torrington-ct

New Restaurant! Vega's Latin Cuisine

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:07:41 GMT

Downtown Torrington welcomes Vega's Latin Cuisine

On July 9, 2025, Chamo Vega and his wife Arlene held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Vega's Restaurante in Downtown Torrington.

The restaurant offers a wide range of delicious Latin Cuisine, and they even have a robot waitress!

Follow them on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Rosavegabakery/

Take a Hike! Tips for Safe, Fun Northwest Connecticut Hiking with Kids

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:01:18 GMT

6 Tips for Safe & Fun Hiking with Kids

As another summer mellows into what promises to be a beautiful New England fall, you might consider taking your family out to one of our great Northwest Connecticut hiking trails to enjoy the cooler weather and the fall foliage. Hikes and nature walks are a great way to teach your little ones about the natural world and to get valuable outdoor physical activity. Here are some tips on how to make hiking with your family a safe, fun experience for all!

1. Check the Weather

Mark Twain, one of our country’s most famous writers and a long-time Connecticut resident, once said, “If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” Those words still ring true more than 100 years later, but fortunately for those of us living today, we have access to fairly accurate weather predictions right on our smartphones.

Checking the weather before any outing with your family will help you to dress appropriately for the day. New England’s autumn can sometimes alternate between summer’s heat and winter’s chill, so packing a sweater or a tank-top can make or break your hiking experience.

2. Be Prepared

If you’re planning to be out on the trail for a while - even if it’s not a very long while - it pays to be prepared. From everyday needs like water and snacks to the “just-in-case” like bandaids, sunscreen, and extra clothes, think about what your children normally need at home, and make sure to have it on hand. Having these things readily available will make hiking a more comfortable experience for everyone.

3. Be Bear Aware

Connecticut has a lot of bears! A great many of them live with us here in the Northwest Corner. During the fall, bears become more active as they look for food and prepare for hibernation. Before your hike, take the time to learn about bear behavior and how to react if you encounter one. Communicate with your children and make sure they understand that while bears are cool and impressive, wildlife encounters can be dangerous and need to be taken seriously.

4. Watch Out for Ticks!

There’s another thing Connecticut has a lot of: ticks. Most Connecticut residents are well-educated on the danger of tick bites and Lyme disease, but other tick-borne illnesses, including babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, are also a risk. Before your hike, consider treating your clothes with a repellent and make sure to wear long, light-colored pants and shirts and a light-colored hat to make spotting ticks easier. Try to keep children and pets from running through long grass or underbrush where ticks are likely to live. After the walk, check yourself, your children, your pets, and your gear for ticks.

5. Go All Natural

A hike or nature walk is an awesome opportunity to infuse some STEM learning into your children’s day! Help your kids learn about the natural world by identifying common plants for them and pointing out interesting features of the forest around you. Keep your own eyes and ears open, and don’t be afraid to bring a guidebook or app along with you to help you learn alongside your family.

6. Choose the Right Trail

Northwest Connecticut has some great hiking trails! Not all of them are necessarily appropriate for your first hike with young children, though. Here are some of our staff’s favorites, appropriate for little ones.

• Sue Grossman Still River Greenway - This greenway is perfect for families of young children. Straight, flat, and paved, it provides an easy route for little legs. The abundant vegetation and water on the sides of the trail is home to a variety of animal life, providing families with the opportunity to observe turtles, songbirds, bunnies, and bugs of all kinds in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out on busy days for cyclists and rollerbladers sharing the trail with you.

• Dennis Hill State Park in Norfolk - The paved trail up to the top of Dennis Hill provides a little more challenge than the flat Sue Grossman while still being easy enough for younger children. Kids will love exploring the pavilion at the summit, which provides an amazing view of Litchfield County. Visit during the peak of fall foliage to see the hills lit up in red, yellow, and orange!

• Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield - With several trail loops, this state forest has lots of options for your family to try out. Tours of the historic Chase Cottage are available on the 2nd and 4th weekends through October 13. Visit the pollinator garden and the wildlife viewing blind to see birds, bees, and butterflies up close!

• Little Pond Boardwalk at White Memorial in Litchfield - This boardwalk trail loop guides visitors through the wetlands around Little Pond at White Memorial. The flat, elevated walkway is perfect for young children, and the ever-changing array of wildflowers, insect life, and migratory birds promise continual interest as you bring your family back season after season.

Top Five Places to Grab a Sweet Treat in Torrington’s Cultural District

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:26:01 GMT

Top Five Places to Grab a Sweet Treat in Torrington’s Cultural District

Treat yourself and your family to delicious ice cream at these top spots in Torrington’s exciting downtown Cultural District . Whether you're craving classic sundaes or trendy rolled ice cream, there's something sweet for everyone to enjoy!

1. Cafe Joie

Located in downtown Torrington, Cafe Joie is known for its trendy rolled ice cream creations. Watch as fresh ingredients are mixed, poured, and rolled right before your eyes, creating a unique and Instagram-worthy treat. Choose from a variety of flavors and toppings to personalize your ice cream experience.

