Mansfield/Tolland/Willington - Tolland, CT

Mansfield, Tolland and Willington all became officially incorporated before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, between 1702 and 1727, making this area incredibly rich for fans of American history. Together the towns feature several structures on the National Register of Historic Places including many fine examples of early American architecture, such as the John Candy House.

As with many college towns, the level of art and culture transcends its population size, and the Mansfield-Tolland-area is no different.

The William Benton Museum of Art is open every day but Monday, and it often features world-class art installations. For a more interactive experience, take in a juried art show that becomes the major draw each year at the Celebrate Mansfield Festival, held each November.

Locals have an abundance of options for food and fun, from grabbing a quick bite to white-linen establishments on fancy special occasions. The area's student-centric focus ensures variety and affordability, while the surrounding rural character of northeast Connecticut ensures a steady supply of farm fresh produce. Weary travelers looking for a pit stop off Interstate 84 have made Papa T's in Tolland a popular option, calling its old-fashioned diner vibe and exceedingly fresh bread the highlight of the trip from New York to Boston.

Visitors who head into Mansfield proper will quickly notice that the off-campus local favorites leave the pizza and beer stereotype behind. Known for serving the freshest Mediterranean ingredients, Sara's Pockets in Mansfield is a perennial favorite. Vegetarians, especially, rave about the crispy falafel and baba ghanouj, a tasty, garlicky eggplant dip served with fresh pita bread.

If you crave meat, don't hesitate to drive to Bear's Smokehouse in nearby Windsor and dive into the classics: smoked beef brisket, mac-and-cheese and beans. Definitely make sure to try the infamous burnt ends, the crispiest part of any BBQ offering. For the more studious, breaking up an all-nighter proves easy with a unique late night cookie delivery service. Locals rave about Insomnia Bakery in the Storrs Town Center. This one-of-a-kind bakery hand-delivers warm cookies directly to your door until 3 a.m. Choose from a variety of flavors, such as chocolate chunk or s'mores-flavored. Residents of this area visit nearby cities for bars, nightclubs and music venues.

Interstate 84 serves as the area's main commercial and commuter thoroughfare, delivering people to jobs and materials to commercial enterprises throughout Mansfield-Tolland-Willington. It provides easy, though congested, access to Hartford proper and the surrounding suburbs.

Multiple town taxi cab companies are just a call away, especially with such a large college population, and Uber serves the area as well. UConn runs a free shuttle service for students, faculty, employees and their guests.

Drivers may jostle for metered spots in many places downtown, but the parking situation frees up as soon as you drive out of the town centers. A number of large lots provide easy access to shops such as Kohl's or other major retailers. The Storrs Center Parking Garage is free for the first two hours with a daily maximum fee of $8.

Given the area's historical nature, many roads remain decidedly scenic—wonderful for those hitting Connecticut's popular antique trails, but not so great for bikers, who will find a dearth of formal bike lanes. Other options include a maze of off-road bike trails that weave in and out of Mansfield.

Outside of UConn-sponsored transportation, a car is a must here. If that's not an option, the government-operated CT Transit bus service makes frequent stops between Mansfield, Tolland, Willington and other population centers.

In Mansfield, outdoor enthusiasts revel in the 251-acre Mansfield Hollow State Park, where free opportunities to enjoy land and water converge into one convenient open space. Hikers can meet up near the Nipmunk Trail, while boaters in the family can head off to enjoy fishing on the Mansfield Hollow Lake, created by the damming of the Natchaug River.

Families with children will find numerous options for fresh air and fun outings, including more adventurous activities, such as zip lining and rock climbing at the Storrs Adventure Park.

In Tolland and Willington, you can bring your dog on-leash to most local parks, including the popular Crandall's Park in Tolland, but you will have to leave Fido at home if you plan on brushing up on your serve on one of six hard tennis courts near the high school. Swing by the all-volunteer Manchester Barks & Rec Dog Park when you want to dedicate time to socalize your dog.

Festival lovers will have plenty to choose from year-round, but harvest festivals are particularly well-attended, including the annual Celebrate Tolland Festival, where you can savor the best of autumn with the popular Apple Dessert Bake-Off.

The area's cost of living averages about 30 percent lower than nearby Hartford. A basic one-bedroom apartment rents for about $763, and local bus service runs for about $1.50 per fare. To lure cash-strapped collegians, local bars in the area charge only about $3-4 on average for a pint of beer, with a variety of promotions that bring the price down even lower. Mansfield area gas prices sit about 7 percent higher than the national average.

Stopping off for a bite to eat or some provision for dinner could easily turn into a social opportunity in Mansfield/Tolland/Willington. Many stores remain locally owned, including The Country Butcher in Tolland, equally at home helping hunters process deer as they are catering local events. Local grocery store chains include Stop & Shop and Hannaford.

Seeking even fresher ingredients? It's easy to focus on farm-to-table with several open air farmers markets and mom-and-pop roadside stands. Locals enjoy easy access to organic produce and in-season options to shop for in person to pick up as part of a CSA—Community Supported Agriculture. Shundahai Farm in Mansfield is one such option, featuring over 30 different crops.

Shoppers eager for a wide range of options in one easily accessible place cannot miss the Storrs Center Mansfield's downtown region. With a mix of residential and commercial properties, the area offers something for everyone, including The Flower Pot, a boutique flower shop, and a replica of an old-fashioned Main Street for those seeking a hefty dose of nostalgia.