This place was nice! We went for a group outing of seven people. When I called earlier in the week,…read morethe guy said we didn't need a reservation and could just walk in for Saturday. We all planned to meet there at 5 PM, but when we arrived, they told us we actually needed a reservation and had to come back at 6:45. Thankfully, West Hartford has plenty to do, so we walked around, grabbed some food, and returned for our reservation. One thing to know is that you pick the pottery you want to paint it's not a place where you make the pottery yourself. That has pros and cons, depending on your preferences. I'm honestly not that artistic when it comes to freehand painting, so I picked a simple snowflake design (probably the cheapest option at around $14). My friends picked reindeer, cookie trays, and other fun items. Painting was fun, but you have to leave your piece for 2-3 weeks to be glazed, so don't expect to take it home the same day. The space is small, but I liked the intimate setting. The staff was also very nice, and overall, I had a good experience. I would definitely go back.

I have not had a hand in pottery since high school so this was a nice activity to do and spend…read morequality time with friends and family. Claypen is located on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center between Walden and Dale streets. Lookout for the sessions posted outside if looking for something specific. I was attracted to the Studio Ghibli theme they were having and immediately made a reservation. I honestly didn't know what to expect until I arrived there. Upon check in, we were shown where we'd be seated and were told that we select any ceramic on the shelf and will be provided the paints and can even replenish it ourselves from the shelf. As well as take as much time as we needed to complete our design. My daughter did her own thing and drew Sanrio on different sides while I wanted to paint Haku and my friend, Totoro. I think it all came out really well!! I looked up an image tried to copy it onto the jar. Originally using a pencil and lightly tracing it onto the surface to not affect the image, although I was told that the pencil burns off during the baking process. We were also instructed to paint more than 1 coat so that the paint will show. The whole process was easy enough. When finished, everything can be brought to the counter for payment. Essentially the painting is free, it's the ceramic that needs to be paid for. I would think that the piece is averagely priced. If wanting to be sure, definitely ask before picking a piece. I'd certainly do this again.

Such a peaceful place to step back; stroll, look, quietly listen, and relax. Well maintained by…read morestaff, 4H volunteers, Scouts troops.

An early 20th century 4-h educational 120-acre farm located in Bloomfield, CT. There are two…read moreclassrooms, kitchen, and an administrative area. Students from Hartford, Granby, Bloomfield, and Simsbury attend the learning center to learn about farming, agriculture science, biology, horticulture, biotechnology, and math. They offer various classes and host many events. From hayrides, hiking trails, birthdays parties, farm to table dinners, and even staying there in the cottage. The animal barn is another popular spot. There are 5 trails; those are called orchard loop, garden loop, blueberry loop, farm trail, and mushroom trail. I walked the orchard loop; it was on gravel, wide, and on a slight incline. The trail wasn't marked but I figured by looking at the map. There is a picnic and scenic area which was a flat area with beautiful views of the rolling hills; there were a few picnic tables and you can even see the Heublein tower from afar. I look forward to going back and exploring some more trails and the learning center/animal barn area.

Amazing camper experience…read more At Tranquillity Camp, we uphold our generational traditions and intentional simplicity, assuring our long standing practice of always doing what's right. For more than one hundred years, Tranquillity has been a special place full of compassion, family traditions, and endless but flexible activities. We are a home away from home for passionate staff and returning campers to renew the forever friendships and revisit the lifelong memories made here.

I attended this incredible sleepaway camp from 2007 to 2018, and I truly mean it when I say it…read morechanged my life. This camp wasn't just a place I spent my summers--it became my second home, filled with people who are now my lifelong friends and chosen family. From the first year I went, I felt something special. The intentional simplicity of life at camp--no screens, no stress, just nature, fun, and connection--taught me the value of presence, friendship, and joy. I met my now-fiancé (soon to be husband!) here when we were just 10 years old. Our story started in the barn, sports center and many camp activities/ campfires, and we can't wait to one day send our own children to experience the same magic. Camp gave me memories I'll cherish forever. It's more than a camp--it's a place where people grow up, grow close, and grow into themselves. If you're looking for a place that will shape your child's life in the best possible way, this is it. I'm endlessly grateful for every summer spent here

I'm a long-time member, and I love this place. Brought my kids here decades ago, now bringing my…read moregrandkids. WT offers so much. It is very large, offers many opportunities.

