Connecticut's Rustic Little Town Near Hartford Has The State's Largest Natural Lake And Relaxed Rural Vibes

While Morris, Connecticut, was not one of the filming locations for "Gilmore Girls", it still has the sprawling scenic views and rustic New England charm that made this fictional world so special. At an hour west of Hartford and an hour north of New Haven, Morris mirrors the vibrant history and beauty that Connecticut is known for. Here, you'll find the state's largest natural lake, farms that stretch for miles, and relaxing places to enjoy New England comforts.

Settled in the 1720s, Morris has a deep history in agriculture, but it didn't become its own town until 1859. History lovers will appreciate the Morris Historical Society, which has preserved the region's rich background in agriculture through exhibits including old wagons, horse-drawn buggies, and relics like newspaper clippings and farming tools. Historical buildings in the area include the Old Town Museum, the Fire House, and the Mill School, where you can discover what life was like in Morris before modern conveniences. 

Between outdoor activities and perusing the past, visitors can enjoy fine dining at The Restaurant at the Winvian, which is a European gastropub with elevated meals, or The Barn for classic New England clam chowder. Tea lovers will also enjoy the Penny Farthing Tea Room at BritsBand, and shoppers won't want to miss out on the Housatonic Trading Company an eight-minute drive away in Bantam for antique finds.

Morris is home to several cool outdoor sights, including Bantam Lake, Sandy Beach, and Camp Columbia State Park and Forest. Bantam Lake is actually the largest natural lake in Connecticut, spanning about 947 acres. Central to most outdoor activities in Morris, many love to enjoy water sports here, from boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer to ice skating in the winter. The White Memorial Foundation protects most of the shoreline, and you can even visit the White Memorial Conservation Center , which is just an eight-minute drive away in Litchfield, for activities like biking and horseback riding.

Right off of Bantam Lake is Sandy Beach, which is the perfect place to get your feet wet. Complete with volleyball and basketball courts, this park offers lake access to boaters and kayakers, a snack shack, and changing rooms for those who want to swim or receive swimming instruction. Parking is limited, and there may be a parking fee depending on when you go.

Camp Columbia State Park and Forest is also off of Bantam Lake. This area is a unique combination of farmland and forest, where visitors can experience the best of both. Several hiking trails weave through the meadows and forest, and visitors can also explore the tower, which is a stone observation platform that was built in 1942. For more greenery in Connecticut, consider visiting the greenest town in Connecticut. 

Agriculture is woven into the history of Connecticut, but Morris brings something special to the table through elevated agricultural experiences that combine history with luxury dining, comfortable stays, and outdoor-centric activities. One of the farms that embodies this the most is the Winvian, which is a 2023 and 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice award winner. This locale is an all-inclusive farmhouse resort that offers splurge-worthy cottage rentals along picturesque farmland, featuring a variety of creative workshops including cooking and stained glass, as well as wellness practices like private yoga and a sauna.

Likewise, South Farms is a must-see. This is a family-owned farm turned into an event venue, perfect for any occasion, most commonly weddings or ticketed public events like concerts and wine tastings. The most prominent part of the estate is the gorgeous white Sam Paletsky Barn. To see this farm, check its online event page for social happenings or book an appointment to tour the property.

For the best flowers, head to White Flower Farm, which is about five minutes by car from the downtown Morris area. This farm has cultivated gorgeous New England blooms for over 75 years, and even if you don't plan on buying a plant baby, it's worth the visit to weave between the rows of native lilacs, roses, and hydrangeas. For the best experience, stop by the display gardens or visit during a lecture or event, then finish up in the gift shop for some perfectly sensible impulse purchases. For more flower viewing, consider swinging by West Hartford for America's oldest public rose garden.