Explore the Best of Northwest Connecticut
Find Where to Shop, Explore, Eat, and More!
Welcome to the Northwest CT Area Blog! Whether you’re planning a day trip or looking for the best local spots, our blog is your guide to exploring the hidden gems, eateries, and must-see attractions in and around Northwest Connecticut.
Explore the Best Hiking Trails in NWCT and the Berkshires
Explore five of the best hiking trails across Northwest Connecticut and the Berkshires, from scenic summits and waterfalls to historic forest paths. Whether you’re seeking a quick nature escape or a full-day adventure, these trails deliver. Don’t forget to fuel up before or after at the Berkshire Country Store in Norfolk!
The Top St. Patrick’s Day Bars in NWCT & the Berkshires
Looking for the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Northwest Connecticut and the Berkshires? From lively Irish pubs with Guinness on tap to festive live music and classic Irish fare, we’ve rounded up the top spots to celebrate. Plus, discover where to fuel up before or recover after the festivities!
Top 5 Breweries in NW CT & the Berkshires
Explore the top 5 breweries in Northwest Connecticut and the Berkshires, from Big Elm Brewing to Little Red Barn Brewers. Discover unique craft beers, refreshing hard seltzers, and scenic taprooms. Plan your visit and stop by the Berkshire Country Store for delicious food to fuel your brewery adventure!
5 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in Litchfield County
Discover the where to enjoy New Years this year in Litchfield County, and the Berkshires. And start your year of right with a meal from the Berkshire Country Store.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree in Litchfield County
Discover the best Christmas tree farms in Litchfield County, CT, and make your holiday outing special with a stop at the Berkshire Country Store. Enjoy warm cocoa, homemade meals, and festive cheer before or after finding the perfect tree to brighten your home this season!
10 Things to Do in Canaan, CT
Explore our list of the top 10 things to do. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or a taste of local history, Canaan has it all. Don’t forget to stop by the Berkshire Country Store for a delicious meal to complete your visit…
Who the heck is this guy?
The Story of John O’ The Woods
They called him John O’ the Woods. No one, it seems, knew his real name or where he called home. Yet he became one of the most colorful and beloved characters in nineteenth-century Northwest Connecticut. John was a wanderer. Dubbed one of the true “knights of the road” by local villagers, he showed up in Norfolk (or, as he’d say, NorFORK) on a seemingly regular basis seeking the generosity and hospitality of the town—particularly the good food and conviviality to be found at the Berkshire Country Store.
An entertaining conversationalist, John could often be found in his favorite window seat in the Berkshire establishment’s popular “readin’, restin’ and relaxin’ corner” perusing the latest issue of Norfolk Now and spinning tales of, shall we say, questionable reliability, as fellow travelers and Norfolkians alike listened intently. He was, so he claimed, the sole survivor of Norfolk’s dark and ancient past and the only living witness to the “true facts.” Not surprisingly, the hero of his oft’ told “true” stories was usually none other than… John O’ the Woods!
