Bristol/Plainville - Bristol, CT Area Guide

Formerly known as New Cambridge, the city of Bristol got its start as an agricultural community. It later blossomed into a manufacturing powerhouse in the clock industry during the 19th century. The city also once called the "Bell City," as the place where spring-driven doorbells were invented. Since then, Bristol has grown into a community of residential and commercial influence.

Bristol houses several museums within its boundaries, including the New England Carousel Museum, which features a number of historic carousel exhibits. Additionally, Imagine Nation serves as a great spot to bring younger children, offering access to numerous playrooms, animal exhibits and snack stations.

Bristol contains many ethnic restaurants and bistros, with a small concentration of nationally recognized food chains throughout the area. Most restaurants are located off of Main Street or neighboring side streets.

The Parkside Cafe on Maple Street specializes in crafting the freshest and most delectable breakfast and brunch food available in the area. Customers enjoy everything from a simple plate of bacon and eggs to a savory feast of crisp crepes and breakfast burritos. Try the Dizzy Bull breakfast sandwich, a fusion of grilled rib eye steak, sauteed onions and peppers, fried eggs and American cheese nestled between a freshly baked roll.

If there's one mom-and-pop specialty restaurant worth visiting in Bristol, it's Greer's Chicken on Matthews Street. Customers enjoy their meals in a quaint neighborhood atmosphere containing a small spread of picnic tables neatly poised by the nearby woods. Try an order of honey BBQ wings, and don't forget to order sides of macaroni and coleslaw.

A combination of bars, pubs and lounges define the nightlife experience in Bristol. Most establishments are located in the center of Bristol along Center and Main. Barley Vine on Main Street serves Bristol as the go-to pub for an extensive selection of beers and drinks. With a full bar, Wi-Fi access and a classically decorated environment throughout, Barley Vine is the perfect spot for a casual outing in town or an exciting night out with family and friends.

For a night on the town after work, the Legends Sports Bar is a local hangout with excellent service and a casual atmosphere. The large game room hosts a variety of live events throughout the week and serves made-to-order pizza and other classic bar foods.

The most common means of transportation in Bristol consist of automobiles and public transit. CTTransit serves as the primary form of public transportation, offering several bus routes at a rate of $1.50 for a two-hour pass that is good on multiple buses in any direction. Although not a common means of transportation, locals can also access taxis throughout Bristol, in addition to Uber service. A small collection of parking garages and lots as well as metered parking spaces provide affordable parking options for residents. U.S. Route 6 and Interstate 84 run through Bristol and provide multiple access points throughout the city.

Most of Bristol is fairly walkable, and cyclists enjoy access to over 85 bike routes; however, due to automobile traffic, cyclists planning to travel in the city must exercise caution.

Bristol has parks ranging from small scenic landscapes and playground environments to large-scale amusement parks. Rockwell Park offers a large outdoor area packed with plenty of space for exercising and several amenities, including a skate park, walking/jogging trails, a soccer field, a playground and a water park. The park is great for a day out with the family or a nice long walk with the family dog. Residents looking for a more thrilling experience make their way to Lake Compounce Amusement Park on Enterprise Drive. The park includes over 50 attractions and is Connecticut's largest water park.

Be sure to catch the Chrysanthemum Festival in September, which is an annual celebration of Bristol with parades, a carnival, auto shows and much more.

Living in Bristol incurs a cost of living 3 percent higher than the city average. Traveling to the center to the city costs as little as $1.50 per ride via CTTransit bus routes. One-bedroom apartments rent at an average cost of approximately $741. Gas prices run approximately 9 percent higher than the national average, but on the plus side, you can grab yourself a pint of beer at a local pub for as little as $5.

A large variety of chain retail stores mixed with independently-owned specialty shops and boutiques make shopping in Bristol and Plainville exciting. Start your shopping spree on Farmington Avenue, where many of the stores are located.

Chippens Hill Convenience Store and Smoke Shop on Terryville Avenue offers an impressive selection of fine tobacco products and a convenient assortment of groceries. The store presents a clean and organized environment, so customers rarely have issues finding what they need. The store acts as the perfect one-stop shop for grabbing a few basic necessities and picking up a quick last-minute gift for the cigar lover in the family.

If you ever find yourself in need of a fresh bouquet of flowers, be sure to visit Stylish Blooms on King Street. The store provides a full selection of seasonal blooms and specializes in floral designs for events and weddings.

Major chain grocers dominate the grocery market in Bristol; however, residents also frequent stores such as Super Natural Market and Deli on North Main Street for grocery needs. With its high quality selection of gourmet and natural foods, catering services and outstanding customer service, Super Natural is a community favorite.