Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in Northwest Connecticut? Head to Torrington! Explore a charming city blending historic architecture, vibrant arts, and easy access to outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking culture, cozy cafés, or scenic hiking trails, Torrington is a perfect small-town getaway.
Torrington, CT Highlights:
- Warner Theatre: See concerts, plays, musicals, and classic films at this beautifully restored 1931 Art Deco theater.
- KidsPlay Children's Museum: Interactive, imaginative exhibits and fun for young children and families.
- Burr Pond State Park: Enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and picnicking in a peaceful forest setting.
- Five Points Center for the Visual Arts: Browse contemporary art exhibits by regional and national artists.
- Downtown Torrington: Stroll historic streets filled with shops, coffeehouses, and local restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Torrington is during the spring, summer, and fall (April–October). Mild weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities, local festivals, and exploring the nearby Litchfield Hills countryside.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Torrington is easily accessible via Route 8, about 2 hours from New York City and 45 minutes west of Hartford.
- By Bus: CT Transit offers bus service to and around Torrington from surrounding areas.
- By Train: While there’s no direct train to Torrington, you can take Metro-North to Waterbury and a bus or drive from there (about 30 minutes).
Where to Stay
- Royal Inn Torrington – Simple and affordable lodging close to downtown and major roads.
- Litchfield Inn – Charming boutique hotel 15 minutes away, perfect for a more upscale stay near Torrington.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Torrington – Convenient hotel offering basic amenities and easy access to area attractions.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Catch a Live Performance or Classic Film at the Warner Theater
© Anna Jurkovska/stock.adobe.com
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.
Address: 68 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790
⮕ Spark Creativity and Play at KidsPlay Museum
© 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.
Address: 61 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-618-7700
⮕ Swim, Paddle, and Picnic at Burr Pond State Park
© Jennifer/stock.adobe.com
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.
Address: Burr Mountain Rd, Torrington, CT 06790
⮕ Step Into Victorian Elegance at the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum
© 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.
Address: 192 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-482-8260
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Hunt for Hidden Treasures at Wright’s Barn & Flea Market
© 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.
Address: 104 Wright Rd, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-482-0095
⮕ If You’re Seeking a Scenic Walk or Fall Foliage, Visit Topsmead State Forest
© Dan/stock.adobe.com
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.
Address: Litchfield, CT 06759
⮕ Escape Into Quiet Woodlands at Paugnut State Forest
© CJY Images/stock.adobe.com
Paugnut State Forest
covers a sprawling 1700 acres adjacent to Burr Pond and Sunny Brook State Parks in North-central Torrington. The forests comprise mixed woodlands with white pine and hemlock in the dryer areas. Most of the forests you see here today where established during the depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The main activities in the forest are mountain biking, hunting, walking and hiking - Burr Pond State Park offers boating, fishing, swimming and picnicking. The 2.1 mile John Muir Trail leads you through the main section of the forest, connecting Burr Pond and Sunny Brook State Parks. In winter you can enjoy cross-country skiing along the trail.
Address: Paugnut State Forest, Torrington, CT 06790
Where to Eat
⮕ If You’re Hungry for Flavor and Fun, Dine at DOS Amigos Restaurant
© 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.
Address: DOS Amigos, 910 E Main St, Torrington, CT 06790, Phone: 860-482-7557
More Places to Eat
- Salt 2.0 – Modern American eatery with inventive dishes, craft cocktails, and lively atmosphere downtown.
- Vientiane Thai Cuisine – Authentic and flavorful Thai dishes in a cozy, casual spot.
- Backstage Torrington – Trendy gastropub near Warner Theatre, ideal for burgers, seafood, and craft beer.
- LaMonica’s Restaurant – Beloved local place for pizza, pasta, and hearty Italian-American classics.
If you are interested in local events:
- Warner Theatre Summer Concert Series – Enjoy live music performances throughout the summer months.
- Torrington Main Street Market (Summer) – Open-air downtown market featuring fresh produce, crafts, food trucks, and live entertainment.
- Christmas Village (December) – A magical holiday tradition with festive displays, lights, and Santa’s workshop at Rotary Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Torrington, Connecticut:
- Litchfield (15–20 min) – Explore a classic New England town with historic sites, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Mohawk Mountain State Park (20–25 min) – Hike or ski scenic trails depending on the season.
- Thomaston (20 min) – Visit Black Rock State Park or catch a show at the Thomaston Opera House.
- Barkhamsted Reservoir (20–25 min) – Hike peaceful trails and enjoy scenic water views.
- New Hartford (15–20 min) – Go tubing, kayaking, or fishing along the Farmington River.
- Harwinton Conservation and Recreation Area (10–15 min) – Hike scenic trails and spot wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: What is Torrington known for?
Answer: Torrington is renowned for its historic New England charm and offers a variety of dining, shopping, recreational, and entertainment opportunities.
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Question: What can visitors find in Torrington’s downtown area?
Answer: Torrington's downtown area is a thriving cultural hub filled with theaters, museums, and art galleries.
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Question: What activities can visitors enjoy at Burr Pond State Park and John A. Minetto State Park?
Answer: Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and cross-country skiing.
Map:
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