Kent is only two hours away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Its natural beauty and rural character make it a popular destination for people looking to get away. Outdoor activities like hiking, lakes for fishing, and many camping options are one of the area's biggest draws, but visitors who would rather stay in town will find some excellent shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Kent Falls State Park
Best known as the home of a beautiful cascading waterfall, Kent Falls State Park is the perfect place to get a dose of natural beauty while you're in Kent.
The best way to enjoy the waterfall is to stroll along the quarter-mile-long trail that runs beside it; the path is quite steep, but there are plenty of viewpoints along the way that are perfect for taking short breaks.
Swimming in the water is not permitted, but there are restrooms, picnic tables, and grills available for public use. A parking fee is charged on holidays and weekends between Memorial Day and the end of October.
462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-424-3200
Bull's Bridge
One of only three remaining covered bridges in the state, Bull's Bridge is a historic wooden bridge that runs for 109 feet across the Housatonic River. The current bridge was originally constructed in 1842, with several additions being made in the 19th and 20th centuries, and it has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. The bridge only permits one lane of traffic at a time, but it has been kept in operation because of its remarkably sound construction and its capability to withstand heavy loads. Nevertheless, pedestrians are advised to use caution when crossing because of the limited space.
248 Bulls Bridge Rd, South Kent, CT 06785
Connecticut Antique Machinery Association
Operated entirely by volunteers, the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association is a non-profit museum that was created to preserve and share the incredible antique machinery that played such a big role in the development of Kent and the surrounding area. The museum is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday between May and October, and admission is entirely by donation. The museum also hosts outdoor festivals in the spring and the fall; food is available, anyone is welcome to come display their own pieces of antique machinery, and machinery is often available for purchase by outside vendors.
31 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-0050
Macedonia Brook State Park
Encompassing more than 2,300 acres of wilderness, Macedonia Brook State Park was first established in 1918. The most popular activity in the park is hiking the Macedonia Ridge Trail, which runs across several mountain peaks and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains. However, there are plenty of other things to do here as well, including fishing in the park's streams, picnicking, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Visitors who would like to spend the night in the park can stay at one of the 51 sites in the campground, which is equipped with drinking water, picnic areas, and outhouses.
159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-4100
House of Books
Originally opened in 1976, the House of Books is an upscale bookstore conveniently located right on Main Street. The shop is housed inside a historic building that was originally intended to serve as a public library, and it remains the town's most important literary landmark to this day. In addition to high-quality fiction and non-fiction books, the store offers greeting cards, gifts, and stationary supplies. Visitors will also find information about the area's history as well as trail guides and local maps, making it an excellent stop for anyone who plans to hike the Appalachian Trail.
4 N Main St, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-4104
Sloane-Stanley Museum & Kent Furnace
Created to house and display the artwork and hand tool collection of the respected painter Eric Sloane, the Sloane-Stanley Museum & Kent Furnace is a fascinating state-owned museum. The building that contains the museum was formerly Sloane's art studio, and in addition to his antique tool collection, it contains a replica of his workspace and some of his original artwork. The iron furnace found on the property deserves a visit as well; the large stone structure features beautiful Gothic arches, and it was in operation until 1892. Visitors who keep their entrance tickets are eligible for discounted admission to the other state museums in Connecticut.
31 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-3849
Kent Falls Brewing
Located on the 50-acre Camps Road Farm, Kent Falls Brewing is a small brewing company that makes its unique beers with hops grown right on the farm. The company's beer can be purchased at various bars, shops, and restaurants around the state, but visitors who come to the farm will have the exciting opportunity to taste the beer right where it's made.
33 Camps Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-398-9645
Kent Historical Society
Dedicated to preserving and sharing Kent's history, the Kent Historical Society is a non-profit organization with a strong community involvement. The organization's most important asset (and the only one open to the public) is a historic home known as Seven Hearths, which was originally built in 1751. The building has undergone careful restoration over the years, and it is now open to the public as a house museum with period furnishings and fascinating exhibits that are changed every year. The museum is only open during the summer, but private tours can be arranged by request year-round.
