Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

TOLLAND, CT — The latest installment of the Hidden Gems series takes us to Route 74 and a quiet haven for canoe and kayak enthusiasts and fly fishermen on the Tolland-Willington line along the Willimantic River.

It's actually a three-part hidden gem this week.

The first is Nye Holman State Forest on the left-hand side of Route 74, heading toward the recently refurbished bridge over the river. It features several passive recreati0n spots, including a designated area for fly fishing that can double as a launch for watercraft.

Across the main Nye Holman driveway is South River Road and just down South River Road is Tolland's Heron Cove Park. There is a larger watercraft launch area. It is part of a larger park with more active recreation offerings like basketball.

There is also a small launch area at the Route 74 bridge.

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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:

• 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