Health & Fitness
Simsbury
Great views, a historical restaurant and one really large tree. Have you visited Simsbury yet?
Today we'll follow the Farmington Canal Trail and Route 10 North to Simsbury.
Simsbury is home to the largest tree in the state of Connecticut. The Pinchot Sycarmore, located at the intersections of Nodd Road and Route 185 (Hartford Road). Be sure to bring your camera when viewing this roadside curiosity because you will be amazed.
Just to the west of the tree and across the Farmington River lays Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar. Abigail's, once a Stage Coach Inn, is restored now as a restaurant.
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Once frequented by many on stops along the Albany Providence Turnpike, Abigail's, at 4 Hartford Road, now serves great meals, in a historic house that will take you back to 1776.
The food is tasty and the decor colonial. Rumor has that George Washington and possible Harriet Beecher Stowe frequented the Inn. My girlfriend and I were just at Abigail's and vow to return again soon.
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Overlooking the town is Talcott Moutain State Park. Overlooking the park is Heublein Tower. Those who live in this part of the state cannot miss the tower from below. It is from the top though thats even more impressive. Heublin Tower built around a century ago, has sensational views of the Farmington River Valley and the Hartford Skyline from its tower.
You have to hike to the tower through the park itself. The tower itself is very unique and ahead of its time. The tower had some pretty important guests back in the day. Before they were presidents, both Ronald Reagan and General Dwight Eisenhower were guests. Again, another place to bring your camera.
The Farmington Canal Trail is paved and complete through most of the town, running from south to north. Not far from the trail, be sure to check out only one of the three remaining Parker Truss Bridges (Camel Back) left in the state by viewing the Drake Hill Road Bridge. This brige crosses right over the Farmington River.
I could go on and on about Simsbury, but to me this is the just of it. Great views, an historic restaurant and the largest tree in the state. That should be enough for you to visit.
Click here for information on my book, "The Signs of Connecticut," a chronicle of those familiar blue signs that have the names of Connecticut's towns on them.
