Kent, Connecticut: A New England Holiday Experience

♦ May 27, 2012 ♦ 7 Comments

If you have spent any time in New England you know that it is chock full of little hamlets and villages. Kent, Connecticut is one such tiny town that is nestled in the quiet and scenic Litchfield Hills in the northwestern part of the state. It has everything you need for a relaxing vacation, including Kent Falls State Park and a picturesque covered bridge. We think you will like it. 

Kent Falls State Park 

Kent Falls, Connecticut

This splendid family park is just 85 miles from New York City on Route 7. The main attraction is a 200-foot serial waterfall and the uphill .4-mile trail that runs adjacent to the falls. 

Kent, Connecticut: A New England Experience

Just when you start to tire from your climb to the top of the falls, you have an opportunity to catch your breath at one of the conveniently placed observation platforms. The ultimate reward for your physical effort is the big 70-foot cascade where Falls Brook starts its initial plunge toward the Housatonic River far below. 

Visit the falls any time of year 

The falls are soothing to view in the summer and exciting to behold in the winter when the water is gushing as it was during our visit.

A climb up the falls path is invigorating in any season. 

In warmer weather, join in the community fun near the base of the falls and the small covered footbridge. There are picnic tables and pedestal grills aplenty. There is also a great deal of room for a game of catch or touch football. 

If you are so inclined, have a relaxing read under a tree or on a blanket spread on the soft grass located just off the parking area. 

There is a charge to enter this state park, but it is well worth it. 

Kent is known for outdoor activities 

In addition to Kent Falls State Park, this part of Connecticut offers a number of other parks, hiking on the famous Appalachian Trail, paddling and fishing on the Housatonic River, bike rides along seemingly endless back roads, and camping, swimming, and some awesome walking in search of New England antiques. 

For more information about things to do in and around Kent look at the town’s website at http://www.kentct.com/activities. 

Everyone loves a covered bridge

 

Kent has a quintessential country covered bridge – Bulls Bridge. This operating vehicle bridge spans the Housatonic River just south of Kent on Route 7. It serves the Kent community and is near the eastern New York state line. The bridge provides year-round photo ops for those with a camera. 

If you go 

There are many fine sleeping accommodations in the area, and we can recommend a few. 

The Inn at Kent Falls 

If you would like to be a little out of town and closer to Kent Falls Park, consider a stay at the Inn at Kent Falls. 

It is not every day that one has an opportunity to sleep in a property built in 1741. This is a true country inn with all the charm of its age exhibited in its six guestrooms, and multiple fireplaces – including a colonial sized hearth in the generous entry living room. 

The property was recently renovated to provide all the modern comforts desired by the discriminating traveler. 

Entering the house takes guests down a nostalgic journey of early American charisma, evenly blended with an upbeat feel of modernization in some of the eclectic furnishings. 

This is the perfect house and surroundings for a relaxing holiday. Enjoy the inn’s 2.5 acres of flora and fauna and listen for the melody of the nearby brook accompanied by the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. 

It does not take long to unwind and rejuvenate at the Inn at Kent Falls, and you are sure to enjoy the delicious full breakfast that comes with the room. 

Learn more about the Inn at Kent Falls by looking at their website at www.theinnatkentfalls.com 

Starbuck Inn

 This colonial style inn is right in Kent. Like other charming Victorian and Colonial homes on Main Street, it is setback a good distance from the road. Being near the center of community activity, Innkeeper Peter Starbuck likes to point out that, “When you stay at the Starbuck Inn, you can leave your car in our parking lot and walk to the town’s many attractions, restaurants, and interesting shops.”

 The inn may be in the tradition of the colonial lifestyle, but a 2003 renovation added some luxuries not found in earlier times. There are king and queen beds, Frette linens and towels, central air, cable TV, and internet. There appears to be a very calibrated strategy to attain a sense of informality and comfort in every room. 

Keeping an eye on tradition, the inn serves an afternoon tea and sherry at 4pm. The high tea is a good chance to relax and mingle with the other guests of this cozy six-guestroom country home. 

Breakfast provides yet another opportunity to meet and greet, or just to enjoy a quiet meal alone. This feast is provided complimentary to guests of the inn and is a true gourmand’s delight. The selection may change to fit the season and the chef’s fancy, but the results are always memorable. 

There are fresh eggs from the local farms, and herbs from the inn’s garden enhanced by the smells of full-flavor brewed coffee, delicious sizzling bacon, and sassy pork sausage. Add to the brilliant medley some toothsome pancakes, fresh juice and pastries, yogurt, fruit parfaits – and well – there’s everything to make a perfect start to any day. 

For more information about the Starbuck Inn, visit their website at www.starbuckinn.com.  

We recommend both these fine inns located in Kent. 

Mayflower Inn and Spa

Mayflower Inn and Spa

We have also visited other lodging gems in the Litchfield Hills. The Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington, CT is a spectacular luxury hideaway with one of the best Spa facilities we have experienced anywhere in the world. 

Rock Hall Luxe

Rock Hall Luxe

The Rock Hall Luxe in Colebrook is a most unusual B&B with unique luxury accommodations that also provides a superb breakfast to guests. 

Click on their names to read our articles about these other outstanding inns. 

Be sure to see all our photos of Kent Falls and the two local Kent inns *here*. 

© Travels with Wayne and Judy Bayliff

Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff

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