One visit to Falls Village and you’ll feel transported back in time to the mid-1800s. The churches, railroad depot, Inn, bank, streets, and houses maintain their 19th-century integrity, offering an accurate picture of the community's organization a century and a half ago. The buildings on Main Street include excellent, unaltered examples of Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, and Queen Anne architectural styles.
The "Great Falls" attracted the first settlers and gave Falls Village its name. They are the second highest falls in the state and are a great starting point for your visit. Fed by the fast-moving Housatonic River, which cuts through town, the Great Falls are a breathtaking sight. A boat launch just down Water Street is perfect for canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubing. The "Housy" is also a fly fisher’s dream stream.
No adventure would be complete without a hike in the great outdoors. The Appalachian Trail runs right through town, with white hash marks marking the way. It’s easy to find a good starting point for serious hikes, day trips, or short jaunts into the woods, all without venturing too far from downtown.
Founded in 1930, Music Mountain is home to the oldest continuing summer chamber music festival in the country. Each season features a Chamber Music Series with 16 concerts, mainly on Sunday afternoons, a popular Saturday evening Jazz concert series, and a number of special events.
The Falls Village Inn, built in 1834 and remodeled in 2010 by renowned designer (and Falls Village resident) Bunny Williams, offers fine American fare and beautifully appointed guest rooms. Right next door, P.D. Walsh’s Country Store hosts live music from the best local musicians on Saturday nights during the summer.
Across from the Inn is the Falls Village-Canaan Historical Society Museum, which houses local histories, old records and photographs, iron industry records, maps, and books.
For a chance to meet new friends or run into old ones, the place to be is Toymakers Café. Pull up a chair at the community table and enjoy a hearty country breakfast or a delicious lunch.
Falls Village is a must-see destination in the northwest corner of Connecticut. Its beauty and laid-back attitude are just a few of the reasons why so many artists, writers, and musicians choose to call this place home.
