Bridgewater is an old farming community composed on rolling hills that are dotted with barns and paddocks, fields and residences. The Housatonic River heads southward through Bridgewater and into Lake Lillinonah, which lies at its southwestern boundary attracting swimmers, boaters and those who like to fish.

Traveling on Route 67 heading in or out of New Milford, one might easily miss the town’s center, which is anchored by two churches and picturesque homes. Well off the beaten track is a small green, which is the center of town. Residents and visitors frequent the Village Store, a popular gathering place for conversation and the purchasing of domestic necessities since the early 1900’s. Originally the Village Store was the C. B. Thompson Building, which housed the first mail order company in the United States.

Heading west from the Green, Hat Shop Rd hints at the light industry that was once a source of employment for local residents. The Burnham Library is situated slightly south of this quiet center. The town is famous for hosting the annual Bridgewater County Fair, a three-day event with entertainment, baking contests, amusement rides, food, livestock and a great parade of fire departments.

Bridgewater is one of the three towns in the Region 12 public school system. The elementary education is offered at the Burnham School; children then continue to the Shepaug Valley Middle and High School in Washington.