Summary
- Connecticut Valley Brewing Company
- Foster Family Farm
- Nevers Park
- Windsor Farms Historic District
- The Wood Memorial Library & Museum
- Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve
- Topstone Golf Course
- Nomads Adventure Quest
- Puzzle Theory
- The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk
- The Shoppes at Buckland Hills
- South Windsor Arena
- Rye Street Park
- Wickham Park
- Hartford
Established by Europeans during the late 17th century, the quaint town of South Windsor is situated on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, in proximity to Hartford.
Historically, tobacco served as a vital economic resource for the town, cultivated in the Connecticut River Valley since colonial times. The industry peaked in the early 20th century before experiencing a decline in the 1970s.
Although South Windsor may not typically attract tourists, the town offers three centuries of architectural marvels on Old Main Street. Within the town boundaries, visitors can also discover a craft brewery, a stimulating local museum, Connecticut’s largest indoor entertainment center, and highly-rated escape rooms.
The attractions of Hartford are only a short journey away, alongside extensive shopping opportunities in neighboring Manchester.
1. Connecticut Valley Brewing Company
This craft brewery commenced operations in South Windsor in 2018 and has since established itself as a community hub. Visitors can enjoy the stylish yet unpretentious taproom from Wednesday through Sunday.
There are numerous activities to partake in, including live music, craft workshops, guided hikes, a book club, and even a fitness club.
A food truck offers a different menu daily, featuring a range of dishes from baba ganoush to wings, burgers, lobster rolls, pizza, and gourmet grilled cheese.
The brewery offers an extensive selection of beers, with up to 17 varieties available on tap.
During the summer of 2019, these included a collection of citrusy IPAs, a Vienna Lager (Old Main Street), a German Pilsner (The Home Front), several fruit beers, and the delightful Black Sheep Irish Stout.
2. Foster Family Farm
During the fall, this farm transforms into an amusement park filled with entertainment for the younger generations.
At Foster Family Farm, guests can experience corn mazes, hayrides, a farm-themed play area, pedal carts, and a variety of farm animals to observe.
The two corn mazes span eight acres in total, featuring four miles of trails for visitors to explore. Each year, the main attraction maze is designed around a new theme.
The Foster Family has cultivated this land since at least 1790. Additionally, the farm opens earlier in the season to sell flowers for Mother’s Day.
3. Nevers Park
Since its opening in 2007, Nevers Park has proven to be a valuable community resource, covering nearly 140 acres and featuring more than two miles of walking and biking trails.
The park’s notable attraction is its expansive “Boundless Playground,” which offers diverse equipment suitable for both toddlers and older children.
For adults, Nevers Park serves as an ideal setting for leisurely strolls. Consider bringing a picnic and enjoying a peaceful hour at Jacob’s View, a delightful viewpoint.
Dog owners will appreciate the details included at the Bark Park, which features designated areas for small and large breeds, water and clean-up stations, as well as agility equipment.
For a unique experience, visit on Saturday mornings from June through September to enjoy the charming farmers’ market.
4. Windsor Farms Historic District
Along Main Street, nestled between I-291 to the south and Strong Road to the north, visitors will encounter a remarkable collection of beautiful structures built over three centuries.
The Windsor Farms Historic District encompasses South Windsor’s charming old town center, interspersed with agricultural areas that were predominantly devoted to shade tobacco farming until the 1970s.
The oldest residence in the district was constructed in 1695, and notable buildings include the First Congregational Church (1845) in Greek Revival style and an equivalent schoolhouse from that period.
Keep an eye out for the Wood Memorial Library and Museum, established in 1926 at No. 783, which will be discussed further in the subsequent section.
5. The Wood Memorial Library & Museum
The distinguished Classical Revival structure located at 783 Main St., established in 1926, originally served as the town’s public library until 1971. It has since transitioned into a vibrant cultural center.
The Wood Memorial Library & Museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including author readings, concerts, discussions, panels, and numerous workshops. The facility also features a children’s lending library along with regular art and history exhibitions.
During my visit, the temporary exhibit was titled “South Windsor Unearthed,” providing a fascinating glimpse into the region’s Native American heritage, showcasing artifacts discovered near the Connecticut River.
6. Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve
Like other public natural areas in South Windsor, the Major Michael Donnelly Land Preserve is meticulously maintained. It comprises fern-rich hardwood forests, pine forests, meadows, and wetlands adjacent to the Podunk River.
The preserve features an expansive boardwalk system that traverses the wetlands and leads into the forest. Additionally, during spring and summer, the lawns in more developed areas are freshly mowed.
There is a gazebo where visitors can seek shade during the warm summer months. Along the trails, well-placed wildlife observation points allow for sightings of deer and various waterfowl.
This preserve is named in honor of Major Michael Donnelly, a Gulf War veteran, who passed away in 2005 from complications related to ALS linked to his service.
7. Topstone Golf Course
South Windsor is home to a well-respected, 18-hole public golf course. Topstone is located on undulating, densely wooded terrain with fairways that rival those at prestigious country clubs.
This course presents challenges for skilled players, as the greens are exceptionally fast, surrounded by bunkers, with tees strategically placed to keep players alert.
Among my memorable holes were the exceedingly narrow fairway on the par 5 16th and the sharp dogleg on the 18th, an unforgiving par 4.
As for green fees, these were $49 on weekdays and $52 on weekends for 18 holes (walking). After completing a round, visitors can enjoy a meal at the Three Seasons View Cafe.
