Settled in 1734 (its name changed in 1779 to honor the first American president), Washington occupies the crown of a hill beside Route 47. Its village green, with the impressive 1802 Congregational Meeting House surrounded by white buildings and sheltered by shade trees, is an example of a municipal arrangement found all over New England -- but rarely to such near-perfection.
Adjacent Washington Depot, down the hill beside the Shepaug River, serves as the commercial center, with a bank and a small cluster of shops. Stop in at the beguiling Hickory Stick Bookshop, 2 Greenhill Rd. (tel. 860/868-0525; www.hickorystickbookshop.com).
Nearby Steep Rock Reservation (tel. 860/868-9131; www.steeprockassoc.org) is a lovely spot for hiking, fly-fishing, or cross-country skiing. (Unfortunately for pet owners, dogs must now be leashed.)
Dining -- One (pricey) dining option is the restaurant at the Mayflower Inn. For a more casual meal, put together a picnic from the delectable array of quiches, pizzas, and salads at The Pantry, 5 Titus Rd., Washington Depot (tel. 860/868-0258). Or eat in there: They recently made room for a dozen tables.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
