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New Hartford, Connecticut
New Hartford is a rural town located within Litchfield County, Connecticut. A major misconception people have about New Hartford is that they think it is part or near the state's capital, Hartford. In actuality, they are over 20 miles from each other and couldn’t be more different. New Hartford has a strong, close knit community and is filled with local business owners; the number of franchises is limited severely. Many of the activities in the town are outdoor oriented although recently more shops and restaurants have moved in. New Hartford has a much more relaxed and casual atmosphere than some of it’s neighboring towns.

Get in
Bradley International Airport-Schoephoester Road, Windsor Locks

Bradley is located approximately 25 miles Northeast of New Hartford in Windsor Locks Connecticut. Bradley is the major airport in the state and houses a number of popular car rental companies. Renting a vehicle will be the best way to get into New Hartford. Public transportation exists but is not readily available in Northwestern Connecticut.

Here are a few car rental companies offered at Bradley International Airport.

Alamo

Telephone: 1-800-GO-ALAMO

Website: www.alamo.com

Enterprise

Telephone: 1-800-325-8007

Website: www.enterprise.com

Budget

Telephone: 1-800-527-0700

Website: www.budget.com

Thrifty

Telephone: 1-800-367-2277

Website: www.thrifty.com

See
Ratlum Mountain (late March - early December)-126 Ratlum Road

Ratlum Mountain is a great place to go if you want a good view of the surrounding area. It is a mile long hike and provides an excellent vantage point for hikers. The summit of Ratlum Mountain is about 1,074 feet above sea level. This allows travelers to see some amazing views of the surronding areas, especially in late fall through early spring when the leaves have fallen off the trees. In the winter one side of Ratlum Mountain transforms to become Ski Sundown, so ski lifts are present. The Ratlum brook located nearby is worth checking out as well. It is home to a variety of animals ranging anywhere from rabbits to deer and even an occasional bear.

Gallery 44- 540 Main Street

This is a small gallery owned by George Haller. The majority of artworks are oil paintings but other styles such as charcoal can be found. The art work in the gallery includes landscapes, portraits, still life, and nautical themes. The pronounced genre of the gallery is Early American Artists but more current pieces of artwork are scattered about. Most pieces are for sale and prices vary depending upon size and artist. Custom framing is available on-site. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am-5:30pm.

Contact:860-379-2083

Art Exhibit- Town Hall Second Floor-530 Main Street

The New Hartford Art League showcases their most popular works of art on the second floor of Town Hall. There Artists and styles vary from abstract to landscapes and everything in between. The public is encouraged to view the artwork. No admittance fee. Exhibits rotate every three months. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8am-4pm, Wednesday 8am-6pm, and Saturday 8am –Noon.

Do
Satan’s Kingdom-92 Main Street

While the name may be alarming at first have no have worries. Satan’s Kingdom is actually a State designated recreational area. The name was chosen because of the violent disputes that once occurred there during the 18th Century. It is located on Route 44 westbound. The park does not have a parking fee unlike many other State parks in Connecticut. The Farmington River runs right through the park. Some of the activities that the park has to offer are hiking, kayaking, fishing, bird watching and swimming. The major attraction that the park is known for is tubing. People come from around the area to go tubing down the Farmington River. This can cause the park to become quite crowded in the summer months. It is much more peaceful if you visit during the work week.

http://www.farmingtonrivertubing.com/

West Hill Pond- 730 West Hill Road

West Hill Pond can be accessed via Brodie Park. They are both located at the intersection of Niles and West Hill Road. The pond title is quite misleading to newcomers. This pond in reality is a 261 acre lake. It is fed by a deep underwater aquifer and the water is known for its exceptional clarity. A public beach is located on the Eastern side of the pond. Swimming, boating, diving and fishing are some the most popular activities. There is also a boat launch that only allows motorized boats up to 8 mph from Memorial Day to September 15th. The only restriction for non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, and row boats is the bitter New England winter weather. It should also be noted that a Boy Scout Camp uses the shores of the pond to practice Scouting activities. They also host a 6 week summer camp for young Boy Scouts from early July to late August. If you do not like children it is advised to visit the pond during May and June.

Ski Sundown-126 Ratlum Road

Ski Sundown is located on Ratlum Mountain and usually (weather conditions permitting) is open from late-December to late March. It is one of the more popular ski/snowboarding resorts in Connecticut and gets pretty crowded on the weekends. Although Ski Sundown calls themselves a “ski resort” there is no actual lodging on the premises. There are accommodations located within 15 minutes (by car) of Ski Sundown. While the Ski Sundown resort does not offer lodging it does have a variety of other amenities such as ski/snowboarding lessons daily, full rental shop, buffet style dining, and lounge. There are a total of 15 trails on the mountain with lengths ranging up to a mile. About half of the trails are geared towards beginners, a quarter to intermediates, and a quarter to experts. Be aware that there are no trails designated for experts. If you are looking for a mountain with difficult, intensity trails this is not for you.

