Rural charm and open land still define Willington’s appeal
Willington’s identity as a farming and mill town has changed over the years, but its rural charm remains constant. “It’s a very small, attractive town,” says Mark Riesbeck, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, New England Properties. Whether you’re looking for a lot of land or just some space to spread out in a hectic world, there are plenty of green acres up for grabs in Willington. Maybe some of this countryside could be yours.
Ranch and colonial-style homes available, plus open lots
Willington, though still rural, is expanding residentially with quite a few lots for sale on streets such as Cowles Road, Mihaliak Road and Eldredge Road. On Schofield Road, ranch-style homes are going for just over $250,000 and on Tolland Turnpike, you’ll see some colonial-style houses from the late 1800s.
Two schools serve Willington students
Only two schools, Center Elementary School and Hall Memorial School, serve the town’s kindergarten through eighth grade population. Once students are in ninth grade, they attend E.O. Smith High School, a district school for students from different areas across Eastern Connecticut. E.O. Smith has an award-winning agricultural-science program, maintains small class sizes and has partnerships with the University of Connecticut and various community organizations.
Historic town green and scenic trails offer outdoor recreation
Willington Green is a 2-acre rectangle framed by historic churches, parsonages and civic buildings, and some of the older buildings were once home to stores and taverns. When the weather is nice, you will often find folks exercising and exploring Fenton-Ruby Park, a gorgeous open space with 4.2 miles of hiking trails. It’s also a great spot for relaxing on a bench and watching the park’s ducks, geese and heron.
Hilltop and Willington Pizza attract locals and visitors alike
Although dining at a tavern in Willington is not an option these days, rumor has it that pizza is what really hits the spot anyway. “Willington Pizza is the place to go,” says Reisbeck. “It's popular with residents and UConn students and coaches.” Known locally as “the pizza that made Willington famous,” Willington Pizza started as a four-table restaurant that has grown to two separate locations in the town. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with old signs, memorabilia and many awards including “Best Exotic Pizza of the Year.” Another popular spot, Hilltop Restaurant Bar & Banquet, is known for its seafood dishes and burgers, and customers appreciate enjoying drinks, brunch and live music on the patio.
The town green hosts fundraisers and holiday gatherings
Like other towns in Connecticut, Willington has a hub, and the community often comes together at its town green for holiday events and an annual flea market. “The car show on the green is also a pretty big event each year,” says Riesbeck. Held each September, the Town of Willington, in conjunction with Connecticut Street Legends, hosts the event to raise money for college scholarships that benefit children of Marines and law enforcement officers who were killed while on duty. Folks attending the event can enjoy oldies music and onsite food options.
![Ed Messenger]()
Photography Contributed By
Ed Messenger
