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
⮕ Hill-Stead Museum
Tour a historic home and admire Impressionist art on a quiet, cultural visit.
© Hill-Stead Museum
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
⮕ Farmington Miniature Golf and Ice Cream Parlor
Play mini golf and enjoy ice cream on a fun, affordable family outing.
© 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
⮕ Winding Trails
Hike wooded paths or paddle the lake on an exciting outdoor weekend trip.
© oneinchpunch/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Miss Porter's School
Walk past this historic girls’ school and admire classic architecture on a quick stop.
© 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
⮕ Stanley-Whitman House
Explore colonial life and tour period rooms on a peaceful, educational trip.
© 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
⮕ Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
Bike or walk scenic paths and enjoy a cheap, relaxing outdoor escape.
© ArenaCreative/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Naples Restaurant & Pizza
Savor classic Italian dishes and enjoy a casual, affordable night out with family.
© 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
⮕ Wood-n-Tap
Grab burgers and local brews on an easy, fun dinner stop with friends.
© 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
⮕ Butchers & Bakers
Taste seasonal dishes and relax in style on a romantic or weekend outing.
© 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
Local Events
- Farmington Historical Society Events – Enjoy lectures, walking tours, and reenactments celebrating the town’s rich colonial past.
- Hill-Stead Museum Sunken Garden Poetry Festival (Summer) – Enjoy live poetry readings in a serene outdoor garden setting.
- Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra Concerts – Seasonal performances showcasing local musical talent in an intimate setting.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Farmington, Connecticut
- West Hartford (10–15 min) – Shop and dine at Blue Back Square, stroll Elizabeth Park, or visit the Children’s Museum.
- New Britain (10–15 min) – Explore the New Britain Museum of American Art, walk Walnut Hill Park, or catch a show at Trinity-on-Main.
- Bristol (15–20 min) – Ride the coasters at Lake Compounce, visit the American Clock & Watch Museum, or explore nature trails.
- Hartford (20–25 min) – Tour the Mark Twain House, visit the Wadsworth Atheneum, or catch a performance at Bushnell Center.
- Avon (10–15 min) – Hike Talcott Mountain, shop at boutique stores, or dine with scenic views of the Farmington Valley.
- Plainville (10–15 min) – Walk Norton Park trails, visit local bakeries, or explore small-town shops and diners.
- Unionville (5–10 min) – Bike the Farmington River Trail, paddle the river, or grab coffee in this historic village center.
- Newington (20–25 min) – Enjoy Mill Pond Park, shop local favorites, or visit the American Radio Relay League headquarters.
- Burlington (15–20 min) – Hike Sessions Woods Wildlife Center, visit local farms, or take scenic drives through wooded hills.
FAQ
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What activities does Farmington offer?
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Farmington offers a variety of activities for both local residents and visitors, including outdoor recreation and historical museums.
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Where is Farmington located?
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Farmington is situated in the Farmington Valley, a scenic area known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty.
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What makes Farmington a great getaway destination?
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The area is dotted with horse stables, farms, and lakes, providing a serene and picturesque retreat for visitors looking to unwind and explore the countryside.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. |
Hartford Marriott Farmington – A comfortable and centrally located hotel. |
Visit the Hill-Stead Museum – Explore an impressive art collection and beautiful gardens. |
Summer (June-August) – Ideal for outdoor activities and local festivals. |
Farmington Inn & Suites – A charming stay with a classic New England feel. |
Explore Winding Trails – Enjoy hiking, canoeing, and scenic nature walks. |
Fall (September-November) – Stunning foliage and a vibrant cultural scene. |
Delamar West Hartford – A luxurious stay near Farmington’s attractions. |
Drive along Route 4 – Experience breathtaking fall colors and historic landmarks. |
Plan Your Trip