Home Care In West Cornwall, CT

Connecticut, located in the beautiful New England landscape, transforms into a wonderland of outdoor adventures and festivals in the winter. The "Constitution State" welcomes winter enthusiasts to explore its incredible ski areas, scenic mountains, and New England charm. Throughout the state, several small towns come alive in winter. These small towns boast winter events for aspiring Olympic athletes, miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, and serene river walks to explore. From the northwestern town of Salisbury to Bethlehem and several towns in between, these small towns in Connecticut provide the perfect New England winter getaway.

Salisbury

Salisbury is the northwesternmost town in the state, situated along the tri-state area of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. The town is a haven for winter enthusiasts, particularly in February when the town celebrates the annual Jumpfest. A tradition since 1926, skiers and aspiring Olympic athletes compete in the ski jumping competition on Satre Hill. Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy skiing in the nearby Berkshires, a segment of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the town and connects winter hikers in boots or snow shoes to Bear Mountain. Located within the Taconic Mountains, it is the tallest mountain in the state at 2,316 feet. For more outdoor adventures, outdoor enthusiasts can ice fish in East Twin Lake or take a scenic stroll around the lake.

Litchfield

Nestled amid the Litchfield Hills of northwestern Connecticut, the charming town of Litchfield transforms into a winter wonderland when cold weather arrives. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding, and tubing in Topsmead State Forest. More cross-country skiing adventures await at White Memorial Conservation Center, the state's largest nature center and wildlife sanctuary, with 40 miles of snow-covered trails that range from easy to moderate.

Winter enthusiasts seeking tranquility can stroll around the Little Pond, a 10-acre pond that receives water from the Bantam River. The winter fun continues in town at the Litchfield Farmers Market. One of the few year-round farmers markets in Connecticut, visitors can warm up with seasonal items, artisanal breads, and live music during the winter.

Cornwall

Although the town of Cornwall has a population of only 1,379, the small town offers big winter adventures. Cornwall boasts the largest ski area in the state, Mohawk Mountain, which offers a 650-foot vertical drop. The ski area provides 26 trails for expert and beginning skiers, along with the thrill of night skiing and snow tubing. More winter adventures await at Mohawk State Forest, also known as Mohawk Mountain State Park. The rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas within the forest provide the perfect place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The area is also home to the Mohawk Trail, previously part of the Appalachian Trail, providing glimpses of wildlife in the winter, such as deer and bobcats. When there is six inches or more of snow, more than ten miles of trails in the park open up to snowmobiles.

Bethlehem

The small town of Bethlehem, Connecticut, is a wonderland for winter enthusiasts. In December, visitors enjoy Bethlehem's annual Christmas Town Festival, featuring an old-fashioned Christmas celebration near the Weekeepeemee River. Festival attendees enjoy hayrides, bell choir concerts, and viewing historical landmarks, such as the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden. The house was built from 1754 to 1767 by Reverend Joseph Bellamy, a renowned New England preacher at the time.

For outdoor adventures, visitors can explore the area's hills and valleys for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. Located south of town is Nonnewaug Falls, a cascading waterfall that offers a short hiking trail, weather permitting, in the winter. More scenic winter hikes are available nearby at the scenic Mattatuck State Forest.

Kent

Kent comes alive in the winter with scenic views, annual festivals, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the quaint downtown during the annual Gingerbread Festival in December when gingerbread creations by local artisans are on display. The town also hosts the annual Kent Holiday Fest in December, a joyful celebration with Santa Claus, fire pits, and seasonal entertainment. Located along the Housatonic River, the charming town offers scenic winter views along the banks of the river. For those willing to brave the cold and snow in winter, Kent is home to several hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike in Macedonia Brook State Park for views of snow-capped Catskill and Taconic Mountains. Weather permitting, visitors can also hike the .25-mile trail at Kent Falls State Park for a view of the 250-foot waterfall in the winter.

Norfolk

Norfolk invites visitors to explore the town's New England charm and musical heritage during a winter escape. In February, the town harmonizes its natural beauty and mountain music at the annual Winter Weekend Festival in Norfolk. Set against the Berkshire Mountains, the festival features live performances by local musicians, art shows, and ice skating at the town skating rink. The town also offers outdoor adventures at the festival and throughout the winter season. For those who enjoy the winter weather, there are several scenic hiking trails of snow-covered trees in the area. Nature lovers can hike at Dennis Hill State Park, Campbell Falls State Park, and Haystack Mountain State Park. Atop Haystack Mountain is a 34-foot stone tower with views of Massachusetts, New York, and the Green Mountains in Vermont. For a tranquil winter escape, visitors can stroll along the Blackberry River, which flows through the town.

