It's a lovely sign, but if you're coming from Harwinton and continuing towards Unionville, you may…read moremiss it hiding behind the bush! Now if you've turned right at the green, you can notice, turn around quickly, and park in the quiet lot across the street. It's a process, although not an effectient one. It is a little picturesque across from a stereotypical New England church, and appears to be in good condition.

At the heart of the sleepy town of Burlington is a dusty pink tavern. Or what used to be a tavern…read more Now the Burlington historic society building! A beautiful federalist structure that you can tour! Directly across from the town green, walk inside up original stone steps and marvel at high ceilings, hit cvs cock furniture and a barrel vaulted 2nd floor ballroom. Really a great spot for a weekend visit.

When I reviewed the Civil War - World War One monument that shares a home with the subject of this…read morereview in this small park, I mentioned that it was the first war monument I had seen that honored vets of a different war on each side. Well this monument is also a 2-sided creature, but it's even more of a multi-tasker than its neighbor because it honors 3 wars on its two sides ! The east side of the plaque is dedicated to Burlington's WW II and Korean War vets, while the west side is dedicated to their vets of the Viet Nam war. The inscription on the east side's central stone column reads: Dedicated To The Veterans Of Burlington Who Served In The Armed Forces And Died For Our Freedom The stone column is flanked by two plaques -the names of the WW II vets are inscribed on the left plaque, and they spill over onto the upper third of the right plaque. The balance of the right plaque is dedicated to those who fought in the Korean War. The inscription on the west side's central stone column is identical to the inscription on the east side. There is a plaque dedicated to the Viet Nam vets in the center of the monument. Unlike the east side, the flanks are unadorned. Very well done. Nice job Burlington !!

It's a very cohesive memorial on a small plot of greenery. Around an American flag, there are…read moremonuments to those who served and fell from Burlington from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. It seems most accessible parking at the historical society, or the church across the very busy route 4. There is also a gazebo on the green so you can observe them under a sheltered location. The ending of the Civil War memorial is a bit sad. At the conclusion of the list of names, it ends with, "and those known but to God".

I've seen quite a few veterans memorials, but until today I never saw one that honored vets of a…read moredifferent war on each side. This monument honors Burlington's Civil War vets on one side and World War One vets on the other side! Curiously, the Civil War plaque is in a lot better condition than the WW One plaque. The Civil War plaque bears the inscription: The Town Of Burlington Has Not Forgotten Her Beloved Brothers Who Offered Their Lives To Preserve The Union 1861 - 1865 A list of 88 names follows. Some of the names are preceded by an asterisk., The plaque is also dedicated to "and those known but to God". The World War One plaque bears the inscription: Let Us Hold In Honored Memory Those Who Served Their Country In The World War 1917 1919 A list of 43 names follows. The plaque is in poor condition and is very hard to read.

The Old Stone Schoolhouse, at Red Oak Hill and Coppermine roads, was a schoolhouse from 1790 to…read more1872. From 1875 to 1956, it was used as a chapel. The building is now owned by the Farmington Historical Society. Exhibits feature the history of Farmington and the surrounding area. It is open for tours each summer on Sundays during July and August. It is also the site of the annual Scarecrow Contest held in October.

"Well, open your eyes, girl, look at me I'm gonna show you…read morehow it ought to be We're gonna have a good thing Such a good thing, baby" (Paul Revere and the Raiders) Good things tend to spread, don't they? The 1908 Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne, MA inspired the 1996 addition of flower baskets and boxes to the Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge in Simsbury, which in turn inspired the 2015 addition of flowers to what is now known as the Canton Flower Bridge. The bridge is actually a section of the boardwalk along the Farmington River Walk on River Road in the Collinsville section of Canton. The bridge parallels the Farmington River, and on today's gorgeous summer day we saw at least ten groups of adventurers enjoying the water, in kayaks or on paddle boards or on rafts. The boardwalk was full of activity today -dog walkers, bicyclists, carriage pushers and folks just out getting some exercise and upping their step count. The bridge is decorated with hanging baskets and flower baskets that are maintained by volunteers. Another nice feature is the dozen or so placards highlighting some of the land and sea wildlife creatures that inhabit the river environment. What a lovely oasis of color and peaceful water scenery.

This is a very pretty bridge with flowers as the name says…read more It is connected to the Farmington River trail. On one side you will see the Farmington River and on the other, you can see the road. There are signs on the bridge detailing what type of wildlife lives around the river. I like reading each one, nature is beautiful. Once you cross the bridge, there is a park like area with benches. There are plenty of pedestrians using this area and it's a nice place to get some exercise and fresh air!

