A Day in Windsor

Today we're spending a day in Windsor, Connecticut's oldest town and home of our own Evelyn Pelati, who makes the most amazing art deco, art nouveau, and craftsman-style jewelry, and Suzanne Urban of Smirking Goddess, whose wit shines through on her original magnet and pinback designs.  Join them as they show us what to do on a day in Windsor.

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The Luddy/Taylor Connecticut Valley Tobacco Museum opens this week for the season.  Life in Windsor was very much (and is still, to a lesser degree) intertwined with shade tobacco farming.  The museum is housed in an old tobacco shed on the grounds of Northwest Park (see below).  The building houses antique farm equipment, a small library, and a small art gallery. 

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Northwest Park is a gorgeous 473-acre park that is loaded with lots of fun things to do throughout the year. Right now, you can enjoy cross-country skiing on the park's beautiful nature trails. Or, attend one of the fantastic Coffee House Concerts, featuring artists like Connecticut's own DeChamplains, a wife/husband duo schooled at the University of Hartford who perform standards from the American Song Book. A popular place for walkers (and dogs!), nature seekers, and those wishing to visit the Nature Center, which is great for kids, or the Tobacco Museum (see above).

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The Windsor Historical Society is packed with history of Connecticut's oldest town. Comprised of the museum, a roster of historical houses in town, a history learning center, a library, plus a museum shop and bookstore, the Historical Society is the perfect place for those interested in learning more about Windsor's past.  They offer events throughout the year as well as book school trips and other tours.

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A local favorite, Nat Hayden's Real Pit BBQ is conveniently located in Windsor Center and offers some of the best barbecue around.  An eat-in establishment and for catering, Nat Hayden's is the spot for pulled pork, brisket, ribs, catfish, chicken, and sausage, as well as the perfect accompanying side dishes.  A taste of the South (though the owner's from Hartford!) right in Windsor.

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Right around the corner from Nat's is Get Baked, a must-stop spot for the best baked goods around.  Owner Emily Woodward keeps a rotating menu of breads, cupcakes, cookies, scones, brownies, and all kinds of other sweet and savory goods, with local favorites and new creations making the daily rounds.  A Windsor native, Emily has set up the bakery with a cozy seating area great for sitting and chatting- there's even a kids' area complete with crayons and books.  Go stop by and relax for a bit- and make sure to buy a challah bread.

This is just a small sampling of what you can do in Windsor.  On a nice day, the Center is a great spot to walk and explore and then find some good food.  Make sure to check out CT's oldest town!

See our other A Day In posts here.

Written by Kristen of Milo and Molly.  Kristen runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey.