Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bloomfield, CT

Summary

1. Penwood State Park
2. Thomas Hooker Brewery
3. Talcott Mountain State Park
4. Heublein Tower
5. Back East Brewing Company
6. MDC Reservoir #6
7. Metacomet Trail
8. Waypoint Spirits
9. Wintonbury Hills Golf Club
10. Chase Arena at Reich Family Pavilion
11. Gillette Ridge Golf Club
12. Auerfarm
13. Northwest Park
14. Rosedale Farms & Vineyards
15. Oliver Filley House

This charming small town in central Connecticut is surrounded by picturesque rural landscapes, all situated within six miles of the state capital.

The iconic Talcott Mountain, part of the 100-mile Metacomet Ridge, is a prominent feature on the western horizon.

This ridge extends for 13 miles, culminating at the Heublein Tower, constructed in 1914. The tower resembles a structure from the Alps and is accessible during the summer and autumn months. It would be a challenge to identify a more beautiful location for viewing autumn foliage.

Bloomfield, predominantly agricultural, formerly thrived on its shade tobacco industry.

Amidst the expansive meadows and forests, two of Connecticut’s finest public golf courses are located. Moreover, craft beer enthusiasts will find two of the state’s best breweries in Bloomfield.

1. Penwood State Park

Bloomfield’s western boundary is characterized by two state parks located along a 200-million-year-old basalt fault known as the Metacomet Ridge.

This striking geological feature, formed by ancient volcanic activity, extends 100 miles and stretches north from Long Island Sound to the Massachusetts-Vermont border.

The northernmost state park on this ridge, Penwood State Park, encompasses the northern section of Talcott Mountain.

The park is particularly stunning in spring and autumn when wildflowers such as trillium, hepatica, bloodroot, and Dutchman’s breeches bloom. The fall foliage is especially breathtaking.

The main overlook in Penwood State Park is The Pinnacle, which provides views to the south across the ridgeline to Heublein Tower, as discussed further below.

2. Thomas Hooker Brewery

A small-batch brewery with a strong regional reputation, Thomas Hooker Brewery is named after the founder of Hartford and relocated to Bloomfield from the city in 2007.

Located just off Granby Street, the brewery and visitor center welcomes guests seven days a week.

Typically, a selection of at least 20 beers is available on tap. The venue also offers free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, and a spacious outdoor biergarten.

The beer offerings are extensive, featuring a variety of IPAs, lagers, seltzers, and rich dark ales.

For first-time visitors, ordering a flight of beers for sampling is a great way to begin.

The on-site kitchen is equally impressive, serving small plates and a selection of delicious pizzas, particularly the classic sausage & peppers.

3. Talcott Mountain State Park

Located adjacent to Penwood State Park and separated by CT Route 185, Talcott Mountain extends south through its namesake state park.

This park covers 575 acres along the Metacomet Ridge, featuring prominent dark west-facing cliffs formed from the ridge’s basalt.

Talcott Mountain reaches a width of three miles at its broadest point and boasts several peaks, the tallest reaching 950 feet. This summit is where Heublein Tower is located, which will be discussed next.

One unique aspect of the Metacomet Ridge is its distinctive ecology. The unique plant life on the ridge is attributable to a variety of microclimates not commonly found in New England.

The upper cliff-tops tend to be warm and arid, fostering an oak savanna habitat supporting species like chestnut oak, while eastern red cedars find purchase on the cliff edges.

4. Heublein Tower

A 1.25-mile trail from the parking area off CT Route 185 leads to the 165-foot tall Heublein Tower, which was constructed in 1914 and is modeled after a Bavarian schloss.

This impressive building was commissioned by Gilbert F. Heublein, a prominent figure in Hartford’s food and beverage industry. His enterprise acquired Smirnoff vodka in 1938 and he selected Talcott Mountain’s apex for his distinctive summer residence, perched atop a 950-foot promontory that boasts spectacular views.

