Vacations Blog

Like many travelers, I’ve often taken for granted the vacation attractions in my own backyard.  For this post however, I’m going with a no-place-like-home approach and sharing some family destinations close to my own home in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

With bright fall colors, farm harvests, crisp days and cool nights, autumn is an especially excellent time to visit New England.  Because of milder temperatures, the sharp colors of foliage in southern New England often last into early November. During this time of year, Litchfield County in Northwest Connecticut may even be one of the most scenic destinations in America.

Actually a northern part of the Appalachian Trail, the Litchfield Hills contain hills (obviously), lakes, rivers, small towns and villages, and dozens of state parks and natural attractions.  While adults may enjoy the scenic roads and views themselves, kids will love stops at spots like Kent Falls—one of New England’s highest waterfalls with kid-friendly climbing trails offering frequent spots for resting and overlooking the falls.  The White Memorial Conservation Center, a private organization in Litchfield, offers trails, wildlife sanctuaries and observation platforms, and a nature center with programs and exhibits focusing on natural history, conservation and ecology.  Kids might also love the surprises at Action Wildlife Foundation in nearby Goshen where more than 350 exotic animals are found on “safari” and in a petting zoo for domesticated animals and their babies.  A Museum and Exploration Center includes additional displays and exhibits of animal life. For local produce and more activities, farms like March Farm in Bethlehem offer quite a few pick-your-own items, scenic trails, cornstalk mazes in the fall, farm-themed playscapes for the kids, and shops offering food and gifts.

Most area parks and nature centers include picnic areas, hiking trails of various levels, scenic views, and are close to accommodations and dining.  For families who want to immerse themselves in nature, several parks offer camping facilities.  Others—who think roughing it means no room service—can find rooms at motels, bed and breakfasts, and some of the most attractive and luxurious inns in New England including the Litchfield Inn and Washington’s Mayflower Inn and Spa which has been voted the finest destination spa in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler.  From family luncheonettes and grilles to extravagant romantic dining, restaurant choices are also plentiful and diverse throughout the county.

For a family-friendly vacation that can provide both relaxation and dramatic natural surroundings for adults as well as an endless supply of outdoor activities to wear out the kids, the Litchfield Hills are an easily-reached destination from anywhere in the Northeast or from any location by flying into either Hartford or nearby Boston or New York.  Even any pocketbook can be accommodated from the most modest budget to expense accounts that would make corporate executives proud.  The real attraction, however, is that money can’t buy the stunning natural surroundings and activities that you’ll find in the Litchfield Hills in a Connecticut autumn. I’m not much of an autumn lover (I’m more of a summer guy), but I think I even just convinced myself that my home at this time of year is a sweet place to be.

Photos courtesy and copyright of Darren Farrington.