** This review is for the recent company outing that took place here during the week…read more First let me start off by saying that the property is absolutely gorgeous. From the lake and hiking trails to the numerous playgrounds and pavillions Winding trails offers a variety of options. Close to the interstate you would not know that while you are here. It was that serene and tranquil. My firm had our recent company you outing hee and had a wonderful time using the property for our "Olympic" competition. We were provided with shaded pavillions as a central eating/meeting location and equipment to use for sand volleyball kickball and a relay race (which included a canoe of ride around the lake). There were several other groups on the property but I never felt "on top of them" The grounds were clean and well kept with our plenty of garbage cans and recycling bins to dispose of our catered lunch from Bear's BBQ (which was as good as eating at their brick and motor store in Hartford). It also looked like there were individual families enjoying the property but I am not sure if Winding Trails offers a separate membership for that. If you are looking for a place to hold an event large or small, I highly recommend checking Winding Trails.

Backspace is as much about connecting the general public with typewriters as it is a haven for…read moretypewriter-nerds (like myself). You can sit down and try out as many typewriters as you like, and the whole vibe is a mix of bookstore and coffeehouse: like Barnes & Noble, but for typewriters. Karin's energy is absolutely infectious, and her in-house mechanic Gerald is a blast as well. I ended up dividing my time between the storefront and the work/storage area; honestly, one could spend just as much time in either section. I would have stuck around even longer, but I'd actually forgotten to have lunch, I was so enthralled! This is a fresh operation, and I'm excited to see where it goes as we move towards the warmer months. Would love to see it brimming with people.

My son and i love Backspace. The Summer camp was perfect and now were looking forward to starting…read moreafter school too. Thank you Karin at Backspace. See you soon

The staff are very very nice and responsive. Prices are very reasonable compared to to other places.read more

Helpful kind lil artist "assistants"! Lots of choices for projects at all skill levels. Beautiful…read moreclean space. My grandkids and I have a new favorite crafts place!

My son had a great time and learned a lot. Hes already planning what course to enroll in for next…read moresummer. Thanks to all your knowledgable and enthusiastic staff!

I have been a long time member of Phillies Bridge. Their produce is amazing. I love coming to the…read morefarm every week and visiting the animals and taking a walk on the nature preserve. My favorite thing about the CSA is the u-pick! I fill my house with flowers all summer. My children attended the summer camp for a few years and LOVED LOVED LOVED it. They are too old to attend now but still love coming to the farm to help me pick vegetables! I feel so lucky that my kids love vegetables. I'm trying to think of something "negative" to say about the farm and can't think of anything. I mean they even donate lots of vegetables to low income families! How can you go wrong? Join their CSA today!!!!

I have been a satisfied member for 12 consecutive years. Produce pick ups are plentiful week after…read moreweek. Saturday mornings at the farm are a treat, vegetable pick up in the harvest room, heading into the fields for U Pick beans, tomatoes, fresh herbs and flowers, a walk on the nature trail. Phillies Bridge also offers summer day camps for children, birthday parties, adult workshops, movie nights, maple festival, there are so many opportunities to participate! Join, join, join!

Hands-down one of the coolest camps around. Not only that but the staff is down to earth and cool…read more I had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners, Steve Bloom, and hands down he's amazing! You can absolutely tell that he takes pride in the camp that his family started. It's family owned and family run which gives you that extra sense of security and care. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for a kick butt camp to check this place out!!!!

I am now in high school and well remember my years at Camp Playland. I wish this kind of experience…read morefor all children. Its good ole fashioned play with laughter, friends, and summer fun. Thank you Camp Playland!

This is a great place for kids that love technology to learn. My son has enjoyed everything about…read moreit. He's been exposed to new applications and has greatly benefited from both the structured lessons and the unstructured time with like-minded kids his age. We had a birthday party there recently and all of the kids had a blast. The staff is accommodating and professional. I highly recommend.

my Son enjoys going to Code Ninjas at Stamford branch .. He already learnt Scratch Programming and…read moreis now on Java Script module.. His love for learning computer programming is increasing, thanks to Code Ninjas Stamford and Sensei's It is conveniently located on High Ridge with ample of parking .. The facility is pretty cool with state of the art equipments and 3D printing capability