OUR REGION
Belden is both the destination and a gateway to rediscovery and enjoyment of our inspiring surroundings.
Town Guides
Beyond Belden's doorstep and the borough of Litchfield lies a county of astonishingly charming towns, bucolic farmland and extraordinary nature preserves. Consult our Town Guides for Belden's curated selection of our favorite things to do nearby.
But, first and foremost, our town, Litchfield, offers stylish shops, galleries and impossible to measure (in acres or pleasure) natural beauty. So let's begin with our favorite things to do in Litchfield, by foot, by bicycle, e-bike or car, and carry on from here...
Litchfield
Litchfield Historical Society | It's impossible to quantify what it's meant to us to work so closely with the Litchfield Historical Society in our preparations for Belden. The team at LHS has been generous beyond measure with their knowledge, time and resources. There's no better way to explain their mission than in their own words:
"The Litchfield Historical Society commits itself to examining the past no matter how difficult, interpreting history in all its complexity, and giving voice to those whose stories have been lost or overlooked. We recognize that history possesses tales of triumph but also of tragedy, and that while some in the past overcame obstacles, others suffered under oppression. We believe that our resources and holdings provide us with a unique opportunity to present Litchfield’s history in a thoughtful, nuanced fashion that incorporates all perspectives. By supporting scholarship, through exhibitions, public programming and publications, and through collaborating with schools, we will strive to share this story with as broad an audience as possible."
Litchfield History Museum | With robust exhibitions that focus on various facets of Litchfield's varied history from its first settlers in 1719 to the present, the Litchfield Museum is an extraordinarily sophisticated offering in a relatively small town. Open April through December 1, Wednesdays through Sundays, 1pm-5pm.
Tapping Reeve House & Litchfield Law School | Step into an impeccably restored and preserved 19th Century environment at the Litchfield Law School, the first law school in the United States. With exhibitions of ephemera, a video installation and myriad historical explanations to contextualize what made Tapping Reeve's tutorial endeavor so radical, be sure to allow an hour at least here.
Tapping Reeve Meadow | A year-round outdoor destination for community, natural beauty and historically curious minds of all ages. Open all days, dawn to dusk.
White Memorial Conservation Center & Nature Preserve | Encircling Litchfield is 4,000 acres of preserved forests, fields and wetlands. It offers 40 miles worth of hiking trails, a Nature Museum, excellent for curious minds of all ages, a bird feeding area, marina and boating launch onto Bantam Lake, and incalculable natural beauty. For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, please read the rules and regulations (dogs on leash! beware of bears! no littering) ahead of your visit, which is free of charge.
Topsmead | One of the most bucolic, abundant, elegant "parks" one could imagine, Topsmead is the former summer estate home of Miss Edith Morton Chase, who left it to be enjoyed by the people of Connecticut, requesting that it be kept in "a state of natural beauty." Her endowment has helped guaranty this fate. It's exquisite...and five minutes from Belden House.
Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy | Located a few miles from Belden, the Conservancy is dedicated to protecting over 90 species of rare and endangered birds from around the world. The professionals at Ripley are breeding specialists who work to maintain genetic diversity and safeguard these species for generations to come. As a visitor, you can explore Ripley's acres of natural habitats which are home to more than 500 birds and see wildlife conservation efforts in action right here in Litchfield. Founder S. Dillon Ripley was a world-renowned scientist and the eighth Secretary of the Smithsonian from 1964 to 1984. Ripley became one of the first ornithologists to successfully propagate many threatened and endangered waterfowl species, including the Red-breasted goose and the Nene goose. Open to the public on weekends from May through November.
Tapping Reeve Meadow – Litchfield Historical Society | A 9-minute walk from our front door is this in-town sanctuary adjacent to the Litchfield Historical Society's Tapping Reeve House. A lovely and educational refuge for all ages, the Meadow gives a taste of historic landscape elements, a children's garden, a chestnut grove, and historically accurate walls and fencing. It's a gathering spot for reflection and play for the community.
White Flower Farm | "You cannot care about gardening and not know about White Flower Farm," recently said a local green thumb. This nationally renowned nursery in its 75th year sells plants via mailorder all over the United States; it just happens that the farm itself is in our very town, 8 minutes from Belden. Browse in person and have your order shipped home or pick up a little souvenir to remind you of your time in Litchfield County.
Jeffrey Tillou Antiques | On the historic Litchfield Green, this 30+ year shop is a source for authentic and collection-worthy furniture, folk art, weathervanes, sculpture, Oriental carpets, and related decorative pieces as well as distinctive European furniture and original works of art. Unsigned oil on canvas stilllife at left for sale here.
