Never underestimate the amount of fine antiques a small town can possess. The town is in Woodbury, Connecticut, and it is located in the Litchfield Hill, the northwestern corner of the state. About 40 years ago, antique dealers from New York City, Pennsylvania, the Midwest, and the South began moving to Woodbury, wooed by its charm, ambience and landscape. Now Woodbury is home to more than 40 dealers offering a wide variety of impressive items. You’ll find many of those shops as you travel along Route 6 and on Routes 132 and 47. And you’ll find more shops like these in neighboring towns, notably Bantam on Route 202.

Most of the dealers specialize in fine American furniture and decorative and folk art of the 18th and 19th centuries. Europe, Canada, and England are also represented. Something to note, however – the emphasis in this area is quality, so be prepared for hefty price tags. The area also has several antique shows. In Newton, the Historical Society show is held the first weekend in April. In mid-August, the Keeler Tavern Museum in Ridgefield sponsors its annual Antiques and Treasures Sale, and the Glebe House Museum also holds a summer show. About an hour’s drive from here, there are a few more shows happening. In Wilton, a weekend antiques marketplace is held in late June, drawing some 160 dealers, and in mid-September, the DAR’s Sunday show in the high school field attracts 100 dealers. History and nature also abounds in Litchfield Hills. From museums to historic sites, to nature preserves and conservation areas, one can immerse themselves in the quest for antiques one day, and connect with nature the next.