Litchfield Town Guide

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

New Morning Market  |  A grocery store with prepared food and careful sourcing, New Morning Market in Woodbury is a great place to stock up on necessities, grab a smoothie or get your CBD, vitamins and other earth-conscious wellbeing products. 

Bantam Market  |  Our local, family-owned supermarket has all the standards plus some locally sourced seasonal produce. 

The Wise Old Dog  |  Well curated wine, beer and booze from our region and far beyond, from Alcace to Australia...

Krafted Brew Lab  |  The best coffee source in town with tasty housemade baked goods, stop here for your caffeine fix. 

The Bakehouse  |  Sourdough loaves, croissants, cupcakes, cakes, drip coffee and much more, we rely upon the Bakehouse for cravable sweets and our morning pastry. 

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. 

The Village  |  Also on West Street, the Village is a laid back and inviting restaurant that's been a Litchfield mainstay for over 40 years. 

The Discerning Palate  |  The Discerning Palate offers a delicious array of European specialty goods, from Andalusian gaspacho to Italian olive oils and pastas, cured meats and even a few specialty products — such as excellent Litchfield County frozen meats — from farms nearby.  

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. 

Pinnacle  | A women's concept store with designers such as Rachel Comey, DÔEN, A. Golde, Vanessa Bruno and much more, located in Washinton, CT. 

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.