1. Passiflora Tea Room And Herbal Apothecary
City: New Hartford, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (860) 379-8327
Address: 526 Main St.
Description: This cafe and gourmet supply shop is a haven for locals, healthy eaters from Hartford, and tourists passing through on Route 44, right in the “downtown” of New Hartford (blink and you’ll miss it). The 160 varieties of tea at Passiflora are the big draw, but try the innovative sandwiches and dishes made with local ingredients and no high-fructose corn syrup or additives. The quiche of the day is always a winner, and their organic grilled cheese melt is scrumptious. For those looking for a beverage other than tea, the smoothies are inventive and tasty. The small shop has bath and body articles, herbs, local art and jewelry, and various kitchen items. Passiflora supports other local businesses like Little Women’s Kitchen and Planted Feather bakeries, and gets their vegetables from Wild Carrot Farm (along with their own garden). Although it is not strictly vegetarian, the menu has plenty of options, and they will even make things vegan or gluten-free for you.
2. Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford
City: New Hartford, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (860) 379-2290
Address: 283 Main St. (Route 44)
Description: Although the name is Collinsville, a town in Hartford County, this huge multi-dealer antiques shop is not in that historic district, but up the road on Route 44, about halfway between Canton and the “downtown” of New Hartford in Litchfield County. They moved to this huge building in 2006, and even have a restaurant inside the shop. There’s outdoor seating on a 60-foot deck, wheelchair access, air-conditioning, and an enormous parking lot. They need it, because this route to the Litchfield Hills from Hartford is popular, and many browsers stop to explore the antique delights inside. About 50 dealers are represented here, and you’re sure to find something you like.
3. Connecticut Valley Winery
City: New Hartford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 489-9463
Address: 1480 Litchfield Tpke. (Route 202)
Description: This is a perfect short stop on Route 202 between Hartford and Torrington. Standouts at Connecticut Valley Winery are many, particularly the wines that showcase the hybrid grapes that do well in the Connecticut climate. Deep Purple, made with Chambourcin, and Midnight, featuring Frontenac, are estate bottled, as is Dolce Vita, a lovely sweet white. The Italian heritage of the winemaking Ferraro family is evident in their Chianti, and Spumonte Muscato, a sparkling white. Try Chardonel for a sample of another hybrid. Specialty wines include Black Bear dessert wine, named after a bear that helped itself to the harvest and found the grapes as inviting as you will. The tasting room’s wood ambiance and hearty fireplace offer respite on a late autumn day, and the patio umbrellas will shield your glass from the sun if you’re out in the summer heat.
4. Jerram Winery
City: New Hartford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 379-8749
Address: 535 Town Hill Rd.
Description: The tasting room at Jerram Winery is small, located down the gravel drive between two barns. But inside, the yellow brightness is inviting, especially on spring or summer days when the light hits just right. Jerram grows several varieties, including Marechal Foch, Vignoles, and Seyval Blanc. The wines offer tasters the chance to try these and sample unique blends, including S’il Vous Plait, made with Cabernet Franc grapes, and Vespers, a late-harvest dessert wine. You’ll also find Aurora, the goddess of dawn, donning the frosted bottle of the wine (and the grape) that takes her name. This makes a great stop if you’re up seeing the sights in Riverton, or hiking Peoples State Forest.
5. Ski Sundown
City: New Hartford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 126 Ratlum Rd.
Description: With 15 very different trails and 4 chairlifts, this mountain usually moves quickly, with fast runs and few waits. Three of the trails are difficult enough for more experienced skiers, like the black diamond Gunbarrel Trail. You can rent skis in their extensive rental shop, and you can wolf down some food in the cafeteria or relax in the lodge. They offer after-school rates and different packages that make this the perfect place for families with children. The night skiing here during the week has a lot of fans, with lighted trails. Sundown keeps the trails well groomed, and you’ll seldom find the icy conditions that can be the bane of East Coast skiing.
6. Satan’S Kingdom Farmington River Rafting
City: New Hartford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (860) 693-6465
Address: 92 Main St.
Insider Pick:
Description: In the 1700s this rugged country was the retreat of various criminals and other outcasts from Hartford society. Now it is a playground for mild whitewater recreation. There is a parking lot right next to the river on Route 44, where you’ll see the sign that says Satan’s Kingdom. Make sure you wear or bring appropriate clothing, because you’re going to get wet. You can go through the Farmington River Tubing company, which will give you a life jacket and sit you in a large tube to glide downriver for 2.5 miles through some mild rapids, a great family activity. But if you prefer something more challenging, try Main Stream Canoe and Kayak, which will set you up to boat through some quick water and Class I–II rapids, a 3- to 4-hour trip.