10 Studio Hill Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 253-854-4330
East Kent Hamlet Land Trust
As you might guess from the name, the East Kent Hamlet Land Trust is a local organization whose mission is to protect the land of Kent and its natural resources. One of the trust's biggest contributions to the community is its wonderful system of trails that span nine of its publicly-accessibly properties; hikers, cyclists, photographers, bird watching enthusiasts, and anyone who simply wants to enjoy the beauty of nature are welcome. The organization is proud to sponsor several public hikes every year, and it also runs a community garden just outside the town center, where local residents come together to grow and share food.
39 Upper Kent Hollow Rd, Kent, CT 06757
Chestnut Woodworking & Antique Flooring Co.
Established in 1985, Chestnut Woodworking & Antique Flooring Co. is a local company that specializes in making floors with antique lumber wood. Most of the wood used is a century or two old, and it has been carefully handpicked for its unique look and its high quality. Private appointments are available for anyone who would like to discuss the vision they have for their floor. The business also hosts several special events throughout the year, including a "Shop and Sip" evening in December at which all guests are given a complimentary glass of wine to enjoy while they admire the gorgeous products for sale.
31 N Main St, Kent, CT 06796, Phone: 860-672-4300
Fife 'n Drum Restaurant
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly hospitality, the Fife 'n Drum Restaurant has been proudly family owned and operated since 1973. The food is prepared with locally-sourced ingredients as much as possible, and the menu is constantly changing according to what is in season. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu items are available; people with other special dietary needs are asked to notify the restaurant in advance to ensure their needs can be met. The restaurant is open every day of the week except Tuesdays, and live music is offered four days a week, with special performances held on Fridays.
53 N Main St, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-3509
109 Cheese Market
Boasting an incredible selection of gourmet food, the 109 Cheese Market can be found inside the Marketplace at Ridgefield. The highlight of the shop is its cheese, all of which has been carefully selected by owners Monica and Todd Brown, but customers will also find plenty of other delicious items for sale, including charcuterie, olive oil, crackers and flatbreads, and specialty salts. The couple also owns a wine and beer shop that's conveniently located right next to the cheese shop, and they often host special tastings, dinners, and classes that combine flavors from both businesses. Take-out picnic baskets are available by advance order.
7 Old Barn Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-592-0366
Gallery at Kent Art Association
Founded in 1923, the Gallery at Kent Art Association was started by a group of nine artists originally from New York who had moved to Kent to settle down. These artists included the likes of Williard Dryden Paddock, Spencer Nichols, and Frederick Waugh. Their goal was simply to create a home for emerging and established artists alike and to encourage the growth and cultivation of art appreciation in Kent. By 1956, the gallery building was built and is now home to a beautiful collection of mixed medium art by their growing number of represented artists. With regular shows, the Gallery at Kent Art Association has been the home of award-winning pieces like Chuck Green’s “Evening Time” oil painting, and Karen Chases’ Sunset on the Houstatonic” photo. The gallery features new shows monthly and is open from Thursday to Sunday.
21 Main Street, Kent, Connecticut 06757, Phone: 860-927-3989
The Good Gallery
Situated in the heart of Kent, The Good Gallery is a lovely and quaint place for art lovers, art collectors, and budding artists to visit. The gallery displays a stunning collection of art produced by local and national artists alike, and hosts year-round exhibitions of mixed mediums, thus catering to the tastes of various visitors. The Good Gallery currently represents 12 artists including Yuka Imata, Denny Good, Kathy Hoets, Ed Muszala, and Robin Thornhill. Drop by the gallery to see the current pieces on display and perhaps even to take home a piece of work or two. The gallery even offers custom framing services and are known for their exceptional work. The Good Gallery is typically open from 10 am to 5 pm, but the owners recommend calling ahead to make sure the gallery is open.
22 South Main Street, Kent, Connecticut 06757, Phone: 860-927-5065