From the viewing platform atop the tower, vistas extend to the northwest toward the Berkshires, northeast toward Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire, and even a glimpse of Long Island Sound to the south.

The tower is accessible from Memorial Day through October, with hours from Thursday to Monday until October, and then Wednesday to Monday during the peak foliage season. It stands out as an ideal location for experiencing autumn’s splendor.

5. Back East Brewing Company

Craft breweries are abundant in Connecticut; however, few have garnered the loyalty and recognition enjoyed by Back East Brewing Company in Bloomfield.

Established in 2012, the brewery’s team possesses extensive brewing experience gained over many years.

You can visit their taproom from Thursday to Saturday to enjoy flights and pints or to purchase growlers and cans.

The selection varies with each visit. During my last trip, I found an impressive variety of IPAs on tap. Two of these brews, Rakautra and Ice Cream Man, were recognized by Draft Magazine as part of the “50 Best IPAs in America.”

Other offerings included a Porter, Brown Ale, Czech/German Pilsner, Berliner Weisse, and Dunkel lager.

The taproom frequently hosts events, including comedy nights, new beer releases, and a variety of food trucks.

6. MDC Reservoir #6

The Metropolitan District Commission of Connecticut oversees this active reservoir situated in the southwestern corner of Bloomfield. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling along 30 miles of tranquil trails surrounding the area.

The reservoir is the northernmost of six West Hartford Reservoirs, bordered by the impressive Deer Cliff to the west.

The Metacomet Trail, which will be explored further below, passes nearby while en route to Talcott Mountain. Additionally, there is a notable historical site near the southern shore of Reservoir #6.

This location features the remnants of a Revolutionary War Campsite, where Continental Army soldiers encamped in 1778, identifiable by the remnants of stone-lined fireplaces.

7. Metacomet Trail

This 50-mile Blue-Blazed walking trail traces the Metacomet Ridge from Meriden in the south to the Connecticut-Massachusetts border.

Due to Talcott Mountain and surrounding ledges, some of the most stunning vistas along the entire trail can be enjoyed in Bloomfield.

If you are prepared for a day of hiking, you can begin your journey by the west shore of MDC Reservoir #6. From this location, I climbed the steep incline at the northern end to reach Talcott Mountain.

Within just three-quarters of a mile, there is a 500-foot elevation gain. After relishing the views and exploring Heublein Tower, you’ll need to navigate across CT Route 185.

Shortly after, you will find yourself surrounded by lush woodlands in Penwood State Forest, culminating at another breathtaking overlook at The Pinnacle.

8. Waypoint Spirits

This craft distillery launched its variety of spirits in August 2015 and welcomes guests for tours and tastings from Wednesday to Sunday.

Waypoint produces specialty batch whiskey, gin, two types of vodka, and spiced rum. During my visit, the distillers shared their passion for their craft and guided me through each step of the process, from mashing to aging.

After exploring this modern facility, I had the opportunity to sample their selection of spirits and enjoyed a couple of complimentary mixed drinks.

Visitors can engage in board games at the bar and order food delivery to accompany their drinks.

9. Wintonbury Hills Golf Club

In 2018, Wintonbury Hills was recognized by Golfweek as the “Best public course you can play in Connecticut.”

It is the only public course in the state designed by the notable architect Pete Dye, renowned for his challenging golf course layouts.

From the tee boxes, the unique arrangement of fairways is immediately apparent. While spacious, they inherently require precise tee shots.

As expected from such a distinguished course, the greens are immaculate and notably quick, making it a definitive challenge for skilled players.

Between rounds, enjoy the captivating views of the countryside just east of the Metacomet Ridge.

10. Chase Arena at Reich Family Pavilion

Opened in 1990 and with a capacity of over 3,500, Chase Arena serves as the home court for the University of Hartford’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, located just a couple of miles from downtown Bloomfield.

Both teams compete in the Commonwealth Coast Conference, with the women boasting a more illustrious history.

They secured four regular-season championships during the 2000s and participated in six NCAA tournaments from 2002 to 2011.