Jennifer Terzian Gallery | Focused on emerging and mid-career contemporary artists, the gallery's program focuses on drawing, works on paper and paintings in ambitiously varied visual vocabularies ranging from abstraction to figurative.
Litchfield County Auctions | Our local auction house has regular auctions for jewelry, Asian art, paintings & sculpture to 20th century design, silver, books and more from local estates, celebrity estates and significant private and corporate collections.
Lost Fox Inn Tavern | The Tavern at new hotel Lost Fox Inn is a wonderful place for a meal or drink. The layered ambiance, food and warmth of staff are all a very welcome addition to town.
Meraki | Open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday through Saturday, 7am-3pm, Meraki is one of our favorite spots for an informal and utterly satisfying meal with Mediterranean inspiration and locally sourced produce.
Materia Ristorante | Nearby Italian restaurant Mataeria is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and serves classic dishes with fine dining flourishes.
Verdict | Perhaps the only vantage point in Litchfield with a view as far as our third floor terrace, The Abner's rooftop bar is a lovely spot for a late afternoon or evening cocktail (3-10pm, weather permitting).
South Farms | Our friends at South Farms in nearby Morris have food trucks set up and serving in their "Pasture." Cocktails, Mexican, BBQ and ice cream. Be sure to check their schedule and opening hours. Every Thursday, June through September, South Farms hosts a "South Farms Social" where folks gather to eat excellent food on picnic blankets and listen to live music.
Petraroia Deli | Sometimes you just need an excellent sandwich for your mid-hike or country drive meal. Petraroia supplies just that. Located right on the Litchfield Green, it's a village staple for satiating sandwiches and snacks.
Arethusa al Tavolo | At Arethusa al Tavalo, Executive Chef Dan McGill sources the best ingredients from Litchfield County — particularly celebrating those of Arethusa Farm, the affiliated dairy of the same name that began in Bantam in 1868 and continues to produce award-winning dairy today. Al Tavalo is the quintessential country fine dining establishment, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Arethusa Farm Dairy | From farm to spoon...or cone, award-winning Arethusa Farm Dairy offers some of the most hyper-local confections imaginable, thanks to the herd of Holstein, Jersey and Brown Suiss cows that grazes happily up the road.
West Street Grill | A Litchfield institution, West Street Grill in our town's historic main street has been beckoning diners with its cozy atsmosphere and traditional fare for three decades.
Milton Market | Tucked behind East Street on an adorable mews is one of our favorite shops: Milton Market offers gorgeously curated home, table and apothecary items. Baskets, vintage homewares and customizable totes round out this wonderful store.
Little-Ish | On the same mews as Milton Market, is this divine Lilliputian shop for little people. Wooden toys, toadstool and bunny lamps, felt animal busts, gorgeous clothes for babies and kiddos, games and more all reside in this classy children's cave of wonders.
Lawrence Jeffrey Estate Jewelers | Extraordinary antique pieces from Bvlgari, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, to unbranded gems await here. From Victorian to modern, whimsical to classic, there's a piece for the person you adore. Lawrence Jeffrey also stocks luxury objets for the hosts who have everything, not to mention one of a kind rings, should you need to pop the question. As a guest of Belden, you'll receive preferential pricing.
Sister Parish | Shopping for your home? Sister Parish, the renowned textile and wallcoverings company, currently in its fourth (female-owned) generation, has its own brick and mortar shop right here in Litchfield.
Oliphant | Right on the Town Green in a line of facades that make up our town's historic commercial center is a trove of colorful mini and maxi dresses inspired by travel and versatile enough to be worn day into night. Beaded hoop earings and bohemian belts complete the look.
R. Derwin | This Litchfield institution on West Street just off the green offers fine knitwear — Scottish wool, Italian cashmere, yes please; country staples, such as well-cut work coats, tailored suiting, neckties, scarves, shawls and more.
J. McLaughlin | Located right on the Litchfield Green, J. McLaughlin sells classic sophisticated staples for bucolic leisure. Men's and women's, clothes, accessories and sportware are all here.
Byrde & The B | We'll pamper you at Belden, but we know when to call an expert: Book a hot shave, beard sculpt, trim, cut, color, or blowout at the Byrde & The B, a seriously luxurious salon from celebrity hairstylist Scott Bond that just opened on the Town Green. (Pictured at left)
The Spa at Litchfield Hills | Newly renovated and offering so many necessary indulgences for selfcare and pampering, from mani-pedis to treatments, look no further than nearby Spa at Litchfield Hills. We recommend booking ahead of arrival.
