Sometimes you just want to get your Americana on. When that inspiration strikes, Litchfield Hills is your spot. Located in northwestern Connecticut, Litchfield isn’t the Metro-North suburbia you think. With winding backroads, white clapboard churches, and stone walls, this is where fields that turn golden during sunset magic hour. About two hours from New York City, it’s a scenic drive if you avoid Friday rush hour. So no airports, no train schedules, and no TSA line behind a guy unpacking his toiletries again. It’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend trip, but just far enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere.
Destination
It is blissfully quiet, genuinely beautiful, and it somehow manages to be chic without trying too hard. Litchfield Hills is what happens when art collectors, old money, and stylish Brooklyn escapees all fall in love with the same forest. It’s high-reward—calm without being sleepy, upscale without being pretentious. There’s no pressure to “do it all,” but plenty to keep you entertained if you’re the itinerary-making type. It’s romantic, restorative, and refreshingly un-Hamptons. You can go full farm-to-table, buy a vintage quilt, hike to a hidden waterfall, and be back in your cozy suite in time for aperitifs by the fire. Basically, it’s New England at its most unbothered—and that’s saying something.
Where to stay
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington
This one’s the grande dame. The Mayflower Inn is what happens when colonial charm goes to finishing school. Set on 58 manicured acres, the property feels like something out of an Edith Wharton novel—with slightly better water pressure. The rooms are beautifully arranged with plush four-poster beds, soaking tubs, fireplaces, and windows that open to garden or woodland views. Downstairs, The Garden Room restaurant serves seasonal menus with local ingredients and a candlelit, glass-walled ambience that’s pure countryside romance. But the real star is the spa. It’s expansive, serene, and offers everything from Ayurvedic massage and sound healing to forest bathing sessions that are more grounding than a digital detox.
The Litchfield Inn, Litchfield
If Mayflower is your sophisticated aunt with a signature martini, The Litchfield Inn is more like your effortlessly stylish cousin who always finds the best Airbnbs. The boutique hotel combines traditional New England architecture with modern interiors—some rooms lean classic, with tufted headboards and vintage touches, while others feature more contemporary design with bold wallpaper and sleek furnishings. There’s a cozy common area, complimentary breakfast, and just enough personal touch to make you feel like a welcome guest rather than just another weekend warrior.
Winvian Farm, Morris
Want a little whimsy with your wine pairing? Winvian Farm sits on 113 acres and offers 18 individually designed cottages—yes, cottages—including a literal tree-house and a restored 1968 helicopter. It’s not kitschy, though; it’s five-star playfulness, backed by Relais & Châteaux-level service. The spa is top-tier, the food is phenomenal (the chef’s tasting menu is highly recommended), and the whole experience feels like a grown-up version of summer camp, where you get to drink wine and nap between massages.
What to Do
Start with a stroll around the village of Litchfield itself—it’s all Colonial architecture and quaint cafes, with just enough upscale edge to keep things interesting. Antique lovers, take note: the area is packed with high-end shops and low-key gems. Hit Arethusa Farm for outrageously good ice cream (seriously, this is non-negotiable). They also have one of the best restaurants in the area, so stay for lunch. And finish with a wine tasting at Hopkins Vineyard, where the views over Lake Waramaug are almost as good as the Chardonnay.
If you want to up the ante on your luxury experience, book a private boat tour along the Housatonic River. Treat yourself to a day spent cruising past stunning views, historic landmarks, and perhaps even the chance to hop off at a quiet riverbank for a picnic. A private guide can offer fascinating historical tidbits, making the experience both relaxing and enriching. A Champagne toast on a private boat, while drifting past rolling hills? Yes, please.
You can also take a hike through the White Memorial Conservation Center, which offers trails through wetlands, woods, and wildlife areas that actually feel untouched. Go kayaking on Bantam Lake. Or, if the weather turns, wander through the Litchfield History Museum if you’re feeling virtuous. And yes, in the winter, there’s snowshoeing and even the occasional old-school sleigh ride. But honestly, you might just want to read a book, drink something hot (or cold), and remember what silence sounds like.
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FAQs
Q: How long is the drive from NYC to Litchfield Hills?
A: The drive from NYC to Litchfield Hills is about two hours.
Q: Where is Mayflower Inn & Spa located?
A: Mayflower Inn & Spa is located in Washington, Connecticut.
Q: Does Winvian Farm have a spa?
A: Yes, Winvian Farm has a top-tier spa on-site.
