and professional instructors.
Recreational Activities
High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Sports Lounge offers all the fun of a bowling alley with delicious pizza, appetizers, and drinks. Grand Pequot Casino features slot machines and table games like Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Poker, and Roulette. While at the Casino, guests can grab a drink and play bar-top games in the Spin Bar. The Casino also leads into the Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, an expansive collection of brands like Calvin Klein, Nike, Brooks Brothers and more.
The hotel itself offers plenty of shopping options as well, with brands like Bvlgari, PANDORA and Chopard for jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, and other accessories. Essentials are open 24 hours for everything from beverages and snacks to books and Native American gifts. The Foxwoods Watch Co. offers timepieces from Rolex, TAG Heuer, and other top brands.
A hike along the Pequot Trails is a great way to take a break from all the action and explore the wooded Mashantucket hills. Along the route lies the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, with temporary and permanent natural and cultural history exhibits. The museum also features a 320-seat auditorium showing educational films and videos, a restaurant, classrooms, and museum shop. Visitors will learn the history of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, with access to archival and art collections in The Research Center.
39 Norwich-Westerly Road, Ledyard, CT 06339, Phone: 860-312-3000
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