Windsor, Connecticut

Northwest Park and Nature Preserve is a 473-acre community park that offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation such as hiking and walking trails, a nature center and soccer fields. Set along the Farmington River in the Poquonock section of Windsor, the municipally owned park was founded in 1972 and is currently owned and managed by the Town of Windsor and the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services. In addition to providing the community with a safe space to enjoy outdoor activities, the park also strives to be a ‘living classroom’ which showcases and conserves the natural fauna and flora of the area. The nature center offers a range of educational and nature programs, classes and workshops for visitors of all ages.

145 Lang Rd, Windsor, CT 06095, Phone: 860-285-1886

The Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut is a unique institution that highlights the importance of communications and how they have helped to transform society. The museum features a fascinating collection of artifacts and objects relating to communications, including phonographs, televisions, crystals, telephones, early computers, and a variety of recording equipment. Exhibits at the museum are arranged by decade from the mid-1800s to the 1970s and feature interesting displays such as a 1940 Wurlitzer jukebox. In addition to the wonderful exhibits, volunteers offer classes on how to build and repair radios, and the facility houses a vintage broadcast studio from which an amateur radio station, W1VCM is hosted.

115 Pierson Ln, Windsor, CT 06095, Phone: 860-683-2903

Activities for Couples

The Keney Park Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course set within Hartford's Keney Park that was designed by Devereux Emmet. A renowned name in the history of golf course architecture, Emmet designed the course in 1927 with an iconic layout which was later restored and redesigned by Milwaukee-based golf course architect Matthew Dusenberry, a longtime associate at Greg Norman Golf Course Design. Today, the course features pristine fairways, challenging greens, and bunkers, renovated tee boxes and an updated clubhouse. A Pro Shop stocks all the latest equipment and gear and golf leagues for men, women and junior golfers are hosted at the club.

171 Windsor Ave, Windsor, CT 06095, Phone: 860-543-8618

Windsor Historical Society is a local historical society that focuses on the collection and preservation of records, facts, and materials relating to the history of Windsor, as well as the conservation of buildings and locations of historical interest. Founded in 1921, the Society features a hands-on learning center with a permanent exhibit that documents the 400-year-old history of Windsor through an array of collections and treasures. Historic houses that fall under the Windsor Historical Society umbrella include the Strong-Howard House, the Chaffee House, and several other homes that were built before 1850, and visitors can enjoy guided tours of the houses on request.

96 Palisado Ave, Windsor, CT 06095, Phone: 860-688-3813

Recommended Activities for Families

The Windsor Art Center is a visual and performing arts center that presents art exhibitions and musical performances by renowned and up-and-coming artists. Housed in a former freight house next to the Amtrak line in downtown Windsor, the center hosts a variety of theatrical and arts-related programs such as children’s activities, demonstrations and presentations, and artist talks, along with a calendar of seasonal programming. Entrance to the gallery is free, and a small gift shop sells locally made art, handcrafted jewelry and crafts, and unique gifts.

40 Mechanic St, Windsor, CT 06095, Phone: 860-688-2528

The Oliver Ellsworth Homestead, also known as Elmwood, is a historic house museum that documents the life of home of the American lawyer and politician Oliver Ellsworth. Built in 1781 and named after the 13 elm trees Ellsworth planted in honor of the thirteen colonies, the house boasts a wooden frame structure with a clapboarded exterior and side gable roof with end chimneys. The interiors of the house feature furnishings and decorative materials typical of the late 19th century and tours of the house can be arranged on request. Owned and maintained and operated as a museum by the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.

778 Palisado Ave, Windsor, CT 06095, Phone: 860-688-8717

Where to Eat

Bear's Smokehouse BBQ is a local BBQ chain that serves hickory-smoked meats, along with hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and sides in a casual, low-key setting. Beginning as a takeout counter, the locally owned and operated business grew into a favorite go-to spot for deliciously smoked barbecue meats, classic sides, and housemade sauces. Prepared from family recipes and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including grass-fed, prime beef, pork, and chicken, Bear's Smokehouse BBQ can be enjoyed in one of the many restaurant chains around the state, one of the food trucks or a concessions takeout, or at one of the restaurant’s award-winning catered events. Bear's Smokehouse BBQ is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

2152 Poquonock Ave, Windsor, CT 06095, Phone: 860-785-8772

The Union Street Tavern is a casual neighborhood gathering spot set in an old brick firehouse that serves a creative menu of with innovative American pub grub. Blending classic tavern-style dining with an element of elegance, the Union Street Tavern presents a menu of signature appetizers, steak, pasta, and fresh seafood dishes, all of which are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Specialty burgers included The Imposter which is packed with a pure plant-based burger patty topped cheddar cheese, sautéed mushrooms and onions and served on a country roll, and the Trattoria Burger with roasted bell peppers, pesto mayonnaise and smoked mozzarella. The Union Street Tavern is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

20 Union St, Windsor, CT 06095, Phone: 860-683-2899