Hidden Gems Of Hartford And Tolland Counties: 2024 In Review

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — The 2024 Patch journey to find Hidden Gems in Hartford and Tolland counties took us from West Hartford to Enfield and to Andover and Columbia.

We had a unique library, specialty stores, quiet hikes, sledding hills, historic spots, restaurants serving up a variety of cuisines and even a place to buy those tiny Japanese pickup trick with right-hand drive.

Here is a review of the Patch Hidden Gems in the region for 2024:

• Charhause
• JDM Imports CT
• Scott's Tree Farm
• La Toquilla Peruvian Restaurant
• Trattoria da Lepri
• Oscar's All-American Grill
• Flat Pennies Kitchen
• Doug Smith Island
• Lawrence Road Park Disc Golf Course
• Mario's Pizzeria & Ristorante
• Addison Bog and Woodlands
• The Family Brick Oven Pizza Truck
• Emmy Lou's Ltd. Gift Shop
• The Main Moose
• Cracker Barrel Pub
• Dudleytown Brewing Co.
• Snelgrove's Chocolatier and Florist
• Northwest Park
• Cornerstone Foundation
• Brignole Vineyards
• Wilma's Scoop Du Jour
• Morey Pond
• Belvedere/Smoke BBQ/Pierogi Queen
• Botticello Farms
• Hilliard Park Trail
• The Shenipsit Trail
• A Civil War POW's Story
• Becker Conservation Area
• Monument to a Great Sculptor
• The Attack of the Pink Flamingos
• Eagle Rock
• The Cirque Mural
• The Amerbelle Spillway
• Merlot on the Water
• Millpond Country Store
• Bobby Sands/Hunger Strike Memorial
• Farwell Barn
• Cornerstone's Prom Boutique
• The Wizard of Oz Sculpture
• Gardiner Hall Jr. History Museum
• Community Needs Board at Silk City Coffee
• The John P. Webster Library at First Church, West Hartford
• Sledding Hills, Hartford/Tolland Counties
• The Tankerhoosen Bench
• Marino's Ski Bites

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, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to Chris.dehnel@patch.com.