8 Coziest Mountain Towns In Connecticut
Being home to rolling hills and gentle streams, Connecticut is one of the coziest states in the USA. Along the mountains and foothills, towns are sprinkled with homey bookshops and cafes that feel more like a place to relax than a place to shop. Each town on this list carries a story appropriate for the state that birthed so many literary legends, such as Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain. The stories are told in blazing hearths and stone pathways, all of which can be found within these 8 cozy mountain towns. Keep reading to discover your next weekend mountain hideaway.
Barkhamsted
This little town shines even while in the shadow of Pine Mountain's peak. Starting with warmth and the community's welcoming nature, Brass Horse Cafe mixes the warmth of home and the fun of a local bar. Every Sunday, a live band plays to a room of locals, some gathered around kitchen tables while others dance on the open floor. A fire blazes on the patio to keep the cold away from those enjoying a meal on the porch picnic tables. Trade the sound of guitars and drums for the sound of a gentle current at the Seville Dam at the Barkhamsted Reservoir. The eight-mile waterway is nestled within stone pathways, paved trails, and rolling hills. The reservoir is the water source for Hartford, but it is a popular tourist destination for its incredible surrounding views. There is even more to discover at People's State Forest, where over 11 miles of hiking trails wind around the dense wilderness. Within these vast woodlands, visitors can find serene streams, rocky overlooks, the Barhamsted Lighthouse, and much more.
New Hartford
A relaxing day in New Hartford starts at Germain’s on Main. With plush couches and big windows, this space feels like a community living room. “Comfort and community” is their slogan, and this is palpable not only in the atmosphere but also in the warm sandwiches and lattes served daily. After soaking in the cafe’s warmth, take a walk along the nearby Farmington River Trail. The water runs throughout the town like a central vein.
The river trail provides a peaceful way to explore this wild waterway, where travelers can walk along boulders or bike along the leaf-laden paths. To get the most intimate access to unique vantage points, rent a kayak from Main Stream Canoe & Kayak. The professionals here advise travelers on the best access point to meet their needs, as well as the best places to pull off for walks full of wildlife discovery potential. Only a few miles away, Jones Mountain awaits, covered in carriage roads built in the early 1900s and wooden footbridges that lead to a breathtaking overlook of surrounding towns.
Salisbury
Salisbury is home to the highest peak in the state. Travelers can reach this peak atop Bear Mountain via the Bear Mountain Trail. The view from atop the mountain acts as a peaceful reminder of nature's awe-inspiring vastness. After walking through the chilly New England mountains, I found that The White Hart Inn and Restaurant offers warm coffee and a pleasant atmosphere. Originally built in 1806 as a farmhouse, the structure has retained its original zin atmosphere even through renovations that brought upgrades such as a full-service bar, multiple dining rooms, guest rooms, and a cafe. Even more sweet treats await at Sweet William’s Bakery. This home-style bakery welcomes guests with warm aromas and colorful flowers blooming on every table top, making it a perfect place to enjoy scones, tarts, cakes, and more.
Litchfield
Home to Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield is full of so many mountain trails that it can be difficult to choose where to start. One option is White Memorial Conservation Center, made of 4,000 acres of rolling hills that hosts calming trails full of bridges, forests, and ponds. At the heart of the property is a nature museum, which catalogs the natural history of the property. For more wild natural discoveries, head to Topsmead State Forest, where unique landscapes wrap around a vintage Tudor cottage. Within the forest, explorers will find gardens that host colorful butterflies and sanctuaries full of rare birds. Finally, sink into deeper relaxation within The Spa at Litchfield Hills. Here, massages, facials, and pedicures create the ultimate tranquility.
Washington
Mount Tom reaches magnificently from Litchfield all the way to Washington. This quaint town can be explored through both fact and fiction. Visitors can start their fantasy exploration by browsing for books at Hickory Stick Bookshop. This brick building is stocked with bestsellers as well as books by local authors, showcasing the community's true creativity. After discovering the stories that make the town taste its best dishes at The Po Café. This eatery serves classic sandwiches. In the summer, music fills the lawn surrounding the cafe where families lay out blankets for a picnic. After feasting, walk through meadows, valleys, and forests at Hidden Valley Preserve. Hikers will have about 20 miles of trails to choose from, which wind above a river valley in pathways and cable bridges.
Kent
Walk through a cloud of mist at Kent Falls State Park, where a 250-foot waterfall feeds the Housatonic River. Rushing currents and leaves in the wind make a peaceful soundtrack for a stroll through this expansive park. A few miles away, hikers can also walk to the summit of Cobble Mountain at Macedonia Brook State Park. At 630 vertical feet, this trek requires a steep climb, made worth it by the incredible view. Switch wild for whimsical at the House of Books. Browsing the shelves feels more like looking through a friend's collection of books, from independent and banned novels to popular releases. After exploring, rest in the romantic atmosphere of Fife ‘n Drum Restaurant & Inn. The crackling fire within the large fireplace keeps visitors warm while live jazz music fills the dark oak interior. This dramatic dining room hosts fine dinners with a delicious menu of hearty meals, fresh poultry, pasta, and wine.
Norfolk
Full of rich wood and golden light, walking into the Norfolk Library (gifted to the town in 1889) feels like walking into the home of an old relative. Here, you can grab a book and get cozy in a hearthside seat to read. A nearby mountain trail is so stunning, it may feel like falling into one of the library's fairy tales. The trail meanders around Haystack Mountain, where a tall stone tower stands at the summit. Looking out from this tower shows views of The Berkshires, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and more.
For over 200 years, people have gathered in this small town to listen to live music in a setting that is just as cozy as the performances on stage are lively. Infinity Music Hall was originally built as a barbershop and opera house in 1883. The bright green structure is still reminiscent of the nineteenth century, with its original wood and proscenium stage, while being renovated for modern comfort.
Cornwall
A day of complete tranquility starts in Mohawk State Forest, where 4,000 acres of bogs and streams wind through Mohawk Mountain, which stretches throughout Cornwall and various surrounding towns. On clear days, the park's summit offers views of the surrounding states, Massachusetts and New York. The wild exploration continues at West Cornwall Covered Bridge, one of the last covered bridges in the state. At 160 years old, the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a reminder of the town's rural roots. A short walk from the covered bridge is the Wish House, a local eclectic gift shop. The shop is home to unique finds and hosts special events such as author nights, where authors discuss their work in an intimate setting.
Whether your idea of comfort lies in a fire-warmed cafe in Norfolk, the local bookstore in Washington, or even strolling the leaf-covered trails in Salisbury, the most relaxing experiences await in the small towns in this article. Comfort and calm blend perfectly with the colorful trees that line the reservoir outdoors, as well as the plush couches inside. Grab a book from a local author to read, or rent a kayak to float through serene streams to escape the occasional chaos of life into the cozy mountains of Connecticut.
