Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Glastonbury, CT

If I had to choose an exemplary small town that embodies the finest elements of New England, Glastonbury on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River would rank highly.

This town is adorned with beautiful colonial-era residences, some of which date back to the 17th century, with its main Historic District situated around a traditional town green.

Heading south, one encounters rolling hills blanketed with deciduous forests, orchards, and berry farms. The vibrant colors during autumn are truly spectacular.

Every October, the Apple Harvest & Music Festival is a high-spirited event, drawing tens of thousands to the town’s Riverfront Park over the course of three days.

Moreover, this area boasts what is believed to be the oldest continually operating ferry service in the United States, shuttling across the Connecticut River between Glastonbury and Rocky Hill for seven months each year.

Let’s delve into the best activities in Glastonbury:

1. Riverfront Park

As the newest park in Glastonbury, Riverfront Park is also the most well-equipped, featuring a stunning location on a bend in the Connecticut River. It is arguably the premier spot in town for sunset views.

In terms of recreational facilities, Riverfront Park offers spaces for lacrosse and soccer, a floodlit baseball field, and a basketball court. It is a serene place to relax by the water and observe the river traffic.

On the water, you will find a public boat launch, along with boat storage options and the charming Glastonbury Boathouse, which can be rented for weddings and special events.

The park also features a fenced area for dogs, separate playgrounds for infants and older children, expansive open fields, picnic areas, and a pavilion for shelter.

2. Glastonbury Historic District

Source: –Grondemar / Wikimedia

The town features five distinct historic districts, each adorned with architecture that dates back to the early 18th century and earlier. It represents a delightful slice of New England and is well worth a visit.

On Main Street, the Glastonbury Historic District, located between Hebron Avenue and Talcott Road, spans 128 acres and includes 23 houses constructed prior to the 1800s, several dating from the 17th century.

Among the 81 buildings, there is a variety of styles including Colonial, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne.

At the Town Green, one can explore the town’s history at the Historical Society of Glastonbury. Adjacent to this site, the Green Cemetery was established in 1693, during a time when Main Street served as a Native American trail.

3. Apple Harvest & Music Festival

Source: Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival

Glastonbury commemorates its apple harvest with a fashionable three-day festival attracting over 25,000 attendees to Riverfront Park in mid-October.

Since its inception in the 1970s, the Apple Harvest & Music Festival features three stages of live music throughout the event. The festival includes an amusement midway, more than 100 vendors, and approximately 25 food trucks and stalls. The popular Harvest Pub, which has expanded, is a notable highlight.

On Sunday, one of the main attractions is the Angry Orchard 5K road race, a fun run that celebrated its 20th year when I visited. All runners aged 21 and older can enjoy a complimentary pint of Angry Orchard cider at the Harvest Pub.

4. Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry

Source: Raymond Deleon / shutterstock

Considered the oldest continuously operating ferry service in the United States, it has been ferrying across the Connecticut River between Glastonbury and Rocky Hill since 1655.

South of Connecticut Route 3, there are no crossings on the river until reaching Middletown. Therefore, the ferry serves as a vital transportation link for seven months each year, circumventing detours of up to 13 miles.

Passengers board the Hollister III, an open flatboat, which is towed across the river.

During my visit, the ferry operated from April 1 to November 30, from 7:00 AM to 6:45 PM (Monday to Friday) and 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends.

This ferry is one of only two regular services operating over the Connecticut River. During the ten-minute crossing, passengers can appreciate expansive views of the river and its wooded banks, with a chance to spot an eagle soaring overhead.

5. Historical Society of Glastonbury

Source: Historical Society of Glastonbury / facebook

Located within the elegant streetscape of the Glastonbury Historic District is the former Town Hall. This Greek Revival structure was constructed in 1840 and served the town for a century.

This building now houses the free museum of the Historical Society of Glastonbury, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and the third Sunday of the month.

Visitors can explore a rich collection of historical artifacts spanning from the pre-colonial era through the colonial period, the Civil War, and the industrial boom when shipbuilding and manufacturing were predominant in the local economy.

Additionally, I found it fascinating to learn about former manufacturers in Glastonbury, notably Harriman Motors, a significant player in aviation during the early 20th century.

6. Blackledge Falls

Source: Dougtone / Flickr

An adventure that offers the convenience of a leisurely walk, Blackledge Falls is situated on 80 acres of verdant deciduous forests along the Glastonbury-Hebron boundary.

The easy trail, just over a mile in length, culminates at a breathtaking waterfall that features three distinct channels cascading over the rocks, perhaps my favorite natural attraction in the area.

The ideal time to visit is during spring or after heavy rainfall; in summer, the falls may diminish to a trickle yet remain picturesque.

From this location, one can extend their journey along the Blackledge River into Gay City State Park.

7. Dondero Orchards

Source: Dondero Orchards / facebook

Established in 1911, Dondero Orchards operates a community-supported agriculture program, offering baskets of seasonal produce for local residents.

Visitors are also welcomed to pick their own fruits from May to the end of October, beginning with strawberries (available from greenhouse and field), followed by Lodi apples, pears, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, and nectarines.

August marks the official start of the apple season. Over the subsequent eight weeks, an impressive assortment of 12 varieties, from early-season Baldwins to late Russets, becomes available for picking.

Dondero Orchards also features a farm stand and bakery, offering delightful pies, sauces, pickles, and jams.

Occasionally, the orchard hosts Farm Dinners during summer on specific Wednesdays, each featuring a changing menu.

