Visit Litchfield CT

Connecticut’s three 2026 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Award nominees, including Chef David DiStasi of Materia Ristorante in Bantam, are getting a big sendoff in Mystic Tuesday as they head to Chicago—where winners will be revealed at a June 15 ceremony.

And you’re invited to wish them luck!

🗓️ WHEN: Tuesday, June 9 (Arrive by 10:30 AM, program starts at 11 AM)
📍 WHERE: Mystic River Park Stage

🤝 Visit Litchfield CT is proud to partner with the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association, the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce for this special event. Details are here: https://www.ctrestaurant.org/events/2026-james-beard-awards-send-off/

And here’s hoping Connecticut scores a triple play ⚾️🏆 as our nominees are in different categories:

🔹 Best Chef Northeast: David DiStasi (Materia Ristorante, Bantam)
🔹 Outstanding Chef: David Standridge (The Shipwright's Daughter, Mystic)
🔹 Outstanding Wine & Other Beverages Program: The Port of Call, Mystic

More on the this year’s Beard Award nominations is here: https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/james-beard-awards-restaurant-and-chef-nominees-2026/

Chef DiStasi is no stranger to the spotlight. From earning "due forchette" (two forks) from Gambero Rosso International to topping Connecticut Magazine’s "Best Overall Excellence" and "Best Italian" lists this year, Materia is a true Litchfield gem. 🇮🇹✨

👉 Get Sendoff Event Details: https://www.ctrestaurant.org/events/2026-james-beard-awards-send-off/

👉 Book your table at Materia: https://materiaristo.com

Litchfield’s biggest weekend of the summer is right around the corner! 🏃‍♂️🎉🎸

The 49th running of the Official Litchfield Hills Road Race is June 14. As First Selectman Denise Raap shares in this year’s official race booklet, Road Race Weekend is a “celebration of community spirit" that "brings together people from near and far to experience the charm of our historic town.”

Whether you’re conquering the course, enjoying a family weekend, or cheering from the sidelines, here is a quick snapshot of how to make the most of it:

👟 THE RUNNERS: Beat the lines and pick up your bib early at Sage and Salt Restaurant on Saturday (9 AM - 12 PM). Day-of registration opens Sunday at 10 AM ($60, cash/check only—no credit cards!). Don't forget to look out for the Tracksmith "Envoy" pop-up truck around town all weekend long. https://www.lhrr.com/

🎈 THE FAMILIES: Kick off Saturday at the Litchfield Marketplace on the Green from 9 AM - 3 PM for local crafts and artisan eats. On Sunday, let the little athletes shine in the Children's Fun Runs and the competitive 2.3-mile youth race (registration opens Sunday morning on the Green).

🎸 THE SPECTATORS: Saturday night is for dancing! Join Litchfield Park & Rec from 7 PM - 9 PM for the "Rock the Block Party on the Green" featuring live music from Night Shift. Then on Sunday, stake out your spot on the Green or on the legendary Gallows Lane hill to lift the runners up!

📥 Pro-Tip: Check out the photos for the official "Where to Park" and "Find Your Way on Race Day" maps directly from the 2026 booklet. Head over to the Visit Litchfield CT website [Link to Blog Post] for a longer guide to enjoying road race weekend: https://visitlitchfieldct.com/run-rock-and-recharge-experience-litchfield-hills-road-race-weekend/

See you on the Green. 👇 Let us know in the comments if you're running, spectating, or partying this year.

🍑🍦 The Bakery Corner at Peaches N' Cream definitely looks worth discovering!

The handmade ice cream shop (and more!) is located on Route 202 on the northwestern edge of Litchfield at the Torrington line. 📍🗺️

📅 Open Year-Round ❄️☀️
⏰ Current Hours:
• 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Sun–Thu) 🕒
• 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Fri–Sat) 🌙

🌐 https://www.peachesncreamct.com
📞 +1 860-496-7536

The special exhibit "Two Potters" at Oliver Wolcott Library highlights ancient traditions from opposite sides of the globe that have found a home in the same corner of the world in NW CT. 🌍

The exhibit, from June 5 through June 12, features Bantam’s legendary traditional potter Guy Wolff and internationally acclaimed Afghan master potter Matin Malikzada.