Charym | Tucked within YardWorks on West Street is a supremely serene yoga studio, beautifully designed to emulate its name (charym means 'beauty' in Bhutanese). Offering class(es) each day, Charym is a 5-minute walk from Belden and teaches "yoga and meditation for life." Belden's weekend guests may want to opt for a "weekend pass," which allows unlimited access to all classes Friday through Sunday.
Washington & Washington Depot
Approximately 13-miles from Belden, Washington and Washington Depot are destinations for nature lovers and aesthetes.
Gunn Memorial Library & Museum | Located in a 1781 former residence overlooking the historical Washington Green, the nationally award-winning museum features innovative exhibitions in its galleries."Come step into the world that was and see it through the images, artifacts and stories of the many people, great and ordinary, who have made and make our town a memorable place." The Library allows guests to read further about Native Americans, Colonists, Forming the Town, Slavery and Abolition, Businesses, Agriculture, Revolutionary War, Immigrants, Flood of 1955, and more.
Center for American Indian Studies | IAIS preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality and knowledge of Native American cultures. An extraordinary institution, celebrating its 50th year, IAIS hosts exhibitions, fosters scholarly research and education, and has programming for children (including summercamps).
Hollister House Garden | An American interpretation of renowned English gardens, such as Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, and Hidcote, Hollister House Garden was begun in 1979 by George Schoellkopf and Ron Johnson, the garden has evolved under George’s direction into a unique synthesis of the formal and the natural, walls and hedges melting seamlessly into the lush surrounding landscape which forms a magnificent backdrop for the exuberant plantings.
The Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens | Thanks to the vision of several locals, this former gas station has become a gathering place for the community, showcasing art, showing films and live music, and hosting the weekly farmers' market every Saturday from late May through November.
Mount Tom State Park | Established over a century ago in 1915, Mount Tom is one of the oldest parks in the state park system. Named for the mountain within its boundaries, the summit of Mount Tom is 1,325 feet above sea level, and a great 1-mile hike on the tower trail leads to a 34-foot black gneiss tower atop the summit with one of the best views in the state. The unforgettable vista extends all the way to Mount Everett, the highest peak in the south Taconics in Massachusetts, the Catskills in New York, and Long Island Sound. After your hike have a swim in the pond.
Lake Waramaug State Park | Visit this 656-acre lake occupying parts of the towns of Kent, Warren and Washington named after Chief Waramaug, who wintered in the area surrounding Lake Waramaug. The only public access is through the State Park, where one can bike, hike, fish and use boats.
KC&E Adventures | Explore the Litchfield Hills aboard a premium E-Bike with KC&E’s new e-bike program, there is a whole new way to experience the Litchfield Hills, no matter your fitness level. You will savor both the ease and intimacy of the e-bike experience as you get to know this beautiful little corner of the world.
Cycling the Five Villages of Washington | A popular, scenic biking route is the loop around Lake Waramaug, which passes through the towns of New Preston, Kent, and Warren. In addition to on-road biking, the town also has several mountain bike trails. The three nature preserves of the Steep Rock Association offer several hiking routes that welcome mountain bikers.
Steep Rock Preserve | With over 50 miles of hiking trails, Steep Rock Association is a nationally accredited land trust whose mission is to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes and riparian corridors in and around Washington CT and to enhance the community’s connection to nature through outreach, education, and passive recreation.
Pilobolus | Pilobolus is an internationally acclaimed collective, renowned for its unique, diverse collaborations that ignore preconceived barriers between creative disciplines. Founded on 1971 by a group of Dartmouth College students, the company is committed to constantly making things, always creating collaboratively, and always exploring ways of using the human body as a graphic and expressive medium. Classes and workshops are offered at the company's Washington, CT headquarters.
Washington Food Market | This full-service grocery store has remained in the same place for more than a century and has been owned by the same family for the last 40 years.
Pinnacle | Thoughtfully curated collections of clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags, and athleisure, that include sought-after brands including DÔEN, AGOLDE, Ralph Lauren and Rachel Comey.
Hickory Stick Book Shop | Located in Washington Depot for over 70 years, this independant book shop covers interests for all. Utilize the knowledgable staff to help you find a particular title or suggest the unexpected.
George Home | A mecca for interior designers and aesthetes, George Home retails highly curated antique and vintage furniture, fine art and ceramics. The Studio offers full interior design services.
New Preston
About 12 miles to the west of Belden, the picturesque village of New Preston boasts bucolic waterfalls, excellent dining at spots like Community Table and destination-worthy boutiques.
