September Stillness at The Manor House Inn

September Secrets

Norfolk feels like Connecticut's best-kept secret in September: quiet woodland trails, peaceful ponds for kayaking, dark night skies for stargazing, and the first hint of fall color emerging in the forests and foothills of the Berkshires.

September unfolds gently in the Litchfield Hills — a season suspended between the lingering warmth of summer and the energy of harvest season in the autumn. The rush of summer fades momentarily into a softer rhythm as the landscape begins its slow turning. Early fall wildflowers bloom along country roads, evenings are cool enough for backyard bonfires, and the sun casts a golden glow that lingers between the branches of the slowly changing trees.

The late afternoon light in Norfolk's woodlands is beautifully captured by the Japanese word Komorebi (木漏れ日 --- pronounced "ko-mo-reh-bee"); a term that describes the dappled sunlight and shadows created as the sunlight filters through the leaves and branches of trees... the gift of nature's unexpected enchantments. There's a magical, mystical quality to the way we experience the world here.

At The Manor House Inn, September is a transitional time of year—a brief pause between summer and leaf-peeping season; one that shifts our sense of time and space, reminding us to exhale, to linger, and to savor.  This time of year offers a soft invitation into moments rich with meaning, contemplation, and calm. And this year, the local calendar aligns beautifully with that ethos.

Why September Feels Like Home Here

As the village nestles into early fall, the energy shifts. Days still carry sunlit promise; evenings whisper of turning leaves and backyard bonfires. Trails like Dennis Hill and Campbell Falls are quieter, nature’s palette richer, and the air crisper.

A beautiful new bookstore with used and vintage books has opened in the Village Center near the picnic tables in the plaza, adjacent to the walking trails of City Meadow.

Guests often tell us that the memories of September in Litchfield linger in the heart long after departure. Sometimes it's hard to leave...

Our breakfasts now brim with both the last of summer’s berries and the first cider-sweet hints of apple. Each dish nurtures mindful presence, connection, and gratitude. And this season’s gifts extend beyond the Village Center. The Manor House and our friends offer events attuned to curiosity, creativity, and well-being:

Local Events to Enrich Your September Stay

• Feast with Fungi & Folks — Saturday, September 6, 5 PM – 9 PM at Husky Meadows Farm
  Enjoy four courses celebrating mushrooms, prepared by Chef Billy Ross. His dishes blend farm-fresh produce and foraged mushrooms into a sensory, slow-food experience—just the kind of mindful gathering our guests adore. Limited seats available. Reservations required. 
• Cultural Exhibits and Tours — Saturday, September 6, 10 AM – 3:30 PM at the Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center
  Step into a restored castle of ancient wisdom. Explore curated exhibits across Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Christian, and Inca traditions through immersive storytelling, Tea Art Demonstrations, and cultural seminars that lift the spirit. Reservations required.
• Wellness Seminar: Insights from Nature — Sunday, September 7, 2:30 PM at the Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center
  As nature begins its quiet transformation, this seminar invites you to ponder your own. Through mindful movement, nature-based meditation, or reflective dialogue, you’ll discover how deeply we resonate with the rhythms beyond ourselves.

Why These Moments Matter

These gatherings mirror the meanings we cultivate at the Inn:

• Culinary Connection — savoring both taste and company in a locally-rooted meal.
• Cultural Resonance — steeping into traditions that offer depth beyond the surface.
• Mindful Exploration — moving deliberately, listening closely, and noticing what often flows past.

A Gentle Itinerary for a September Stay

Begin softly — wander the Inn’s property, sunrise coffees, shared breakfasts.

Midday connections — pair a local walk with one of the featured events:

• Saturday morning: cultural exhibits & tea at the castle,
• Saturday evening: a communal mushroom‑inspired dinner,
• Sunday afternoon: a wellness seminar attuned to nature’s unfolding.

Epilogue to the day — unwind on the porch, perhaps with a journal in hand, or watch the stars spark against the turning hills.

Book Your September Retreat

If September calls to you—for spacious mornings, season’s edge, and deep-hearted connection—you have a place with us.

Rooms are filling thoughtfully—reserve your stay or call (860) 542‑5690.

Together, let’s savor this threshold moment between seasons.

#SavorSeptember #MindfulTravel #WellbeingRetreat #ManorHouseInn #LitchfieldHills #IntentionalFall #ConsciousTravel #LocalEvents #PositivePsychologyTravel