If you're driving by on route 44 in Avon, CT, you might see this giant rocking chair. It's located…read morenear the traffic light and one of the entrances to the Old Avon Village. It's a 9-foot high rocking chair that used to be located at a furniture store in West Hartford. As of the 1960s, it's moved to its current location in Avon. I think it's random but unique; it's definitely an Avon landmark. I heard that they decorate it for the holidays. If you're in the plaza, go up close and admire this old random gem.

"Drive up Route 44 and turn by the giant 9' tall rocking chair...." What ????…read more Yes, there really is a giant 9' tall rocking chair standing guardian at one of the entrances to Old Avon Village The big rocking chair started it's life as a roof ornament on the old Spinning Jenny furniture store in West Hartford. When the store owners moved the business to Avon, they took along their 9' tall rocker and it quickly became a landmark as the symbol for Old Avon Village. It's been repaired and repainted a few times over the year, and on one windy day it was blown off its foundation and ended up in the street. It is very noticeable from the road. Many a wedding photo has been taken in front of the Giant Rocker.

I always return to popular places that I didn't connect with in the same way super fans do…read more Sometimes, I think I got it right. And sometimes, I have to admit I got it wrong. In the case of Tulmeadow Farm and Lacroix's Homemade (I'm posting the same update for both), I have to admit that I had it somewhat wrong. Both Tulmeadow and Lacroix's made @cticecreamtour's Top 15 CT Creameries. My original reviews for both Tulmeadow and Lacroix's were both good btw. I just didn't initially connect with the flavors I tried in the way that I did with my other CT favorites. Since those initial reviews, everything I tried at each has been a banger. At Tulmeadow, I recently had Red Raspberry Chocolate Chip, Marshmallow Toasted Cornflake, Chocolate Raspberry Raspberry Curd and the best flavor I've had this year -- Double Raspberry Crumbcake. The flavors all popped. The use of intensely flavored raspberry curd in a couple of the ice creams was next level. The colors were right on. The texture was top tier. Service was friendly and the farm setting adds to the experience. Tulmeadow is 5 Stars and I'm upgrading my earlier review.

I was recommended Tulmeadow Farm's ice cream by one of my most trusted foodie friends, so I was…read moreextremely excited to try it. That said, I don't often like high butterfat ice cream. It's also a textural thing for me. So there was a bit of hesitation as well. I thought the ice cream was excellent. They had great flavors to choose from. I went with the bestselling red raspberry chocolate chip, and then the burnt honey sea salt. Service was super friendly. I asked what the smallest size was that they could do two flavors in and they were more than willing to accommodate the kiddie cup, which was still plenty of ice cream for me. I think the sign said it's 3 oz, but it at least seemed like more to me. As good as the red raspberry was, I think I preferred the burnt honey. The flavor was strong went well with the naturally occurring cream flavor. There was a lot of parking on the side of the building. I think there was an indoor area, though I can't confirm if you can order ice cream inside. I used the outdoor window to order. I also found the prices to be reasonable. Great first experience. I would definitely recommend the ice cream. It did not disappoint, and I look forward to having it again.

This memorial is located inside Simsbury's historic cemetery behind it's metal gates that run along…read moreHopmeadow Street. The cemetery is the final resting place for several of the town's Revolutionary War veterans. The memorial consists of a bronze plaque mounted on a flat stone. The top of the plaque has a color image of the continental flag and an image of a colonial soldier. The plaque's inscription reads: 1775 - 1783 We, the people of the Town of Simsbury, do hereby recognized the many hardships and countless sacrifices made by all those brave American Revolutionary Soldiers; especially those from Simsbury, who died for our freedom from England. We hereby dedicate this bronze memorial plaque as an everlasting tribute to these American heroes, whose gallant and brave efforts brought us to the birth of the United States of America and adoption of the Constitution. To these courageous countrymen, we are eternally grateful. Thirty three names and their ranks follow, and it's interesting to see so many different titles -Fifer, Private, Ensign, Captain, Major, Lieutenant, Corporal. The memorial was funded by the Ensign Bickford Company and dedicated on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2005. The simplicity of the memorial, the vibrant color of the flag emblem, the quiet setting of the cemetery, and the knowledge that Revolutionary War veterans are buried there, combine to make a pretty powerful statement.

Take a hike and then get some ice cream!…read more Parking for this trail is behind the Tulmeadow Farm store; there is signage regarding the trail. The trail through the farm is wide and flat; the corn and hay field is on 60 acres and 73 acres of that is woodlot. The trail connects to 0.4 miles which is located on the town's property. This is a working farm so it is advised to stay on the trail; the markers were clear. The Heublein Tower can be seen from a distance. This is an out and back trail when reaching Town Forest Road and back; a little less than 3 miles total. Overall, a fun and easy trail!

Ever had an ice cream at Tulmeadow Farm? Its one of Simsbury's landmark attractions…read more Well, if you walk through the parking lot at the back of the store, you'll see a wood kiosk welcoming you to the beginning of the Tulmeadow Farm Trail. The trail is divided into a few sections and everything is clearly marked with blue markings on poles or trees. The trail starts off as a farm road between two fields, and we saw a tractor working the land as we walked today, that was pretty cool. Eventually, the trail turns and you walk across some beautiful green hills that reminded me of a golf course, and then turns again to approach the tree line and enter the woods. The trail is fairly flat, with a few slight inclines. You'll see a few rocks here and there, but no tree roots or tree limbs on the path. We did see some presents from our canine friends on the trail (disgusting) and two unleashed dogs strolling around while their inconsiderate owners yacked on their cell phones. It's a very cool trail where you'll see views of Tulmeadow Farm and its crops, and a glimpse of the Heublein Tower. You'll also see an ominous sign asking you to be mindful of hunters in the area.

