Skip to content

The Town of Norfolk

by Penny Michels

Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshires, the Connecticut town of Norfolk contains three magnificent state parks, 16 miles of protected hiking trails and Great Mountain Forest with its long tradition of sustainable forest management practices. Though popularly known as the, “Icebox of Connecticut", Norfolk provides its residents and visitors unparalleled access to fabulous outdoor beauty and seasonal activities. www.greatmountainforest.org

Norfolk is also well known for its music and is home to the summer session of the Yale School of Music and Art as well as the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. The popular Infinity Hall & Bistro has added another dimension to the music scene here, making it a mecca for extraordinary bands and singers from around the globe.

Norfolk’s active and diverse community enjoys events and gatherings at the acclaimed Norfolk Library, which was awarded Five Stars in 2009, 2011 and 2012, by Library Journal. The wealth of fine art exhibits, children’s events, and popular book clubs serve to make the library Norfolk’s most frequented venue.https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP

The founding of the Litchfield County Choral Union began a tradition of a summer music festival that has long been considered one of the Berkshires most prestigious. The Norfolk Music Shed, built in 1906 and renowned for its acoustics, is the site of the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, a beloved summer cultural activity. The building itself has remained essentially unchanged since such heralded musicians as Fritz Kreisler, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Jean Sibelius graced its stage.
music.yale.edu/norfolk
music.yale.edu/norfolk

Just behind the Norfolk Library, a winding path leads to one of our favorite shops in the area. Joseph Stannard Antiques features French 17th through early 20th century accessories for house and garden. Country elegant dining tables, buffets, and armoires fill one shop; while just across the way, the Stannard Carriage House Gardens display an extensive collection of 18th century water garden elements, planters, and landscape features — stone cider presses, antique troughs, basins, millstones, wells. Both shops include new pieces made by the owner. Stannard himself describes his collection as, "Savvy Classic" — classic with an explicit contemporary sensibility. www.josephstannard.com

After treasure hunting, make a stop at nearby Station Place Café at 10 Station Place in the very heart of town. The building that once served as the Norfolk train station was stylishly transformed by designer, John Saladino, and is now home to the Station Place Café. Enter this small and personable corner cafe for a warming tea or delicious quick bite.

The Norfolk Curling Club, at 70 Golf Drive, was established in 1956. Just days before Christmas 2011 a senseless act of arson devastated what had become a community landmark club. The fire disrupted more than 50 years of good camaraderie, good cheer and good curling. Plans for rebuilding however are successfully underway.

Built in 1883, Infinity Hall has become an intimate music, dining and entertainment destination that differs from any other in the Berkshires. Newly renovated, the historic building features its original proscenium stage as well as many other notable architectural details. Whether it’s dinner and a concert by one of the country’s top bands, high quality casual dining or simply drinks and music you’re seeking, Infinity Music Hall & Bistro is just 34 miles from Hartford, 20 miles from Great Barrington, MA and 50 miles from Poughkeepsie, NY. BerkshireStyle.com highly recommends a visit to the website in preparation for spending time in Norfolk. www.infinityhall.com

State and Local Parks

Campbell Falls State Park Reserve. Visit a Connecticut State Park or Forest and explore the wealth of diverse natural areas and unique features that will make your experience memorable.www.ct.gov/dep/cwp

Dennis Hill State Park
Hike to the summit of this 240-acre estate for panoramic views reaching as far away as New Hampshire. Fall foliage season makes Dennis Hill an autumn wonderland. www.ct.gov/dep/cwp

Haystack Mountain State Park
Travel the twisting mountain road or hike the rugged trail to the top, either way you will be astounded at the beauty of mountain laurel in June and the spectacular colors of foliage in the fall. www.ct.gov/deep/cwp

Back
to
Top