While their paths couldn't have been more different, their devotion to the wheel and the preservation of heritage forms unites them seamlessly.

• Guy Wolff has spent over 50 years reviving historic American and European pottery shapes, capturing the attention of design icons like Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey.

• Matin Malikzada, a seventh-generation master from the famous ceramic village of Istalif, Afghanistan, brings centuries-old high-symmetry techniques and a breathtaking natural turquoise glaze to our hills.

This is a unique opportunity to experience how a simple clay vessel can carry the weight, beauty, and resilience of centuries of history.

👋 Come meet the artists:
Don't miss the Opening Reception on Tuesday, June 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. It is free, open to the public, and a perfect evening to support Northwest Connecticut's vibrant arts scene.
📍 Oliver Wolcott Library | 160 South Street, Litchfield
👉 Learn more and register for the June 12 Potters' Talk at https://www.owlibrary.org/on-exhibit.aspx

The Litchfield Land Trust's scavenger hunt this Saturday, June 6, on the Prospect Mountain Preserve trails is one of two Connecticut Trails Day events in Litchfield. (The White Memorial Conservation Center has a guided hike in the Five Ponds area in Litchfield/Morris but it's already sold out.)

The land trust is offering two scavenger hunts that will begin and end at the Pepper Meadow Trailhead on Prospect Mountain Rd. There will be a hunt designed for children ages 7 and up that starts at 10 a.m., and another for children younger than 7 that will take place in the Pepper Meadow from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. There will be walking trails and activities perfect for younger children. Parents or guardians must accompany children throughout both hunts and registration is required.

Learn more and register to participate here:
https://trailsday.org/events/the-scavenger-hunt-on-prospect-mountain/

There are other hikes in Goshen and Morris (and many other places) with remaining spots open. https://trailsday.org/

Celebrate CT Trails Day with us! Join us for The Hunt on Prospect Mountain - a family friendly scavenger hunt open to all ages. This event is free, but registration is encouraged! Sign up here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfL9kYdg5hTN4ec3zPQYH31RNfrMuzyygvRtb-MI6IveYFOXA/viewform

The TV weather folks were frowning about the weekend forecast, but chillier temperatures and even a little rain sometimes create the backdrop for the most memorable walks in the woods at The White Memorial Conservation Center and elsewhere.

The Little Pond Boardwalk Trail will be active no matter the weather but don't overlook the Pine Island/Mallard Marsh area across Whites Woods Road from the boardwalk -- which is particularly appealing right now with irises and lady slippers waiting to be discovered if you look carefully.

There are also active beaver habitats 🪵🦫 and a series of mini-boardwalks along these flat, easy to navigate trails, some of which originated as carriage roads. Plus, there's a parking area along Whites Woods Road.

If you haven't explored this area of White Memorial lately, pack the binoculars and see what you can spot! 🌿👀

White Memorial trail maps are here: https://whitememorialcc.org/trail-maps/

📷 are from the afternoon of May 28.

A delicious change is brewing in the Old Litchfield Jail! 🥖☕️

For years, visiting The Bakehouse followed a familiar choreography for most: park, sweep in for your favorite scratch-baked breads or sweet treats, and hit the road with your bounty. Those who lingered to enjoy a treat with coffee at the tiny tables inside or on the stone patio were generally the outliers.

Not anymore.

The Bakehouse has officially expanded into the former Discerning Palate space next door, turning Litchfield's favorite grab-and-go bakery into a sit-and-enjoy destination. 🛋️✨

The wall is down, a row of tables is in, and there is now room to sit, slow down, and savor. It’s the perfect excuse to explore the full range of baked goods, from croissants to cupcakes, brownies, muffins, and much more, in conjunction with specialty teas or coffee and espresso drinks fueled by organic, small-batch beans from Sacred Grounds Coffee Roasters in Sherman.

