Vernon Rocking Horse Fully Open, Golf Land Construction On Track

VERNON, CT — A piece of the major dining and entertainment puzzle on the west side of Vernon is locked into place and the other should be mostly secure by the spring.

That was the word Tuesday by the developers of the Rocking Horse and Golf Land on Route 83, just shy of the Manchester line.

The focus of Tuesday was a VIP invitation by Rocking Horse owner Jerry Fornarelli to tour the new restaurant, which had its "soft" opening on July 23 and is now open for both lunch and dinner. Fornarelli's trademark is reviving popular spots in the area and the Vernon Rocking Horse is a sister to his venue of the same name in Hartford, along with the Russian Lady and The Tavern Downtown in Hartford. The Vernon location is also his biggest challenge so far with a capacity of about 400.

"It's about bringing back memories with a new start," he said.

Indeed, Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne asked Tuesday's crowd how many went to the movies or visited a doctor at the old versions of the building where the Rocking Horse now stands.

"I know I did," Champagne said, while adding, "It's a great day for Vernon."

The Rocking Horse features a massive indoor dining area, complete with unique high-back "cow" booths; and outdoor area with bars and even dining beside the Hockanum River; and an entertainment stage inside.

The menu features several types of smokehouse mac and cheese, ribs, chicken, brisket, salmon, burgers and even a 48-ounce, $100 "Vegas" steak. A sign inside says, "We smoke everything."

Fornarelli has partnered with mini-golf course specialist Steve LaMesa to bring back the old Golf Land . Supply chain woes have plagued the project for about two years but LaMesa said several attractions will be ready to join the ice cream parlor this spring.

Golf Land is connected to the Rocking Horse via a bridge over the Hockanum.

Here is a tour of the Rocking Horse: