Issues → March/April 2009 → Travel →
Hike, Stay, Eat, Shop in the Last Green Valley
A listing of some favorite Connecticut places
TRAILS TO HIKE
With more than 130 miles of trails, at least 25 recreation areas, and countless campgrounds, this valley's the ultimate in green.
Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union
Bigger is better--9,600 acres (combined with Nipmuck State Forest) of scuba diving, fishing, hiking, and biking. Epic mountain laurel in June. 860-684-3430; ct.gov/dep/site/default.asp
James l. Goodwin State Forest, Hampton
All kinds of foliage and flowers, fishing and hiking, plus a natural science and forestry museum. 860-424-3200; ct.gov/dep/site/default.asp
Mansfield Hollow State Park, Mansfield
Big water--that's Lake Naubesatuck. Water sports and hiking. 860-928-6121; ct.gov/dep/site/default.asp
Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret
Check out Wolf Den, Indian Chair, and Table Rock. 860-928-6121; ct.gov/dep/site/default.asp
LODGING
There's no shortage of inns and B&Bs; here's a handful to get you started.
Chickadee Cottage B&B, Pomfret Center
As cute as it sounds, with two options: Carriage House and Lower Nest, available as short-term rentals or for families with children. 860-963-0587; chickadeecottage.com
Feather Hill B&B, Pomfret
Beautiful country rooms or a separate cottage with gas fireplace. 860-963-0522; featherhillbedandbreakfast.com
The Inn at Woodstock Hill, Woodstock
Cozy rooms, canopy beds, fireplaces, and country dining in a large, 1816 Federal mansion. 860-928-0528; woodstockhill.com
Campgrounds
Go to visitthelastgreenvalley.info and click on "Campgrounds" for a full listing (more than 35).
DINING
85 Main, Putnam
860-928-1660; 85main.com
The Golden Lamb Buttery, Brooklyn
860-774-4423; thegoldenlamb.com
Mansion at Bald Hill, South Woodstock
A former Gilded Age estate, it's gone green, with a seasonal menu and local produce. 860-974-3456; mansionatbaldhill.com
Still River Cafe, Eastford
860-974-9988; stillrivercafe.com
The Vanilla Bean Cafe, Pomfret
860-928-1562; thevanillabeancafe.com
Connecticut Wine Trail
Pick up a "passport" and get it stamped as you travel through the vineyards and wineries, many in the Last Green Valley. 860-267-1399; ctwine.com
Reader Comments
Comment from Paulette Baker on March 17, 2009
I used to live around the corner from the Golden Lamb, and there were often sheep in the road. On my way home one afternoon, I saw a car with New York plates pulled over to the side so that the driver could get out and take pictures of the woolly creatures. One of the sheep decided to take advantage of the man's lack of attention -- and open door -- and was halfway into the driver's seat before the guy noticed. I've been back on Long Island Sound for many years now, but that memory always brings a chuckle.
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