1. Casey’S Cafe
City: Ellington, CT
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (860) 870-8784
Address: 127 West Rd. (Route 83)
Description: Casey’s Cafe is difficult to categorize, because they offer so many different things, all done well. They have a fresh raw bar, famous hot dogs, burgers, deli sandwiches, wraps, a selection of amazing chicken sandwiches, and a number of classic American dinner entrees. They are not always typical, though: Casey’s also has tasty buffalo wings in many interesting flavors, beer fries, firehouse chili, and bison burgers. Are they a cafe? A pub? A lunch stop? They are all these things and more. They have special days, like the all-day barbecue on Sun. Whatever your tastes, go to Casey’s and you’ll be sure to find something you like.
2. Kloter Farms
City: Ellington, CT
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (860) 871-1048
Address: 216 West Rd.
Description: At the corner of Routes 83 and 286 is a unique shop that builds and sells sheds, gazebos, and a variety of other storage buildings, as well as various items for the interior of your home. They are family owned and operated, created in 1980 by the Kloter family, and have a printed catalog that includes all the product specifications (yes, some businesses still do that). They will custom build you a building suited to your needs, or you can (and should) come browse their stock. Kloter Farms also has a huge selection of handcrafted wood furniture, from benches to sideboards to blanket chests, all beautiful examples of skilled work. Find a reclaimed kitchen table or a carved jewelry box to make part of your home.
3. Annual Ice Fishing Derby Day
City: Ellington, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 5 Crystal St.
Description: If you’ve never tried ice fishing, the annual derby on Coventry Lake (also called Lake Wangumbaug) is the perfect place to learn. The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection provides gear and bait for a modest entry fee, and has made sure the lake is well stocked in advance. This is great family fun on a winter’s day in February every year. Go to the Rockville Fish & Game Crystal Lake Club House, located at the south end of Crystal Lake in Ellington, and arrive as early as 5:30 a.m. Dress warmly (especially gloves and waterproof boots) and pack a lunch, although they do provide a warm-up lodge with coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts. There are prizes of up to $500 for kids 15 and under.