Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar

Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar uses seasonal ingredients to create a menu that is fresh, made from scratch, and full of global inspiration. The menu changes as the seasons do. They strive to use the best of locally sourced produce and seafood.

Mockingbird Kitchen & Bar
810 Bantam Rd., Bantam
860-361-6730

Arethusa a Mano Bakery & Café

From bagels, cinnamon rolls, a variety of doughnuts, seasonal muffins, brioche rolls, chocolate and almond croissants—a wide selection of baked goods are offered at Arethusa a Mano Bakery & Café, the stylish small town café. All are made on the premises and pastries are baked several times a day, giving diners a fresh, just-baked experience. For lunch there salads, wraps, and paninis.

They offer a selection of drinks including drip coffee, espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew, and nitro coffee. Speciality drinks such as matcha lattes and affogato. Enjoy your visit in this upscale cafe.

Arethusa a Mano
833 Bantam Rd., Bantam
860-567-5722

Bantam Pizza & Restaurant

Around the county there are lots of spots where you can find great old fashioned pizza at reasonable prices, but nothing quite like Bantam Pizza & Restaurant. At this local, homey and comfortable restaurant, one taste of their pizza and you’ll be sure to go back for more. Excellent service, polite staff, and a great central location.

Bantam Pizza
768 Bantam Rd., Bantam
860-567-3357

Bantam Lake Circle Bike Ride

This 10-mile bike ride starts off with hills, then becomes easier. Beginning at the entrance to White Memorial on Rte. 202, right onto Bissel Rd., right onto Alain White Rd., right onto East Shore Rd., right onto Rte. 109, right onto Rte. 209, right onto North Shore Rd, right onto Rte. 202.

Bantam Cinema

The charming Bantam Cinema brings us the best foreign films along with Hollywood movies. Situated in an old barn, it’s small and cozy, and parking can be a challenge, but we love it and couldn’t live without it!

Bantam Cinema
115 Bantam Lake Rd., Bantam
860-567-0006
Instagram: @bantam.cinema

Litchfield Hills Aikikai

Laura Pavlik is the owner of this traditional Aikido Dojo, Litchfield Hills Aikikai. She teaches Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art based on the principle of non-resistance. Aikido practice involves physical conditioning such as strength, stamina, flexibility, coordination, and resilience. As well, it provides mental conditioning such as self-confidence, concentration, alertness, intuitiveness and concern for others. As a non-violent art, Aikido is great for children. No experience necessary. Nurture your mind, body and spirit. There are also Pilates classes for any level.

Litchfield Hills Aikikai

49 Maple St., Bantam

860-576-2527 

Wood’s Pit BBQ

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

  • Things to Do!

    Plan your weekend with our guides to the best things to do in Litchfield County, from events and art openings to dining and hikes.

  • Karen Raines Davis