New Preston Falls | The New Preston Falls, a twenty-foot high waterfall on the East Aspetuck River which flows from Waramaug, welcomed industry in the early 19th Century to what was once known as New Purchase. Edward Cogswell, an early settler to the shores of Waramaug, renamed it New Preston in honor of his former home on the Connecticut shoreline. According to Connecticut Waterfalls: A Guide, by Russell Dunn and Christy Butler, the town became “a viable industrial center, using the power of the East Aspetuck River to run a total of 21 mills, including a tannery, forge, twine and cotton factory, cider/brandy distillery and carpentry shop” in the Village.
Community Table | The name says it all: "Ct" is a beloved local dining institution. Frequented by Washington Montessori families and the county at large, Community Table sources impeccably from the region for new American menus with hints of chef Bolivar Hillario's native Mexico and the French and Japanese kitchens he's worked in.
Spring Hill Vineyards | Award-winning winery that produces marquette, cabernet franc, chardonnay, gamay rosé and a "Grotto Reserve." Visit for a tour and tasting, or for fun events, from food trucks and live music to line dancing.
The Smithy Market | Housed in an authentic recreation of the village's mid-19th century blacksmith shop, the Smithy Market sells locally made, sustainable & organic products that support the local community and global ecosystem.
The Owl | Pizza, charcuterie, wine and beer in a warm, unfussy setting.
White Horse Country Pub | A community favorite for its antique decor and river views from the outdoor deck for brunch, lunch or dinner. Much of the produce is harvested on their own organic farm, and locals particularly like the burger and the tikka masala on this wide-ranging menu that has coquilles Saint Jacques and quesadillas.
Hopkins Vineyard | The high elevation and southwest exposure for the slow, even ripening, and steady sugar accumulation and natural acidity allows Hopkin Vineyard to create wine with great balance and taste. Attend an event (such as live music on many Saturdays and Sundays) or visit their wine bar to enjoy a glass of Litchfield County wine.
Plain Goods | Beloved by aesthetes and collectors the world over, this exquisitely curated shop in a former church makes you pine for every piece, an artful comvination of antiques, found treatsures and their own line of streamlined clothes and reupholstered furniture.
Privet House | Antiques, tableware, apothecary and vintage books, perfect for decorating your home or giving the perfect hostess gift.
Eleish Van Breems | Scandinavian home furnishing and antiques.
J Seitz & Co | This 5,000 square foot store overlooks a 40 foot waterfall and sells sustainable, artisan-made products from around the globe. Upholstery, home decor, women's, men's and children's clothing, jewelry, apothecary and gifts.
Pergola | This garden-inspired boutique sells planters, garden accessories by local artisans and flora-inspired gifts.
ro by Frecha Design | Curated by interior designer Romina Frecha, Ro by Frecha Design has a selection of iconic vintage furniture, art pieces and lamps.
DK Schulman Design | Gifts for your host, babies, your home, with beautiful papers and stationary to finish the job right.
Kent
Twenty miles due west is the uncannily scenic town of Kent, replete with galleries, chic boutiques (Rentrayage, we're looking at you), fabulous dining and abundant natural offerings.
Kent Falls State Park | There are many scenic vantage points along the trail that can be enjoyed! Although this hike is not difficult to walk, it is steep - so be mindful!
Kent Greenhouse & Gardens | You’ll be hard pressed to find a more impressive garden center. You’ll leave here longing for a property in Litchfield County to landscape with one of their experts.
Fotodiary | A home for photography in the Kent Barns created by accomplished international curator-creative Cedric Gairard. Appointments ahead suggested.
Craven Contemporary | One of several art galleries at the Kent Barns, Craven Contemporary offers a curated collection of cutting edge contemporary artwork by some of the best emerging and established artists. Think Alex Katz, Michalene Thomas, Bruno Leydet, Alex Prager, and much more.
Ore Hill & Swyft | A modern tavern in a beautifully restored former home, the Swyft-Bull House (built 1781), Swyft serves neapolitan style pizzas and small plates with top notch ingredients often sourced from Rock Cobble Farm nearby.
Kingsley Tavern | This cozy tavern perfectly matches the small-town vibe that Kent encompases but expect creative dishes and thoughtful cocktails on the menu.
Fife 'n Drum | Now in it's fifth decade, Fife 'n Drum has proven to be a staple to locals. Enjoy it's seasonal menu and listen to music radiating from it's custom built piano bar.
Wilson's | This community focused bakery features house-made, house-baked, and hand crafted goodies.
Rentrayage | Stylish and sustainable clothing and home goods abound at this Kent concept store. Their sustainably sourced denim is particularly excellent.
RT Facts Design & Antiques | A mecca for thoughtfully curated antique and contemporary pieces, sourced from near and far.
