# Ellington

Ellington is in the Connecticut River Valley.

## Understand

Ellington is a town in Connecticut River Valley. Located 20 minutes from Hartford, Ellington is a blend of agriculture and industry with a population of 15,856 in Tolland County. It was incorporated in 1786 as Great Marsh. Ellington remains an important agricultural production towns.

## Get in

You will have to use a car to get into town, as there is no bus or train service to Ellington. The nearest Amtrak stops are in Windsor, Hartford, and Windsor Locks, and there is bus service to Hartford but not Ellington.
Bradley International Airport is in Windsor Locks, across the Connecticut River, about 17 miles (28 km) west of Ellington. Taxis are available at the airport.

## Get around

You will need a personal vehicle to get around town.

## See

* Brookside Park, CT-140, ☏ +1 860 870-3118. Maintained by the Recreation Department, Brookside Park is located on Route 140 2 miles from the center of town. Baseball, softball, soccer and football fields are available to the community.
* Arbor Park $^{[deadlink]}$, located on the main street, Arbor Park offers safe areas to walk and community events or things to do such as the Farmer’s Market (held on Saturdays from 9am-noon).
* Shenipsit State Forest, ☏ +1 860 684-3430. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, snowmobiling, or picnicking are just a few of the options at Soapstone Mountain. This state forest covers Stafford, Ellington and Somers with 7,000 acres (2,800 ha) in northeastern Connecticut. A historic museum is also open on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
* Nellie McKnight Museum. Located on the Main Street in the heart of Ellington, the Ellington Historical Society Museum is open Thursday afternoons in May through September as well as by appointment. The museum is known for being open to the community during the Annual Tag Sale, Winterfest, and other special events.

## Do

* Connecticut Parachutist Inc., 360 Somers Road, ☏ +1 860 871-0021. At Ellington Airport. Skydiving for first timers or experienced jumpers. Only open Friday-Sundays upon reservations.
* Hall Memorial Library, 93 Main St, ☏ +1 860 870-3160. Serves as the principal public library for Ellington and provides free and equal access to many materials and programs. Services are for adults, young adults, and children.
* Ellington Recreation Department, 931 Arbor Way, ☏ +1 860 870-3118. The Rec Department maintains numerous facilities, parks, and beaches within Ellington. Special events are also held year-round for the community.
* Sandy Beach $^{[deadlink]}$, CT-140, Phone: +1 860 870-3118. Maintained by the Recreation Department, Sandy Beach (also known as Crystal Lake) is located on Route 140 in the northern end of town. Open 7 days a week, this beach offers swimming and sunbathing opportunities. Ellington Residents can also purchase seasonal passes.
* Ellington Hockanum Trails, located on Hockanum River, there are 3 main hiking trails called Windemere Avenue Trail, the Franklin Street
* Indian Valley Family YMCA, 11 Pinney St, ☏ +1 860 871-0008. Whether you want a day guest day pass or a membership, Ellington’s YMCA has many options for things to do including kids camps, childcare centers, pools and health programs.
* Rolling Meadows Country Club, 76 Sadds Mill Rd, ☏ +1 860 870-5328. With a golf course, tavern restaurant and equipment pro shop, Rolling Meadows has lots to offer to the public. Book a tee time whether you’re a member or guest.

## Buy

* Kloter Farms, 216 West Rd, ☏ +1 860 871-1048. 16-acre (6 ha) display park, décor showrooms, indoor and outdoor showrooms, and an ice cream barn. Family-owned and -operated since 1980, Kloter Farms holds events throughout the year.
* Ellington Farmers' Market, 11 Pinney St, ☏ +1 860 872-0121. Located in Arbor Park on the Main Street of Ellington, the local farm market is held every Saturday from 9am-noon. The local market hosts guest vendors and entertainment each week.
* Johnny Appleseed’s Farm, 13 Schoolhouse Rd, ☏ +1 860 875-1000. With seasonal orchards available to the public, Johnny Appleseed’s Farm is open every day from mid to late July through Thanksgiving. You can pick your own or stop at their farm market!
* Scandinavian Gift Shop, 99 Maple St # 1, ☏ +1 860 872-0273. This unique shop is owned by a woman named Siv Harvey who opened her home in Ellington to give people a window to Scandinavia. A wide array of small goodies are available and can be special ordered.

## Eat

* Trattoria da Lepri, 89 West Rd #4, ☏ +1 860 875-1111. Fine dining. Connecticut Magazine writes, “One of the best Italian restaurants in Connecticut.” Also reviewed by New York Times and Ellington-Somers Patch.
* Chuck Wagon Restaurant, 12 Church St, ☏ +1 860 872-3950. Daily 5am-2pm. Great breakfast with a family-friendly atmosphere.
* $^{[formerlydeadlink]}$ The Hidden Still, 175 West Rd, ☏ +1 860 896-3333. Restaurant and moonshine bar, with the area’s largest selection of moonshine brands.
* Ellington Pizza, 188 Windsorville Rd, ☏ +1 860 872-3554. Made to order Italian food: sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pizza, salads, and Italian specials. Locally owned open 7 days a week.
* Gerry's Donuts, 180 Windsorville Rd, ☏ +1 860 872-0376. Open at 6am, 7 days a week. Delicious donuts for only 50 cents, along with many choices of muffins, bagels and other breakfast treats.
* Da Vinci's Pizza, 117 West Rd, ☏ +1 860 872-2700. With 11 locations throughout Connecticut, this pizzeria is family-owned with fresh homemade pizza delivered every day.

## Go next

* Vernon (Connecticut)
* Tolland (Connecticut)
* East Windsor (Connecticut)
* Somers (Connecticut)
* Manchester (Connecticut)