Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Avon, CT

This quaint town in Hartford County is situated at a curve of the Farmington River and derives its name from the River Avon in England.

The area was first settled by Europeans in 1645, gaining official town status in 1830. To the east lies the extended terrain of Talcott Mountain, part of the Metacomet Ridge, characterized by impressive west-facing cliffs offering expansive views.

For a more accessible hiking experience, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail traverses Avon, following the route of a two-century-old canal.

Additionally, proceed west toward Collinsville to explore the preserved riverside structures of the once-famous Collins Company Axe Factory, now serving as a museum and antiques center.

Let’s delve into the premier attractions in Avon, Connecticut:

1. Talcott Mountain State Park

Stretching over a hundred miles and dating back 200 million years, the basalt Metacomet Ridge traverses Connecticut and Massachusetts from north to south.

Occasionally, the ridge becomes visible across the Farmington River Valley in Avon, and with a short drive, you can access this state park located on the 13-mile-long Talcott Mountain, part of the ridge.

From the parking area on Summit Ridge Drive, visitors can embark on the Tower Trail, a 1.25-mile path leading to the Heublein Tower, designed in the style of a Bavarian castle and sitting on a 300-meter promontory.

The Blue-Blazed Metacomet Trail, which follows the length of the ridge in Connecticut, also weaves through Talcott Mountain State Park, granting access to unforgettable cliff-top overlooks.

2. Heublein Tower

This remarkable tower, standing 50 meters tall, was constructed in 1914 for beverage magnate Gilbert Heublein, whose lineage includes German heritage.

The Heublein Tower served as a summer home and was built following Gilbert’s promise to his fiancée, Louise M. Gundlach, during a hiking excursion.

In the mid-20th century, the building housed guests including Ronald Reagan and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Access to the tower is by foot only, and it is open from Memorial Day to October 29, with extended hours in October to accommodate visitors eager to witness the stunning autumn foliage.

The panoramic view from the tower is breathtaking, extending as far as Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, approximately 80 miles away, along with views of the Berkshires and Long Island Sound.

3. Farmington Valley Arts Center

Situated within an enclave of charming old brownstone buildings, the Farmington Valley Arts Center embodies a vibrant artistic community where visitors can observe artists at work, appreciate stunning art exhibited in galleries, and participate in a diverse range of workshops.

Founded in 1974, the center occupies the historic Climax Fuse Factory.

It hosts over 20 artists and artisans working across various media, including glass, ceramics, photography, found objects, and yarn.

The Drezner Gallery displays works from local and regional artists, while the Fisher Gallery features curated exhibitions from local talents.

An extensive selection of classes is available, encompassing watercolor, pastel, architectural sketching, figure drawing, acrylic painting, photography, and many others.

4. Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

In an effort to enhance rural Connecticut’s access to long-distance trade, a consortium of businessmen constructed the Farmington Canal during the 1820s.

This waterway passed through Avon as it extended north from New Haven to Northampton, Massachusetts.

However, as trains became more affordable and effective for transportation, the New Haven and Northampton Company’s railroad was established along the canal’s route.

This railroad became part of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, which was mostly abandoned by the 1990s and has since been transformed into a trail, 85% of which was completed in Connecticut as of 2019.

Within the boundaries of Avon, visitors can access this straight path where it intersects Thompson Road, heading northward to Mountain View Avenue while admiring the Metacomet Ridge before the trail proceeds into Simsbury across from Talcott Mountain.

5. Pine Grove School House

The Avon Historical Society preserves several sites throughout the town, each in various stages of restoration.

Among these is the Pine Grove School House, operational as a school from its establishment in 1865 until its closure in 1949 as Avon’s last one-room school.

Following its closure, the building was utilized as a library, nursery, and headquarters for Boy Scouts before being restored by the Avon Historical Society.

Visitors can explore the site on Sundays from 14:00 to 16:00, from June through September.

The interior retains its early 20th-century character, featuring period textbooks, slates, and desks, along with an old water pump and privy located outside.

6. Pickin’ Patch

As one of Connecticut’s ten oldest continuously operating farms, the Pickin’ Patch boasts over 300 years of storied history.

Throughout the years, the farm has shifted its focus from tobacco and dairy farming to fresh produce, offering a greenhouse and country store supplying an array of farm-fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, pasteurized cider, and apple cider donuts.

During the months of July, August, and September, guests can engage in berry, plum, peach, and apple picking as these fruits reach their peak.

Festivities intensify in October, allowing visitors to pick pumpkins directly from the vine, relish apple fritters, purchase handmade seasonal decorations, and enjoy hayrides.

7. Avon Congregational Church

Showcasing its Ionic pilasters and towering multi-tiered tower, this Federal-style church is an imposing feature at the intersection of West Main Street and Route 202. Designed by David Hoadley (1774-1839), who was notably active across Connecticut, the Avon Congregational Church (1819) is celebrated as one of his most remarkable creations.

A moment of reflection will reveal the majestic tower, adorned with balustrades on each tier and a beautiful octagonal belfry featuring round arch openings on its second level.

