Summary
In the 19th and early 20th century, Southington was a hub of heavy industry interspersed with fruit farms.
During this era, the town’s manufacturers were responsible for notable advancements, including the development of the first cement that could harden underwater and the invention of the first carriage bolt cutting machine.
Most of this manufacturing has since vanished. However, in recent decades, Southington has undertaken efforts to revitalize the area, demolishing many factories while preserving select examples of industrial architecture.
For visitors, Southington’s main attractions include the historic amusement park, Lake Compounce, the rugged landscapes of the Metacomet Ridge, and the old orchards that have earned the town the moniker “Apple Valley.”
Let us examine the top activities to undertake in Southington:
1. Lake Compounce
Source: Ritu Manoj Jethani / shutterstock
Situated on the northwestern edge of Southington, Lake Compounce is recognized as the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States. The park remains vibrant, offering a combination of modern attractions and classic vintage rides.
For instance, the wooden coaster named Wildcat, built in 1927, is the 14th oldest roller coaster globally.
During my visit, my primary aim was to experience Boulder Dash, established in 2000, which consistently ranks as the best wooden roller coaster worldwide according to the Golden Ticket Awards.
Moreover, the Lake Compounce Carousel, a historic gem dating back to 1890, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
More recently, visitors can also try the impressive Phobia Phear Coaster, featuring an inline twist and a non-inverting loop.
Additionally, there is a variety of charming rides for younger patrons, along with Crocodile Cove, the park’s water attraction, regarded as the best in Connecticut.
2. Barnes Museum
Source: The Barnes Museum / facebook
Constructed in 1836, this Greek Revival homestead housed the affluent Bradley/Barnes family until it was generously bequeathed to the Town of Southington by Bradley Barnes in 1973.
The legacy left behind consists of an extraordinary historical document. The home maintains its original furnishings, showcasing the evolving lifestyles in New England over nearly 150 years.
The Barnes Museum features an impressive collection of fine furniture, early photographs, paintings, lighting fixtures, ceramics, and an array of vintage household items.
During my visit, I participated in a 45-minute guided tour, which provided detailed insights into the house’s extensive collection of furniture, decorative arts, costumes, and even historical documents like Civil War correspondence and land records dating back to 1740.
3. Hubbard Park
Source: ARENA Creative / shutterstock
Overlooking the Quinnipiac River valley, the Hanging Hills stretch across the southeast corner of Southington, as well as nearby towns such as Meriden and Berlin.
This sub-range of the linear Metacomet Ridge is composed of basalt formed during the late Triassic Period.
At Hubbard Park, a 1,800-acre section of the Hanging Hills was transformed into a park in the early 20th century by Meriden philanthropist Walter Hubbard.
He enlisted the notable landscape architect James Law Olmsted (known for Central Park) to create Mirror Lake, investing considerable resources to establish a public space for the local community to enjoy.
Complementing the park’s wilder terrain is an elegant flower garden and bandshell, which hosts events in spring and summer, including the Daffodil Festival at the end of April. This festival features food trucks, a crafts fair, carnival rides, and a fireworks display.
4. Castle Craig
Source: Leonardo Prado / shutterstock
In 1900, this castle-like observation tower, another of Walter Hubbard’s projects, was inaugurated at the summit of the 974-foot East Peak at the ridge’s edge.
Walter, a well-traveled individual, was inspired to build Castle Craig; however, the exact influences remain a topic of discussion, ranging from Norman castles to Turkish watchtowers situated along the Danube.
The structure closely resembles a tower found in the village of Craigellachie in Scotland. At the foot of the tower, a dedication plaque outlines the scenic views visible in clear weather.
To the south lies Long Island Sound, while to the north, the distinct outline of the Berkshires in Massachusetts can be discerned.
5. Kinsmen Brewing
Source: Kingsmen Brewery Co. / facebook
Throughout Connecticut, one will find craft breweries at nearly every corner; however, Kinsmen Brewing distinguishes itself within this competitive landscape.