Located in the southwest corner of the Village Cemetery and close to the road, this 24-foot-tall…read moremonument honors the soldiers and sailors from New Hartford who fought for the Union during the Civil War. The dedication reads, "Erected 1892 to the memory of New Hartford soldiers and sailors who served in the War of the Rebellion, 1861 1865." and above it is a medallion representing the Grand Army of the Republic. On the other side, a corroded bronze plaque lists the different units and soldiers who are honored here. The figure atop the monument stands, facing south, with a rifle supported by his hands. He is wearing a union uniform including cap and cloak with a winning moustache and van dyke beard. It's interesting that the rifle butt extends over the edge of the top. I've not spotted that on such monuments before. [Review 18406 overall - 72 in Connecticut - 1928 of 2022.]

This historic landmark still stands after all these years. Currently, one of the buildings is a…read moreretail building called Antiques on the Farmington. It's strategically placed on the Farmington River so that dams could be built to create a power source. Eventually, the railroad was built near it so goods could be sent out to be sold. The large bridge nearby was part of the railroad and is now a beautiful walking path for residents near and far. Collinsville became a village because of this famous axe company. The Collins Company opened in 1826 and was known to create the first ready to use axes in America. They also produced and sold machetes and other tools. The building that the axe company was in used to be a gristmill. The company started off with only 8 men and once it got popular, they employed workers from all over the state and nearby states. Housing was built for these workers and their families as well as other town/village necessities; those buildings were a church, bank, shops, etc. As the company expanded, they sold machetes and other tools all over the world. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. The Collins brothers died and eventually the floods of 1955 destroyed the railroad, which halted their sales. Due to competition, the deaths of the owners, a natural disaster, the company closed in 1966. It was a good 140 year run though; the Collins left their legacy and we can surely feel their spirit by just walking around downtown and in the old axe factory. The remnants of this factory still stands strong. I really enjoyed walking on the path and looking at the building. There's so much history and definitely some ghostly feels.

If you're driving by on route 44 in Avon, CT, you might see this giant rocking chair. It's located…read morenear the traffic light and one of the entrances to the Old Avon Village. It's a 9-foot high rocking chair that used to be located at a furniture store in West Hartford. As of the 1960s, it's moved to its current location in Avon. I think it's random but unique; it's definitely an Avon landmark. I heard that they decorate it for the holidays. If you're in the plaza, go up close and admire this old random gem.

"Drive up Route 44 and turn by the giant 9' tall rocking chair...." What ????…read more Yes, there really is a giant 9' tall rocking chair standing guardian at one of the entrances to Old Avon Village The big rocking chair started it's life as a roof ornament on the old Spinning Jenny furniture store in West Hartford. When the store owners moved the business to Avon, they took along their 9' tall rocker and it quickly became a landmark as the symbol for Old Avon Village. It's been repaired and repainted a few times over the year, and on one windy day it was blown off its foundation and ended up in the street. It is very noticeable from the road. Many a wedding photo has been taken in front of the Giant Rocker.

Heublein Tower is located in Talcott Mountain State Park. There were plenty of parking spaces and a…read morefew trails that lead up to the "castle". The main Tower Trail is 1.25-miles one-way; most of it were up hill and on rocky gravel. There were a couple of lookouts before reaching the tower; beautiful views but becareful, it's very steep. There were a couple of benches and waste receptacles along the way. The tower up close was magnificent and the land is full of history. There was the old garage that's used as an information center with benches and a video. A huge picnic pavilion and BBQ pit. The Tower was built to look like a German castle. There are 6-stories; bedrooms, living rooms, restrooms, and the ballroom which is now called the observation deck are in it. There were signs showing what certain areas were. This building was Gilbert Heublein's summer home, then The Hartford Times, then the State of CT. Many parties and famous people have traversed these steps; Dwight D. Eisenhower and Prescott Bush to name a couple. The observation deck is where the showstopper is; 360-degree views of Connecticut, it's a priceless and breathtaking view. Thank you to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Friends of Heublein for up keeping and keeping this local and historical gem alive. I highly recommend the moderate hike up, if you're able to. Bring bug spray, water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and your best hiking boots!

I did not come to tour the museum, but did get to see part of it as part of a hearth cooking class…read more The Stanley-Whitman is part original house arranged how it may have been with the original owners, and part new structure with a gift shop and modern restrooms. There is also an herb garden outside, and an apple tree grown based on the teachings of Benjamin Franklin. Apparently having fruit took more than a grocery store way back when. The house is very interesting to experience. Everything was smaller back then, and cooking was a task and a half. The employees/docents are obviously learned about their subjects, and you'll learn a lot. Definitely check out their special programs - parking may be a challenge (so carpool!) but if they're food related they'll be delicious.

Stopped in for a short tour during the day. The docent was very knowledgeable. It's a small place…read morebut tons of information. Great way to spend an hour.