An abundance of charm oozes from the streets of Glastonbury, a pretty small town that lies just under 10 miles from Connecticut’s capital, Hartford. While this isn’t the Glastonbury famed for exciting music festivals, there are plenty of fun things to do here.
Hiking through the Cotton Hollow Preserve, riding on the country’s oldest ferry service, and getting splashed at Blackledge Falls are just a few activities to be enjoyed during a weekend getaway.
Glastonbury’s ideal locale, halfway between New York City and Boston, makes this a fab place to stop while on a road trip. Stretch cramped legs while wandering through the historic town center and enjoy the quaint shops, ancient homes, and cute restaurants sprinkled throughout the area.
These are 10 of the best things to do in Glastonbury.
Related: 10 Cool Things To Do In Connecticut
10 Attend An Event At The Welles-Turner Memorial Library
There are so many fun events to attend at Wells-Turner Memorial Library in Glastonbury.
The Welles-Turner Memorial Library is an ideal place to visit, even for those who don’t classify themselves as bookworms. A central meeting place located in the heart of the Glastonbury Historic District; this beautiful library hosts numerous events that please guests of all ages. From historical presentations to story time and crafts projects for children to concerts to movie nights, there’s always something fun on offer.
Enter the building at the back to admire the most recent of two additions and its impressive glass paneling.
Related: This Quirky Connecticut Book Barn Might Be The Place For Book Lovers
9 Step Back In Time At The Hurlbut-Dunham House
The Hurlbut-Dunham House is a popular attraction in nearby Wethersfield, Connecticut.
While not technically in Glastonbury, the Hurlbutt-Dunham House lies a mere 9 miles away, in the most charming small town of Wethersfield. Operated and lovingly restored by the Wethersfield Historical Society, this lovely Georgian home was once owned by Captain John Hurlbut and dates to the 1790s.
Inside, tourists can enjoy a glimpse into the daily lives of the Dunham family members who resided here between 1907 and 1935. Antique furnishings, accessories, and intricately decorated ceilings are just a few of the artifacts on display.
Tour tickets can be purchased next door at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center.
Visit The Welles Shipman Ward House
Soak up the history inside the Welles Shipman Ward House in Glastonbury.
While it isn’t the oldest building in Glastonbury, the Welles Shipman Ward House is no “spring chicken.” Built in 1755, this historic home has been turned into a museum, which houses period furniture and other impressive items like an antique loom, including a very large (for the time) kitchen fireplace.
When finished touring inside the house, walk around to the back and take a look at the 200-year-old barn and pretty gardens. This English-style bank barn houses multiple interesting items, horse-drawn buggies, and antique tools.
7 Eat Al Fresco At Matson Hill Open Space
Having a picnic by the ruins is a fun thing to do at Matson Hill Open Space.
Matson Hill Open Space is one of Glastonbury’s lesser-known but captivating points of interest. Located close enough to walk to from neighboring Cotton Hollow Preserve in a couple of minutes, it’s easy to miss this pretty spot if travelers are driving too fast.
As its name implies, this attraction consists of a large, grassy open space that hugs a rocky stream. Its most notable feature is a tall, red brick chimney that emerges from beside the stone remains of what was once the Glazier Manufacturing Company’s textile mill.
Pack a picnic and blanket to spread out and enjoy the open space. Bring a ball, too, if there are kids in the group. They’ll love running around the extensive grassy area.
While anglers are permitted to fish in the stream, they’ll need a stamp on their fishing licenses to catch trout and salmon.
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Greenwich, Connecticut
6 Buy Fresh Fruit At The Glastonbury Farmer’s Market
Shopping for local treats at the Glastonbury Farmer’s Market is one of the best things to do in summer. Whether tourists are fans of fresh peaches, strawberries, or homemade pies, they’re sure to find something to delight their taste buds from the multiple vendors. Other fun items are also on sale, including jewelry, soap, and local honey.
Stop here for lunch while on an East Coast Road Trip. It’s a wonderful spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy tasty treats.
The summer also brings outdoor concerts to the Farmer’s Market. While these most often take place in July, they’ve been known to happen in October as well.
The Farmer’s Market lies just behind Museum on the Green, an interesting attraction aimed at history buffs. Located at 1944 Main Street, this small building houses exhibits that follow the town’s past from the Colonists to the mid-20th century. It’s open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is free.
