Northwest Connecticut - New Milford

New Milford has long been a commercial center for the area. Strategically located along the Housatonic River, the town was first settled in 1707 and incorporated in 1712. In the 1800s the Housatonic Railroad helped to grown the town, providing a link to other cities and businesses. This was a popular tobacco growing region and the town boomed with the popularity of cigars after the Civil War.

Today, the town of New Milford is a mix between old and new. It serves as a gateway to the rest of Litchfield County for visitors and businesses. To the north and east stretch the rolling hills, river valleys and lakes that make this one of the most popular tourist and visitor destinations in the state. It is still also a busy commercial center, serving much of the area with retail stores and services. The Canterbury School, a well known and highly regarded prep school, is located here as well, one of many other prep schools located throughout this part of the state.

Crossing the Housatonic River along 202 you head into the heart of town when coming up from Danbury. The old railway depot and station are off to the left along Railroad Street in the downtown area near the river. The old station now houses the Chamber of Commerce and is a good place to pick up local information and maps for your visit.

There are plenty of places to park around here and there are also plenty of things to do. Enjoy the river from the iron bridge or adjacent Young's Field. There are playing fields as well as tennis courts for anyone who wants some exercise and a place to run around. There are antique shops, movies at the Bank Street Theater and some great places to eat.

Just a block to the east of Railroad Street is the town green, one of the longest and prettiest in New England. There is a gazebo, bandstand and my favorite, the old World War II tank, on this two block long green. The green hosts a farmer's market on Saturdays during the summer, as well as carol singing and other events throughout the year.

There are many wonderful historical buildings surrounding the green. The Town Hall is on the site of the former home of Roger Sherman, signer of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution. Also along the green is the Congregational Church. This classic white Greek Revival church, with its Christopher Wren steeple, was constructed in 1833.

The New Milford Historical Society is located at the north end of the green. Here you can learn about the history of the town and areas, view exhibits and see work by local artists. Just off the green to the east, at the corner of Brookside Avenue and 202 is TheaterWorks New Milford, a local theater company. Hosting family and children's productions year round, this is a wonderful place to take in a play with your family. For a schedule of shows and times visit them at www.theatreworks.us .

New Milford hosts the annual Village Fair Days on the last weekend of July every year. This year will be the 40th annual festival, the largest in New Milford every year. The town green plays host to businesses, craftspeople and plenty of things to eat and do. More information about the festival can be found at the New Milford Chamber of Commerce website, www.newmilford-chamber.com.

There is an abundance of outdoor activities year round. The autumn is always spectacular here, but there are always things to do. South of town is Candlewood Lake, a large and popular recreation lake with several parks around it, including Lynn Deming Park and Dike Point Recreation Area. North of town is the 193-acre Pratt Center (www.prattcenter.org). This wildlife preserve on the side of Mt. Tom has hiking trails, bird watching and an outdoor education center.

There are plenty of places to see, things to do and quite a bit of history to learn in New Milford. Make sure to have lots of time when you visit.