2. Nutmeg Fudge Company

Situated in downtown Torrington, Nutmeg Fudge Company is a candy and ice cream shop offering small-batch fudge and delightful ice cream from Canton Creamery. Indulge in creamy sundaes, thick milkshakes, or simply enjoy a scoop of their locally sourced ice cream flavors. It's the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth after a day of museum exploration.

3. Cafe 38

Recently reopened in a new location, Cafe 38 is not only a cozy local lunch spot but also a beloved ice cream destination. Treat yourself to their selection of classic ice cream flavors, or try one of their specialty sundaes. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing dessert after your museum visit.

4. Ambateño Bakery

Nestled in Torrington's downtown cultural district, Ambateño Bakery offers an authentic taste of Ecuador with its delicious range of baked goods and frozen treats. Cool down with their refreshing ice pops, available in a variety of fruity flavors. It's an excellent spot to experience a taste of Ecuadorian culture while enjoying a sweet treat.

5. Salt 2.0

Salt 2.0 , a quick service restaurant and bar, is known for its focus on fresh, healthy ingredients. Recently, they've added slushies to their menu, offering a cool and refreshing option for those hot summer days. Stop by Salt 2.0 for a healthy meal and treat yourself to a delicious slushie.

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A visit to Torrington's downtown Cultural District is more than just a sweet treat – it's an experience rich with cultural and culinary delights. From unique ice cream creations to authentic Ecuadorian frozen treats, there's something to satisfy every craving. Explore the vibrant cultural district, enjoy the diverse offerings, and make your National Ice Cream Day one to remember. Whether you're visiting KidsPlay Children's Museum , catching a show at the Warner Theatre , or just enjoying the atmosphere, Torrington's downtown area has it all.

Exploring the Arts at KidsPlay: A Parent’s Guide to Creative Exhibits

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:28:57 GMT

Exploring the Arts at KidsPlay: A Parent’s Guide to Creative Exhibits

KidsPlay Children’s Museum in Torrington, CT, is not just a place for play—it's a hub of creativity where children can explore the arts through interactive exhibits that inspire imagination and artistic expression. From painting with water on the Evaporating Art Wall to creating masterpieces in the Maker Space, here’s a guide to the creative exhibits that await your child.

Evaporating Art Wall: Painting with Water

One of the most simple yet enchanting exhibits at KidsPlay is the Evaporating Art Wall . Here, children can unleash their creativity by "painting" on flat stone walls using water. As they brush the water onto the surface, their designs temporarily come to life before slowly evaporating. This simple yet captivating activity allows kids to experiment with paintbrushes and drawing in a (mostly) mess-free way, helping younger children to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and encouraging imaginative thinking. It’s a delightful and engaging way for children to explore their artistic side.

KidsPlay Stage: Lights, Costumes, Action!

The KidsPlay Stage is a delightful and dynamic exhibit where children can immerse themselves in the world of theater. This kid-sized stage features a fun mirror, theater-style chairs, a light-up "ON AIR" sign, and an array of kid-sized costumes. As children step onto the stage, they have the opportunity to explore their creativity and imagination by putting on performances for their family and friends.

The experience of dressing up in costumes, role-playing different characters, and performing in front of an audience helps children develop confidence, improve their communication skills, and enhance their social interactions. The KidsPlay Stage encourages self-expression and collaborative play, providing a fun and educational environment where children can experiment with storytelling, acting, and the magic of theater.

Maker Space: Where Art Meets STEM

The Maker Space at KidsPlay Children's Museum is an inspiring exhibit where traditional arts and crafts blend with elements of STEM learning. This creative haven offers children the chance to engage in hands-on activities like painting, sculpting, and crafting. The inclusion of a microscope allows young minds to explore the intricate details of objects for inspiration, merging art with scientific observation. KidsPlay's Maker Space is the perfect environment for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for both the arts and sciences.

Literacy Tree House: Storytelling Through Art

Step into a whimsical forest environment at the Literacy Tree House , designed to ignite children's imaginations through storytelling and nature exploration. Nestled within, children can engage in creative role-play, puppetry, and artistic expression using an array of props and materials. Explore the realistic forest floor, traverse the child-sized Club House via a rope bridge, and admire a mural by artist and naturalist Amanda Surveski, depicting native wildlife. Children can immerse themselves in a world where literature and the wonders of nature collide.

Freeman Foundation Asian Culture Exhibit ("Play"): Cultural Arts Exploration

Step into the vibrant cultures of Korea, China, and Japan through artistic activities at the "Play" exhibit. Children can participate in traditional crafts like kigumi (wood joinery) in Japan, create artwork inspired by Chinese street food stalls, or engage in Korean fish market role-play. This exhibit not only celebrates cultural diversity but also nurtures creativity and appreciation for different artistic traditions.