5 Discover Blackledge Falls
Blackledge falls is one of Connecticut's most beautiful waterfalls.
Blackledge Falls is a beautiful place to visit for budding anglers searching for a quiet place to fish. Hidden within 80 acres of lush forest in East Glastonbury, this natural wonderland boasts a pond, stream, walking trails, and its namesake, Blackledge Falls.
One of the best waterfalls in Connecticut, these narrow yet stunning falls cascade over a 25-foot drop to a picturesque rock pool below. It pales in comparison to America’s tallest waterfalls, but it is beautiful nonetheless.
Spring is the best time to visit Blackledge Falls as the snow melt combined with rain causes a more dramatic tumble. That said, this is also a wonderful place to experience the beauty of fall in Connecticut. Autumn’s captivating kaleidoscope of colors is particularly stunning when paired with a waterfall.
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Mystic, Connecticut
4 Take A Ride On The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry
The Rocky-Hill Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry in the US.
Glastonbury is home to America’s oldest continually operating ferry, which carries travelers across the Connecticut River between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury. It is fittingly known as the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry. More barge than the ferry, the original vessel once shuttled people across the river in 1655.
Today, a diesel-powered towboat called Cumberland pulls the three-car Hollister III flatboat from one destination to the next, granting guests scenic river views along the short journey.
Those who’d rather admire the “ferry” on land can appreciate the nearby nature trail and picnic tables.
Poor weather conditions and maintenance issues can cause the ferry to alter its schedule or close at times. This information is always posted on CT Roads, so it’s best to check there before heading out.
3 Hike Through Cotton Hollow Preserve
Hiking is a fun thing to do in Cotton Hollow Preserve.
Hiking through Cotton Hollow Preserve is one of the most relaxing things to do in Glastonbury. A haven for wildlife, this forested section of town is about as serene as it gets. Seriously, the sound of Roaring Brook River trickling through the forest combined with an orchestra of birdsong is tranquility at its best.
Visitors can explore 80 acres of woodlands which were home to grist mills during the 18th and 19th centuries. Remnants of a cotton mill from 1814 can still be seen here today.
Bring snacks and water, as there are no concessions or facilities nearby. Picnicking, however, isn’t allowed on the property.
A dog-friendly preserve, four-legged friends are more than welcome to accompany their humans on a walk, but they must be leashed at all times.
Swimming and jumping off the cliffs is prohibited.
Hoping to hike? Tree Trail is the easiest for those who prefer a low-key walk through the woods. It’s a mile-long loop that can be found off Main Street at the preserve’s west entrance. Those who prefer a teensy bit more of a challenge should choose the slightly more moderate North Trail, which lies near Grange Pool.
2 Walk The Trails At Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park is a beautiful place to visit for a picnic and a hike.
There’s a lot to do at Riverfront Park, so be sure to schedule at least a couple of hours to explore this fun outdoor attraction. This family-friendly park is a buzz with exciting things to do—from playing baseball to fishing to running around a track to walking numerous trails through the woods and along the river.
There’s also a large dog park, a playground, soccer fields, picnic pavilions, boat launches, and basketball courts in this vast park.
Pack a picnic and a blanket to lay on the soft grass. Or better yet, follow the trails to the riverbank and enjoy lunch on a nearby shaded bench.
1 Go Shopping In The Glastonbury Historic District
Enticing shops line the streets in the Glastonbury Historic District.
Glastonbury’s most charming place to visit is its Historic District. Main Street lies in the heart of town and is lined with buildings created in various styles and centuries. Fans of Colonial, Georgian, Gothic, and Greek Revival architecture will find a lot to love when examining structures that date anywhere from the 17th to 20th centuries.
The Glastonbury Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, guaranteeing that tourists will find well-loved, perfectly preserved buildings to entice their cameras to keep clicking. Many house quaint cafés and cute shops are worthy of a visit.
ake time to browse the River Bend Bookshop, a small, fun, and intriguing store housed in a beautiful building built in 1863.
The oldest house in Glastonbury doesn’t stand where it was originally built in 1649. Known as the John Hollister House, it once lay by the bank of the Connecticut River but was moved in 1721 to Tyron Street due to flooding.
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