A Cozy Escape: Stars Hollow Yarns’ Local Guide to the Litchfield Hills

Thinking of making a trip to visit us at Stars Hollow Yarns? Whether you’re driving up for a class or wandering through town on a New England getaway, we’ve put together a guide to help you soak in the very best of our charming Litchfield Hills. It’s a region made for slow strolls, good coffee, armfuls of books, and antique treasures — not to mention those picture-perfect backroads that look like they were made for knitting inspiration.

Here’s your SHY-approved guide to local haunts we love:

Coffee Shops to Linger In

1. The PO Cafe (Washington Green, CT) 

Fair Trade, sustainable, ethical, environmentally-friendly coffee paired with melt-in-your-mouth baked goods that are made on the premises by trained pastry chef and owner Maggie Colangelo herself. (The food is great, too.) Well worth a visit.

Website: meetyouatthepo.com

2. Marty’s Cafe (Washington Depot, CT) 

Another locally owned breakfast and lunch café specializing in coffee, lattes, and a variety of breakfast options. Pro tip: In the summer, they often serve ice cream.

Website: seeyouatmartys.com

3. The Smithy Cafe at 9 Main (New Preston, CT) 

Located in the heart of New Preston, 9 Main is committed to sourcing the freshest local ingredients, supporting local artisans, and celebrating the flavors of our region.

Website: cafeat9main.com

Bookstores We Adore

1. The Hickory Stick Bookshop (Washington Depot, CT)

An independent bookstore that’s been a staple for over 70 years, offering a wide selection of books – including a “Rory list” for all you Gilmore Girl fans. Pro tip: Ask for the Gilmore Girls map (made by a former staff member and superfan).

Website: hickorystickbookshop.com

2. Honeybee Books & Tea (New Milford Green, CT) 

Located off the town green in New Milford, CT, this cozy shop offers both used and new books, fine teas, candies, snacks, honey, cozy blankets, gifts, and so much more! Everything is mindfully sourced, with organic choices wherever possible, local items, and products made in the USA. Pro tip: They also have a good selection of handcrafting books, including knitting, crochet and more!

Website: hbbooks.org

Antique Stores Worth the Hunt

1. Privet House (New Preston, CT)

An emporium of home goods combining exquisite antiques, linens, vintage books, and decorative wares, all pulled together with a high-design sensibility. (The manager also happens to be one of our fave knitting friends!)

Website: privethouse.com

2. Dawn Hill Antiques (New Preston, CT) 

An extraordinary and frequently-replenished collection of 18th and 19th century Swedish, French, and English antiques of the highest caliber.

Website: dawnhillantiques.com

3. Hays Worthington Fine & Period Jewelry (New Preston, CT) 

A cozy jewelbox collection of the finest antique and period jewelry anywhere. 

Website: haysworthington.com

Theatre, Music & Speakers

1. The Palace Theatre (Waterbury, CT)

Designated a national historic treasure, this theatre in Waterbury, Connecticut hosts a wide range of professional Broadway tours, rock concerts, educational programs, family entertainment and much more..

Website: palacetheaterct.org

2. Litchfield Jazz Festival (Washington, CT)

An internationally renowned jazz festival celebrating its 30th year in 2025.

Website: litchfieldjazzfest.com

3. Sharon Playhouse (Sharon, CT)

High-quality performances with Broadway caliber actors as well as talented local community members..

Website: sharonplayhouse.org

Beaches, Trails & Leaf-Peeping

1. Steep Rock Land Trust (Washington, CT) 

Maintaining nearly 6,000 acres in Washington and the surrounding communities, Steep Rock has four unique preserves that offer some of the most beautiful hikes in Northwest Connecticut. Spanning over 47 miles, these trails offer everything from a leisurely stroll along the Shepaug River to more rigorous hikes leading to spectacular views. One of the many charities we’ve supported since the beginning, and well worth the trip.

Website: steeprockassoc.org

2. White Memorial Conservation Center (Litchfield, CT)

An environmental education center with over 40 miles of trails and diverse habitats.

Website: whitememorialcc.org

3. Lake Waramaug State Park (Washington/Kent, CT) 

Extending roughly 95 acres, this park is named after the Native American Chief of the Wyantenock tribe who made the Park’s lake his summer residence. Great campgrounds, a small sandy beach and picturesque scenery, spanning the towns of New Preston, Kent, and Warren..

Website: ctparks.com

Where to Eat

1. The White Horse Pub & Restaurant

Rustic neighborhood haunt featuring a British-leaning pub grub menu, two fireplaces & patio seating overlooking the East Aspetuck River. Our favorites? Authentic fish and chips, bangers and mash, chicken tikka masala, burgers, roasted beet and goat cheese salad…oh, never mind. Just close your eyes and point anywhere on their (epic) menu. You won’t be disappointed.

Website: whitehorsecountrypub.com/

2. The Owl Wine Bar (New Preston, CT)

A neighborhood wine & food bar (no, really…owner Ryan Cangello lives two doors down from Stars Hollow Yarns, and he’s a great guy!) featuring an excellent selection of wines, delicious crafted pizzas, sandwiches, shares, and salads in a cozy, cool setting nestled in the heart of New Preston. Check out this recent article in Litchfield Hills Magazine!

Website: owlnewpreston.com

3. Bohemian Pizza & Tacos (Bantam, CT)

Laid-back hangout with outdoor seating, fireplaces & unique decor, offering pizza, pasta dishes, burgers & salads. Family and party friendly, great cocktails (especially their margaritas!).

Website: bohemianpizzaandtacos.com

Local Events to Bookmark

1. Washington Town Events

Offers a calendar of community events, including Farm yoga classes, wine tastings at local vineyards, Pilobolus workshops and performances, farmer’s markets, and other seasonal festivals.

Website: explorewashingtonct.com

2. Discover Litchfield Hills Events

Provides a region-wide calendar of events, from arts and culture to outdoor activities.

Website: discoverlitchfieldhills.com

 

Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for the weekend, there’s magic tucked into every corner of the Litchfield Hills. Come for the yarn, stay for the charm — and don’t forget to tell us where you wandered when you stop by the shop.

We’d love to hear about your favorite haunts, too.

Happy adventuring,

The Stars Hollow Yarns Team

Photo Credit
East Aspetuck River & Falls, New Preston, Connecticut