Simsbury

The winter season transforms the town of Simsbury into a snowy playground, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to explore local parks and trails. Visitors can cross-country ski on trails at Stratton Brook State Park. Hikers can also brave the cold and take the scenic trails at Talcott Mountain State Park and Massacoe State Forest.

For those who visit the town early in the winter season, the Simsbury Celebrates festival illuminates the winter sky with fireworks, a parade, and a celebration ringing in the holidays. Visitors can also explore the town's colonial history by visiting the Simsbury Historical Society and the 16 buildings preserved by the society, including Phelps Tavern from 1771. The historic buildings are enchanting when blanketed in snow during the winter.

7 Unforgettable Small Towns To Visit In ConnecticutConnecticut also has gorgeous little towns that are filled with small-town charm and hospitality. Each town is unique in its own way, and tourists through the communities will surely enjoy the local historic locations and natural sites.

Connecticut's Winter Wonderland

When winter arrives, these small towns in Connecticut transform into winter wonderlands of snow and serene outdoor adventures. From the exciting ski jumping competition in Salisbury to the charming Christmas Town Festival in Bethlehem, these small towns provide unforgettable winter escapes. Whether enjoying historical landmarks, the excitement of seasonal festivals, or the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, Connecticut's small towns offer something for all who wish to experience the enchantment of the winter season.

Vacationing in small towns has become increasingly popular in recent years – it can be a refreshing change of pace from traditional destinations, offering a more relaxed and authentic experience. Small towns often have a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, allowing visitors to slow down and truly connect with the local culture.

But where are the small towns we would most like to visit in 2023? FamilyDestinationsGuide.com, which offers kid-friendly vacation ideas, surveyed 3,000 families to find the top 150 across the country they’d love to spend time in this year.

In 74th place came the town of Chester, Connecticut. Families can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the historic downtown area, explore the nearby hiking trails, and visit the nearby museums and galleries. With its picturesque scenery, friendly locals, and plenty of things to do, Chester is the perfect place for a family getaway.

Other Connecticut towns included in the top 150 were Cornwall (100th), where families can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming in the nearby Housatonic River, as well as exploring the town’s historic sites, shops, and restaurants. The other town on the list was Chaplin (115th) – its close proximity to New York City, makes it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some quality family time.

At number one is the tiny village of Holualoa, in Hawaii. No surprise there really, as Hawaii is so utterly beautiful, and this laid back ‘burg, on the western coast of the Big Island, has charm by the bucket-load. It’s located on the slopes of the Hualalai volcano, and derives its name from the traditional – if somewhat terrifying – local practice of sledding down the mountain on long, wooden sleds. If you enjoy a caffeine fix, you’ve come to the right place; Holualoa sits between the towns of Kailua-Kona and Keauhou, in the heart of Kona coffee country. 600 coffee farms surround it, and every November they hold the Kona Coffee Festival.

In at number two was Ely, in Nevada. This remote former mining mountain town, which sits at the base of the Great Basin National Park, was originally founded as a stagecoach station along the Pony Express and Central Overland route. You can still visit the nearby Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, where six, giant beehive-shaped ovens were used to process silver ore. Elsewhere, you can take a guided tour of the Lehman Caves, a massive cavern over 500 million years old in the Great Basin National Park, or do scenic hikes such as the Island Forest Trail or Bristlecone Pine Trail.

Not far behind at number three is beautiful Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Seemingly preserved in time, it showcases how ‘Old Florida’ used to be, with its pastel-coloured clapboard houses and old-timey storefronts.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, due to their stunning natural sceneries, both Hawaii and Alaska each had two towns (Holualoa; Old Koloa Town and Sitka; Ketchikan) in the top 10.

“Visiting small towns has become increasingly popular as travelers seek authentic and personalized experiences that provide a break from the fast-paced, commercialized world. These hidden gems offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, connect with friendly communities, and escape the stress of everyday life.” says Rose Ackermann of FamilyDestinationsGuide.com.

There used to be a game we played as kids called — well, it didn’t really have a name. You took a broom from the closet, brought it outside and held it up to the sky and twirled in a circle. After a few moments the fun really began as your now-dizzy self tried to navigate the backyard.

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That childhood game may come to mind as you find yourself spinning and twirling under the boughs of giant white pines at Cornwall’s Gold’s Pines and Ballyhack Preserve — Connecticut’s much smaller version of the redwood or giant sequoia forests of the West.

Tornadoes devastated a large part of an equally impressive 200-year-old stand of the nearby Nature Conservancy’s Cathedral Pines in 1989. Gold’s Pines and Ballyhack have taken over as one of the oldest publicly accessible pine groves in the state.