Firstly, its location is remarkable, situated in a century-old brick factory adjacent to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (details on that to follow).
The taproom features a patio accessible from the trail and offers extended hours, remaining open seven days a week until midnight on Fridays and Saturday nights.
An extensive selection of beers is available on tap (ten during my visit), catering to various tastes. For patrons who enjoy hoppy options, a variety of IPAs and Double IPAs are always available.
The brewery also offers lagers, witbiers, inventive fruit-infused brews, as well as dark and malty porters and stouts.
Regular live music events take place on weekends, and the establishment features an on-site kitchen, Sauced, providing pizzas and Italian sandwiches.
6. Mount Southington
Source: Morrowlong / Wikimedia
Mount Southington is perfect for casual and novice skiers, operating its season from December to mid-March.
The resort may be small at just over 50 skiable acres, yet it is well-maintained, featuring 14 runs and a terrain park easily accessible via seven efficient lifts.
Furthermore, Mount Southington provides night skiing on all runs along with comprehensive snowmaking facilities, ensuring consistent coverage.
The rates are quite affordable, especially for visitors coming on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, where tickets can be as low as $40. Naturally, the resort hosts classes, individual lessons, and packages for both children and adults.
7. Rogers Orchards
Source: JeepersMedia / Flickr
Rogers Orchards, the largest apple producer in Connecticut, is located in Southington. The orchard spans 250 acres and cultivates 20 varieties of apples, including Galas and Idareds.
Currently in its eighth generation, this business was established in 1807, and it produces a variety of fruits and vegetables, reflecting the diverse agricultural heritage of the area. From summer fruits such as apricots, plums, peaches, and nectarines, to pumpkins in autumn.
The farm store offers a selection of cut flowers, honeys, sauces, cheeses, firewood, seasonal decorations, delectable home-baked pies (15 varieties), and apple cider donuts.
The ideal time to visit is during the apple-picking season, from the beginning of September until late October. An informative calendar is available on the farm’s website, detailing when specific varieties will be ready for picking.
8. Southington Linear Trail
Source: Metrotrails / facebook
The Southington Linear Trail consists of a 4.6-mile multi-use path, extending from Lazy Lane in the north to the Southington/Cheshire Line. This trail follows the historic right-of-way of the former New Haven and Northampton Company railroad.
Originally constructed in the mid-19th century, this line utilized the route of the earlier Farmington Canal established in the 1820s to connect New Haven and Northampton.
The Southington Linear Trail offers a gentle grade, making it suitable for families with young children. As you traverse the path, you will enjoy a scenic tunnel of trees and cross old bridges.
Highlights along the way include notable remnants of historical industrial architecture, such as the brick Clark Bros. Bolt Co. Factory No. 2 from the 1910s, which now accommodates Kinsmen Brewing.
This trail is also part of the 81.2-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, which aims to provide uninterrupted access from the Yale campus in New Haven to Northampton, Massachusetts.
9. Southington Town Green
For over 200 years, this expanse of grass and foliage in front of the town has continued to play a significant role in local community life.
The Town Green serves as the center of the Southington Center Historic District, which hosts numerous buildings dating back to the Colonial period. Nearby, you can find Southington’s oldest surviving residence, the Jonathan Root House (140-142 North Main St), constructed circa 1720.
From mid-July to September, this space also hosts the town’s farmers’ market, which operates every Friday afternoon.
For over 30 summers, Southington has organized a “Music on the Green” program from June to September, featuring concerts every Wednesday evening. This program includes a variety of genres, catering to diverse musical tastes, including pop, rock, soul, country, funk, jazz, and polka.
10. Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve
Source: Ragged Mountain Foundation / facebook
On Southington’s east side, one can observe a 200-million-year-old basalt ridge extending from Long Island Sound to the Massachusetts-Vermont border.