8. Crystal Ridge Winery

Source: Crystal Ridge Winery / facebook

Covering 200 acres in southern Glastonbury, Crystal Ridge Winery is situated on picturesque hills amidst orchards and woodland.

This family-run winery, founded in 2004 on a boutique scale, cultivates varieties such as Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vignoles, and Chardonnay in the rocky soils of sunny, southwest-facing slopes.

The tasting room, opened in 2018, features a well-regarded selection of varietal wines, which are best enjoyed while gazing at the Hartford skyline in the distance.

For the latest updates, keep an eye on Crystal Ridge’s website, as there is a lineup of live music events during the summer months.

9. Rose’s Berry Farm

Source: Rose’s Berry Farm / facebook

During the summer and fall, Rose’s Berry Farm becomes essential for fresh produce, cultivating numerous fruits and vegetables from May through October.

At the primary location on Matson Hill Road, visitors can engage in pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries in the summer months. In autumn, the pumpkin patch opens, providing fun hayrides for children.

The farm also operates a stand at 1200 Hebron Avenue, stocked with various seasonal produce, from berries to peppers. Their specialty items, including home-baked pies, teas, and salsas, are particularly popular.

At the time this list was prepared, the farm had recently transitioned ownership to the Gondek family, who aims to preserve its longstanding traditions.

10. Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum

Source: InAweofGod’sCreation / Flickr

The largest historic district in Connecticut is located just across the river in Wethersfield. A visit to the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum is highly recommended for those interested in history.

This fascinating historical site comprises three elegant houses from the 1700s, all in a contiguous row.

The Joseph Webb House and Silas Deane House have been restored to their mid-18th-century appearances, showcasing wood paneling, period furniture, portraits, and plasterwork.

The Joseph Webb House served as George Washington’s headquarters in 1781, while Silas Deane was the first foreign diplomat from the United States to France.

The Isaac Stevens House, home to a middle-class leatherworker, dates back to 1789 and has been preserved to reflect its condition in the 1820s and 30s. The upper floor is dedicated to childhood in this era, featuring dolls and antique toys.

Additionally, the Buttolph Williams House (1711), also managed by the museum, is located nearby and contains a rich collection of decorative arts from the late 17th century.

11. Minnechaug Golf Course

Source: Minnechaug Golf Club

This nine-hole, par-35 municipal course is situated at the base of eastern Glastonbury’s Minnechaug Mountain. My experience at Minnechaug Golf Course was highlighted by two distinct challenges.

The eighth hole presents a unique 126-yard par 3 onto an island green, believed to be the first of its kind in New England, and one of the first in the United States.

The ninth hole is another challenging par 3, measuring 158 yards with a water hazard between the tee and green.

Fortunately, the rates are quite reasonable, at less than $30 for 18 holes (weekdays) for non-residents during my visit.

At the ninth hole, a menu for the course restaurant, the Tenth Hole Tavern, is available so patrons can order ahead for convenience.

12. Central Rock Gym

Source: Central Rock Glastonbury / facebook

Designed for lead climbing, top-roping, and bouldering, Central Rock Gym is one of two locations in Connecticut within this chain of indoor climbing centers.

A spectacular facility, Glastonbury’s Central Rock Gym features over 22,600 square feet of climbing terrain, reaching heights of up to 40 feet with 120 climbing stations.

First-time visitors can contact the gym for a one-hour belay tutorial (after signing a waiver). Following this, a day pass grants access to the climbing walls.

For those looking to enhance their skills and fitness, various programs are available, both onsite and in the yoga studio and fitness center.

13. Welles-Shipman-Ward House

Source: Magicpiano / Wikimedia

For those curious about the area’s history, the Historical Society of Glastonbury maintains another beautiful property at 972 Main Street in the South Glastonbury Historic District.

The Welles-Shipman-Ward House, a Colonial mansion built in 1755, opens its doors for tours during the spring and summer months.

During special events, visitors are greeted by a guide in period costume who will conduct guided tours through the interiors. A highlight of the visit is believed to be the largest period fireplace in Connecticut.

The property also includes a herb garden, a 300-year-old loom, spinning wheels, and a tobacco shed. I was particularly intrigued by the 19th-century English-style bank barn, featuring fascinating historical farming implements and tools.

14. Cotton Hollow Preserve

Source: www.glastonbury-ct.gov

Located along the rugged banks of the swiftly flowing Roaring Brook is 80 acres of forest suitable for hiking and fishing.

Two centuries ago, this area was the center of numerous industrial activities. The brook powered grist mills, sawmills, a cotton mill, and iron foundries. The remnants of the cotton mill, dating back to 1814, can still be discerned.

A downside for visitors is that access to Cotton Hollow Preserve was limited to Glastonbury residents at the time this list was compiled, with the exception of fishing permitted between the third Saturday of April and June 15.

15. Welles Turner Memorial Library

Source: Welles-Turner Memorial Library / facebook

The Welles Turner Memorial Library serves as a cornerstone for the Glastonbury community, particularly beneficial for families with children.

Throughout the year, especially during school vacations, the library organizes book clubs, games, story times, movie screenings, and a variety of other activities.

The library is a charming establishment, designed in the style of a classic homestead and built in the early 1950s. Interestingly, it occupies the site of the former residence of its benefactors, Harriet Welles and Sturgis P. Turner.

For visitors like myself, the library serves as a valuable resource, akin to a mini visitor center, with free maps, newspapers, complimentary Wi-Fi, computer stations, and restrooms available.