Looking for a peaceful New England escape? Discover charming Goshen in the Litchfield Hills! This quiet countryside town is known for rolling farmland, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fairs. Whether you're hiking, wine tasting, or just unwinding, Goshen offers a relaxing rural retreat with scenic beauty year-round.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Goshen is from late spring through fall (May to October). These months showcase the region’s natural beauty, including blooming gardens, summer festivals, and vibrant fall foliage.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Goshen is easily accessible via Route 4 and Route 63, about 2.5 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Hartford.
  • By Train: The nearest Metro-North station is in Waterbury; from there, a rental car or rideshare is recommended.
  • By Air: Bradley International Airport (BDL) is about 1 hour away by car.

Where to Stay

  • Litchfield Inn – Upscale boutique inn just a short drive away, with cozy rooms and a peaceful setting.
  • Interlaken Inn – Country resort in nearby Lakeville offering lakeside activities and romantic getaways.
  • Airbnb & Farm Stays – Find charming cottages or farmhouse rentals with scenic views and rustic charm.

Top Attractions

Hike, Picnic, or Leaf-Peep in the Tranquility of Mohawk State Forest

Walk along scenic trails and admire breathtaking fall foliage.

Hike, Picnic, or Leaf-Peep in the Tranquility of Mohawk State Forest

© duke2015/stock.adobe.com

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

Meet Exotic Animals and Farm Favorites at Action Wildlife Foundation

See exotic animals and enjoy an exciting, family-friendly experience.

Meet Exotic Animals and Farm Favorites at Action Wildlife Foundation

© martin1985/stock.adobe.com

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

Sip Local Wines With a View at Sunset Meadow Vineyards

Savor award-winning wines while admiring picturesque vineyard views.

Sip Local Wines With a View at Sunset Meadow Vineyards

© 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

Taste Handcrafted Sweets at Thorncrest Farm and Milk House Chocolate

Taste handcrafted chocolates and explore a charming family-owned farm.

Taste Handcrafted Sweets at Thorncrest Farm and Milk House Chocolate

© 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

Relax and Sample at the Charming Miranda Vineyard

Enjoy locally crafted wines in a peaceful, romantic setting.

Relax and Sample at the Charming Miranda Vineyard

© 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

Unwind Your Body and Mind at October Gardens Yoga and Meditation Center

Relax your mind and rejuvenate your spirit with peaceful meditation.

Unwind Your Body and Mind at October Gardens Yoga and Meditation Center

© 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

Ski, Ride, or Hike the Slopes of Mohawk Mountain

Go skiing in winter and enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures.

Ski, Ride, or Hike the Slopes of Mohawk Mountain

© 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

Where to Eat

  • AJ’s Steak & Pizza – Local favorite for casual eats, including pizza, subs, and comfort food classics.
  • Goshenette – Cozy country café serving breakfast, lunch, and homemade baked goods.
  • Saltwater Grille – Upscale seafood and steakhouse in nearby Litchfield with elegant ambiance.

Local Events

  • Goshen Fair (Labor Day Weekend) – One of Connecticut’s largest agricultural fairs with rides, food, and live entertainment.
  • Northwest Connecticut Dog Show (Summer) – Annual event drawing top canine competitors to the fairgrounds.
  • Goshen Stampede (June) – Country-style festival with a rodeo, demolition derby, and live music.

Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Goshen, Connecticut

  • White Memorial Conservation Center (10–15 min) – Explore miles of nature trails, visit the museum, and paddle Bantam River wetlands.
  • Sunset Meadow Vineyards (5–10 min) – Sip award-winning wines while taking in vineyard views of the Litchfield Hills.
  • Downtown Litchfield (15–20 min) – Stroll historic streets, shop local boutiques, and dine at charming cafés and taverns.
  • Goshen Fairgrounds (0–5 min) – Attend seasonal events including one of Connecticut’s largest agricultural fairs each Labor Day weekend.
  • Topsmead State Forest (15–20 min) – Tour an elegant English-style cottage and walk peaceful meadows and forest trails.
  • Action Wildlife Foundation (5–10 min) – Drive or walk through enclosures housing exotic and native animals on a 116-acre preserve.
  • Warner Theatre (Torrington) (20–25 min) – Catch a concert, play, or film in a beautifully restored 1931 Art Deco theater.
  • Bantam Lake (15–20 min) – Swim, paddle, or relax lakeside at Connecticut’s largest natural lake.
  • Haight-Brown Vineyard (20–25 min) – Sample Connecticut wines, tour the cellar, or enjoy a cheese board in a rustic tasting room.

FAQ

  • When was Goshen, CT founded?
    • Goshen was founded in the year 1739 in the scenic Litchfield Hills.
  • What makes Goshen a great destination?
    • Goshen is home to vineyards, farms, dairies, chocolatiers, farmers markets, restaurants, orchards, and theaters, making it a great destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

At a Glance


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and beautiful countryside blooms. The Litchfield Inn – A charming boutique hotel nearby. Visit Mohawk Mountain State Park – Enjoy scenic hiking and wildlife viewing.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather and great for outdoor festivals. Interlaken Inn – A relaxing lakeside resort in the region. Attend the Goshen Fair – Experience a classic New England agricultural fair.
Fall (September-November) – Stunning foliage and crisp autumn air. Winvian Farm – A luxurious getaway with unique cottages. Drive the Litchfield Hills Scenic Route – Enjoy breathtaking fall colors.
Winter (December-February) – Cold with opportunities for winter sports. Falls Village Inn – A cozy and historic stay in the area. Ski at Mohawk Mountain – A great spot for skiing and snowboarding.


Plan Your Trip


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