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10 Best Things to Do When Visiting Watertown, Connecticut

There are a lot of reasons you might find yourself in Watertown, Connecticut, on the hunt for the best things to do. Whether you are visiting adult children and grandchildren who live in the area or you are coming to visit an aging parent who lives in town, possibly to explore your assisted living options, Watertown is a vibrant and diverse community that offers a wide range of services, dining, and outdoor recreation.

About 140 miles from Boston, 100 miles from New York, and less than 40 miles from Hartford, Watertown has been experiencing economic growth in recent years. A quasi-rural and suburban community set against the backdrop of Mattatuck State Forest, Watertown has over 30 square miles of residential areas, farmlands, recreation areas, and industry sites. Today, about 22,514 people call Watertown home.

“Watertown is situated in Connecticut’s Litchfield County and offers many attractions and destinations, including Hawk Ridge Winery, Black Rock State Park, and Bantam Lake,” says Jason Rieger, Executive Director of The Ivy at Watertown. “Right next door is Waterbury’s famous Palace Theater, Mattatuck Museum of Arts and History, Waterbury Symphony Orchestra and an array of fine dining.”

Looking for recreational activities or volunteer opportunities? Watertown has them. What about restaurants and museums? Watertown has those, too. You want things to do with your grandkids? Watertown has plenty of them.

Here’s a look at some of the best things to do in Watertown, Connecticut, whether you’re in town for a week or a lifetime.

The Top 5 Attractions in Watertown

Black Rock State Park

Tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands, Black Rock State Park offers swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic views. Hike along the Mattatuck Trail, which stretches from Waterbury to Morris with a scenic view of the Naugatuck Valley. There are also many side trails where you can see Black Rock Lake, Black Rock Pond, mature forests, and meadows.

Gates are open on weekends only, from the second Saturday in April until Memorial Day, 8 a.m. to sunset. From Memorial Day to Oct. 1, they are open daily between 8 a.m. and sunset.

While you’re in the neighborhood, check out New Morning Market Juice Bar & Cafe and The Charcoal Chef.

Crestbrook Park Golf Course

A beautifully landscaped 236-acre facility, Crestbrook Public Golf Course has 18 holes, a driving range, three practice greens, a snack shack, and a pro shop full of the most current golf equipment.

In addition to tee times and lessons, the golf course has four organized leagues, including a Retiree’s Golf League. To learn more about becoming a member, visit the Crestbook Park website.

Hawk Ridge Winery

Relax at Hawk Ridge Winery, a family-run winery since 2012. The award-winning winery offers a selection of six reds, four whites, one rosé, and a port.

The winery is part of Hidden Breeze Farm, a picturesque farm setting where you can enjoy wine tastings, lite fare, and tour the grounds. The 58 acres feature farm animals, 30 acres of hay, 4 acres of grapevines, five beehives, squash, and garlic.

Southwind Farms

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, head to Southwind Farms, a 27-acre alpaca farm that’s home to 50 alpacas. Tour the farm, get to know the alpacas, and peruse the many different types of yarn and other alpaca products Southwind Farms has to offer.

Watertown History Museum

The Watertown History Museum presents an in-depth view of local history. It documents and preserves the collective memories of the Watertown community to reflect on the present and pass onto future generations. Some highlights of the collection include:

  • Archives containing a detailed glimpse into Watertown’s industrial and agricultural past
  • A large textile collection, including quilts, spanning the 18th through the 20th centuries
  • An extensive collection of artifacts from Watertown industry, including memorabilia and items manufactured by Heminway and Bartlett, The Autoryre Corporation, Watertown Manufacturing Co., and several Bishop and Bradley clocks
  • Decorative and fine arts spanning 200 years

The museum offers a walking tour of several historic spots around town.

The Top 5 Annual Visitors’ Events

Memorial Day Parade in May

The annual Memorial Day parade will step off from the Watertown Plaza parking lot beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, 2020. This year, the parade will travel to the Oakville Green.

Bow Wow Olympics in June

Want to meet the most “fetching” dogs in Watertown? Head to Watertown’s annual Bow Wow Olympics where you’ll catch competitions in tail wagging, best dog trick, sitting, and a dog/owner lookalike contest.

The Bow Wow Olympics also serves as a pet food drive for the Watertown Food Bank.

Townwide Tag Sale in June

Townwide tag sales have long been a tradition in New England and in many Connecticut communities, Watertown included. Sales occur in front yards, garages, and on sidewalks throughout the town. This is a uniquely Watertown/Oakville event involving citizens, businesses, churches, civic groups, associations, town leaders, neighbors, and visitors building community and identity through shared experiences.

This year’s Townwide Tag Sale takes place June 6, 2020.

Night Out on Main Street in July and August

Night Out on Main Street is a local festival on Main Street in Watertown. The town blocks off the street and fills it with local artists, bands, food, and fun. The event occurs from 6 to 9 p.m. on multiple Saturdays throughout the summer.

Fall Festival in September

The Watertown Fall Festival was started by Sabra and Rick Sarandrea in 1978 with the goal of bringing people of Watertown together to celebrate the town. The fair is located at Veterans

Memorial Park and features arts and crafts, food vendors, raffles, and entertainment for the kids.

“There are so many things to do in Watertown, and The Ivy at Watertown is located right on Straits Turnpike, which is a thoroughfare in Watertown,” Rieger says. “Our activities program will offer frequent outings to the many fine-dining, establishments, and attractions in our area.”

Whether you’re considering a move to Watertown or you’ve lived in the community for years, you might not be aware of all of the professional services and community offerings for seniors.

For more information about Watertown, Connecticut, download our Relocation Guide for Older Adults. It’s a useful tool to learn more about the community — and there’s a lot to love about Watertown!

 

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


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Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


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Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

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Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

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You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
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