KidsPlay Diner: Artistic Expression in Everyday Life

At the KidsPlay Diner, children can express themselves artistically through role-play as chefs, customers, or waitstaff. From designing their own menu to creating culinary masterpieces with pretend food and utensils, they learn about food preparation, customer service, and teamwork—all while exploring their artistic flair in a playful restaurant setting.

Supporting Creative Exploration

Role of Caregivers Parents and caregivers play a vital role in nurturing their child’s artistic exploration at KidsPlay. Whether encouraging experimentation at the Evaporating Art Wall, guiding storytelling in the Literacy Tree House, or discussing cultural art forms at the Freeman Foundation exhibit, caregivers enrich their child’s artistic journey by actively participating in the exhibits.

Educational Impact Each artistic exhibit at KidsPlay is designed to spark creativity, foster self-expression, and enhance cognitive development. By engaging children in hands-on artistic activities, KidsPlay encourages them to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and appreciate the beauty of art in its many forms.

Explore the rich world of arts and creativity at KidsPlay Children’s Museum, where every exhibit invites children to unleash their imagination and explore the joy of artistic expression. Plan your visit today and watch your child’s creativity flourish in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Learn more or plan your visit:

https://kidsplaymuseum.org /

Downtown Historical Walking Tour by Torrington Historical Society

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 18:04:35 GMT

Take a Walking Tour of the Downtown Torrington Historical District

Or "Whatever happened to Mast Swamp?" A tour by the Torrington Historical Society.

Explore historic downtown Torrington with this self-guided tour

In Colonial Times, downtown Torrington was known as Mast Swamp. It was a low-lying, wet area covered with massive pines and hemlocks that were claimed as ship masts for England’s Royal Navy. The land in Mast Swamp was divided among Torrington’s early settlers and most of the trees were sawn into lumber at Wilson’s Sawmill (1751) on the upper end of Water Street. Few, if any, became ship masts.

Torrington’s downtown was built here because the Naugatuck River supplied water power for mills and factories in an era before steam power and electricity. A woolen mill was built on lower Water Street by Frederick Wolcott in 1813. This mill brought workers to the river valley and a village of stores and homes sprang up around it. The village became known as Wolcottville and would continue to grow into the urban center that we now call downtown Torrington.

Immigration from Europe greatly expanded Torrington’s population between 1870 and 1900. During that time most of Wolcottville’s wooden buildings were replaced with more fire-resistant brick structures. In the decades that followed, buildings were built or remodeled in the popular Art Deco, Art Moderne, and Colonial Revival styles. Along the streets of downtown Torrington you will see the work of architects, builders, and property owners who have created a unique sense of place.

Today, many of these historic buildings are home to arts and cultural organizations that are breathing new life into the Downtown Torrington Cultural District .

How to take the self-guided audio tour

To take the audio tour, walk through Historic Downtown Torrington and use the QR code reader on your smart phone to access the audio recordings for each historic building. The QR codes are located on 8 x 10 inch signs attached to each building on the tour or on sign posts near the sidewalk in front of featured sites.

If you do not have a code reader app on your smart phone you can go directly to the audio tour website for a list of featured sites. Touch the building name to open the page for that building. Press the play arrow to begin the audio.

Although the tour can be started at any of the 21 features attractions, it has been designed to begin with the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum at 192 Main Street where free parking is available.

The audio tour is a partial loop of about ½ mile.

The Tour starts with the Hotchkiss- Fyler House Museum at 192 Main Street and progresses down Main Street to Center Square also known as the Five Points Intersection.
The tour makes a short side trip up East Main Street as far as the Venetian Restaurant
Doubling back to the center, the tour crosses the Naugatuck River on Center Bridge and continues with Coe Memorial Park and the Torrington Library.
The tour re-crosses Center Bridge and goes up Water Street turning right onto Prospect Street where it ends at the Allen G. Brady House located at 258 Prospect St.

To learn more about the history of Torrington, visit the Torrington History Museum.

Alvord Park Disc Golf Course

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 21:40:25 GMT

Alvord Park Disc Golf Course

Alvord Park Disc Golf Course is a public 18-hole course located on 64 acres off of Kennedy Drive. It is located next to the Foothills BMX Park and dual soccer fields that are open for public use.

The course features hardwood forest full of massive oaks and maples with some more open park-like holes near the soccer fields. The larger wooded holes have spacious fairways to use high speed drivers with confidence, while the shorter holes tighten up enough to test your touch shots. There are many pro-level holes that require distance, but will soon include short tees for amateur players.

The course is open year-round and is free for public use.

Local Directions:

From South of Torrington: Access Rte. 8 North. Take exit 45 and turn right onto Kennedy Drive. Park is less than a half mile up the street on the left.

From Northwest CT: Access Rte 8 South from Winsted. Take exit 45 and turn right at the light. Take your immediate next right onto Kennedy Drive. Park is less than half a mile up the street on the left.

Main parking and hole 1 are all the way at the bottom of the drive, park on the right side of the soccer fields. Hole 1 is on the other side of the rocks, heading downhill.