Lake McDonough

Lake McDonough offers a numerous water activities. There is a beach that is open to the public called East Beach where there is a lifeguard on duty. There is also a boathouse which has row boats available for rent. If you have your own boat you can launch it for a fee. Motorized boats are only allowed with fewer than 10 horse power motors. Fishing is a popular activity on the lake because it is stocked with trout each year by the Department of Environmental Protection. Fishing is allowed from boats from April through Labor Day weekend while fishing from shore through November 30. There is also The Braille Trail which is designated as a nature trail. It’s handicap accessible and there is no admission fee although reservations are required.

Contact:860-379-3036

Unfortunately New Hartford does not have a conventional movie theater however, there is a Drive-In Movie Theater located on its border.

Pleasant Valley Drive In-47 E. River Road, Pleasant Valley.

This is a rain or shine drive-in that plays double feature movies on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 children ages 6-12 and 5 and under are free! There is a special on Thursday night, $16 per car and covers admission for anyone in the vehicle. The drive-in does not play brand new movies; they are usually several months old. Box Office opens at 6:30pm it is recommended to come early if you want a good view of the screen. Movie starts at 7:30pm.

Simsbury and Torrington are the two closest towns with a regular movie theater.

Hoyt’s Cinema

530 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT - 860-658-0303

Cinerom

89 Farley Place, Torrington, CT- 860-489-4111

Buy
The Magic Fluke Company -790 Litchfield Turnpike

The Magic Fluke Company is not your average music store, they are solely dedicated to the production and sales of ukuleles. They have a wide selection of patterns and colors and if you don’t see a pattern you like it is possible to get your ukulele custom made. Prices start at $179. A variety of celebrities have gotten ukuleles from this shop, including George Harrison and Ellen Degeneres.

Passaflora Café, Tea Room, and Herbal Shoppe-526 Main Street

Passaflora is open 7 days a week, although they do close at 6pm on most days. This place is half café half organic shop. Books, candles, cosmetics, bulk herbs, local art and jewelry are just a few of the items that the shop carries. Passaflora serves only local and organic foods at the café with the option of eating in or taking out. They also have over a 150 different teas to choose from! You can get the menu by clicking on this link.

http://www.passiflorateas.com/pdf/food.pdf

Contact Phone number (860)-379-8327

The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford-283 Main Street

This antique shop is considered to be one of New England’s largest antique shops. They sell furniture, mirrors, fine jewelry, technology and other collectible type items. This antiques center also has a 1950’s themed Café called the “Crusin Café” on site which offers a combination of breakfast and lunch items. There is also an extra added treat, the Café houses Buck’s French Ice cream. Buck’s carries an assortment of homemade ice cream flavors, Green Tea, Pumpkin (seasonal), Black Cherry Vanilla, Swiss Chocolate Almond to name a few. Here is a link to their menu.

http://www.collinsvilleantiques.com/id12.html

Contact Phone Number (860)-379-2290

Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks-170 Main Street

This shop sells new and used canoes and kayaks. Popular brands include Riot, Kiwi, Old Town, and Evergreen. They also have canoes and kayaks for daily or weekly rent. Rates for Canoes and Kayaks are $45 per day without transportation, the price increases $10 and $5 accordingly for transportation. It is $100 per week and the boats can be rented up to two weeks at a time. Main Stream Canoes and Kayaks also offers bicycle rentals $35 per day (10am-5pm) or $25 for a half day (1pm-5pm).

UpCountry Sport Fishing-352 Main Street

UpCounty Sport Fishing carries much more than the average line, lures, and reels. Many of their products reflect the most popular type of fishing in the area, fly fishing. They also have a broad selection of gear for the other types of fishing as well. UpCountry Sport Fishing is unique because they buy and sell used fishing rods for half the price (or less) then they would be new. Prices start at $50 and increase according to style and quality. This allows people who are new to fishing to buy their own gear without spending hundreds on equipment. If you are looking for a new rod they have dozens to choose from. Prices start around $110 and also increase according to style and quality. Employees are quite knowledgeable and experienced. They are happy to answers questions and provide suggestions on good fishing spots in the region.

Eat
Chatterley's- 2 Bridge Street

Chatterley’s offers indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting). The restaurant resides in a renovated an 1800’s Victorian style hotel and the theme is consistent throughout Chatterly’s. They serve American style cuisine for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. One of the most popular dishes on the menu is their Potato Encrusted Salmon. Live entertainment is offered regularly on Thursday and Friday evenings. Reservations are highly recommended for any night of the week. Dinner prices range from $17.00-$26.00, most dishes are about $20.00.Lunch is considerably cheaper $8.00 to $11.00.

