Activities

Attractions Near the Manor House Inn, Norfolk, CT

For more descriptive listings and full day-trip recommendations, please see our Area Guide page.


The serene beauty of the Litchfield Hills and nearby regions offers a tranquil getaway for Manor House Inn guests. There is much to explore in the forests and the foothills of the Berkshires, including mountain-fed lakes, gardens and glens, craft breweries and wineries, antique and artisan shops, museums, historic architecture and more, all of which reflect our community's commitment to culture and conservation. 


Plus, for pet lovers, the Manor House Inn is located near Hunky Hound Handlers Canine Lodge & Ranch (8 min) in East Canaan, which offers boarding (Please note: we cannot accommodate furry friends at the Manor House Inn).


For transportation services, including winery and brewery tour drivers, see All Transportation Network in Lakeville and Avon Limo.


New and exciting things are coming to the Manor House too! We are developing the first intimate outdoor Nordic Spa in Connecticut's Northwest Corner.


Coming for a special anniversary, celebration, or staging the perfect proposal? Consider capturing the moments to last a lifetime with Sue Takes Photos   or Jennifer Almquist Photography.

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Hiking, Picnicking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing

Call to order our Take-a-Hike picnic package, packed in an insulated backpack, or grab a picnic-to-go lunch at Berkshire Country Store or Icebox Cafe!

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Beer, Wine, Distilleries & Tasting Events

The Connecticut Beer Trail and Connecticut Wine Trail weave through Litchfield Hills.

Favorite destinations include:



Plus, the Railroad Museum of New England offers seasonal taste and ride events including:


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Cycling & Ebiking ~ Build Your Own Back Hills Adventure

Inline Skating / Cycling / Walking / Running on Paved Surfaces


Call to order our Take-a-Hike picnic package, packed in an insulated backpack, or grab a picnic-to-go lunch at Berkshire Country Store or Icebox Cafe.

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Active Adventures, Athletic & Water Activities

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Outdoor Education & Events, Bird-Watching, Stargazing & Local Conservation Initiatives


Plus... Norfolk has been identified as one of the Best Places for Connecticut Star-Gazing


Norfolk is a Conservation Haven

Learn about Aton Forest and Norfolk's Conservation Commission along with their recommendations for Bird-Watching in Norfolk.

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Bookish Delights, Lectures & Learning


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Seasonal Events: Races, Festivals & Fairs


 


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Food & Drink “Experiences”

(Scroll further to see restaurant recommendations)

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Dining in Litchfield Hills & Surrounding Areas

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In Downtown Norfolk

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10-25 Min Drive

2nd Home Lounge (Winsted, CT) (860) 238-4500


Blackberry River Bistro (Canaan, CT) (860) 453-4067


Gepetto Osteria e Bisteccheria (Torrington, CT) (860) 618-0721


Noujaim’s Mediterranean Bistro (Winsted, CT) (860) 379-0559


Mario’s Tuscany Grill (Winsted, CT) (860) 379-7415


Monaco’s Ristorante (Winsted, CT) (860) 379-6648


Mountainside Cafe (Falls Village, CT) (860) 824-7876


Neo (Salisbury, CT) (860) 596-4158


Railway Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor (Winsted, CT) (860) 238-7677


Old Inn on the Green* ** (New Marlborough, MA) (413) 229-7924


The Boat House (Lakeville, CT) (860) 435-2111


The Venetian (Torrington, CT) (860) 489-8592


The White Hart (Salisbury, CT) (860) 435-0030


YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen (Torrington, CT) (860) 618-3076


* Properties recognized for their romantic ambiance and beautiful locations for special occasion dinners.

10-25 Min Drive

Arethusa al tavalo* ** (Bantam, CT) (860) 567-0043


Belden House Restaurant (Litchfield, CT) (860) 337-2099


Bizen Japanese and Sushi (Great Barrington) (413) 528-4343


Black Rabbit Grille (Lakeville, CT) (860) 596-4227


Fern (Lakeville, CT) (860) 596-1930


Materia Ristorante* ** (Bantam, CT) (860) 567-3326 


Millrights* ** (Simsbury, CT) (860) 651- 5500


Ore Hill* ** & Swyft (Kent, CT) (860) 592-0404


The Woodland* (Lakeville, CT) (860) 435-0578


West Street Grill (Litchfield, CT) (860) 567-3885


Xicohtencatl Mexican Restaurant Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-2002


** Owned by nationally recognized award-winning chefs

* Properties recognized for their romantic ambiance and beautiful locations for special occasion dinners.

Quintessential New England Towns Nearby

Winsted (15 min) features delightfully independent shops, including Live at Home, The Curious Cat Bookshop, and Rooted Market, along with The American Mural Project and Whiting Mills Featuring Artisans & Craftsman, The American Museum of Tort Law (truly fascinating!), and the wonderfully vintage Gilsen Cafe & Cinema. Also, be sure to pop into Railway Cafe, known for its coffee, ice cream, and good eats. Check out this full itinerary for a summer’s day in Winsted & Highland Lake. Visit Friends of Main Street Winsted for more ideas of where to visit.

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Torrington (20 min) features the Warner Theater, Five Points Art Center & Creative Workshops (ceramics, stained glass, printmaking, etc.), Pursue the Clues Escape Room, and excellent restaurants, including Gepetto Osteria e Bisteccheria, YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen, and The Venetian. Looking for some vintage treasures? There’s also Wright’s Barn Antiques, Flea Market & Cafe.


Litchfield (25 min) A late 18th-century New England town with boutiques and restaurants along the historic town green. Nearby Bantam Lake offers outdoor activities and water sports. Horseback Riding and Sunset Meadows Vineyard in Goshen (25 min) make a perfect stop on the way. Litchfield Distillery also offers tours; see their website for details. White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield also offers 40 miles of trails plus a museum and nature center.

Millerton, NY (25 min) features boutique shops, cozy cafés, and bustling restaurants, including 52 Main and Millerton Inn. Also home to Harney & Sons Fine Teas and the independent bookstore Oblong Books. Spend some time outside on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail and round the day out with a movie at The Moviehouse.



Stockbridge, MA (35 min): Enjoy a scenic New England Drive to enjoy the Norman Rockwell Museum, The Naumkeag Estate, and Antique Shopping