Things To Do
in New Milford
New Milford is a charming town located in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. Known for its picturesque New England scenery, New Milford offers a mix of historical architecture and modern amenities. The town is surrounded by nature, including parks, farms, and the Housatonic River, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
With a strong sense of community and a variety of local shops and restaurants, New Milford is a welcoming and vibrant place to live or visit.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $35
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Lillinonah. Enjoy the scenic views, fresh air, and tranquility of the water.
Have a picnic lunch at the lakeside park while soaking up the sun. Afterward, rent a kayak to explore the lake further.
Watch the sunset over the lake for a picturesque ending to your day. Consider dining at a local restaurant that offers waterfront views.
Set off early to bike along the New Milford River Trail. The gentle terrain makes it perfect for a relaxing ride.
Stop for lunch at a nearby café after completing the trail. Then, continue exploring the surrounding nature on foot.
After a day of biking, unwind at a local pub. Enjoy live music while sipping on a refreshing drink.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic natural beauty with access to parks and outdoor activities.
- Strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere.
- Good schools and educational opportunities for families.
- Rich history and cultural events throughout the year.
- Proximity to larger cities like New York City and Hartford for work and entertainment.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other regions.
- Public transportation options may be limited.
- Cold winters can be a drawback for some residents.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to urban areas.
- Job market may not be as diverse or robust as in larger cities.
Best Activities in New Milford
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy kayaking, fishing, and picnicking along the scenic shores of Lake Lillinonah. The lake offers beautiful views and lots of recreational opportunities.
Explore this 100-acre park featuring nature trails, playgrounds, and gardens. It's great for walking, running, and family outings.
Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic riverwalk which runs along the Housatonic River. It provides beautiful views and access to local shops and eateries.
This small, serene pond is perfect for fishing and relaxing. A quiet spot for enjoying nature and watching wildlife.
Hike the trails at Lovers Leap, offering stunning vistas of the Housatonic River. This park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying breathtaking views.
Engage in various outdoor sports including tennis, swimming, and fitness classes. A great place for athletic activities in a community setting.
Places to Visit in New Milford
Visit one of these nice places.
Beautiful views of the countryside and rolling hills, great for photography
Scenic overlooks of Lake Lillinonah and surrounding landscapes, perfect for capturing stunning views
Picturesque vistas of farmlands and meadows, ideal for photography enthusiasts
Opportunities for capturing the beauty of cascading waterfalls and lush forests
Food in New Milford
New Milford Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cream-based clam chowder flavored with potatoes, onions, and celery. Rich and hearty, it's a classic New England dish. Visitors can savor this iconic comfort food at The Clam Hut, a popular seafood restaurant overlooking the Housatonic River.
Must-Try!
Freshly made donuts infused with local apple cider and dusted with cinnamon sugar. These delectable treats can be enjoyed at the Litchfield Hills Farm Fresh Market, where several local vendors offer their artisanal products.
Grilled salmon fillet adorned with a glaze made from pure Vermont maple syrup, a nod to the region's maple-producing heritage. Diners can relish this dish at the picturesque Water's Edge Café, known for its inventive take on regional ingredients.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The New Milford Farmers' Market is a vibrant hub of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade preserves. Visitors can explore the stalls to sample local specialties and gather ingredients for a picnic by the scenic Candlewood Lake.
Periodic food truck festivals in the downtown area offer a dynamic array of street food, from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas. These events showcase the creativity and diversity of New Milford's culinary landscape, providing a feast for the senses.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents of New Milford value friendliness and a welcoming attitude. It is common to greet neighbors and others with a smile and a hello. Being open and approachable fosters positive interactions.
Maintaining an appropriate physical distance during conversations is important in New Milford. Many people appreciate their personal space, so be mindful of this, especially during initial meetings or interactions.
Participation in local events and community activities is encouraged. Showing interest in local festivals, town meetings, and community service opportunities demonstrates respect for the culture and values of New Milford.
Safety
Tipping in New Milford
Ensure a smooth experience
In New Milford, tipping practices generally follow the standard norms observed throughout the United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hairdressers. The typical tip amount ranges from 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service received. Tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for good service.
Payment practices in New Milford align with those across the U.S. Residents commonly use credit and debit cards for transactions, and cash remains acceptable in many places. Contactless payments, including mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, have also become popular. Businesses typically provide various payment options to accommodate customer preferences.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The spring season in New Milford is a great time to visit, with blooming flowers, pleasant weather, and various outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.
Summer in New Milford brings warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and picnicking by the beautiful lakes in the area.
Fall in New Milford is known for its stunning foliage, making it a popular time for leaf-peeping and enjoying the vibrant colors of the changing leaves.
The winter season in New Milford offers opportunities for activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and cozying up by the fire in charming local accommodations.
New Milford at Night
Hiking in New Milford
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that follows the Housatonic River, perfect for hiking and biking. It offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
A lovely state park featuring a variety of trails with stunning views from the cliffs overlooking the Housatonic River. It is great for both hiking and picnicking.
A lesser-known trail offering a peaceful hiking experience through wooded areas with opportunities for wildlife spotting.
This reservation has numerous trails that lead to the summit of Mount Tom, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the reservoir.
Located a short drive from New Milford, this park offers easy hiking trails and is family-friendly, making it a great spot for a leisurely walk.
Aiports
How to reach New Milford by plane.
Located approximately 40 miles from New Milford, EWR is one of the major international airports serving the New York City metropolitan area.
Situated about 50 miles from New Milford, JFK is a major international airport in Queens, New York.
Approximately 45 miles from New Milford, LGA primarily handles domestic flights but also offers some international services.
Located about 70 miles from New Milford in Windsor Locks, BDL is the second largest airport in New England and offers various international flights.
Though about 100 miles from New Milford, BOS is a major international airport serving the Boston area with many international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic white population.
Includes individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin.
Includes individuals with African ancestry.
Includes individuals with Asian ancestry.
Individuals identifying as two or more racial categories.
Includes individuals with Native American ancestry.
Includes individuals with Pacific Islander ancestry.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is a widely enjoyed team sport that attracts players of all ages in New Milford, often featuring local leagues and school teams.
Basketball is popular at both recreational and competitive levels, with many youth and adult leagues available in New Milford.
Baseball is a traditional American sport that's embraced by the community, with youth teams and summer leagues prevalent.
American football is particularly popular during the fall season, with high school teams drawing significant local support.
Volleyball is enjoyed recreationally, especially in the summer months, with organized leagues and beach games.
Ice hockey has a dedicated following in New Milford, with teams for various age groups and local rinks facilitating practice and games.
Lacrosse is growing in popularity among youth and high school teams in New Milford, reflecting the sport's increasing visibility.
Running is a favored activity among individuals and community groups, with local events and races supporting fitness and social interaction.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New Milford.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
New Milford's dining scene embraces vegetarian and vegan diets, with many establishments accommodating plant-based preferences. From hearty veggie burgers to innovative vegan sushi rolls, there are abundant options for those seeking meat-free meals.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can dine with confidence in New Milford, as numerous eateries offer gluten-free menus or can modify dishes to accommodate dietary restrictions. Whether it's gluten-free pizza or freshly baked pastries, there's something for every gluten-free gourmand.