The congregation has roots dating back to 1754, with the historic East Avon Cemetery located at the rear of the church, contemporaneous with the church itself.

8. Fisher Meadows

A tranquil area for leisurely walks alongside the Farmington River, Fisher Meadows consists primarily of undeveloped woodlands and fields that were once farmland.

The park features the Fisher Meadows Trail, originating from Old Farms Road in the north.

This pathway meanders around the shore of Spring Lake, where fishing and non-motorized boating are permitted during the summer months.

During wintertime, the trail is utilized for cross-country skiing, and summer activities include birdwatching and picnicking.

The property boasts four softball/baseball fields, four multi-purpose fields, a children’s playground, and two covered pavilions.

9. Horse Guard State Park

A visit to this expansive 100-acre park may offer you solitude amid the natural surroundings.

Encompassing hilly terrain, Horse Guard State Park remains largely unspoiled since its acquisition by the state in 1964. Visitors can traverse a white-blazed, 1.5-mile trail starting from the Avon Historical Society’s Derrin House, leading to a scenic crag that provides breathtaking views to the south and west before returning to the main road.

Derrin House, constructed in 1810, features many original fittings but is currently undergoing restoration following a fire in 2016.

10. Hartford Reservoir #6

A short distance beyond Avon’s eastern and southeastern boundaries lies a series of reservoirs operated by the Metropolitan District Commission of Connecticut.

This land is accessible to the public for hiking and cycling from sunrise to sunset.

The reservoirs are bordered to the west by cliffs belonging to the Metacomet Ridge, offering stunning views back toward Hartford.

From these shores, one can join the Metacomet Trail and hike northward into Talcott Mountain State Park.

The northernmost reservoir, Hartford Reservoir #6, is encircled by a walking path with picturesque views across the water.

Near the southern shore lies a site of historical significance where the Continental Army camped for a week in October 1778, marked by enduring evidence such as stone-lined fireplaces.

11. Antiques on the Farmington

An ideal place to discover unexpected gems, Antiques on the Farmington in Collinsville boasts historical significance and features over 50 dealers in a captivating setting.

This venue is located within the former Collins & Company axe factory, renowned in the 19th century for its exceptional blades.

It was here that machinist Elisha Root (1808-1865) pioneered the technique of die casting.

Exploring the former factory floor, visitors can encounter period furniture, lighting fixtures, ceramics, fine art, signage, jewelry, vintage items, clocks, mirrors, and an extensive array of collectibles.

12. Canton Historical Museum

For those interested in learning more about the Collins Axe Company and its enduring influence on Canton, the town’s historical museum is housed in another original factory building dating back to 1865. Visitors can take a step back into the 19th century, viewing everyday amenities like a post office, general store, blacksmith shop, and barber shop.

The museum features period costumes, a Civil War era casket, antique medical equipment used by the town’s “horse and buggy” doctor, and a hand-drawn fire hose cart.

Other trades represented within the collection include farming, tool-making, ice harvesting, printing, blacksmithing, carpentry, and shoemaking, along with a significant assortment of children’s toys and games.

Moreover, this museum building was previously used for manufacturing agricultural plows before it became a recreational space for workers, even featuring a bowling alley in 1924.

13. Collinsville Canoe & Kayak

Thanks to the Collins Axe Company, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities on the Farmington River.

Collinsville Canoe & Kayak is a retail outlet for kayaks, canoes, pack boats, paddleboards, and more.

Furthermore, the company provides hourly or daily rentals, allowing users to paddle along a safe, dam-controlled section of the former Collins Co. mill pond.

Options for renting include single and tandem kayaks, as well as canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and a large paddleboard accommodating up to six individuals! For cycling enthusiasts, a selection of bicycles is also available.

Additionally, Collinsville Canoe & Kayak operates a paddling school offering personalized instruction, programs for children, and courses in activities such as paddleboard yoga and teacher training for paddleboarding.

14. Buckingham Park

This compact but well-equipped local park situated on Buckingham Road is popular among parents for its up-to-date and fully accessible playground, featuring a range of jungle gyms, interactive musical instruments, swings, and slides.

The enclosed playground provides an extra layer of security, complemented by a walking track surrounding the area.

Following hours of fun, visitors will find picnic tables in shaded areas, along with two full-sized multipurpose fields and a baseball field.

15. Blue Fox Run Golf Course

This golf course nestled in the picturesque Farmington Valley has been serving enthusiasts since the early 1970s.

Undergoing renovations in the 1990s, with the assistance of renowned course designer Steven Kaye, Blue Fox Run features an updated nine-hole par-3 course.

The facility consists of 27 holes, comprising three distinct nines—Blue, White, and Red—each presenting unique challenges.

Water hazards are prevalent throughout the course, with both the Blue and White configurations featuring notably long par-5s.

Green fees vary, ranging from $20 during weekdays for nine holes on foot to $55 for an 18-hole round with a cart on weekends.

Conclude your day with a meal at the 19th Hole Restaurant & Pub, offering a selection of salads, soups, and sandwiches.