Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

MANCHESTER, CT — The latest trip to a hidden gem in north-central Connecticut takes us to a aged "shack" that hugs the road in a corner of Manchester. It's the perfect setting for a unique and historic soft drink company that's been around since 1912.

Welcome to the Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack. It's vintage (the beverages come in glass bottles) it's a total throwback (all formulas are in-house blends) ... and it's totally tasty (to the tune of 30 different flavors).

(A peek inside the Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack - Chris Dehnel | Patch Staff)

Check out the Hosmer Mountain history here.

Hosmer Mountain is like the old drug store soda fountain in a bottle. Here are some of the flavors:

• Cola
• Orange
• Grape
• Birch beer
• Sasparilla
• Pineapple
• Chocolate cream
• Strawberry

Click here for a full flavor list and check in regularly for a "flavor of the month."

Hosmer Mountain's Manchester shack is located at 12 Spencer St. Hosmer Mountain also has a shack at 217 Mountain St. in Willimantic. Click here for shack hours. There are even spring water and soda delivery options.

(Hosmer Mountain in 1914 - Hosmer Mountain)

A company profile says, "Each flavor is designed to be the best in its category. For example, our natural orange soda takes a back seat to no other; it has the tartness and aroma that reminds you of the real fruit. All of our flavors are retro. We strive for bold flavor, but avoid the perfumy artificial taste."

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The Hidden Gem 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:

• 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