The Discover Small Town America Tour takes us all over the country and we’re always on the lookout for new small towns we’ve never “met” (especially those with unusual stories and residents, charm, architecture, history, etc.). But sometimes we forget there are awesome places to discover right in our own backyard. Such was the case recently when we decided to tour nearby Collinsville, located just up the road from our old stomping grounds in North Central CT. The weather was spectacular for our 4th of July weekend excursion.
Before starting our walking tour of Collinsville, we took a nearly 4-mile power walk along the Farmington River Trail (FRT). According to its website, The FRT “is an 18.2-mile loop trail in Farmington and Simsbury and passes through the villages of Unionville and Collinsville and the towns of Burlington and Canton (Although we’re big walkers, the entire FRT was a little too ambitious even for us!). For much of its length, the trail nestles against the banks of the Farmington River tracing the route of the old “Canal Line” railroad. While the trail passes by some of the area’s loveliest landscapes, it also contains the longest stretches of on road riding.”
We’d like to give a BIG shout out to town leaders, volunteers and all the other people and institutions that provided the vision and support needed to make spectacular public trails, bikeways and parks possible in small towns and big cities throughout America.
A Classic Small Town Main Street
After completing our walk (8,000 steps on our pedometers) we meandered up Main Street which is “home” to several thriving small businesses, including the bustling Lasalle Market.
We stopped in the Market (http://bit.ly/1tc5PeX) for some cool refreshment and the place was hopping. People were sitting inside and out enjoying the market’s homemade vittles. Although hungry after all her exercise, Rorie refrained from chowing down on the mouth watering slices of pizza that were calling her name. Such will power.
After our quick break, we continued exploring the village and sauntered along its side streets. The historic homes decked out in their holiday flags and bunting, and the pristine church represent period architecture and are spectacular.
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