Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

GLASTONBURY, CT — Until the advent of the internet, before Amazon and all those other online shopping sites, prior to Kindle devices and books on tape and downloadable everythings, people used to frequent their area bookstores, where they could not only select the latest hardcover or paperback releases, but also engage in genuine, meaningful conversation - even debate - about the most recent subject matter. That throwback approach, with a modern flair, is thriving at River Bend Bookshop, a small family-owned independent bookseller (and so much more) in the heart of Main Street U.S.A.; more specifically, at 2217 Main St. in Glastonbury.

Owner Meghan Hayden opened the shop in Nov. 2018, at the former longtime site of women's clothier Jan's On Main. Set in a beautiful building which dates to 1863, the shop carries nearly 6,000 titles in numerous genres. From the biggest best-sellers to works by local authors, chances are you'll find it at River Bend.

"Bookshops are wonderful places where the act of pulling a book off the shelf can spark a conversation that leads to authentic and meaningful connections," Hayden says in her greeting on the shop's website, www.RiverBendBookshop.com. "Bookshops are magical spots where children discover the characters that turn them into lifelong readers and learners. These experiences cannot be downloaded."

Oh, you can still utilize modern technology at River Bend; pre-ordering online, digital AudioBooks and title searches can be handled through the website. However, the very essence of the shop is perusing the various rooms, each with its own little nooks and crannies. Story times, book groups, writers' workshops, special events - all elements which make a trip worthwhile. Positive interaction with authors and fellow readers, of all ages and backgrounds, make the shop a unique gathering place, and beautiful products from local artisans further add to the small town, small business aura.

My favorite part of a recent visit had to be the Harry Potter Closet, devoted entirely to the J.K. Rowling fantasy series. It was built at the bottom of an old stairwell, with the bottom step left free for children to sit and explore the magic.

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Other columns in this series:

• Gerry's Donuts
• Traveler Restaurant
• First Decorated Christmas Tree
• The Stanley-Whitman House
• Vernon's Santa House
• Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut
• Old Country Banquet Hall
• Brazilian Gula Grill
• Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop
• Congregational Church of Burlington labyrinth
• Noah Webster House
• The Bushnell's Green Room Wall
• Belding Wildlife Management Area
• The Aborn Castle
• Heublein Tower
• Birthplace of Jonathan Edwards
• Grave of Revolutionary War Soldier Heman Baker
• Jessica's Garden, Lobster and Ice Cream Shack
• Shade Swamp Sanctuary
• Ken's Corner Breakfast & Lunch
• Tolland Red and White
• The Packing House
• Cold Harbor Seafood
• Nye Holman State Forest/Heron Cove Park
• Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack
• Connecticut Trolley Museum
• Matterhorn Mini Golf
• Wood Memorial Library & Museum
• Hastings Farm
• Liquid Nirvana
• Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
• Academy Hall
• Southington Drive-In
• Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall
• Somersvillage Gifts & Gourmet Baskets
• New England Civil War Museum
• The Pinchot Sycamore
• Stafford Palace Theater
• Mansfield Hollow State Park
• Old Tolland County Jail and Museum
• Hill-Stead Museum
• Mark's Restaurant