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Gold’s and Ballyhack have the first- and second-tallest measured trees in the state, at 155 and 149 feet, respectively, according to the Connecticut College’s Notable Tree Project. Six of the top 10 tallest trees in Connecticut are located within the pair of white pine stands.

Gold’s Pines, a Connecticut Natural Area Preserve designated by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is located next to the Cornwall Conservation Trust’s Day Preserve, a 181-acre open space that includes an out-and-back trail. An interpretive board at the trailhead notes that the pines in the grove are estimated to be about 200 years old — middle age for the species. Let that sink in.

The former pasture was abandoned when farmers moved west for the more fertile, and less rocky, agricultural lands. According to the Cornwall Historical Society, Theodore S. Gold purchased a 12-acre plot of white pine and hemlock in 1870, eventually expanding it to 42 acres. The trail to the Day Preserve forks to the left while an unmarked woods road takes visitors through the heart of Gold’s Pines.

The woods road through Gold’s Pines passes a few white pine “saplings” that are probably 50–100 years old. Look for the giants starting at a clearing farther up the road. The tallest trees are next to the road, so it’s easy to marvel at the trunks and look skyward to the boughs, seemingly as high as the clouds. The 155-footer is on the right before the trail curves to the right.

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The trail through the Day Preserve is marked with yellow blazes and runs up the western side of a rock formation known as “The Cobble.” There are moss-covered boulder fields as well as large hemlocks shading the trail. The trail leads to a large hayfield bounded by stone walls, patches of white pines and white birch trees.

Be sure to head to the top of the field for some wonderful views of the area and north to the mountains of Massachusetts. A loop trail along an old farm road brings visitors back to the forest and past a beautiful farm, where horses frolic uninhibited in a large field.

Although close as the crow flies, Ballyhack Preserve is several miles away from Gold’s Pines along Route 125 at Dibble Hill Road. At 55 acres, this preserve is also small, but the tree specimens are stunning as you hike into the “Valley of the Giants,” as noted by the trailhead kiosk. It’s a “bottomland stand of massive, old eastern white pines and eastern hemlocks that tower above the canopy.” DEEP has designated this museum of huge trees a “state critical habitat.”

Be on the lookout for Connecticut’s second-tallest tree (149 feet) as you hike through the preserve along a loop trail marked by yellow blazes. The mile-long loop trail passes through dense stands of mountain laurel and a rocky granite ledge with views down a ravine and a series of waterfalls along the energetic Baldwin Brook. One of the biggest pines hangs over the edge of the ravine.

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The white pines in Ballyhack grow amazingly straight. They probably would be worth the “king’s mark,” a designation given the evergreens in Colonial times that were sought out for sailing masts. Trees would be given the “King’s Broad Arrow” mark preventing colonists from harvesting the timber set aside for British sailing ships.

Gold’s Pines and Ballyhack Preserve, West Cornwall

The bottom line: This pair of Cornwall open spaces will take visitors under some of the tallest trees in the state. The Cornwall Conservation Trust’s 181-acre Day Preserve will bring hikers through a deep hemlock forest up to the top of a cobble with views across a field into the mountains and hills of Massachusetts.

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Difficulty: Easy to moderate due to changes in topography.

Length: The Gold’s Pines trail is about a mile out and back. Day Preserve has a two-mile loop trail. Ballyhack has a mile loop trail.

Directions: Follow Route 128 several miles west of its intersection with routes 4 and 43 for Gold’s Pines and Day Preserve. A small parking lot is located on the left between the Little Guild of St. Francis animal shelter and the West Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department. Go to cornwallconservationtrust.org for a map of the preserves. Follow Route 128 south to Route 125 or Grange Hall Road and look for Ballyhack on the right. Park at the small lot on the opposite side of the street.

Pet friendly?:Leashed dogs are allowed and must be cleaned up after with the waste removed if placed in a plastic bag.

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Things to do nearby

Bad Dog Brewing Co.: The brewery is housed in a restored former firehouse (complete with a restored antique fire engine) where flagship and seasonal beers are brewed in small batches, including Blonde Ale, brewed with single malt and single hop, Sunny Deez, the flagship New England IPA, Black Lab ale and Boats & Oats, a classic oatmeal stout. 117 Water St., Torrington, 860-335-5321

Falls Village Café: Breakfast is served all day on weekends and includes items like a burrito, croissant and breakfast plate with hash browns, scrambled eggs, sausage, grilled tomato, and mushroom with toast. Other menu items include Great Falls burger, cheddar BLT and spinach feta wrap. There are also special events including burger night Fridays and Tex-Mex Saturday nights. 107 Main St., Falls Village, 860-453-4183

Covered Bridge Electric Bike: This bike shop rents electric bikes for two hours, a half-day, or a full day, and offers several sizes and models. Self-guided tours designed to the biker’s abilities include hills, dirt or paved roads, farms or quiet routes to villages. For larger groups, the shop offers a variety of trips, all leaving from the historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge. 421 Sharon-Goshen Tpke., Cornwall, 860-248-3010

The driver of a pickup that was towing a backhoe drove through the entire bridge a little before noon last Friday.