The Metacomet Ridge forms various peaks and high bluffs along this fault line, resulting in unique ecosystems due to its alkaline soils.
One noteworthy peak is Ragged Mountain, standing at 761 feet and overlooking the Wassel Reservoir. Numerous trails traverse the Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve, though some are not consistently well-marked.
Those who venture to the summit will encounter steep ascents, but the distant views make the effort worthwhile. The vistas extend over Southington, Berlin, and parts of New Britain.
Additionally, Ragged Mountain is traversed by the 62-mile Metacomet Trail, a Blue-Blazed trail that follows the ridge up to the Massachusetts border.
11. Sunset Rock State Park
Source: www.alltrails.com
Adjacent to Ragged Mountain lies another beautiful landscape along the Metacomet Ridge. Here, the west-facing bluffs provide striking views over Crescent Lake.
Visitors can access this lookout via the Blue-Orange trail. Some sections might present a challenge, yet the effort is compensated by the stunning views and vibrant foliage along the way.
Mountain biking trails are also available, featuring a high-speed path further down and a technical, rocky slope for more adventurous riders. Alternatively, individuals can enjoy a leisurely picnic by the lakeshore or fish for largemouth bass.
12. Milldale Trail Depot
Along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, one can find a preserved train depot dating back to 1890. I found it intriguing to discover that this modest structure was closed to passengers as early as 1920.
The depot has been maintained as a museum, which was open during my weekend visit. Exhibits feature photographs, maps, preserved signage, and insights into the role of the Station Agent who once operated here.
The depot’s notable claim to fame is its appearance in the 1959 romantic comedy “It Happened to Jane,” which starred Doris Day and Jack Lemmon.
Inside, you will discover memorabilia related to the film, in addition to remnants from the railroad, including an old switch. The museum is conveniently located near Mel’s Bike Rentals, which provides bicycles during the spring and summer months.
13. Hawk’s Landing Country Club
Source: Hawk’s Landing Country Club / facebook
Situated adjacent to Sunset Rock, this highly-rated 18-hole par 71 course is designed for players of all skill levels and is nestled within expansive mixed woodlands.
The holes traverse diverse terrain, providing occasional breathtaking views toward the Metacomet Ridge to the east.
At Hawk’s Landing, the par 4s and 5s tend to be on the shorter side, requiring precision and finesse off the tee.
For an enjoyable end to your golfing experience, Bunkers Bar & Grill offers a diverse menu comprising salads, wraps, burgers, and sandwiches (the buffalo wrap is particularly recommended). The outdoor bar provides a lovely view of the course, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
14. Karabin Farms
Source: Kenneth Gray / facebook
A notable feature of towns like Southington is the presence of rural businesses such as Karabin Farms, situated just a short distance away.
Operations at the farm typically begin in early summer, stocking the farm stand with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, maple syrup, and farm-raised meats. The fall season sees a vibrant apple-picking experience.
This season is particularly special, as various apple varieties, including HoneyCrisp, Yellow Delicious, Macoun, Mac, and Fuji, reach ripeness, culminating with Red Delicious and Cameo apples in late October.
Apple picking is an exhilarating experience for younger family members. They will enjoy riding a tractor-pulled wagon to the orchards. The end of the U-Pick season coincides with the farm’s pumpkin patch festivities.
A few weeks later, it will be time for turkeys and Christmas trees. Finally, children will also delight in observing barnyard animals, including cattle, ponies, and chickens.
15. Southington Memorial Park
This essential park, spanning 20 acres, includes sports facilities, a duck pond, and a playscape for children.
During the season, there is a swimming pool and splash pad, though these were accessible only to residents during my visit. Nonetheless, the remainder of the park is open to the public and features three tennis courts, a floodlit football field, baseball diamonds, a basketball court, and an inviting picnic grove.
When the pond freezes in winter, visitors can also enjoy ice skating. In the summer, the numerous tall trees provide ample shade, ideal for picnicking.
