This open-air shopping mall opened in 2004. The land used to be a farm with a barn that was built…read morein the 1700s; then eventually it became a golf course later on. There are approximately 45 stores and restaurants; there were plenty of parking and even a playground. I find myself here quite often so I figured I'd give it an update. It's a beautifully maintained shopping plaza that reminds me of Garden City in Cranston, RI. On a beautiful day, it's a great place to walk around. They also hosts special events throughout the year. I enjoy dining at Mercato, 110 Grill, Flatbread Pizza, Panera Bread, and Jefferson Fry Company. My kids love Barnes and Noble and Walter's Boundless Playground. If you need to do your grocery shopping, there is a Shop Rite. There are plenty of shopping that can be done at Kohl's, Old Navy, Dick's Sporting Goods and more. There is a new candy shop called The Nutmeg Sweet Shoppe. If you want to attend a cooking class, book a spot at Sur La Table. There are a variety of businesses and many more businesses are being added. It's located on Route 44 and going in and out of the place can be chaotic sometimes, but there are traffic lights. Overall, it's a great place to shop and dine.

This is a great plaza, despite the traffic leading up to it. Unfortunately this area is building…read moreup, adding more and more lights, more and more lanes, and sometimes getting in and out requires patience. Once you pull in, there's an immediate four way stop sign intersection that can require the most patience of all, because taking turns is an unknown concept to some people. But once you're in, there's a good distribution of restaurants to stores. Shop Rite, Panera Bread, Barnes and Noble, Ben & Jerry's, Kohls, Chipotle, the Paper Store.... A lot of these places have been around for years. When a shop does go out, a new one comes in pretty quickly. There is a lot of parking available, although some is further than others. Kohl's has a large lot to itself entering on the second floor. The holidays can get chaotic in all parking areas, so if you must join the fray be kind.

Blue Back Square is a popular spot in West Hartford. It has restaurants, shopping, entertainment,…read moreand a residential area. There is a hotel and large name stores such as Whole Foods, The Cheesecake Factory, and various others. It's a beautifully maintained area and very pedestrian friendly. People have the option to live, work, and play right in this area. There's a wide selection to choose from, you don't have to leave the area if you don't want to. Parking can be found on street and two garages, all metered but affordable. There are bright murals throughout. A movie theater and a library are within walking distance. There are events such as live music. There are quite an array of things to do and eat and all in walking distance. The area can be busy but for a good reason. I find myself there quite often and enjoy the amenities.

I saw last week on Facebook that Adam River from 95.7 was going to be present and Chaz the Cream…read morePuff man from the Big E Express at the Blue Back Square handing out cream puffs samples from 3:30-5:30 today. I ventured out with my kids to check it out. They thought I was crazy but went with me to see what I was taking about. They both were amazed how big these cream puffs are and the filling is so fresh. I told them the 1st time ever having them was at the Big E back in the day. With today being the opening day for the Big E it was an added touch to the West Hartford community to have a visit from Chaz. Next best thing to driving up to West Springfield tonight. Chaz was so photogenic and super nice and thank you for making my afternoon. I plan to get more cream puffs on Wednesday when I go which is also Connecticut Day at the Big E.

The Shops at Riverton is located in a large building that used to be the Hitchcock Chair Company…read more There is parking in the back. There are 3 stories and chock full of goodies. There are approximately 60 vendors displaying their products; from antiques, handcrafted items, and more. The employee working at the front was nice. We enjoyed shopping and seeing all the goodies. I love the woodwork items, candles, and various handmade items. The prices are on the higher side compared to a thrift shop or antique store, but the items seems high quality and for the most part, handmade. I recommend a visit, it's a good spot to buy unique one of a kind items.

Avon Village Center is a sophisticated plaza filled with restaurants, retail, various of other…read morebusinesses, and residential housing. The parking lot was spacious and nicely paved. Getting in and out the plaza was easy; there's a traffic light which is great since it's a busy area. Whole Foods takes center stage in this plaza and can be seen from the street. They have Whale Tea for boba tea and Poke Bros for fresh sushi bowls. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is adjacent to the center. A great place to walk around, shop, and eat.

A perfect example of size doesn't matter..lol! It's a small space but has everything one needs all…read morecentered in one location. There is just so many diverse things one can do at Somerset square..stroll around the stores, dine at the restaurants and cafes (bgood, chipotle, max a more, Starbucks), paint at the muse paint bar, and not to forget 2 saloons,medspa and a European wax center, dry cleaners and more. The centers proximity to several office buildings makes it a great spot for lunching...most have patio seating in good weather. The high end stores and cleanliness give such an elevated shopping experience. This is one of my favorite outdoor mall in the area.

The shops at Somerset Square are great. There's a nice mix of restaurants and retail shopping. Max…read moreAmore and Max Fish are the highlights. There's also places to grab a quick bite to eat, like Chipotle or B Good. The parking always a bit chaotic. I try to avoid the traffic circle and park on the sides. I also wish there was more local businesses. It seems a bit commercialized.

This is a shopping district located in Simsbury, CT. There are historic buildings nearby this spot,…read morein this historic town. It's a popular spot for the people of Simsbury to get food and shopping done. There are four restaurants, a hair salon, retail shops, and professional services. I like that there are plenty of free parking in the back lot. You can spend a whole day there. First get coffee at The Coffee Spot, breakfast at Blossom Cafe, lunch at Deeproots Street Food, and ice cream at Grassroots. Go get your hair done at Peter Dominic Salon and shopping at various stores. There are also pop up shopping and various events. It's in a central location with plenty to do. Overall, a nice spot to explore in downtown Simsbury!

Review is only for the plaza itself. I rated it 3 stars because the flow of the plaza is confusing…read morewhen you're driving through it. Parking spots are in the middle and outskirts, but the traffic flow is mildly off. There is a stop sign in the middle of the lot and you can take a u-turn. This makes it hard to see oncoming traffic; it's kind of hard to explain unless you see it yourself. I do like the shops and restaurants in there; Applegate Market, Little Oak Cafe, UPS, and Ace Hardware to name a few. There is a new rooftop restaurant being added as well. Entrance and exits are on Albany Turnpike and Dowd Ave. There's an empty building towards Dowd Ave. Hoping they revitalize that!

Westridge Shops is a small plaza located in Avon, CT. There were plenty of parking and the building…read morelooks sophisticated. It shares a traffic light with Fresh Market and other businesses, across the street. It's also located on the busy route 44. Currently, the businesses in this plaza are: Fancy Nail Spa Jimmy Sea's Pan Pasta Wild Birds Radiance Spa H&R Block Avon Indian Grill Sola Salon It's a busy plaza but it's not overwhelming to drive in and find parking . The plaza is clean and nicely maintained; it's easy to get in to and out of as well. I usually pick up Indian food from Avon Indian Grill. Overall, it's close to everything and in a convenient location.