Morris ConnecticutATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Morris, Connecticut.
1. Buddha Ariyamett Aram Temple
SPIRITUAL PEACE AND REFLECTION
Buddha Ariyamett Aram Temple is a serene Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the countryside of Morris. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds featuring traditional Buddhist architecture and peaceful meditation spaces. The temple hosts various cultural events and meditation sessions throughout the year, offering both spiritual seekers and curious visitors a glimpse into Buddhist practices.
2. Camp Columbia State Park
HISTORIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Camp Columbia State Park preserves the former engineering camp of Columbia University, offering visitors a unique blend of history and nature. The park features scenic hiking trails through woodlands and past historic stone buildings that once served as classrooms and dormitories. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, photography, and seasonal foliage while history buffs appreciate the educational signage detailing the park's academic past.
3. Bantam Lake
CONNECTICUT'S LARGEST NATURAL LAKE
Bantam Lake is Connecticut's largest natural lake, spanning over 900 acres and offering abundant recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing in its clear waters, with several public access points available around the shoreline. The lake is surrounded by picturesque scenery and is home to diverse wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature photography and peaceful relaxation.
4. Morris Museum & Reading Room
LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Morris Museum & Reading Room provides a fascinating glimpse into the town's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Morris from its colonial beginnings to the present day. Visitors can explore rotating exhibits that highlight different aspects of local history, as well as enjoy the reading room's selection of regional literature and historical texts.
5. White Memorial Conservation Center
WILDERNESS AND WILDLIFE EDUCATION
White Memorial Conservation Center encompasses over 4,000 acres of diverse habitats just minutes from Morris, featuring more than 40 miles of hiking trails. The nature center offers interactive exhibits about local ecology, wildlife, and conservation efforts, along with educational programs for all ages. Visitors can explore wetlands, forests, and meadows while observing native wildlife in their natural settings throughout the changing seasons.
6. The Restaurant at Winvian
EXQUISITE FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
The Restaurant at Winvian offers an upscale dining experience set within the luxurious Winvian Farm resort in Morris. Executive chefs create seasonal menus featuring ingredients harvested from the property's organic gardens, complemented by an extensive wine selection from their award-winning cellar. The restaurant's elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and commitment to sustainable cuisine have earned it numerous accolades and a reputation as one of Connecticut's premier dining destinations.
7. Popeye's Ice Cream Shoppe
SWEET TREATS AND NOSTALGIA
Popeye's Ice Cream Shoppe is a beloved local institution serving homemade ice cream in a charming, nostalgic setting. The shop offers dozens of creative flavors made with high-quality ingredients, alongside classic sundaes, milkshakes, and other frozen treats. Generations of locals and visitors have made Popeye's a traditional stop during summer outings to Bantam Lake and the surrounding area.
8. Maggie's Tavern
COZY PUB AND EATERY
Maggie's Tavern welcomes guests with its warm atmosphere and hearty pub fare in the heart of Morris. The tavern features a selection of craft beers, classic cocktails, and comfort food favorites prepared with a gourmet twist. Local patrons and visitors alike appreciate the friendly service, live music events, and the tavern's role as a community gathering place.
9. Bella Luna
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE
Bella Luna brings the flavors of Italy to Morris with its menu of authentic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and traditional specialties. The restaurant's intimate dining room features rustic decor and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both special occasions and casual family dinners. Each dish is prepared with imported ingredients and time-honored recipes, offering diners a genuine taste of Italian culinary traditions.
10. Topsmead State Forest
ELEGANT ESTATE AND TRAILS
Topsmead State Forest centers around the stunning English Tudor-style summer home of Edith Morton Chase, set amidst 600 acres of meticulously maintained grounds and natural woodlands. Visitors can tour the historic mansion (seasonally), which features original furnishings and decorative arts reflecting the elegant country lifestyle of the 1920s. The surrounding forest offers walking trails through meadows, gardens, and woods, providing opportunities for bird watching, photography, and peaceful contemplation.
11. West Shore Seafood
FRESH CATCH AND MARKET
West Shore Seafood serves as both a casual seafood restaurant and fresh fish market on the shores of Bantam Lake. The establishment is known for its lobster rolls, fried clam plates, and other New England seafood classics prepared with the freshest ingredients. Diners can enjoy their meals at picnic tables overlooking the lake, creating a quintessential Connecticut summer dining experience.
12. Litchfield Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS AND TOURS
Litchfield Distillery crafts small-batch bourbon, vodka, and gin using locally sourced ingredients and traditional distilling methods. Visitors can take guided tours of the production facility, learning about the distillation process from grain to bottle while sampling the award-winning spirits. The distillery's tasting room and shop offer bottles for purchase, along with a selection of cocktail accessories and locally made products that complement their spirits.
13. Haight-Brown Vineyard
CONNECTICUT'S FIRST WINERY
Haight-Brown Vineyard holds the distinction of being Connecticut's first established winery, pioneering the state's now-thriving wine industry. The vineyard offers tastings of their estate-grown wines in a charming tasting room with panoramic views of the surrounding Litchfield Hills. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards and production facilities, seasonal events featuring local food and music, and wine education classes throughout the year.
14. Arethusa Farm Dairy
ARTISANAL DAIRY EXCELLENCE
Arethusa Farm Dairy produces exceptional milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream from their award-winning herd of dairy cows. The retail shop allows visitors to purchase these fresh dairy products along with baked goods from their affiliated bakery, Arethusa al Tavolo. Food enthusiasts appreciate the dairy's commitment to quality and sustainability, as well as the opportunity to observe part of the production process through viewing windows in the facility.
15. Action Wildlife Foundation
EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Action Wildlife Foundation is a unique conservation center featuring over 350 animals from more than 50 exotic and native species. Visitors can drive through the safari area to observe bison, elk, and deer, then explore the walking exhibits to see zebras, camels, and other fascinating creatures from around the world. The foundation also includes an educational museum with wildlife dioramas, interactive exhibits, and an impressive collection of mounted specimens that highlight global biodiversity.