The men’s team includes notable alumni such as Vin Baker, who played in four consecutive All-Star Games with the Bucks and SuperSonics and now serves as an assistant coach for the latter.

Over the years, the arena has hosted a variety of events, including performances by Bob Dylan and a 2013 speech by President Obama.

11. Gillette Ridge Golf Club

This public course, which opened in 2004 on land that was once owned by the renowned politician and reformer Francis Gillette (1807-1879), features his preserved residence on the property.

Gillette Ridge Golf Club is notable for being the only public course in the Northeast designed by Arnold Palmer, often regarded as one of the best non-private courses in Connecticut.

Blending beautifully with the hilly landscape, Gillette Ridge boasts significant elevation changes, stunning carries, mature woodlands along the fairways, and an array of natural hazards. Every aspect was in excellent condition during my recent round.

Practice facilities include a full grass driving range, two putting greens, and a chipping area.

12. Auerfarm

The land that is now Auerfarm, previously owned by educator and philanthropist Beatrice Fox Auerbach (1887-1968), comprises 40 acres that she generously donated to the Connecticut state park system.

In 2015, it was established as the 110th state park in Connecticut and is home to a 4-H Educational Center. Auerfield aims to foster leadership, responsibility, and basic life skills in youngsters through various programs.

Activities include learning about the farm’s cycles, ice cream making, apple cider production, and maple sugaring. Visitors may also tend to a herb garden, explore the farm’s bee hives, and construct winter shelters for animals.

In addition, numerous passive activities are available, including hiking, picnicking, berry picking, interacting with farm animals, and selecting a Christmas tree during the late-November season.

13. Northwest Park

Located just past Bloomfield’s northern boundary in Windsor, Northwest Park covers nearly 500 acres and opened in the early 1970s on land that was previously utilized for shade tobacco farming.

Visitors have the opportunity to learn about a trade that once served as the economic foundation of this region of the Connecticut River Valley.

The CT Valley Tobacco Museum chronicles 2,500 years of local tobacco cultivation and features firsthand accounts from farmers.

Additionally, the park offers a heritage breed farm, nature center, 12 miles of trails, and a well-designed playground for children. Summer concerts are also a highlight of the park’s calendar.

During winter months, snowshoes or cross-country skis can be rented to explore the trails following snowfall.

14. Rosedale Farms & Vineyards

On Talcott Mountain’s west flank, near the Farmington River, Rosedale Farms & Vineyards features a farm stand and winery that offers a full-day experience during the summer and autumn.

During July and August, visitors can enjoy a corn maze as well as a sunflower maze. In the fall, Farm Fests take place on Sundays, featuring hayrides, tastings, and farm tours.

Rosedale Farms & Vineyards has been producing high-quality agricultural products for over a century. The farm stand is open daily starting at 9:00 AM and offers nearly 50 varieties of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, home-baked pies made from this fresh produce are available, along with cheeses, breads, jellies, jams, and more.

The vineyards cultivate varieties such as Cayuga, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminette, Chardonnay, and Seyval Blanc, producing acclaimed red and white wines.

During regular business hours, visitors are welcome to the patio for a wine tasting paired with cheese and crackers, lasting until the end of October.

15. Oliver Filley House

Located on Mountain Avenue, a mile west of downtown Bloomfield, the Oliver Filley House is an impressive stone structure owned by the town.

This house, which stands as it currently does, was constructed in 1834 in the Greek Revival architectural style. Its distinctive stone walls are built from rubblestone and local basalt in varying hues.

The Filley family owned the land since before the Revolutionary War, later occupied by Captain Filley, a tinsmith who served as captain in the Connecticut militia during the War of 1812.

Filley built this house for his son, Jay, characterized by its unique footprint with two intersecting wings, making it the third stone house in Bloomfield at the time of construction.

A pathway leads up to the house, and restoration efforts are currently underway. As of my last update, the long-term goal is to transform this property into a museum for Bloomfield and a base for the Wintonbury Historical Society.

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