SIMSBURY
Simsbury just seems to be getting
better. Since the Valley's largest town always ranks at the top of all of the
state's quality-of-life charts, this hardly seemed possible. But some
carefully-considered planning and development decisions in the past few years
are beginning to show results. The town has more protected open space, a
spruced-up town center, the Hartford Symphony seems to have found a permanent
summer home here, some land-ravenous residential projects have been contained
and a controversial new mega-high school construction project was reshaped by
public dialogue.
Special Places
East Weatogue Historical District to
Terry's Plain
Route 185 to East Weatogue Street. Rosedale Farm has
designer produce; Caldeira Nurseries the most coveted mums; and J.T. Hall's
little farm stand is a subtle work of art with its heirloom veggies and
Cinderella pumpkins.
Tariffville Gorge
Route
315 to 189 east to 187 north. Cross river on 187, first right on Spoonville,
right onto Tunxis at the bottom of hill. Go under Rt. 187 bridge to foothill
trail to beach. The most challenging whitewater on the Farmington River. Has
hosted a variety of national canoe and kayak competitions, including Olympic
trials.
The Pinchot Sycamore
Route 185 at Nod Road. Connecticut's largest tree. On the banks of
the Farmington-great spot for a swim, boat launch or picnic.
The Pickin' Patch
Route
185 to Nod Road, south past Tower Ridge Country Club. 860-677-9552.
Family-operated by the Woodfords since 1666! Flowers in spring, Christmas trees
in December, and the Valley's finest produce all summer and fall. Hundreds of
acres of pick-your-own products and a brimming farm store.
Hueblein Tower
Route 185
on Talcott Mountain. The 165-foot tall structure atop Talcott Mountain is the
Valley's most visible landmark. Now a part of Talcott Mountain State Park, it
was built as a summer retreat, between 1911 and 1914, by Gilbert Heublein of
Heublein, Inc., distillers. Open to the public-a nice 30-minute hike up, with
gorgeous valley views.
Simsbury Town Center
Route 10 from the Route 167 intersection to Westminster School,
northern end of Iron Horse Blvd. The library is exceptional. One of the busiest
in Connecticut, it has programs for all ages and is an extraordinary research
and business information resource.
World famous skaters train
here. International Skating Center of
Connecticut
Route 10, north of Simsbury town center. 860-651-5400.
Oksanna Baiul trained here, Victor Petrenko and Ekaterina Gordeva still do. So
do lots of other up-and-coming skating stars. Skating lessons, community
skating, and hockey going on all the time. Regular shows by the stars,
too.
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FARMINGTON
History
Farmington very gracefully blends
undeniable historical significance and classic New England village charm
with all the finest amenities of a modern, suburban town.
The town's landscape reflects this
dichotomy. With the city of Hartford only 10 miles away, commuter traffic,
an interstate highway and industrial parks are very visible markings of
contemporary life in Farmington. But, thanks to the foresight of town
residents, much of Farmington's natural and historic beauty has been preserved.
Settled in 1640 by British colonists
seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities, Farmington originally
comprised more than 160 square miles and was the "mother" town to seven
parishes. Those parishes eventually became the towns of Southington, Berlin,
Bristol, Burlington, Avon, New Britain and Plainville. Today, Farmington
encompasses about 29 square miles.
 Farmington Polo ClubSpecial Places
Winding Trails Recreation
Area
Farmington Valley's finest recreation facility, Winding Trails,
is comprised of over 350 acres of woodlands, ponds, & fileds, plus 100 acre
Dunning Lake. The main beach area has picnic tables, a volleyball court,
basketball court, bath house and boat house. Our 11 acre sportsplex includes a
Cross Country Ski Center which is available for group outings and programs
throughout the year, and a summer day camp. The Walton Pond area includes ice
skating, nature programs, overnight camping, hiking, mountain biking and cross
country skiing enjoyment. Winding Trails is the ideal facility for your
family!
 Hill-Stead Museum
35
Mountain Road. 860-677-9064. This is the Valley's major tourist attraction,
with more than 35,000 visitors annually. Outstanding example of Colonial
Revival domestic architecture. Houses Pope family's collection of Impressionist
paintings by Monet, Manet, Cassett, Degas and Whistler and antique furniture,
rugs and decorative arts. Sponsors educational and cultural events. Walking
trails. Location of annual summer Sunken Garden Poetry Festival.
Stanley-Whitman Museum
37
High Street. 860-677-9222. Built in 1720 and restored to depict New England
life in 18th century Farmington. A National Historic Landmark. Programming for
families and children. Sampler Gift Shop sells educational materials, toys, and
books on 18th century life.
Jonesville
Route 4 in
center of Farmington. Large metal sculptures by the late, local artist Fred
Jones. Private property but open to the public.
The Sanctuary
2 Deer Run
Road. 860-677-9125. A backyard aviary with exotic ducks, swans, geese, cranes
and quail. Open by appointment only.
Suburban Park
The
extension of the Hartford trolley into Unionville helped transform this mill
town into a developing suburb. Hartford residents traveled to Suburban Park by
trolley for weekend jaunts and picnics. Farmington residents recently voted in
favor of the Farmington Land trust purchasing the park to protect it from
commercial and residential development.
Farmington Town
Hall Back to
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Approximate Driving Times from Valley Towns to Major
Cities
- Hartford
Avon:
Farmington:
Simsbury: |
10 m., 25 min.
10 m., 20 min.
15 m., 35 min. |
- New Haven
Avon:
Farmington:
Simsbury: |
47 m., 1 hr. 15 min.
41.5 m.,
1 hr.
52 m., 1 hr. 25 min. |
- Stamford
Avon:
Farmington:
Simsbury: |
85.5 m., 2 hr.
80 m., 1 hr.
45 min.
90 m., 2 hr. 15 min. |
- Springfield
Avon:
Farmington:
Simsbury: |
31 m., 1 hr.
36 m., 1 hr.
26 m., 45 min. |
- New York City
Avon:
Farmington:
Simsbury: |
127 m., 3 hr.
117 m., 2 hr.,
40 min.
132 m., 3 hr. |
- Albany
Avon:
Farmington:
Simsbury: |
103 m., 2 hr., 40 min.
110
m., 3 hr.
95.5 m., 2 hr., 20 min. |
- Boston
Avon:
Farmington:
Simsbury: |
110 m., 2 hr., 38 min.
111
m., 2 hr., 30 min.
116.5 m., 3 hrs. |
- Bradley International
Airport
Avon:
Farmington:
Simsbury: |
22.5 m., 45 min.
23 m., 35
min.
17 m., 35 min. |
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| REAL ESTATE TRIVIA |
| Q |
What is considered the oldest surviving non-native building in the U.S.?
|
| A |
The governor's palace in Sante Fe, New Mexico, built in 1609, was constructed with materials and methods adapted from the native Indians.
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| More Real Estate Trivia |
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The Farmington
Valley Arts Center
The Avon
Library
The Avon Old
Farms School
Simsbury
Monument
Hueblein Tower
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