8. Nomads Adventure Quest
A significant asset for families, Nomads Adventure Quest is Connecticut’s largest indoor entertainment center.
Available activities include black light mini-golf, indoor climbing, bowling, laser tag, virtual reality games, carnival rides, and bumper cars, all within a setting themed around lost Mayan ruins.
The center features a video arcade with 80 machines, a billiards room, two full-size basketball courts, and a vast bounce house zone. Children can expend energy in a soft play area filled with ten bounce houses and numerous other play structures.
Additionally, a café and full bar are available for adults, and there is even live music at the tavern on Saturday evenings.
Nomads Adventure Quest operates on a pay-per-activity basis rather than charging an admission fee.
9. Puzzle Theory
Puzzle Theory offers a creative approach to escape rooms with four uniquely themed rooms varying in difficulty and accommodating different group sizes.
As is typical, participants are required to solve the scenarios within one hour, demanding collaboration and sharp problem-solving skills.
Since its inception, Puzzle Theory has continually updated its offerings by introducing new rooms while retiring older ones to maintain variety. On my recent visit, there was a significant changeover since my last experience.
Among the available rooms, “Warehouse 13” presents a horror-themed mystery, while “Wizard Realm” offers a more whimsical fantasy ambiance. For beginners, “Jungle 2: The Next Dimension” serves as a compelling intro, inviting 4 to 8 players into a labyrinthine journey.
10. The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk
At the southernmost point of South Windsor, where it borders East Hartford and Manchester along I-84, lies an extensive retail area. Buckland Hills encompasses malls, power centers, lifestyle centers, and a plethora of dining options.
The most sophisticated among these is the outdoor mall, The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk, which emphasizes specialty stores, premium brands, and restaurants.
Within this shopping center, one can find retailers such as Apple, Anthropologie, Williams Sonoma, Sephora, New Balance, LOFT, Old Navy, L.L. Bean, and Lovesac, among others.
The dining options cater to American cuisine enthusiasts with establishments like Burtons Grill and Ted’s Montana Grill, as well as Flatbread Co. for earth oven pizza, Sakura Garden Japanese steakhouse, and Shake Shack.
11. The Shoppes at Buckland Hills
Also located within the expansive retail complex, The Shoppes at Buckland Hills is a sizable mall featuring nearly 150 stores.
Popular tenants include Foot Locker, JCPenney, Barnes & Noble, Forever 21, Gamestop, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Dining options abound with a variety of chains both within the mall and in the surrounding areas, including Red Robin, Taco Bell, Five Guys, Olive Garden, Chili’s, and Friendly’s.
Directly across I-84 lies the Cinemark Buckland Hills 18 XD and IMAX, while the Hartford Funny Bone offers live comedy with a street-level entrance at the mall.
12. South Windsor Arena
The town’s hockey arena has been in operation since the early 1970s. While showing signs of age, it remains a functional venue for ice sports.
It is advisable to consult the South Windsor Arena website for current public skating schedules, as they can vary. The facility also offers stick time, hockey training camps, and lessons for various skill levels.
One prominent feature of the arena is its pro shop, Hockey 1, which has been serving customers since the rink’s inception, and it is regarded as one of the best places in the state for hockey equipment.
Additionally, the snack bar comes highly recommended, particularly for its delicious donuts.
13. Rye Street Park
This local park along Rye Street spans over 160 acres, providing ample opportunities for recreational activities.
The park features four tennis courts, two softball fields (one equipped with lights), a full-size soccer field, three intermediate soccer fields, and a basketball court, as well as two multi-purpose fields for football or lacrosse.
In addition, a network of highly-rated mountain biking trails is available, complete with challenging turns and steep climbs that surprised me with their quality.
The park also includes a tranquil pond, picnic areas, and a playground for younger children needing to expend their energy.
14. Wickham Park
This expansive, 280-acre park, located just south of Buckland Hills, showcases a variety of gardens alongside family-friendly facilities.
During spring and summer, allocate ample time to wander and explore the various gardens, which include an arboretum, Lotus Garden, Oriental Garden, English Garden, Italian Garden, and Wetlands Garden, among others.
At the highest point of Wickham Park, the Cabin Garden offers a rewarding view of the Hartford skyline. I particularly enjoy visiting the aviary, home to peafowl, pheasants, turkeys, turkey vultures, and waterfowl.
The park features three playgrounds, one positioned near the aviary, a nature center, and facilities for tennis, volleyball, horseshoes, and disc golf.
Open from April through October, Wickham Park is privately managed and charges a nominal entrance fee for vehicles.
15. Hartford
As the state capital, Hartford is situated just minutes away via I-84 and offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.
In the years following the Civil War, Hartford emerged as the wealthiest city in the United States, thriving on industrial pursuits, notably spearheaded by companies such as Colt’s Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company.
Among the city’s distinguished residents during that era was Mark Twain, who produced some of his most renowned works at a magnificent neo-Gothic residence, now celebrated as a museum dedicated to his legacy.
Make it a priority to visit the Wadsworth Atheneum, recognized as America’s first public museum, boasting an incredible collection that includes American art, decorative arts, and European masterpieces from artists like Caravaggio, Dalí, Joseph Wright of Derby, Renoir, Monet, Max Ernst, and Joan Miró.
For families, the Connecticut Science Center ranks among the best interactive museums. Additionally, historic Bushnell Park features a charming carousel that has been in operation since 1914.