36 Hours in Farmington and Unionville

Are you new to the area or just have a day or two to spend in the greater Farmington area? We have compiled a list of places and things to see that are unique and sources of pride for our town to give you or a visiting family member a taste of Farmington and Unionville.

While websites and suggested tours are provided, always check that the venue is open on the day you are visiting. Don’t forget, The Farmington Libraries have a variety of museum passes offering discount tickets on admission available to some of these locations.

DAY 1:

Park at the Barney Library on 71 Main St. This will allow you to walk the beautiful streets around Miss Porter’s School and take in the grandeur of the historic houses. Make sure you walk inside the historic Barney Library. D. Newton Barney gave The Village Library to the people of Farmington as a memorial to Sarah Brandegee Barney, his mother. The building was designed in the Greek revival style by Stephen Brainerd Lawrence in 1917.

Walk to the Stanley Whitman House at 37 High St. and tour the house and gardens (about an hour). Walk back toward the Barney Library and past to Memento Mori cemetery on Main St. across from St. Patrick's Church. One of the most beautiful burying grounds in Connecticut, Memento Mori has much to tell us about the history and customs of Farmington’s people of the past.

Walk or drive to the Hill-Stead Museum and grounds at 35 Mountain Rd. Its founder, Theodate Pope Riddle (b.1867)—one of the first licensed female architects in the United States—designed Hill-Stead as her family home in 1901 and transformed it into a museum upon her death in 1946. Her creation and legacy represent a harmonious convergence of heritage, art, and nature.

Needing more fresh air and outdoor spaces? Check out these gems in the area:

The Farmington River Trail

Farmington Land Trust

The Farmington Land Trust protects over 300 acres of fields, forests, wetlands, scenic vistas, historic sites and wildlife habitat from development. All of the Land Trust's 69 parcels will remain as open space forever, enriching the quality of life for Farmington residents for generations to come.

DAY 2:

If you didn’t get enough fresh air, complete your tour of the Farmington River Trail or one of the Land Trust Properties.

Visit the Unionville Museum at 15 School St.

The Unionville Museum has an extensive collection of photographs, postcards, yearbooks, and other artifacts and ephemera related to Unionville history including a comprehensive collection of photographs, newspaper articles and other items related the devastating flood of 1955. Admission is FREE.

Suburban Park

This park is a historic landmark in the center of Unionville. It contains the remnants of an “electrical amusement park” that flourished from 1895 to 1905. Purchased by the Town of Farmington, it provides 20.5 acres of open space with two miles of hilly walking trails. The park contains five circular “kettles” formed during the glacial age. Best parking is at the Lion’s Park at the end of Cottage Street off Rt. 167.

Yodkins-Morin Memorial Park

Dedicated to two valiant men, Charles J. Yodkins, Sr., a Farmington Police Officer, and Joseph J. Morin, Jr., a private citizen, who gave their lives saving others during the raging flood of August 1955.

The Farmington Library

Located at 6 Monteith Dr., visit our library and check out all the spaces and services we have to offer, including The Farmington Room, the library’s research collection of primary sources related to local history and genealogy. The Farmington Room is open to the public by appointment and to walk-ins on Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Contact Jerusha Neely, Local History Librarian, or the Information Desk for more information.

Farmington Veterans Memorial

Located in front of Town Hall at 1 Monteith Dr.