Living Well in Litchfield County, Connecticut

Torrington

Antiques

A little bit of every era, from Victorian times to the 1970s, is on display here. The original and restored lighting section is particularly interesting. Open by appointment only.

111 Main Street, Torrington
860-489-1566
remwhen.com

Arts

Located in a historic downtown building, Five Points Gallery (FPG) is a non-profit contemporary art gallery showcasing professional regional, national and international visual artists. The gallery presents exhibitions in three beautifully renovated exhibition spaces, and has earned the reputation as one of Connecticut’s outstanding contemporary art venues.

Five Points Gallery
33 Main St, Torrington
860-618-7222
[email protected]

Causes

Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD) is a non-profit organization that breeds and trains dogs to become service dogs. Their mission is to enable people with disabilities to gain greater independence and mobility through the use of specially educated dogs. They have a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of a specific population: veterans, persons living with disabilities, children as young as two with Autism, and facilities.

ECAD is always looking for volunteers to help train the dogs, take them home on the weekend, and raise awareness through events.

Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities
P.O. Box 831 Torrington
860-489-6550

The mission of FISH NWCT is to provide the most basic of human needs—food, shelter and hope. Since opening its doors in 1972, FISH has evolved into the largest emergency homeless shelter (35 beds) in the NWCT corner, providing families, individuals and veterans a safe and secure haven as they await permanent supportive housing, as well as serving the residents (over 1500 annually) of area communities as a food pantry.

FISH NWCT appreciates and depends on the generosity of community neighbors to support their food pantry and homeless emergency shelter programs. Be sure to look on their website to find ways to help.

FISH NWCT
332 South Main St, Torrington
860-482-7300

The Heritage Land Preservation Trust (HLPT) is an independent nonprofit organization, founded in 1968. They have saved over 600 acres of land, and helped residents and landowners protect and conserve their land, forests, farmlands, ponds and rivers by creating public nature preserves. Their mission is to act as stewards of the land, waterways and wildlife entrusted to us by landowners, in perpetuity; and to engage in and otherwise promote the scientific study of and to educate the public in regard to the preservation of surrounding natural resources.

The HLPT is always in need of the time and expertise of new volunteers.

Heritage Land Preservation Trust 
P.O. Box 596, Torrington
860-361-6835

Kitty Quarters is an all volunteer, all-cat rescue, adoption, and education center. Their mission is to pair cats with people, to benefit both. It is a place where people and cats can benefit from a unique approach to rescue and adoption.

If your heart is big enough, your body strong enough, and your love deep enough to fill this critical role in our community, Kitty Quarters wants you as a volunteer.

Kitty Quarters
1188 New Litchfield St, Torrington
860-482-2888
Instagram: @kittyquarters

The Litchfield County 4‑H club empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. It’s a research-based experience that includes a mentor, a hands-on project, and a meaningful leadership opportunity. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better. Through life-changing 4‑H programs, nearly six million kids and teens have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.

Volunteers play a vital role in the ongoing growth and development of those in the 4‑H Youth Development program. Join the Litchfield County 4-H club as a volunteer today.

Litchfield County 4-H
843 University Dr, Torrington
860-626-6240

This outstanding agency provides assistance to adults with serious mental illness. Prime Time House helps these individuals to find their personal pathways to independence and productivity including employment, education, housing and friendship.

Volunteers and donations are always welcome.

Prime Time House
836 Main St, Torrington
860-618-2479
Instagram: @prime_time_house

Promotes safety, healing, and growth for all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and advocates for the autonomy of women and the end of interpersonal violence.

Susan B. Anthony Project 
179 Water St, Torrington
860-489-3798

The Torrington Soup Kitchen has been providing meals since 1983. It is a place where people come for daily contact with others, as well as a place that provides an opportunity for individuals to meet staff from area agencies and programs for assistance with the many needs and problems they experience. The soup kitchen serves people from all walks of life, including homeless individuals and families, and the working disadvantaged.

Food donations and volunteers are always needed.

Torrington Soup Kitchen 
220 Prospect St, Torrington
860-482-0130

Farms

The Torrington Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 10-1 and Tuesdays 3-6!

Torrington Farmers Market
837 Charles Street
Torrington, CT

Wild Carrot Farm continues their tradition of growing USDA Certified Organic produce, herbs, plants, berries and flowers in Northwest Connecticut. We invite you to shop at any of our conveniently located markets in Torrington, Simsbury, and Collinsville.

Wild Carrot Farm 
1416 Highland Ave
Torrington, CT 06790
860-977-6948

Fitness

Becoming Balanced offers Pilates classes, yoga, Zumba, pregnancy yoga, ballet, and more. They also have private classes. Amy Merli teaches yoga and also hosts green events, such as workshops on Eating for Energy.

Becoming Balanced
224 East Main St
860-309-2709

Energy Fitness Factory is the larges fitness center in Northwest Connecticut. They specialize in one-on-one training, and all trainers are certified in a range of disciplines. They care for their members and support their well-being and fitness objectives.