If you are coming through Simsbury and want to see a beautiful historic area, the old Drake Hill…read moreFlower Bridge is a wonderful spot to visit Easily accessible for disabled, and bathrooms are readily available The parking is fair, but you can also park across the street in the commuter parking lot a short distance away on Iron Horse Blvd Early spring, the flowers aren't installed yet, so it's a little boring, but still a great visit If you want to get in your steps, this is the place, go start here, head a little west, and then down Iron Horse Blvd., and enjoy downtown Simsbury shops. This is a great place to visit in a quaint little town

Historic bridge spanning the Farmington River and adjacent Hop Brook Landing Park that have been…read moredecorated with beautiful flowers. Thank you to all the volunteers who maintain both.

Heublein Tower is located in Talcott Mountain State Park. There were plenty of parking spaces and a…read morefew trails that lead up to the "castle". The main Tower Trail is 1.25-miles one-way; most of it were up hill and on rocky gravel. There were a couple of lookouts before reaching the tower; beautiful views but becareful, it's very steep. There were a couple of benches and waste receptacles along the way. The tower up close was magnificent and the land is full of history. There was the old garage that's used as an information center with benches and a video. A huge picnic pavilion and BBQ pit. The Tower was built to look like a German castle. There are 6-stories; bedrooms, living rooms, restrooms, and the ballroom which is now called the observation deck are in it. There were signs showing what certain areas were. This building was Gilbert Heublein's summer home, then The Hartford Times, then the State of CT. Many parties and famous people have traversed these steps; Dwight D. Eisenhower and Prescott Bush to name a couple. The observation deck is where the showstopper is; 360-degree views of Connecticut, it's a priceless and breathtaking view. Thank you to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Friends of Heublein for up keeping and keeping this local and historical gem alive. I highly recommend the moderate hike up, if you're able to. Bring bug spray, water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and your best hiking boots!

Next time you're in Simsbury, and happen to be driving by Abigail's Restaurant- take a look at the…read moreSouthbound side of Hopmeadow Street and take in the majestic Civil War Monument. The monument was dedicated on July 4, 1895 - 30 years after the "War of the Rebellion" ended. It consists of a granite pedestal base that supports a full body sculpture of a standing soldier holding the barrel of a rifle in his hands. The butt of the rifle rests on the ground in front of him. There are 194 names carved into panels on the base of the statue. A inscription on the monument reads: ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF UNION SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION 1861-1865 The monument is considered significant because it included seven names from "Colored Regiments"; an acknowledgement not often seen on similar monuments. One hundred years later, in 1995, the monument was rededicated with a bronze plaque honoring the 37 Simsbury natives that were killed in the Civil War. The plaque's inscription reads: "Dedicated to all veterans of the Civil War (1861-1865) Who Fought to Preserve This Great Republic. Especial Honor is Paid to the 37 Men from Simsbury Who Sacrificed Their Lives To Achieve This Purpose".

A small but nicely maintained park! There were a few parking spots but most were taken the day I…read morewent. There were porta potties too which was convenient. The flower bridge was blocked off with cones due to some upcoming construction. I explored the landing which had quite a few picnic tables and benches. The brick pavers and landscaping were done beautifully. There were steps down to the river with a lovely view of the flower bridge. The town fo Simsbury hosts summer concerts here and other events. This is a lovely and relaxing place to picnic with a lovely backdrop of the Farmington River and flower bridge.

It might be one of the smallest parks you'll ever visit, but the scenery is terrific…read more You see, the park with that awkward name, "Hop Brook Landing at the Flower Bridge" is just one-half acre in size. But because it sits along the Farmington River and overlooks Simsbury's magnificent flower bridge, it will be a popular destination. This tiny park includes a pavilion, benches, bike racks, walking paths, picnic tables and access to Hop Brook for area kayakers and canoeists. We visited today, to get out of the house and take a break from being housebound by the Corona-virus. There were a few families with kids walking around, people sitting at the tables chatting, a lone kayeker in the water, and a lively group of high school age girls goofing around and laughing as they rode their skateboards in the parking lot. I can't wait until the summer when the bridge is full of flowers, when people can interact without social distancing, and when all we are living through today has become a distant memory.

A statue commemorating Jennifer Carter Gray, a 15 year old girl who tragically lost her life while…read moreriding a bicycle. She was born on May 26, 1971 and died on June 17, 1986. Although the statue is not of Jennifer, it is to showcase her youth, positivity, and free spirit. The artist who created the statue is Wolfgang Behl and it was dedicated on September 1988. The statue is located in the courtyard of the Simsbury library. A reminder of a young girl who loved to read. It's a sad story but I'm happy to see her memory lives.

Absolutely Terrible! Stopped in to get documents notarized…read more The woman at the desk was having a social conversation with another employee. Asked if there was a notary there. Her response was that we need to make an appointment! All appointments are gone for the day! There was no one else in there! It takes all of 2 minutes to do it! Thanks for nothing! Does anyone do their job anymore! Totally Lazy! No Surprise! The place SUCKS!