Vermont vibe, but a lot closer: Kent, Connecticut

By LESLIE LONG

House of Books on Kent’s Main Street is celebrating its 50th year. LESLIE LONG PHOTOS

Driving to Vermont, even its southernmost towns, takes over three hours. Yet, in just over one hour, a similar vibe can be had in the bucolic town of Kent, Conn. Set your GPS to Kent Falls State Park and as you get close, you’ll drive through Bulls Bridge, a fully functional covered bridge built in 1842. Spanning the Housatonic River, it’s right out of a storybook.

Other Vermont-like pursuits await — green hills, an independent bookstore, individually owned shops. Kent Falls State Park is a short distance from the bridge and its pleasures are easily accessible. Pull into the parking lot and you’re steps away from a large green lawn with plenty of picnic tables and grills. (There’s not much shade, so bring an umbrella or canopy if you plan on spending some time.) 

Other park visitors set up chairs and blankets along the riverbank for the shade and rushing water. Wherever you end up, the views are spectacular. In one direction, multiple waterfalls cascade. On the other side, rolling hills. If you’d like to climb the steep trail to the top of the falls, be sure to bring your sneakers. Another short path across the street ends with a pretty river view. 

Bring a picnic or stop at Wilson’s by High Watch Bakery & Café on Main Street in Kent’s picturesque little downtown. The sandwiches and salads are artfully made with ingredients sourced from local purveyors. If you’d like to make a quick stop on your way to Kent Falls, order online or take a seat at one of their indoor or outdoor tables, then take in the town. 

Kent State Falls Park on the Housatonic River is a short distance from downtown and  offers spectacular views.

As the Vermont feel continues, head next door to House of Books. This independent bookstore is celebrating its 50th year and it’s easy to see why. Located inside a charming house, the books are organized with clear, easy-to-read signage — fiction, classics, art and design, mystery and horror to name a few. The bright, sunny interior also has an adorable children’s area with an actual house made of books. Handwritten staff recommendations fill one entire section and are also sprinkled throughout the store.

Behind Wilson’s you’ll find Kent Barns, a group of high-end galleries and shops stocked with design items, clothing, antiques and the talented artists represented by Kenise Barnes Fine Art. (Some of these businesses have limited hours and may be closed earlier in the week.)

Further down Main Street, check out the more casual shops selling comfortable clothing, home goods, fishing equipment and more, then cap off the day with an ice cream cone at 45 On Main: Kent Swamp (vanilla ice cream with cookie dough, brownies, M&M’s, and chocolate chips covered in a thick “swamp” of chocolate sauce) or Graham Jam (graham cracker ice cream with marshmallow swirl and chocolate-covered honeycomb) are two original flavors to order. 

The next time you’re craving that New England feel, it’s waiting for you in Kent.

Leslie Long is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer from Larchmont. Her work has appeared in numerous regional publications.