Whether you're a longtime local or a recent transplant, getting out and exploring your own town can be an eye-opening experience of discovering all that your community has to offer.
From restaurants and shopping, to arts, culture, history and fun things to see and do, Glastonbury has so many explore-worthy options that it's become a destination for many out-of-towners.
Here's a rundown - albeit not an exhaustive list - of some of the sights, tastes, sounds and experiences our town has to offer.
Shopping
Whether it's home goods, fashion, hardware or bath and beauty products, Glastonbury has dozens of locally-owned shops to peruse including the iconic Emmy Lou's gifts on Hebron Avenue to the new Thread by Thread boutique in South Glastonbury and the newly-established Magnolia Bath and Soap store at the top of Main Street. There are also several shops and eateries inside Glen Lochen and Glastonbury has a long-running Farmer's Market that sets up each Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot at 2155 Main St.
Dining
Glastonbury's culinary options are one of its biggest draws for folks from other towns. From Cotton Hollow Restaurant, Sayulita, and 2 Hopewell in South Glastonbury, to the Beamhouse on New London Turnpike, Bricco's Trattoria on Hebron Avenue and the upscale Red Fox Prime Steakhouse in the Glen Lochen Mall, along with notable local pizza restaurants, including Luna Pizza and Giovanni's on Hebron Avenue.
Arts & Entertainment
Glastonbury has several annual events that also attract a lot of attention and participation from people across the region. Perhaps the best known is the Apple Harvest & Music Festival, held in October and the Loberfest, hosted by the Rotary Club of Glastonbury each July. The Glastonbury Arts Association, the town's local art guild, also sponsors the popular Art on the Green festival every September.
Farms
We have a robust agri-tourism scene, featuring numerous local farms where visitors can pick-their-own berries and fruits, take a tractor ride to pluck a Jack O' Lantern from the pumpkin patch, cut down their own Christmas trees and even take a ride on a train at the Cavannah Farm's Gray Granite Railroad. In December, the small train, which takes visitors on a half-mile ride around the farm, turns into our very own local Polar Express attraction. Other notable local farms include Dondero Orchards, Belltown HIll Orchards, E. Draghi & Sons Farm, and Killam & Bassette Farmstead, to name a few. To see a comprehensive list and view the town's Glastonbury Grown Brochure, visit Glastonburyct.gov and search "farms."
History and Education
Glastonbury, which was once known as Glassenbury, is one of the oldest towns in the state and the Historical Society of Glastonbury is one of the most active historical education center's in the state. The HSG hosts numerous events year-round that seek to keep the town's history alive, including a popular Militia Day in the spring and ongoing hands-on programs at its Welles-Shipman-Ward House museum on Main Street. The town's local library, Welles-Turner Memorial Library, also offers a full calendar of comprehensive education events, lectures, movies and book talks.
Local Parks
Glastonbury has numerous state and town parks where you can swim, walk, hike and take a boat ride. The town's Riverfront Park on Welles St., features waterfront activities and walking trails on the Connecticut River, as well as stunning river views. The Cotton Hollow Preserve on Hopewell Road In South Glastonbury consists of 80 acres of woodlands traversed by the Roaring Brook. The area was once home to several mills and the ruins of an18th Century cotton factory are still visible today. The preserve features "passive" recreation opportunities for hiking and fishing and is open to residents and non-residents.
Glastonbury has so many explore-worthy options that it's become a destination for many out-of-towners.