The serene beauty of the Litchfield Hills region offers a tranquil getaway for Manor House Inn guests. With historic homes, intimate music venues, art galleries, antique shops, gardens, forests and lakes, there is much to explore. Established in 1758, Norfolk has been called “the unspoiled and largely undiscovered gem of Connecticut’s historic Northwest corner, serving a spellbinding concoction of natural beauty and culture.” We at the Manor House Inn agree. Here are a few of the activities and attractions that guests often enjoy while staying with us:
Music
Infinity Music Hall & Bistro Built in 1883 as the first multi-purpose community center in the country, the arts-and-crafts style building remains a village meeting place. Today, the venue retains its original style and details but has been restored to include a world-class sound system and seating for an audience of 300. Since opening in 2007, Infinity Hall Norfolk has hosted more than 1,200 concerts including most all genres. Infinity Bistro, the adjoining restaurant, is popular for pre-concert dinners and with food enthusiasts.
Tip: The Bistro is often fully booked on show nights so make sure you make reservations in advance. We love mezzanine tickets- they include dining before and during the show.
Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
Celebrating its 75th year, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival offers world-renowned tutelage to graduate students from all over the world who aspire to be professional musicians. Tickets can be purchased for Friday and Saturday night concerts held in the historic Music Shed throughout July and August.
Tip: The Yale Summer School of Music offers free concerts every Thursday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 10:30am at the Music Shed throughout the summer.
Hiking Trails
With 3 state parks and over 6,000 acres of public forestland in Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk offers a plethora of opportunities for those who want to spend time outdoors.
Hike up to the remnants of the lavish summer pavilion designed by Alfredo Taylor
Climb to the top of the stone tower at the mountain’s summit for 360 degree views of the Litchfield Hills and Berkshire mountains
Enjoy a short hike to a beautiful100ft.natural waterfall
Enjoy 6,000 acres of pristine forestland for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Seasonal events and activities include group day hikes, fly tying workshops, poetry readings, wreath and flower arranging workshops and more.
Tip: The Manor House would be happy to provide a picnic lunch or wine and cheese platter for you to take with you on your hike. Just let us know 24 hours in advance (fee applies).
Lakes/water activities
Wood Creek Pond
This tranquil 145-acre lake, less than 3 miles from the Manor House, is a nature lover’s paradise. Grab your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and spend the afternoon on the water viewing the amazing local wildlife and plants.
Horseback Riding
Rustling Wind Stables and Creamery
Just 15 minutes from the Manor House, Rustling Wind offers horseback riding and delicious cheeses, jam and jellies, chutneys and other fresh items from their creamery.
Cycling
Ride the 45 miles of bike trails from Ashley Falls, MA to Kent, CT.
Routes for two 40-mile bike rides from Norfolk. The Norfolk Southwest ride goes past an old iron forge, twin lakes and Bartholomew’s Cobble. The Canaan Valley tour takes your through Great Barrington, MA, a lovely Berkshires town, and Campbell Falls State Park.
Antiques
Antique shops abound in Litchfield County and the Southern Berkshires.
Litchfield Hills Antique Shops
Southern Berkshires Antique Shops
Wine Tasting
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
Wine tasting, outdoor patio, open year round
Les Trois Emme Winery, New Marlborough, MA
Land of Nod Winery, East Canaan, CT
Haight-Brown Vineyards, Litchfield, CT
Hopkins Vineyard, Warren, CT
Jerram Winery, New Hartford, CT
See the full CT wine trail here (driving distance ranges significantly)!
*Some wineries are only open from spring to autumn. Please call to confirm hours and availability for tasting rooms.
Museums and other Local Points of Interest
Norfolk Historical Society Travel through Norfolk’s unique history at the Norfolk Historical Society.
Norfolk Library Come visit the heartbeat of Norfolk’s Community. A beautiful brownstone structure with unique architectural features, the library is worth a visit just for its extraordinary interior.
Harney & Sons Tea Room In nearby Millerton, NY, the Harney & Sons tea room provides loose tea tastings and an adorable gift shop.
White Flower Farm is a family-owned nursery located in nearby Morris, CT. Their retail store is surrounded by display gardens designed to entice, teach and inspire gardeners of all ability levels. They also offer gardening lectures and workshops on Saturday mornings at 10am from May to October.
Norman Rockwell Museum Founded in 1969, the Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work.
Sharon Audubon Center The Sharon Audubon Center encompasses four nature sanctuaries and 3,000 acres, an education center and a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Visitors are welcome to enjoy trails, live animal exhibits, nature programs and conservation-themed events throughout the year.
Berkshire Botanical Garden Nestled in the scenic Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, the Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) offers visitors a peaceful refuge of natural beauty on 15 acres. Classes, workshops, lectures and special events are offered year-round.
More information on these activities is available at the inn. We’d also be happy to help you find the perfect restaurant for dinner and tell you about additional activities. Just let us know what you’d like to do when you call to book your stay with us. We look forward to seeing you soon!