1. Pleasant Valley Drive-In
City: Barkhamsted, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 379-6102
Address: 47 River Rd.
Description: This old-fashioned drive-in off Route 181 in the northeast corner of Litchfield County is a welcome sight for those who remember this unique way of watching films, and for those who have never done so. They usually have two showings a night, one at about 9 p.m. and one later, and, of course, you can stay for the double feature. They take cash only, and you should get there early if you want a “seat,” because people drive out from Hartford on Route 44 all summer, rain or shine, for this treat. There’s a snack bar, but unlike most theaters, you can bring your own snacks. Wash your windshield beforehand or bring some chairs to sit in front of your car. Drive-ins are superior to traditional theaters in many ways, and if you don’t know why, you should come to Pleasant Valley and find out.
2. Lake Mcdonough
City: Barkhamsted, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 278-7850
Description: Looking like a lake from far north Quebec, Lake McDonough is surrounded by piney hills. This is a great fishing lake for all species of trout or for smallmouth bass. Try right below Saville Dam, above which is the even larger Barkhamsted Reservoir (off-limits to boating or fishing)—in fact, don’t miss driving across it, with its little stone tower straight out of France. Launch from East Beach for a small fee, or just pull off on the side of Route 219 and walk to the pine-clad shore to fish from there. You can also swim from 3 different beaches here or rent rowboats or paddleboats. Near Goose Green Beach there is a self-guided nature trail with Braille signs and a system of ramps and railings for the blind, featuring about 80 natural landmarks such as trees and rocks to read about and touch.
3. American Legion And Peoples State Forests
City: Barkhamsted, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 379-2469 (Forest Office,
Description: Right along the west branch of the Farmington River, these twin parks in Barkhamsted offer some of the state’s most remote and interesting hiking. In the Peoples State Forest, the Stone Museum has nature exhibits to delight young and old. From there, head along the blue and yellow trail (Beaver Swamp Loop), where an old wagon trail leads up to a glacial hill where the remains of 18 ancient village sites have been discovered. There are also colonial house foundations in the park, and the westernmost yellow trail skirts the edge of a very steep drop to the Farmington River. This is also a great place to cross-country ski in the winter; though you’re high up, only a few trails are steep enough to prove difficult on skis. You’ll also see lots of animal tracks in the snow at this time of year, including those of moose and bear. On the western bank of the river, the American Legion features a small, 30-site camping area. The Henry Buck Trail in this forest passes old mill sites on its way up the side of the mountain.