Near Hartford Is A Friendly New England Town With Vibrant Parks, Orchards, And Historic Charm

There are plenty of towns that offer a heap of New England historic charm coupled with parks — and maybe a little apple picking. One in particular sits just 18 miles southwest of Hartford but tends to fly under the radar, surprising visitors with the bounty of options in its compact footprint. Set roughly 45 minutes away by car from Bradley International Airport, Southington delivers an enticing blend of scenery, recreation, and small-town atmosphere.

One of Southington's notable outdoor destinations is the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, a multi-use pathway that follows the route of the historic canal, which began construction in 1825, and the New Haven & Northampton Railroad. Popular with walkers, cyclists, and runners, the trail provides an easy way to explore Southington's neighborhoods while taking in a landscape of wooded stretches, open vistas, and landmarks. Though the Connecticut portion of the trail is not yet fully complete, efforts are underway to create a continuous corridor extending from New Haven to Massachusetts. 

For a more traditional park experience with athletic fields and playgrounds, head to Recreation Park, which also features a swimming pool, or Panthorn Park. Panthorn also hosts summer and fall tournaments, whether you'd like to participate yourself or cheer from the stands. Be sure to spend time around Crescent Lake, a 223-acre recreation area boasting a 56-acre lake, hiking trails, and ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, boating, and even seasonal bowhunting (with a permit). Set amid the rolling terrain of central Connecticut, the wooded landscapes and waterfront scenery are sure to put you at ease after a busy day exploring.

There's certainly no shortage of friendly Connecticut towns overflowing with New England charm. But ask residents or visitors what they associate with Southington, and they might very well say orchards. Farming has shaped the community for generations, and you can still experience that agricultural heritage firsthand at one of the town's top attractions, Rogers Orchards, which has two Southington locations open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Founded on land that has been farmed since 1809, the family-run operation remains a town fixture. Today, Rogers Orchards offers 15 varieties of peaches and 20 varieties of apples on 275 acres. Seasonal pick-your-own opportunities let you nab everything from plums and apricots to pumpkins. As colorful fall foliage emerges and crisp air settles across central Connecticut, travelers love making their way to Rogers Orchards for fresh pies and apple cider donuts. Don't leave without stopping by the Long View Ciderhouse, where tasty hard cider is made using apples sourced from the farm. And only a 20-minute drive away is Lyman Orchards, lauded as America's best apple orchard.

If you're in town come October, join the fun at the annual six-day-long Apple Harvest Festival, where you can enjoy great food, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more. Taking place over two weekends, the event draws more than 100,000 visitors to the town green, making it one of the largest, longest-running festivals in the Northeast. On a romantic getaway? Roughly an hour away by car, Lovers Leap State Park is Connecticut's most romantic place, teeming with striking autumn scenery. And nothing says fall quite like a good book paired with a latte or chai at Lions Den Coffee Shop, open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

To the delight of history buffs, the town, which was established in 1779, possesses a rich character encompassing more than two centuries of New England life. In the town center, historic architecture provides a vivid glimpse into Southington's past. Churches, civic buildings, and monuments, many dating back to colonial times, help transport you to an earlier era. A five-part "armchair walking" audio tour of the historic district, added to the National Register in 1989, covers approximately 2 miles through the heart of town and provides narrated background on several notable structures.

The 38-acre Marion Historic District covers the residential community (separate from the aforementioned Southington Center Historic District, but part of the same modern town) and boasts a collection of well-preserved edifices dating to the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Stroll around and admire handsome buildings in the Federal, Georgian, and Greek Revival styles (just to name a few), many lying along tree-lined highways. Adding to the area's allure is its significant ties to the American Revolution. Marion was a campsite near Barnes' Tavern (later known as the Barnes-Frost House) on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route, where French forces marched south in 1781 to join George Washington's army in the campaign that culminated at Yorktown. Today, the house is a private residence, but visitors can view it from the public roadway. 

Still haven't scratched your itch for rich Connecticut history? Make the 30-minute drive to Wethersfield, offering vintage vibes and artifact-rich museums. For a taste of history (literally), the New Mill Restaurant in nearby Plantsville (open every day except Monday) serves up succulent steaks and Italian dishes in a historic 1737 mill.