The Department of Transportation said most of the damage was done to the top of the bridge, where 21 of the 23 wood beams are snapped, and lighting broken.

The DOT said materials for repairs are coming through special order. They hope work on repairs will start next week, but it could still be weeks before the bridge reopens to vehicles and pedestrians.

This means a major transportation route is blocked, and nearby businesses are feeling the impact.

“It’s sad, historically speaking,” said Kim Solie, of Branford. “There’s not many left. So to see damage is really hard, it does affect history.”

A couple visiting from Branford was disheartened at the sight.

“We were traveling around New England photographing covered bridges, and we decided on the way home to see what kind of havoc was wreaked upon this bridge, said Christian Gott.

For locals, the closure means inconvenience.

“It shuts down the town from this direction. I have to drive eight miles to get to the post office, which is 100 yards across the bridge,” said Michael Shulan, who lives in West Cornwall.

The closure of the bridge near the intersection of Route 128 and Route 7 in Cornwall means detours.

In West Cornwall, employees at 3 Guys Ski and Ride said their customers have had to put in effort to get to them.

“Yesterday was very slow, so I would imagine those are some of the effects that we’re feeling from the bridge being out,” said Ian Danforth Gold, an employee at the ski and bike shop. “Most recently we had somebody come in, and they said that their 15-minute drive had been turned into a 35-minute drive.”

At the nearby restaurant Frank Food Company, the owner is taking steps to let his regulars know they’re still open and ready to serve.

“He actually called a lot of those people, and word got around, so they knew how to get here a different way,” said Liz Sayre, a cook at Frank Food Company.

Connecticut DOT Supervisor Scott Thibault monitors the bridge.

“Carnage of boards laying all over the place,” Thibault said. “We’ve had some significant hits in the 38-plus years that I’ve been working DOT, but this is by far the worst.”

Seeing the damage impacts him on a personal level. He grew up in Cornwall.

“It brought a tear to my eye when I came here,” he said. “It’s special for the community, special for myself. This bridge has a lot of history. The fire department has a patch of the bridge on the shoulder. So it is an icon for the town.”

The DOT does not have an estimated cost of the damage. A spokesperson says they will be submitting claims to the driver’s insurance company to recuperate the cost for repairs.

CORNWALL — The Little Guild, an animal shelter on Sharon-Goshen Turnpike, was approved for a new building and site plan Dec. 12 by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

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According to the Dec. 12 presentation, the Little Guild, led by board president Karen Copeland, is planning to raze the existing 3,500-square-foot building and construct a new 8,000 square foot space.

The new facility will have metal panel siding and roofing, a gravel parking lot, and exterior lighting as regulated by building code requirements. The property lights will be "full cutoff" meaning the illumination faces downward. Retaining walls around the rear of the property are part of the project, members said, because the land is in a floodplain.

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The commission appeared to be pleased with the project.

"The Little Guild has served as the town's dog pound since about 2021, so they have saved us a lot of money," said PZC chairman Anna Timell.

Chuck Short, another Little Guild board member, said the agency's old building just didn't work anymore.

"The real issue is how to create (a building) that makes sense," he said. "We've spent a few years figuring out a building that's civic, because it's an important building that focuses on the human-animal bond, with a community space for education, school groups and other public functions. It's a complicated site, and we've spent our time creating a really functional space."

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The Little Guild was founded in 1960 by Muriel Alvord Ward and Eleanora Kleinschmidt. According to the website, the facility accommodates up to 16 dogs and 25 cats. The agency offers foster and volunteer programs in the community and provides training and education.

The commission's vote to approve site plan was unanimous.

Dec 29, 2023

Emily M. Olson is the community editor for the Torrington Register Citizen, the New Haven Register and the Middletown Press.

She is a 1997 graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a degree in English and a minor in journalism.

She started her career at the Patent Trader newspaper in Westchester County in 1998. After a brief period as a reporter with the Register Citizen in 1999, she joined the former Housatonic Publications group as a reporter. She was managing editor of the former Litchfield Enquirer and helped run the weekly newspapers at Housatonic and the Litchfield County Times. She returned to the Register Citizen in 2009.