Contact:860-379-2428

http://www.chatterleysct.com/images/Dinner_Menu_92310.pdf

Michael Angelo's-256 Main Street

This is an Italian style eatery which prides itself in its homemade pizza. They also have calzones, burgers, seafood, veal, chicken, pasta, etc. Hours of operation are 7 days a week (M-F 11am-10pm, weekends 7am-10pm) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prices range from $8.00 to $20.00 with most dishes ranging about $16.00. Michael Angelo’s also has its own specialty drink menu offers over 10 different cocktails.

Contact: 860-738-8585

http://michelangelosct.com/new_hartford/?menu=661&view=menu

Portobello’s Ristorante and Pizzeria- 107 Main Street This is another Italian style restaurant. Has many of the same dishes as Michael Angelo’s. Prices range from $8.00-$25.00. Most meals are about $15.00. Portobello’s has a larger pizza menu with 28 different pizzas and a make you own section.

Contact: 860-693-2598

http://www.portobellosct.com/docs/dinner_2010.pdf

Radwick’s Coffee and Sandwich – 1165 Litchfield Turnpike Small, deli style, sandwich shop. They serve hot and cold sandwiches made with Boar’s Head meat as well as ruebens and even breakfast sandwiches. It is mainly geared toward take out but there are a small few tables. Hours are M-F 6am to 8pm and Saturday 7am to 8pm. Prices range from $5.00-$12.00.

Contact: 860-482-7744

Blue SKY Foods-431 Main Street A quirky, beach themed restaurant serving American Style cuisine. Has indoor and outdoor dining (weather permitting). Some popular items on the menu, pulled pork, honey-lime chicken, crab cakes, homemade chili. Open Wednesday through Sunday, hours are seasonal. It is BYOB bring your own booze, Blue SKY does not serve alcohol but it is acceptable to add you own to any of the other beverages or smoothies on their menu. There is also a small shop attached to the restaurant which sells beach themed items such as books, cards and magnets.

Contact: 860-379-0000

http://www.blueskyfoods-ct.com/index.html

Drink
Jerram Winery-525 Town Hill Road This winery is part of the State designated “Wine Trail” that zig zags across Connecticut. They serve/sell a total of 10 different wines, some their own, some from other wine makers. Bottles range in price from $12.99 to $18.99 or $6 for a flight of 6 wines. It is also possible to arrange a private wine tasting for between 5 to 15 people, reservations are required. Jerram Winery is not open year round, only May 1st through December 31st.

Contact: 860-379-8749

Connecticut Valley Winery-1480 Litchfield Turnpike Connecticut Valley Winery is also another stop on the Connecticut Wine Trail and is only about 4 miles away from Jerram Winery. They offer/sell 14 different bottles of wine from various locations around the country including their own vineyard. This winery not only offers wine tastings (11 samples) but also has the option of adding dinner (on scheduled days). This option must be booked ahead of time and spaces are limited. Connecticut Valley Winery is also available to be rented out for private parties and is open year round.

Contact:860-489-9463

Sleep
Chaplin Park Bed & Breakfast- 41 Church Street This Victorian style home was built in the 1800’s and is located at 41 Church Street next to St. John's Episcopal Church. This bed & breakfast offers only four rooms (each with personal bathrooms) so making reservations in advance is highly recommended. Discounted activity packages are also offered for guests. Some of the most popular are Mother’s Day, Winter Ski, and Canoe packages. The majority of the packages are strictly seasonal.

Alcove Motel-87 Main Street This is a one story motel with 15 units all containing televisions, A.C.,  and microwaves. There is an outdoor above swimming pool on the premises. Not the cleanest and rooms have a dingy feeling. Rooms start at $50.

Contact:860-693-8577

If are looking for more options? Here are some other lodgings located close by

http://www.simsburyinn.com/

http://www.avonoldfarmshotel.com/

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bdlha-residence-inn-hartford-avon/

http://www.farmingtoninn.com/

Emergency
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital-540 Litchfield Street, Torrington.

Approximately 15 minutes away, or 9 miles.

Contact:860-496-6666

Bristol Hospital- Brewster Road, Bristol.

Approximately 35 minutes away, or 16 miles.

Contact:860-585-3000

Get out
The nearest highway entrance is Route 8 located in Torrington, North will bring you to Massachusetts and South will bring you to the Connecticut shoreline (near the border of New York). Or you can follow Route 44 East towards Hartford Connecticut; here you can catch I-91, I-95 or I-84.