Peggy Mercury | A multi category boutique and gallery featuring a curated selection of beauty, accessories, art and objects, founded by James Boehmer, an acclaimed makeup artist and former global artistic director for Shiseido, and Greg Fricke, a scout for some of the most renowned modeling agencies in the world.
House of Books | Our longtime partners in the printed world, head in House of Books for a large array of options. This shop is located in a former public library, perfect for perusing the shelves.
Woodfords General Store | Pop in for locally grown and locally made products along side an array of home design pieces. Woodford's General Store collaborates with local farms and regional markets to ensure the best offerings.
Cornwall, Cornwall Bridge, West Cornwall
Comprised of four villages — Cornwall Bridge, Cornwall Hollow, East Cornwall and West Cornwall, Cornwall is renowned for its natural beauty and creative community, all of which you miss if you stay on the main drag and don't venture into the tiny enclaves themselves. Don't miss visiting the West Cornwall covered bridge and read up on Cornwall history here. Further information about the town is available at cornwallct.org.
Mohawk Mountain | This fantastic mountain offers 22 trails, ski school, tubing, uphilling, a ski shop with rentals and more. It also is where snow making was invented in the 1950s!
Mohawk State Park & Forest | The Mohawk trail is an excellent 24-mile hike that follows the former eastern route of the Appalachian Trail. Learn more about its intersections, peaks and outlets here.
Covered Bridge Electric Bike | Description Description
The Pink House | Steps from West Cornwall's extraordinary c. 1864 covered bridge is this gorgeous restaurant newcomer with a lovely natural wine by the glass list, local sourcing and stylish atmosphere featuring work by local (and internationally esteemed!) artists.
Cornwall Market | Serving house-baked bread and pastries, prepared foods and sandwiches, pantry staples, coffee, craft beer and natural wine, not to mention their extremely high-end chocolates, Cornwall Market is a great place to grav food for a picnic or breakfast or lunch on the go.
RSVP | Call to make a reservation at this celebrated French BYOB restaurant. Trust the chef's "special concept" five-course prix fixe meal. There is no menu so be prepared for a unique and surprising experience.
The Local | With all profits flowing back to the farmers, artists, cooks, and craftspeople, the Local allows it's consumer to shop local items while also giving back.
Cornwall Farmers Market | Typically running from May to October, Cornwall hosts two farmers market supporting the thriving agricultural contributors and farmers in the area.
Michael Trapp | Exceptional antiques for home and garden, such as a set classical French stone urns by Grandon Freres and Tuareg carpets permeate this extraordinary collection. Trapp is an interior designer with an epic green thumb and his keen eye and love of nature and history are obvious in his curated shop, beloved by the design community.
Jane Herold Pottery | Description Description
Ian Ingersoll | Description Description
Falls Village
Heading north from Belden toward the Cornwalls, Sharon and Troutbeck, just over the New York State border, you could make a right instead and find yourself in an idyllic village that punches way above its weight in terms of pleasurable things to do.
Great Falls | Accesible via Route 7 and Falls Village Road, this stunning waterfall is known for it's dramatic cascades. Located along the Housatonic River, be sure to check it out after a heavy rainfall or spring snowmelt.
Furnace | Furnace – Art on Paper Archive is a destination for viewing contemporary art with a focus on works on paper. Kathleen Kucka, director, is a professional artist and curator. Her art practice moves beyond the studio to encompass curation.
Music Mountain | One of the premiere destinations in the United States for intimate chamber music concerts. Home of the oldest continuing summer chamber music festival in this country, Music Mountain was founded in 1930 as the permanent home for the Gordon String Quartet, one of the leading string quartets.
Mountain Side Cafe | Enjoy a hearty meal made from ingredients sourced from local farmers, producers, and purveyors, in Falls Village. This cafe supports the community along with it's employees.
Falls Village Inn | Embrace classic American comfort fare with locally grown produce and seasonal specialties.
Marché | A curated shop and gallery in an exquisitely preserved 19th century bank selling Euorpe-sourced antiques, local artists, and new culinary treasures.
100 Main | Acclaimed interior designer, Bunny Williams, always admired the talent of her Falls Village, Connecticut neighbors. When an old grocery store in town came up for sale, Bunny felt it would be the perfect place to open a cooperative to sell the work of artisans from the surrounding areas of Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. Together Williams and Director Anita van de Ven source and hand-select a curated group of goods from over 40 artisans to showcase at 100 Main.
John Robshaw | John Robshaw's signature collection of colorful bedding, pillows, bath, beach, décor and accessories. The renowned textile desinger was inspired by a 1990 trip to India which sparked his quest to create his own indigo-washed textiles and block prints and his brick and mortar in the town he resides in is portal into his aesthetic world.