If you are looking for rafting and canoe trips with scheduled drop-off and pick-up, then Clarke Outdoors is for you. Rafting on the Housatonic River is generally safe as it moves at a steady pace. Canoeing can be a bit nerve wracking because of the currents and rocks. They provide all of the equipment.
Clarke Outdoors
163 Route 7, West Cornwall
860-672-6365
Run by the owners of the highly popular, Northville Market in New Milford, Bantam Market has the same great offerings of top notch gourmet products, home baked goods, organic foods, hot bar of prepared foods, plus a seafood counter, including sushi made fresh daily. They take pride in carrying a wide range of wheat, dairy, and gluten free products. Check their website for weekly specials!
Bantam Market
793 Bantam Rd., Bantam
860-567-8647
New owners Liz and Tony Biancardi and their crew are serving up your favorite BBQ and Mexican dishes. All their BBQ meats are “dry rubbed” with their own spices and seasonings before being cooked in their special wood fired smoker. Grab dinner or let them help plan your next party.
Wood’s Pit BBQ
123 Bantam Lake Rd., Route 209
860-567-9869
Celebrated for its heavenly homemade chocolates, The Bridgewater Village Store is a terrific place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or to sip coffee, read the paper and get to know the locals. Found in the last remaining dry town in Connecticut, this village store and bistro epitomizes small-town living at its finest.
Bridgewater Village Store & Bistro
27 Main St. S.
860-354-2863
Rustling Winds Creamery is the place to go if you are in the mood for delicious, locally made, naturally produced cow and goats’ milk cheeses. All of their cheeses are made from natural ingredients and do not contain preservatives or additives. Hand cut and are priced per pound, Rustling Wind cheeses are sold in vacuum sealed packages. Along with cheeses the Rustling Wind Creamery sells jams, jellies, chutneys, pickles, relishes, maple products and goat milk soap. They also sell hand knit sweaters and hats made from their own sheep’s’ wool.
Rustling Winds Creamery
148 Canaan Mountain Rd.
860-824-7084
A leading manufacturer of gourmet smoked meats, poultry, fish, and cheeses, Nodine’s Smokehouse has a team of skilled artisans. They use real hardwood and apple pomace, and hand-craft their products in small batches. Their specialty products are found in upscale New York venues such as Citarella, Dean & Deluca, and Fairway Markets. Their old-world flavored bacon is worth the trip to scenic Goshen, as is their marvelous Cajun Andouille sausage. Your pampered canine will enjoy their gourmet dog treats.
Nodine’s Smokehouse
39 North St.
860-491-4009
If you are strolling along Kent’s picturesque main drag, stop at J.P. Gifford Market & Catering, a popular gathering place, to indulge in a hot cup of coffee and an outstanding sandwich. Whenever possible, the proprietors buy locally grown products. Their takeaway dishes are wonderful and the desserts, muffins and breads are baked on the premises each day. Full service catering.
J.P. Gifford Market
12 North Main St.
860-592-0200
Stop by this casual yet classic pizzeria today and indulge in a few hot slices at Deano’s Pizza. They also have salads, calzones, strombolis, and speciality pizza.
Deano’s Pizza
24 Millerton Rd., Lakeville
860-435-2299
Sweet William’s Bakery is the real deal. The folks here bake everything on-site and with everything made entirely from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients. An extensive selection of coffee is available, perfect with their baked goodies such as cookies, scones, muffins, biscuits, layer cakes, cheesecake, tarts, tea breads, biscotti, pound cake, pies, candied nuts, cupcakes and much more (are you full yet?).
Sweet William’s Bakery
19 Main St.
860-435-8889
Flavorful and lean grass-fed beef as well as pork and chickens are available at the well reputed Whippoorwill Farm, located on scenic Salmon Kill Road. No hormones or antibiotics are used. The beef is dry aged for full flavor and tenderness, then vacuum wrapped and frozen for freshness. They now accept credit cards. Call ahead to check when they are open.
Whippoorwill Farm
189 Salmon Kill Rd.
860-435-2089
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