While the hustle and bustle of the Collins Company fell silent in the late 1960s, the village created around the edge-tool factory complex remains vibrant.
With a nationally recognized trout fishery, a trail on a reclaimed railroad bed and a "mill pond" portion of the Farmington River, Collinsville is a great destination for the outdoor enthusiast, sidewalk browser or history buff.
The Farmington River Trail offers miles of smooth surface for rollerbladers, bikers and walkers.
After an early morning jaunt, head into LaSalle Market for a bite to eat. If you're lucky enough to find an outdoor seat, you can overlook the eclectic village but the inside offers its own charm with mismatched furniture and games for the kids.
After lunch, head across the street to find some treasures at the The Flea Circus and handmade jewelry at Carol and Company.
The serious antiquer can head down to a portion of old factory where Antiques on the Farmington offers numerous booths. The history buff won't want to miss the Canton Historical Museum
Nearby The Village Sweet Shoppe offers a little indulgence and some nice handmade souvenoirs. Lola & Me will appeal to mothers of young children and Blumen Laden has a unique selection of gifts and decorations.
When the stomach has settled a bit, Collinsville Canoe and Kayak on the bank of the river's "Mill Pond" offers the perfect place to try Stand-Up Paddleboarding. The more traditional mided boater can also choose a canoe or kayak. It rents out all kinds of the water craft as well as bicycles.
Fly fishermen have numerous spots to choose along the river Guidebooks and a river report are available up the road at UpCountry Sportfishing in New Hartford but to avoid the crowds be sure to come back to Canton for some less frequently fished spots.
Canton offers numerous dinner choices. Right in Collinsville is the traditional pub fare with a flare at the Crown and Hammer. A trip up Route 179 will bring one to Saybrook Fish House or Cherry Brook Pizza. If choosing the latter, scope out a place to picnic, however, as there is no seating. Route 179 also offers a chance to bask in the historic nature of the small villages in Canton Center and further up in North Canton.
For more options head out of Collinsville on to Route 44. Choices are numerous but range from burgers, grinders and pizza at Joe Pizza, essential basics at The Hub or the rustic atmosphere and organic themed Flatbread Company at the Shoppes at Farmington Valley. Other unique plaza options include the fine Asian Dining at Feng or the traditional American Fare of Dish n' Dat.
For more upscale Italian fare in a elegant but relaxed atmosphere head down to LaTrattoria near the Avon town line.
Even if you've left Collinsville, it's a good place to end the evening with a nightcap or some live music at the Crown and Hammer or a show at Bridge Street Live, which features nationally known comedy and musical acts.
As an alternative a Saturday night auction at The Canton Barn offers a unique experience and the chance to try some locally famous pies.
