10 Best Things to Do in Torrington, Connecticut

By VI Staff on March 30, 2020

Renowned for its historic New England charm, Torrington, CT offers a variety of dining, shopping, recreational, and entertainment opportunities for visitors of all ages. The downtown area is a thriving cultural hub which is filled with theaters, museums, and art galleries.Torrington’s Burr Pond State Park or John A. Minetto State Park are the perfect choices for activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, boating and cross-country skiing.

1.Warner Theater

The Warner Theater opened in Torrington in 1931 and was, at that point, “Connecticut’s most beautiful theater” and one of the largest and most modern theatres in the area. Built by Warner Brothers Studios and designed by Thomas Lamb, the theater succeeded for several years as a movie palace before it was shut down and reopened again in 1982 as a performing arts center. Warner Theater is now one of the largest performing arts centers in the state, putting on an array of concerts, dance recitals, movies, community theatre performances, and more each season.

68 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790

2.KidsPlay Museum

KidsPlay Museum is a safe environment where children up to ten years old can foster their creativity and imagination through a number of hands-on, multi-sensory activities and interactive exhibits. The exhibits are focused on the arts, sciences, and everyday interactions that they’ll face in the world as they grow older; this allows growing children to practice developmental skills such as sharing, role-playing, and communicating. Exhibits include a designated toddler area, a ball conveyor, a diner, fire truck, grocery store, infinity mirror, Lego wall, stage area, and much more. There are several events and programs held at the museum throughout the year such as Science Day, Technology Day, and Art Adventures.

61 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-618-7700

3.Burr Pond State Park

Spanning 438 acres, Burr Pond State Park is a popular recreational space in Torrington. The park is home to the 85-acre Burr Pond which is used for swimming, fishing, and boating - on-site boat rentals are available. The pond was created in 1851 to create a source for power generation and the surrounding park was established in 1949. It has since then been one of the most popular outdoor spaces in the area, attracting visitors throughout the year to participate in fun activities. Anglers head over there to catch fish species such as black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and more. If you’d prefer staying away from the waters, take a walk along the 2.25 mile loop trail which goes around the pond.

Burr Mountain Rd, Torrington, CT 06790

4.Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum

The Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum was built in 1897 as the home of Torrington resident Orsamus R. Fyler for himself and his family. The home remained in their family till 1956, when the estate was eventually given to the Torrington Historical Society. Today, visitors are invited to take a step back in time and explore the home museums, the surrounding grounds, and the Carriage House. The Queen Anne-style Victorian home includes the classic kitchen from the 1930s as well as several of the original woodwork, parquet floors, stenciled decoration, ornamental plaster ceilings, and more. Along with the architecture of the house, you’ll also be able to see some of the family furnishings as well as their collection of paintings, art glass, porcelain, and more.

192 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-482-8260

5.Wright's Barn & Flea Market

Wright’s Barn is a historic structure which once served as a dairy barn and then a teenage dance club for the area’s youth. In 1980, the Wright’s converted it into a flea market which remains in their family today. Some of the vendors and dealers which you’ll meet there have been a part of the barn family for over twenty years. Visitors will come across a number of unique collectibles, antiques, and specialty items such as furniture, china and glassware, jewelry, books, tools, reproduced period pieces, as well as Victorian-style artwork. It’s a great place to meet members of the community, make some purchases, and have a fun day in Torrington.

104 Wright Rd, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-482-0095

6.John A. Minetto State Park

John A. Minetto State Park, formerly known as Hall Meadow, was established in 1965 and soon became a popular recreation area for the public to enjoy. The park spans nearly 715 acres and is a great place to enjoy activities such as picnicking, hiking, pond and stream fishing, and cross-country skiing; during the designated seasons, visitors can also partake in hunting as long as they have proper licenses. There are a few picnic benches you can make use of or bring along a blanket to enjoy your meal on the grass. The open expanse of green makes it the perfect place for large groups to get together.

Route 272, Torrington, CT 06790

7.Topsmead State Forest

Topsmead State Forest can be found nestled in the Litchfield Hills and is a popular place for hiking, picnicking, birding, hunting, and cross-country skiing. Before the grounds were bequeathed to the state of Connecticut, it was the summer home of the daughter of the first president of the Chase Brass and Copper Company - Edith Morton Chase. Visitors can still explore the estate house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it was built in 1929 and is an exceptional instance of a Tudor Revival country estate house. During the summer months, there are several tours of the estate which you can combine with your choice of recreational activity.

Litchfield, CT 06759

8.Pizza Marzano

Fall in love with delicious pizza at Pizza Marzano - the only spot in town that even comes close to the pies served in the pizza capital of the world: Naples, Italy. The restaurant is committed to serving their guests authentic pizzas which follow the traditions and tastes of Italy; the handcrafted and wood fired pies are concocted by pizzaioli who were trained under the Verace Pizza Napoletana Association. The secretly concocted dough, imported San Marzan tomatoes, imported mozzarella, and fresh local herbs all come together perfectly. Try popular choices from their array of pizza rosas and pizza blancos such as the clams oreganato, quattro formaggi, or the milani which has a roasted garlic base and is topped with sautéed spinach, artichoke, and three different types of cheese.

1929 E Main St, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-618-0875

9.Ritz Crystal Room at Remember When

Remember When at the Ritz Crystal Room is a speakeasy, cafe, and ice cream parlor that can be found on the upper level of a historic landmark from 1896. The swanky establishment resembles a 1920s speakeasy with its unique decor, dance floor, and large bar. The great downtown location makes it one of the best places to dine in while in Torrington. All of their dishes are made with fresh ingredients and are mainly sourced from local artisans and farmers. Diners will be thrilled to find that their menu includes several vegetarian, lactose, and gluten free options. Try favorites like the smoked salmon crostini, shaved prime rib, and the meatball flatbread with sautéed peppers and onions.

111 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-489-1566

10.DOS Amigos Restaurant

DOS Amigos is a Mexican restaurant which a group of family and friends opened in 1999. The restaurant is a famed addition to Torrington’s dining scene and is the perfect place for those who are searching for a delicious, home-style meal. Renowned for their signature margaritas and sizzling fajitas, the menu is filled with an array of delicious dishes that will entice patrons of all ages and with varying tastes. Be sure to try some of their favorites such as the taco salad, steak & chicken fajita, burrito especial, and Chon’s Special, which is your choice of meat or seafood sautéed with fresh vegetables in a special sauce and served over a bed of rice.

910 E Main St, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-482-7557