Living in Canton, CT | Atwater Estates

Historic Charm

The town of Canton was incorporated in 1806, in Hartford County, Connecticut. This quaint New England town has a population just over  10,000 and is valued for its privacy and quiet surroundings. Canton is bordered by Granby on the north, Simsbury on the east, Avon and Burlington on the south, New Hartford on the west, and Barkhamsted on the northwest. Running through the town is the Farmington River offering beautiful scenery and recreation. The town includes the villages of North Canton, Canton Center, Canton (Canton Valley), and Collinsville. In September 2007, Collinsville was ranked in Budget Travel magazine as one of the “Ten Coolest Small Towns in Connecticut.” Canton is on the Farmington River, and Collinsville Canoe & Kayak is the largest specialty canoe and kayak store in New England. A rail trail, known as the Farmington Valley Greenway also runs through Canton, connecting it to abutting towns and beyond.

Points of interest

Though Canton is small in size it has plenty of local attractions including The Canton Historical Museum, in Collinsville. Located in the building of the former Collins Axe Company, one of the first ax factories in the world which was founded by Samuel W. Collins; at the Collins ax factory in Collinsville, Elisha Root invented the important industrial technique of die casting. The museum displays a 19th-century general store, a post office, a printing press and blacksmith and barber shops. Vehicles, tools and farm implements are also exhibited, as well as a working railroad diorama, Victorian fashions, toys and dolls.

In more recent years Canton has also become a place of interest for shopping and dining with the addition of The Shoppes at Farmington Valley. The Shoppes at Farmington Valley is an open-air lifestyle shopping destination that offers an enticing selection of more than 45 specialty stores and unique shops. Located at 110 Albany Turnpike (Route 44) in Canton, Connecticut just over the Avon/Simsbury line, The Shoppes at Farmington Valley provide convenient free storefront parking, mountain views and an atmosphere every bit as inviting as the stores. The Shoppes at Farmington Valley is a committed and involved member of the local community. Through their support of a wide range of local organizations and initiatives the Shoppes at Farmington Valley is able to provide patrons with not only an exceptional shopping experience, but also the opportunity to experience family fun and entertainment throughout the year.

Attractions

Mills Pond Recreation Area
10 East Hill Rd., Canton
Telephone- (860) 693-5808

Facilities include: Olympic size pool, wading pool, 4 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, skate park, bocce ball pit, volleyball sand court, picnic shelter, playscape, soccer field, softball diamond, and passive recreation walking area around the pond. Mills Pond Recreation Area is a public park.   There is a small fee for use of the picnic area. For group functions or use of the athletic fields, a facility use permit must be obtained from the Parks and Recreation Office.

Roaring Brook Nature Center
70 Gracey Road, Canton
Telephone- (860) 693-0263
Hours- Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 1-5
Lecturers, Field Trips, Walks, Family Programs, Classes, Concerts, and Gift Shop

Lodging

*This List includes hotels in Canton and adjacent towns as of March 2012.

Restaurants