Located in an area known for its beautiful hills, this pristine village west of Hartford is one of the most elegant colonial centers in America. It was first settled in 1720, and you'll see many fine examples of colonial architecture, including the birthplaces of Ethan Allen and Harriet Beecher Stowe. You can also visit the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, the first law school in the nation (Aaron Burr was an early graduate, and he was followed by John C. Calhoun and 130 members of Congress). For local history, stop at the Litchfield History Museum, which has a good research library and changing exhibits.
The White Memorial Conservation Center, outside of town, is the state's largest nature center and wildlife sanctuary—4,000 acres/1,620 hectares. It has extensive hiking, biking and horseback-riding trails. White Flower Farm, which has huge expanses of flowers and shrubs, is nearby.
Also within a short drive of Litchfield is Lake Waramaug, a small lake that is the perfect place for a restful vacation (or waterskiing). Some of the best waterfalls in the state are at Kent Falls in Kent (try to see them in the spring or fall, especially). Kent Falls is in the heart of the wooded and hilly Litchfield Hills, an area worth a long, leisurely drive for the views, the peace and the quiet. Also worth a visit is Mount Tom State Park, where you can walk to an observation tower and see as far as Long Island on a clear day. During the fall foliage season, this short hike is particularly rewarding. Another high observation point is found at Haystack Mountain State Park (18 mi/28 km north of Litchfield). The nearby town of Norfolk hosts the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in July and August. Litchfield is 35 mi/55 km east of Hartford.
