Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

EAST WINDSOR, CT — The oldest incorporated museum dedicated to electric railroading in the United States is the subject of the latest installment of a weekly series on Patch sites in north-central Connecticut highlighting "hidden gems" throughout the region.

Founded in 1940, the Connecticut Trolley Museum showcases more than a half-dozen operational vintage trolley cars, plus seven retired trolley cars on display in the Visitor Center. Exhibits detailing the progression of the trolley era are featured throughout the museum, as well as activities for all ages.

A 1.5 mile heritage railroad (a 3-mile round trip) gives visitors the opportunity to ride on several different types of trolleys. Several special events offered annually include rides to a pumpkin patch, the popular Rails to the Darkside in October, and Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights from late November to late December.

Located on the museum grounds at 58 North Road (Route 140) is the Connecticut Fire Museum. This museum is dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of antique fire apparatus and associated equipment. See antique fire trucks on display from the local area and a functioning fire alarm call box.

Daily admission passes include an unlimited number of rides. Yearly memberships range from $20 to $60, and include unlimited free admission and rides throughout the year.

During the summer, the museum is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the last trolley ride begins at 4 p.m.

More information may be obtained by visiting www.ct-trolley.org.

(Connecticut Trolley Museum)

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This 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:

• 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