1. Hike, Picnic, or Leaf-Peep in the Tranquility of Mohawk State Forest
The Mohawk State Forest in Connecticut features a cold, clear river that cascades through the forest along the rocky streambed. The woodland area is one of the most scenic in New England and provides visitors with taste of the real wilderness within a rustic atmosphere. The Mohawk State Forest consists of more than six thousand acres of old-growth tall trees, deep gorges, and mountain ridges that support the diverse animal and plant life across the grounds. Over fifty campsites are available for rental during camping season, along with six log cabins that are available throughout the year. There is also a picnic and swimming area.
20 Mohawk Mountain Rd, Goshen, CT 06756
2. Meet Exotic Animals and Farm Favorites at Action Wildlife Foundation
The Action Wildlife Foundation lets visitors come and take a stroll through nature and learn about the unique assortment of animals that call the facility home from throughout the world. The animals at the foundation originate in six out of the seven continents. Guests can see Watusi Cattle, African Zebra, Vietnamese Potbelly Pigs, Asian Water Buffalo, Australian Emu, North American Elk and Bison, Russian Boars, Scottish Cattle, South American Llamas, and several others. The Petting Zoo lets people get up close to some of the animals and possibly feed them. Hayrides are also available during some fall weekends.
337 Torrington Rd, Goshen, CT 06756, Phone: 860-482-4465
3. Sip Local Wines With a View at Sunset Meadow Vineyards
Situated in Connecticut’s scenic Goshen, the Sunset Meadow Vineyards was founded in 2003. Originally a farm that grew hay and raised beef cattle, Sunset Meadow is now one of the largest producing vineyards in New England. The fifty-acre grounds overlook the beautiful sunsets over the Litchfield Hills. The winery is open from 11:00am until 5:00pm on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and from 11:00am until 6:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The historic tasting room is housed within a German Bank Barn from the 1800’s and is decorated with hand-hewed, original beams and estate antiques.
599 Old Middle St, Goshen, CT 06756, Phone: 860-201-4654
4. Taste Handcrafted Sweets at Thorncrest Farm and Milk House Chocolate
Visitors at Thorncrest Farm and Milk House Chocolate can explore the stable at no cost and see the farm’s resident cows from 10:00am until 3:00pm Thursday through Sundays. Guests can also choose to schedule a private tour for a group. Private tours feature a look at Thorncrest’s farming practices and history, the cows, a milking demonstration, and an optional chocolate tasting. Private tours are offered between the months of May and October. The Goshen Open Farm Tour is held around the end of July or beginning of August and includes live music entertainment, special events and activities, and demonstrations.
280 Town Hill Rd, Goshen, CT 06756, Phone: 860-309-2545
5. Relax and Sample at the Charming Miranda Vineyard
Manny, the owner of Miranda Vineyard, focused on three things when he opened the winery: great times, great friends, and great wine. Miranda Vineyard is the first winery to open in Goshen, Connecticut and was designed to be friendly and welcoming, a place for people to relax and enjoy time with friends. The spacious tasting room is designed to look like one of Europe’s old family wineries with views that showcase the sunset in the evenings, vaulted ceilings, and natural light. Miranda Vineyard is open seven days a week, from noon until 5:00pm. Outside food is welcome, but not beverages.
42 Ives Rd, Goshen, CT, Phone: 860-491-9906
6. Unwind Your Body and Mind at October Gardens Yoga and Meditation Center
The October Gardens Yoga and Meditation Center in the heart of the scenic town of Goshen, is a donation-based, small yoga studio housed within a stunning home from the 1800’s. The yoga and meditation centers offers weekends events and workshops, yoga teacher training, beginner basic yoga classes, Vinyasa Flow yoga classes, Hatha classes, meditation sessions, meditation classes, Dharma discussion, and self reflection contemplation. The October Gardens Yoga and Meditation Center also hosts drumming, prayer, and chanting circles, as well as herbalism and gardening. The center is a safe, non-competitive studio where people can come and express themselves freely.
132 Lead Mine Brook Rd, Harwinton, CT 06791, Phone: 860-605-5331
7. Ski, Ride, or Hike the Slopes of Mohawk Mountain
Mohawk Mountain is located near Goshen, Connecticut in the town of Cornwall. The ski area is popular spot with snowboarders and skiers both during the day and at night. Mohawk Mountain is not only popular with residents of the state of Connecticut, but many people from the metropolitan area of New York City make the 95-mile drive to the ski area. For more than seventy years, Mohawk Mountain has been a family owned business, originally founded by Walk Schoenknecht, a member of the Skiing Hall of Fame, back in 1947. Mohawk Mountain works in partnership with the Mohawk State Park.
46 Great Hollow Rd, Cornwall, CT 06753, Phone: 860-672-6100
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