Energy Fitness Factory 
59 Field St, Torrington
860-496-9100

This yoga experience is as chill as it is hot. The vinyasa power yoga class offers an amazing workout that will strengthen and transform mind, body and spirit. In a heated room. A monthly-unlimited pass for $49 is an incredible value.

Sanctuary Power Yoga
23 Franklin St, 3rd Floor
860-496-1500
Instagram: @sanctuarypoweryoga

Food

The Brothers and Sons Sugarhouse is a great local sugarhouse that is open year round! Free tours available to watch syrup being made during the winter months, February through March. All visits are free, call ahead and book an appointment today! Brothers and Sons Sugarhouse is also accessible to the handicapped. Groups welcome!  

Brothers and Sons Sugarhouse
998 Saw Mill Hill Rd, Torrington
860-489-2719

This a a sweet, well-thought-out café near the court house in Torrington on Migeon Avenue. They have drinks, food, a bakery, take out and they even host events. We stumbled upon this place while picking up some antique furniture at Litchfield County Refinishing.

9 Migeon Avenue, Torrington, CT 06790
(860) 482-0432
https://www.cravingscafeandgrill.com/location/cravings-cafe-grill

Geppetto is a Traditional Italian Osteria, prioritizing Simple but Elegant food, in an old world Ambiance. An extensive wine list, house-made pastas and desserts, and fresh specials every weekend are just some of what you’ll find. Open from Tuesday through Sunday for Dinner, and Thursday through Sunday for lunch.

24 East Main st
Torrington CT
(860) 618-0721
https://geppettoct.com

SALT 2.0 is a quick service kitchen by Litchfield staple, Saltwater Grille. Features bowls, wraps, tacos, and more! Takeout only, option to order ahead online. Locations in Litchfield, Torrington, and Brookfield.

SALT 2.0

26 Commons Dr., Litchfield
860-689-7989

84 Main St., Torrington
860-618-3245

802 Federal Rd., Brookfield
203-546-7278

Instagram: @swgsalt2.0

 

Sasso’s Coal Fired Pizza combines artisan pizzas with a rustic industrial atmosphere for a unique dining experience.

Sasso’s Coal Fired Pizza
52 Main St, Torrington
860-618-7162

Nestle into a cozy booth and savor fresh, homemade pasta (made on the premises from old family recipes from Abruzzo) at the well established Italian Venetian Restaurant. Their ravioli, seafood risotto, and Caesar salad are particularly outstanding. The decor is formal and picturesque with large murals of Venice, upholstered booths, a tin ceiling, and stylish, old-fashioned light fixtures. A good place to linger over your meal with a glass of wine and good conversation. Nice salads. Prix fixe dinner is available. Reservations required on weekends.

The Venetian
52 East Main St
860-489-8592

The Torrington Farmers’ Market is open every Tuesday from 3-6 pm, and every Saturday from 10 am-1 pm, between June and October.

837 Charles St, Torrington

A charming traditional Greek Tavern. In keeping with Greek tradition, all of the food is made fresh everyday. YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen is a love letter to Greece as well as the owner’s beloved mother YiaYia.

YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen 
1057 East Main St, Torrington
860-618-3076

Gardens

A small but soothing garden in the heart of Torrington, the Peace Garden offers a relaxing space for all of the public to enjoy. Whether you are on a quick break from your job, or just looking for a nice place to enjoy your lunch, the Peace Garden provides the perfect place.

Torrington Peace Garden

120 Main St, Torrington, CT 06790

Landmarks

Built by the Hotchkiss Brothers Company in 1900, this queen Anne-style Victorian house features elaborate woodwork, stenciled walls, original furnishings and a decorative art collection. The museum highlights local history and the carriage house features a working machine shop. Upon completion of the home in 1900, the Fylers and Hotchkisses quickly settled in. The residence remained in the family until the last occupant, Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss, died in 1956. In her will, Mrs. Hotchkiss bequeathed her estate to the Torrington Historical Society. This extraordinary gift included the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum and grounds, the adjacent house (now the history museum), and the Carriage House.

Hotchkiss Fyler House Museum
192 Main St, Torrington
860-482-8260

Outdoors

The Brothers and Sons Sugarhouse is a great local sugarhouse that is open year round! Free tours available to watch syrup being made during the winter months, February through March. All visits are free, call ahead and book an appointment today! Brothers and Sons Sugarhouse is also accessible to the handicapped. Groups welcome!  

Brothers and Sons Sugarhouse
998 Saw Mill Hill Rd, Torrington
860-489-2719

Wellness

Dr. Matthew Blondin has been serving the eye care needs of the Torrington and Kent communities since 1979. He is a 1975 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1978. He is both DPA and TPA certified, and currently offers a complete range of eye care services including blood pressure screening and glaucoma testing.

Blondin Shea Eyecare
5 Kent Green Blvd, Kent
860-592-0501

379 Prospect St. Suite B, Torrington
860-489-2781

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