Robertson - Manchester, CT Area Guide

European settlers arrived in Manchester in 1673, and it originally became known as a part of East Hartford. The town had roughly 1,000 residents by 1790 and a number of saw mills and paper mills in the north near the current Robertson neighborhood. Manchester experienced an industrial boom when the Cheney Brothers founded a successful silk and fabric company, and commercial development again became the focus during the late 20th century with the construction of Buckland Hills Mall in the late 1990s.

For a taste of the area's history and culture, take a short drive south to The Fire Museum or the Cheney Homestead. Robertson residents live just minutes from some of the city's biggest events, including the annual Peach Festival and Manchester Dog Festival.

Head up to Buckland Mall to find a meat-centered dining scene featuring grills of all kinds. Explore the spread of burger, Cajun and seafood grills for an affordable lunch or one with a touch of gourmet. The area has a pleasant mix of popular chains and local establishments, and residents enjoy a well-rounded nightlife scene thanks to the selection of bars and sports grills alongside establishments such as The Hartford Funny Bone comedy club. You can find live music in downtown Manchester, but The Pool Factory in Robertson always draws a local crowd. Stop by to shoot unlimited pool with your buddies for a small price, but arrive early on the weekends if you want a table. This nighttime favorite also features a fully stocked bar and some of the juiciest wings in town.

For a taste of modern all-American cuisine, stop by Market Grille, and sample the creative culinary fare, such as the mac and cheese with lobster or the seared scallops with mushroom risotto. Enjoy a simple turkey burger with fresh sweet potato fries on the patio, or chat with your neighbors at the bar as you sip a blackberry onyx cosmopolitan. Roll out of bed on a Sunday morning if you want to sample the famous crab eggs Benedict.

Although out-of-town visitors sometimes overlook the food court at Buckland Hills Mall, locals know that Cajun Cafe and Grill serves up some of the most authentic eats in town. Try the orange chicken or tender spare ribs with a side of noodles and potatoes for a satisfying lunch special. The cooks let you sample the dishes to find what you like, so don't be afraid to try a few bites before placing your order.

Tucked away in an old paper mill, the Adams Mill Restaurant dishes out down-home favorites, including a chicken and brie sandwich, in a trendy industrial atmosphere. Head upstairs to watch the game while enjoying your favorite draft or a captain's cooler, or stop by for the popular Sunday brunch complete with omelette and waffle stations and a dessert table. If you're turning another year older, be sure to show your ID to the wait staff to receive a free birthday meal.

Whether you choose to explore Robertson by car, bike or bus, the area's numerous thoroughfares keep you well-connected to the rest of the city. Hop on Interstate 84 for a quick commute to Hartford, and take advantage of the neighborhood's abundance of free parking when you return. If you need a quick ride, use the Uber ride-share service or call or a local taxi.

For public transportation, hop on the CT Transit line at one of its frequent stops. You can also take your trusty bicycle down the area's bike-friendly streets when the weather permits, and a collection of nearby amenities makes it easy to run some errands on foot.

Head to one of Robertson's beautiful public parks to kick back and enjoy a picnic or go for your morning jog. Robertson Park stands as a favorite of local youth because of its skate park and baseball diamond, and ample green space makes it the ideal place to walk your pooch.

Stop by Northwest Park to watch a game on the lighted baseball fields, try out the volleyball courts or watch your kids climb on the playground. This public nature park also provides access to Union Pond, where you can enjoy scenic views from the perimeter hiking trail or bird-watch from the pier.

The cost of living in Robertson hovers above the average of the Manchester metro area, with one-bedroom apartments renting for around $1,171. Taking the bus into downtown costs you around $1.50, and gas prices generally hover 11 percent above the national average. When ordering a pint at one of the local grills, expect to pay $6 to $7 for your favorite ale.

Robertson residents head to The Plaza at Burr Corners for basic amenities, but the neighborhood also lies adjacent to Manchester's biggest shopping district, ensuring a rich retail experience. The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk has become one of the area's most popular centers of commerce, standing as an elegant upscale plaza with dog-friendly shops and plenty of high-end boutiques featuring national designers. Residents visit the Shoppes at Buckland Hills to browse more top retailers in an indoor mall complete with a carousel and children's play area. If you like to keep it local, the specialty stores lining Main Street offer unique items and plenty of character.

The setting of Time Machine Hobby in an old Manchester mill seems perfect for its endless shelves of board games, puzzles and history books. Head upstairs to check out the shop's collection of model trains and dollhouses, or browse a selection of RC cars, boats and planes. Whatever treasures you discover here, Time Machine's nostalgic hobby products make you yearn for days gone by.

Standing as a Manchester staple for outdoor gear, Farr's Sporting Goods stocks everything from fishing rods and mountain bikes to skate boards and kiddie pools. Locals flock here every spring to see what outdoor game sets and sports equipment line the shelves, and fishermen stop by regularly for live bait. You can even get your fishing license here before heading out on the water.

For your regular grocery shopping, pick up your staples at Big Y, or purchase bulk food items at BJ's. The Robertson neighborhood also hosts the Central Connecticut Cooperative Farmers Market for local fruits and veggies.