Same world-class baking from Jeremy and Allison, beautiful new historic footprint.

👇 Click below to read the full story of the expansion, the history of the 1812 jailhouse space, and the team's origin story.
https://visitlitchfieldct.com/the-bakehouse-expands-a-spot-to-linger-with-a-croissant-and-coffee/

New exhibit of paintings and sculpture by Michael Quadland opens with an event this evening at Oliver Wolcott Library.

✨ "Leaning on Limits" | Paintings & Sculpture ✨
📅 Exhibition Dates: Through June 2
🥂 Opening Reception: Thursday, May 28, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Learn more: https://www.owlibrary.org/on-exhibit.aspx

The independent, creative spirit of the Bantam section of th Town of Litchfield CT has been officially honored with its state designation as the Bantam River Cultural District! ✨

On May 15, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz (Office of Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz) and other dignitaries gathered at Bantam Borough Hall to celebrate this landmark distinction.

Bantam has long been an entrepreneurial and artistic hub, and now it’s officially recognized as one of Connecticut's premier, walkable cultural hubs.

Here's just a taste of what's waiting for you:

🎨 The Arts: Grab tickets for a film or community event at the historic Bantam Cinema & Arts Center, explore who's located in the Bantam Arts Factory, including Dumais Made ceramics, and discover nearby creatives including Guy Wolff Pottery, and Bantam Tileworks.

🍔 Local Flavor: Fuel your visit with an artisan roast from Krafted Brew Lab, pick up scratch-made loaves at Bantam Bread Company, or treat yourself at the world-famous Arethusa Farm Dairy ice cream. Looking for classic summer nostalgia? Stop by the Gooseboro Drive-In LLC. on the western edge of Bantam, or swing by the Bantam Community Farmers Market every Friday from 3-6 p.m. at Alain White Field from May into October.

🌿 The Outdoors: Visit Bantam River Park overlooking the falls, hike the neighboring trails at White Memorial Conservation Center and the Litchfield Land Trust Prospect Mountain Preserve, or rent a kayak from Litchfield Paddle to float out into Bantam Lake.

Read more here: https://visitlitchfieldct.com/discover-the-bantam-river-cultural-district-where-history-art-and-deliciousness-mingle/

And come see where history is preserved, independent businesses thrive, and art is woven into daily life. Map out your next Bantam adventure with the new Bantam River Cultural District Brochures and on at Visit Litchfield CT 💻👇

The Memorial Day parade in Litchfield center Monday is canceled due to the weather, just as Sunday’s parade in Bantam was canceled. 🌧️

🇺🇸 The Town of Litchfield CT ceremony will still take place indoors at American Legion Post 27 Litchfield, CT at 10 a.m. (418 Bantam Rd.) to honor our fallen service members.

As these Sunday afternoon photos show, Litchfield center is pretty, magical, and a bit like an Impressionist painting in the rain. 🎨✨ The clouds may wrap up by Monday afternoon, creating the perfect opportunity to:

🌿 Take a quiet walk in the woods
🏡 Stroll through the Historic District
🗿 Visit the brand-new Montfort Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition at Lourdes in Litchfield, A Ministry of the Montfort Missionaries. https://www.shrinect.org/sculpture

☕ Looking for a warm drink or a holiday treat on Memorial Day? Some of our favorite spots will definitely be open, like Toast & Co. for morning coffee, Arethusa Farm Dairy for afternoon ice cream, and Gooseboro Drive-In LLC. for a classic roadside bite. 🍦🍔

However much it rains on Memorial Day, Bantam Cinema & Arts Center is open and offers a great cultural haven. 🎬🍿 Escape the damp weather, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a film at Connecticut’s oldest continuously operating movie house. 🎟️ See what's playing and get tickets: https://www.bantamcinema.org/

👇 If you know of other shops, galleries, or lifestyle spots that will be open on Memorial Day, please leave a comment below to let neighbors and visitors know.

Wishing everyone a safe and peaceful Monday holiday as we honor all members of the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🎖️🕊️