Looking for colonial charm and scenic trails in central Connecticut? Head to Farmington! Explore historic homes, bike along the Farmington Canal, and unwind with river views and local eats. Whether you're chasing New England foliage or enjoying a quiet weekend, Farmington blends rich history with modern comfort.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Farmington is from May to October. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor exploration, while summer brings festivals, patio dining, and lush greenery. Fall foliage makes October a picture-perfect time to visit.
How to Get There
- By Car: Farmington is located along Route 4 and I-84, about 15 minutes west of Hartford and 2 hours from New York City or Boston.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL), about 30 minutes north.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak and CT Rail serve nearby Hartford; from there, take a short ride-share or local bus to Farmington.
Where to Stay
- Delamar West Hartford – Upscale boutique hotel nearby with luxury amenities and spa services.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Farmington – Convenient and comfortable option near shopping, restaurants, and trails.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton – Great for longer stays with suites, full kitchens, and complimentary breakfast.
Top Attractions
1. Hill-Stead Museum
Rating: ★★★★★
The Hill-Stead Museum was the first architectural project designed by Theodate Pope Riddle, the one of the first registered female architects in America. The house, which is now houses the museum, was originally designed to be the country home of Ada and Alfred Pope, Theodate’s parents, and is considered to be “perhaps the finest Colonial Revival house and museum in the United States” by the National Historic Landmark Program. It is now home to many significant Impressionist paintings, such as works of art by Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, James McNeill Whistler, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, and others.
35 Mountain Rd, Farmington, CT 06032, Phone: 860-677-4787
2. Farmington Miniature Golf and Ice Cream Parlor
The Farmington Miniature Golf and Ice Cream Parlor first opened back in 1962 and has been a family owned and operated business in Farmington, Connecticut ever since. Guests can find the perfect flavor of ice cream to satisfy their sweet tooth at the quaint ice cream parlor and enjoy a fun round of miniature golf at the same destination. Free parking can be found in the parking lot adjacent to the property. The Farmington Miniature Golf and Ice Cream Parlor is open to guests every day of the week and offers a somewhat challenging course of miniature golf in a park-like setting.
1048 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06032, Phone: 860-677-0118
Recommended Activities for Families
3. Winding Trails
Winding Trails is a non-profit organization that serves the Farmington community and surrounding area with year-round educational and recreational activities for people of all ages. The organization is committed to the stewardship and conservation of the natural waterways and woodlands that allow for outdoor activities, programs, and character development. One of the most popular activities at Winding Trails is the Cross Country Ski Center, which features 350 acres of wildlife, lakes, and woodland that offer a beautiful setting for cross-country skiing. Winding Trails also includes a twenty-kilometer trail system that is carefully maintained every day for cross-country enjoyment.
50 Winding Trails Dr, Farmington, CT 06032, Phone: 860-677-8458
4. Miss Porter's School
Sarah Porter, the founder of Miss Porter's School, cam from a learned and illustrious family in Farmington, Connecticut. Porter received one of the most advanced educations possible for a young woman during her time, including tutoring from professors at Yale University. She was a lifelong scholar who masters many languages, including Hebrew during her 80’s. Miss Porter’s School today still continues on with the mission of Sarah Porter to educate young women to shape the world they live in, to become leaders both locally and globally. The students at the school are supported by Farmington’s close-knit community.
60 Main St, Farmington, CT 06032, Phone: 860-409-3500
5. Stanley-Whitman House
The Stanley-Whitman House is located within Farmington’s historic village and is a museum housed inside of a National Historical Landmark circa 1720 home that is furnished with antiques from the time period reflective of daily life in the state during the Colonial era. Period gardens, heritage stone walls, and an apple orchard surround the historic building. Tours of the Stanley-Whitman House are offered from 10:00am until 4:00pm Wednesday through Sunday. The exhibit galleries are open for visitors to explore during the same time frame. Areas of the museum include an exhibit gallery, period tavern room, and modern classroom.
37 High St, Farmington, CT 06032, Phone: 860-677-9222
6. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is part of a large trail that journeys down a total of more than eighty miles and through eleven different town. Fifty-eight of the miles are paved and run through the state of Connecticut, starting around New Haven and up to the border of Massachusetts. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is a multi-use trail that runs along abandoned canal tow paths and rail corridors through the rural, suburban, and urban areas of the Farmington Valley and Southern Connecticut. There are canal locks, remnants of canal aqueducts, landmarks, and historic buildings located along the trail.
Where to Eat
7. Naples Restaurant & Pizza
Naples Restaurant & Pizza in the town of Farmington, Connecticut is a family-owned and operated establishment that has been around since 1995. Situated in the heart of town, the eatery has grown over the years from a little take-out spot to a full-service, family-friendly restaurant that specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza, paninis, calzones, salads, grinders, and more. All of the ingredients used in the dishes served at Naples are the freshest ingredients possible, including the restaurant’s signature pizza dough, made fresh every day. There is also a good selection of premium beer and affordable wines available, as well as Foxon Park Soda.
838 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, Phone: 860-674-8876
Attractions for Couples
8. Wood-n-Tap
Wood-n-Tap , located in the town of Farmington, has worked hard to provide a place where almost anyone can feel like they belong. The popular local establishment is place where both visitors and locals alike can feel welcome and enjoy some good food and drinks. Visitors come to watch the big game, have a company outing, or for really no specific reason at all. Wood-n-Tap serves a variety of pasta, pizza, burgers, steaks, and wings among other options. There is also a decent selection of wine and beers available. The menu features a little bit of Italian, Irish, German, and other cuisines.
1593 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, Phone: 860-773-6736
9. Butchers & Bakers
Butchers & Bakers is part of the Locals 8 Restaurant Group and is located inside of The Exchange. The restaurant features three full bars, coal-fired twin ovens, and one of the largest outdoor patios in central Connecticut. Like the menu, the building combines the warm elements with the fresh, farmhouse atmosphere. The menu consists of freshly baked breads, pastries, and rolls every day, along with seafood, chicken, pork chops, and steaks butchered in-house. Several other ingredients are housemade as well, such as the fennel sausage, sauces, and ricotta cheese. The outdoor patio is a great space for sharing a pitcher of drinks.
270 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06032, Phone: 860-470-7414
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