Vernon, CT

Vernon neighborhood was originally a part of an area named Bolton until it became separate in 1808. Since then, it has been considered its own town and has consolidated with an area called Rockville as well as a few other small villages. Due to its location near the interstate, the neighborhood has become a commercial center.

The Vernon Town Hall has a New England Civil War Museum on the second floor. This museum displays war-time relics, has places to study and conduct research, and was started by Civil War veterans.

Vernon hosts holiday events during December's Winterfest. Winterfest includes a fire truck parade, carol singing,and a tree-lighting ceremony for the whole neighborhood to watch. During the summer, kids are encouraged to attend the Arctic Splash summer camp where they can meet peers and swim.

Most of the restaurants in Vernon prove to be locally owned, although chains can always be found as well. Residents love going to Utsav Indian Cuisine and sometimes even visit once a week. The restaurant off of Talcottville Road serves tangy garlic naan that keeps you coming back for more. The food at Utsav's always has an artful presentation that looks as good as it tastes. Diners love the aadu mappas, lamb with coconut and curry leaves, although the chicken dishes remain popular too.

For a more traditional meal, Rein's New York Style Deli rests off of the Hartford Turnpike. As soon as you sit down here, a dish of half-sour pickles keeps you satisfied while you wait to order. Rein's uses locally grown produce whenever possible, and the restaurant even have a gluten-free menu. Diners travel from other neighborhoods just for the matzo ball soup that has a savory chicken flavor.

At night time, residents love to hang out at 99 Restaurant Bar & Pub. It serves cheap wings, bar food and a wide selection of beers. The rustic interior and hanging TVs create a busy atmosphere that perfect for a relaxed night out on the town. Bumpers Billiards Club has an excellent layout for pool tournaments; residents pay only $6 for unlimited pool playing. A juke box plays whatever song you want to hear, and seasonal beers flow, always on tap.

The majority of residents here have and drive their own vehicles around the area. Public parking never proves difficult to find, especially since the area defines itself as residential. Vernon residents can easily travel into Hartford or other nearby areas through use of I-84 and various state routes.

Public transportation can be easily used through the bus system called the CT Transit. Most of the routes flow through Hartford, but lines also venture through Vernon. For a quick ride, The Yellow Cab Company or Captain Tony Taxi can be called to pick you up as soon as possible. The city of Hartford is serviced by Uber, but Vernon has not been included in this area.

Vernon has a beautiful landscape that houses equally eye-pleasing parks. Most of the parks cater to residents, allowing them to walk around and explore the land.

The Rails to Trails Park in the neighborhood includes a 5-mile trail that ventures through both forested and residential areas of town. Parking is available nearby, so residents can either walk, bike or run their dog through the trail. This park allows people to exercise while also enjoying the outdoors.

Valley Falls Park, located on Valley Falls Road, has seven different walking trails for exercise and exploration. Kids love to play on the playground nearby and can even swim in the local pond. Families often picnic out here under the pavilion for a tasty lunch after getting some fresh air. The park has no entry fee until the summer, when the price rises to $5 per car.

On South Street, Henry Park has the perfect setup for summertime fun. The pool and sprinklers cool off sweaty bodies after running around in the hot sun. Parents can sit in the picnic area and grill out while still keeping an eye on the younger ones. A tennis court lies close by for people who want to join in on a game.

The cost of living in Vernon equals the average price of living in Hartford. For a one-bedroom residence, prices average $900 per month; however, there exist multiple cheaper options as well as higher-end living situations in the neighborhood.

Gas in Vernon tends to be about 5 percent more expensive than the national average. For residents who want to avoid this, a bus ride into the city costs only $3, and the pass can be used all day. A beer at a local pub can be found for $5.

Vernon has a great variety of smaller stores that are unique to the neighborhood as well as a few larger, well-known options, including Home Goods and Toys 'R' Us. Many stores can be found off of the Hartford Turnpike and I-84, such as Records - The Good Kind. This small yet cozy store sells records, CDs and cassette tapes. New inventory comes in each day, and the store even buys your old music.

Higher-end stores can also be found in Vernon. Dunbar Jewelers sells a variety of diamonds and fine jewelry. This shop provides great customer service and sells a large selection of brand names. Zahner's Clothiers has an excellent inventory of men's clothing ranging from suits to ties. The company also has tailoring and embroidery services.

Residents in Vernon typically purchase groceries from Aldi or the Stop & Shop Supermarket. For special products, Nature's Grocer sells many vegan items as well as natural foods and baked goods. In the months of May through October, the Rockville Farmers Market locates itself on East Main Street and sells food from locally owned farms.