Tourists Keep Missing This Hidden Historic Inn in Connecticut’s Oldest Building

Tucked away in the charming town of Woodbury, Connecticut, The 1754 House stands as a living piece of American history.

This remarkable inn and restaurant has welcomed travelers and diners for nearly three centuries, offering an authentic glimpse into Colonial New England.

Whether you crave exceptional food, historic charm, or a peaceful countryside escape, this beloved destination delivers an unforgettable experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

1. Connecticut’s Oldest Operating Inn

Step back in time to 1736, when this building first took shape in Colonial America. Officially opening as the Curtiss House Inn in 1754, it claims the title of Connecticut’s oldest continuously operating inn.

Walking through its doors means touching the same history that travelers experienced over 250 years ago. The walls have witnessed Revolutionary War-era conversations, stagecoach arrivals, and countless stories that shaped New England.

Few places offer such a direct connection to America’s founding era while still serving guests today.

2. Authentic 18th-Century Architecture

Original post-and-beam construction frames every room, showcasing craftsmanship from an era when builders worked entirely by hand. Low ceilings remind you this building predates modern standards, creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere impossible to replicate.

Working fireplaces crackle with real flames during colder months, filling dining rooms with warmth and that unmistakable wood-smoke scent. Every timber, every floorboard, every quirky angle tells its own story.

Modern restaurants simply cannot recreate this level of genuine historical character, making each meal feel like dining in a living museum.

3. The Flat Five Tavern Experience

Music lovers rejoice at the Flat Five Tavern, a dedicated space where live blues and jazz performances fill the air most evenings. Talented musicians create an energetic, social atmosphere that perfectly balances the inn’s historic setting with contemporary entertainment.

Handcrafted cocktails flow from the bar, each mixed with care and creativity. The tavern transforms a centuries-old building into a vibrant gathering spot where strangers become friends.

Imagine sipping expertly made drinks while toe-tapping rhythms echo off colonial-era walls; it’s history meeting modern nightlife in the best possible way.

4. Chef-Driven Contemporary Cuisine

Chef and Owner Michael Bates-Walsh brings culinary artistry to every plate, focusing on elevated contemporary American dishes that have earned recognition from The New York Times. His commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients means seasonal menus that change with Connecticut’s harvest.

Farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a philosophy. Each ingredient gets carefully selected for quality and flavor, transforming simple concepts into extraordinary meals.

Dining here means experiencing food crafted by someone who genuinely cares about excellence, not just following corporate recipes from some distant headquarters.

5. Signature Comfort Food Elevated

The menu features decadent comfort classics with gourmet twists that’ll make your taste buds sing. Hand-Cut Duck Fat Fries arrive golden and crispy, their rich flavor unlike anything from a regular fryer.

Baked Brie melts luxuriously, while the famous 1754 Burger stacks perfectly with house-made bacon jam adding sweet-savory magic. These aren’t ordinary pub snacks; they’re carefully crafted comfort dishes that balance indulgence with sophistication.

Sometimes you want fancy food that still feels like a warm hug, and this kitchen delivers exactly that combination every single time.

6. Exceptional Pasta and Italian-Influenced Dishes

Pasta lovers find paradise in dishes like Spicy Shrimp Scampi served over Pasta #9, where perfectly cooked seafood mingles with garlic, butter, and just enough heat. Sage Gnocchi offers pillowy potato dumplings bathed in herb-infused sauce that tastes like Italian countryside cooking.

While the menu isn’t exclusively Italian, these standout options showcase the kitchen’s range and skill. Each pasta dish receives the same attention as any entrée.

Quality ingredients and proper technique create Italian-influenced plates that rival anything you’d find in specialized trattorias throughout the region.

7. Boutique Inn Accommodations

Ten uniquely appointed guest rooms blend yesterday’s charm with today’s comforts throughout the property. Nine rooms occupy the historic main house, while one special suite resides in the converted Carriage House.

Each space features modern amenities like Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs without sacrificing period character. Staying overnight transforms your visit from a meal into a genuine New England getaway.

Wake up in a building older than the United States itself, then enjoy breakfast steps from your door, it’s an experience hotels built last year simply cannot match.

8. Gateway to Antique Capital of Connecticut

Woodbury proudly holds the title of Connecticut’s Antiques Capital, with dozens of shops lining its streets. The 1754 House sits centrally located, making it the perfect base for treasure hunters and collectors.

Spend your day browsing vintage furniture, rare collectibles, and unique finds that span centuries. When your feet tire from antiquing adventures, return to the inn for exceptional food and comfortable lodging.

Serious collectors and casual browsers alike appreciate having quality dining and accommodations right in the heart of this renowned antiquing destination.

9. Stunning Litchfield Hills Location

Nestled in the foothills of Connecticut’s beautiful Litchfield Hills, the inn offers access to some of New England’s most picturesque landscapes. Rolling hills explode with color each autumn, creating postcard-perfect foliage views.

Spring brings wildflowers and fresh greenery, while summer offers perfect hiking weather on nearby trails. Winter transforms the area into a peaceful, snow-dusted wonderland.

Nature lovers find four distinct seasons of outdoor beauty, all within easy reach of this comfortable home base where excellent meals and cozy rooms await after adventures.

10. Beloved Local Dining Destination

Locals affectionately call Woodbury “Foodbury” because of its concentration of outstanding restaurants, and The 1754 House consistently ranks among favorites. Despite being centuries old, it maintains its reputation as a hidden gem that residents treasure.

Frequent recognition from food critics and satisfied diners proves this isn’t just tourist hype. Regulars return again and again, celebrating special occasions and ordinary Tuesdays with equal enthusiasm.

When locals choose a restaurant for their own celebrations, that speaks volumes about quality; and this place earns their loyalty every single day.