Hidden Gems Of Connecticut

MANCHESTER, CT — The latest journey to a Hidden Gem takes us to a refuge for passive recreation and a good outdoor workout tucked into a quiet corner of Manchester's north end.

Welcome to Union Pond Park in Manchester. Located on North School Street, Union Pond is one of those places the local say has been around forever, but, in 2018, it was rededicated to include walking trails, a fishing dock, canoe and kayak access to the pond, benches for picnics and the Jay Howroyd Fitness Trail.

The Howroyd Fitness Trail is one of the most extensive outdoor cross-training circuits in north-central Connecticut.

Here is a visual tour of the park:

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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 Connecticut. Other columns in this series for 2021 include:

• The Submarine Force Museum/USS Nautilus
• The UConn Dairy Bar
• Grove Hill Cemetery, Vernon
• Backwoods Smokin' BBQ
• The Ranch House
• Connecticut State Police Museum
• Berlin Historic District
• Connecticut Parachutists Skydiving Club
• Tail Winds Ice Cream Shop
• The MLK Mural
• The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar
• Fork & Fire
• Lena's Italian Kitchen
• The Benedict Arnold Trail
• Swank Pearce
• Vernon Depot Historic Park
• Farr's Sporting Goods
• Robs Drivin Diner

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