With the first snow of the year I wondered where I could go for the biggest bang for my buck! Litchfield County it was! A great and manageable day with multiple stops and awesome views!
This spot was one I stumbled upon when kayaking. At the time I thought it was a hidden enclave with so many birds singing and flying I always felt as I was in a natural bird sanctuary every time I went. A couple of years later I learned it was part of a popular park and I can drive to it too! This was my first stop to see it so differently in the winter.
When I go to the Harrybrooke enclave I launch from Lover’s Leap loving the majesty of the gorge and the bridge above. The folklore behind the area is easy to imagine as you look from the top upon Lake Lillinonah. The sparkling icy waters and snow capped cliffs added to the intrigue today.
Sitting in the Lion’s Den at the White Horse tavern by the fire eating a delicious sirloin chili was a perfect break from the cold day hiking. The service was great and the food reasonably priced and delicious. A great place to plan the next stop!
So close to White Horse is the lovely small town of New Preston. The falls were such a happy surprise when I first came upon them. The strongest part of the falls rushed through the areas of ice and snow allowing you to imagine how they were once a source of power.
Then of course there was Kent Falls. Which is one of the most popular attractions in the State. Too popular so I don’t really frequent it. But on this wintry day I found it a perfect stop with the exception of how cold it was beside the Falls!
On my way to my next destination it felt perfect to stop and get the best hot chocolate I’ve had in a while! They had many options including white and mocha with additional add ins. I went classic which I highly recommend at the Kent Coffee and Chocolate company.
My final stop was breathtaking complemented by the beautiful words of Henry Thoreau. I chose this spot to wish my son a Happy Birthday at the annual special minute of his birth. I hope one day I can take him here too.
Happy Birthday Steve. You’ll always be my baby. Life is most beautiful on the days you’re in it.
January 8, 2022
Pivot and Pause in New England 