Kent, Conn., is a charming town

Deborah Lynn Blumberg

May 18, 2008

Kent, Conn., has stunning waterfalls, the Housatonic River, parks and other natural attractions -- and it's not far from Long Island. (Jeremy Willinger / May 16, 2008)

WHERE

A small, charming town at the foot of the Berkshire Mountains, Kent, Conn., is best known for its artists and top-notch galleries. The town, which is split in two by the Housatonic River, also offers visitors an array of outdoor activities, fine dining and a Main Street lined with quality boutiques and book stores.

For visitor information, call the Kent Chamber of Commerce at 860-927-'3 or visitkentct.com.

ATTRACTIONS

Visitors to Kent Falls State Park (a few miles north of town) can hike to the top of the park's 250-foot waterfall by way of a steep, but well-marked trail. The green, open areas at the base of the falls provide an excellent spot for picnics. Parking is $10 for out-of-state cars on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Oct. 31.

Ober Gallery (14 Old Barn Rd., 860-927-5030, obergallery .com) specializes in contemporary and Russian art. Morrison Gallery (8 Old Barn Rd., 860-927-4501, themorrisongallery.com) sells contemporary art and sculptures in a modern, 7,000-square-foot space. The Bachelier Cardonsky Gallery (10 N. Main St., 860-927-3129, bacheliercar donsky.com) features paintings and sculptures by lesser-known New York City and New England artists. The Kent Art Association (21 S. Main St., 860-927- 3989, kentart.org) has displayed fine art since 1923.

The Sloane Stanley Museum (31 Kent- Cornwall Rd., 860-927-3849,) features the artwork and extensive early American tool collection of Northeast painter and illustrator Eric Sloane. Outside the museum are the remains of the Kent iron furnace, a remnant of the area's once thriving iron industry. Admission is $4, $3 seniors, $2.50 ages 6 to 17.

WHERE TO STAY

The Inn at Kent Falls (107 Kent-Cornwall Rd., 860-927- 3197, theinnatkentfalls.com) is an early-1900s Colonial on the way to the falls. It has a pool, outdoor shower and gardens. Rooms are $195-$245; suites are $295-$350.

The Fife 'n Drum Inn (53 N. Main St., 860-927-3509, fifen drum.com) is a restaurant, inn and gift shop at the north end of town. Rooms are $140-$150. Works by local artists pepper the family-run restaurant's dining room, and piano music is played nightly. A short drive from town, Club Getaway, (59 South Kent Rd., 860-927-3664, clubgetaway.com) is a family-run, all-inclusive adult sleep-away camp tucked into the mountains and set on a lake. Weekend and midweek packages - from $269 to $459 - include cabin lodging, daily sports and recreational activities such as mountain biking, sailing and yoga, and three meals a day, including wine at dinner. The camp runs daily excursions into town. Transportation to and from Manhattan is provided.

WHERE TO EAT

Overlooking the Housatonic River, theWhite Peach Restaurant in nearby Gaylordsville (1 S. Kent Rd., 860-210-8104) is a cozy New England bistro whose menu reflects the chef and owner's Czechoslovakian roots. Strobles Bakery & Cookery (14 N. Main St., 860-927-4073) sells gourmet sandwiches - $5.95 to $9.75 - soups and salads and baked goods that are ideal to take on an afternoon picnic. Visitors with a sweet tooth have several options. Panini Café & Gelateria, (7 Old Barn Rd., 860-927-5083) sells homemade gelato - one scoop is $3.50, two scoops $4.50 - and also has tasty panini. Belgique (1 Bridge St., 860-927-3573) carries handmade Belgian chocolates, European pastries and serves rich hot chocolate. The Kent Coffee & Chocolate Company (8 N. Main St., 860-927-1445, kentcoffeeandchocolate.com) sells freshly roasted coffee and hand-dipped truffles.

Doc's Trattoria & Pizzeria (9 Maple St., 860-927- 3810) serves pizza and southern Italian fare, with outdoor and fireside dining available. Entrees from $16 to $26.

WHERE TO SHOP

Foreign Cargo LTD (17 N. Main St., 860-927-3900 foreign cargogallery.com), is a boutique and gallery that carries art, clothing, instruments and jewelry, primarily from Asia and Africa. Country Clothes (11 N. Main St., 860-927-4064) sells comfortable women's and men's clothing and is home to the cat rescue and adoption organization Kent Cats. Several cats have free reign of the store, and a percentage of sales goes toward their care. Main Street Antiques (8 N. Main St., 860-927-4916) specializes in apothecary - old medicine bottles, some still filled - and also sells glassware, linens and country furniture.