Day Trip Collinsville, CT; Where to Eat, Hike, and Shop!

Get ready for a fun and adventurous day in Collinsville, Connecticut, with an array of places to walk, a charming downtown, huge antique store, and a homestyle cafe.

Living nextdoor, I love heading to Collinsville for an adventurous day trip in a time where it feels like time slowed down just long enough for outdoors enthusiasts and day-dreamers to slip in and make themselves at home. 

Collinsville—tucked along a twisting and curving stretch of the Farmington River—just happens to be one of those places and is one of my favorite towns to visit in CT. 

A close-knit industrial town built around brick mills, worker housing, general stores, and community halls thrived and although the Collins Company closed in 1966, its historic buildings, riverfront setting, and artistic spirit continue to define Collinsville’s enduring charm. 

Those hulking brick mill buildings still anchor the riverfront, now reborn as studios, small shops, galleries, and creative workspaces.

Over the years, Collinsville has become a haven for painters, cyclists, musicians, antique hunters, and weekend wanderers who love a place with soul. 

Old mill windows glow with warm, golden light; the river hums in the background; and every street corner feels picturesque and cinematic.

Things to Do in Collinsville, CT

1st: Breakfast & Caffeine in the Heart of the Village

LaSalle Market & Deli – Your Classic Collinsville Welcome

Start your day at LaSalle Market, a local institution and one of the most quintessentially “Collinsville” places in town. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the smell of fresh-brewed coffee, pastries, and toasty breakfast sandwiches. 

The egg-and-cheese is simple and perfect for starting the day or I love their hot pastrami or turkey-club sandwich with a soup midday!

Snag a table near the windows and watch early morning hustle and bustle. In warmer months it’s great to sit outside on the front stoop and soak in that small-town river breeze before hitting the trails.

2nd: Scenic Walks & Hikes in Collinsville

Collinsville is surrounded by some of the Farmington Valley’s most scenic and accessible outdoor spots. Here are a few favorites that pair perfectly with a calm, cozy riverside morning.

The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT)

You could spend an entire day (or days!) strolling, skating or pedaling along the paved Farmington River Trail, but even a short wander gives you views of the river, old railroad trestles, and some amazing looking 19th century industrial architecture. 

The stretch right near Collinsville is especially beautiful—you’ll likely pass colorful kayaks, cliff bands across the water, and the remnants of the old Collins axe factory complex.

This is the easiest hike/walk in the area—flat, paved, and accessible—but stunning in every season and a must do activity.

Sweetheart Mountain Trails

The Sweetheart Mountain trails, found on the outskirts of downtown blends peaceful meandering hiking with the remnants of local history. 

Once home to a small ski area in the mid-20th century, the mountain still hides the rusty mechanics of old lift towers and slopes now reclaimed by forest. 

Today, the trails wind through tall pines, rocky ridges, and classic New England stone walls, offering gentle climbs and rewarding views of the Farmington River Valley. 

It’s a quiet, scenic escape where you can imagine the mountain’s past life while enjoying its serene present — a perfect nature break just minutes from Collinsville’s historic, artsy downtown.

Main Street up around the Cemetery 

Collinsville’s Hillside Cemetery feels like it’s pulled from the pages of a Tim Burton script, offering a peaceful and unexpectedly beautiful glimpse into the town’s deep history. 

Perched on a gentle slope above the downtown, the grounds are lined with towering maples and winding footpaths that lead past ancient headstones, ornate carvings, and family plots tied to Collinsville’s early mill era. 

The cemetery feels more like a quiet park than a burial ground, inviting slow wandering, quiet reflection within its timeless atmosphere and captivating topography. 

Simply head east on Main Street until you meet up with Cemetery Road, which will bring you to the beautiful upper ridge line of the grounds.

It’s a serene, contemplative stop that adds depth and historical texture to any visit to this charming New England village.

3rd: Quirky, Artsy, and Must-Visit Shops

Collinsville is one of the most eclectic shopping villages in Connecticut. 

It’s the kind of place where you wander into a store expecting cute gifts and walk out with a vintage map, a handmade mug, and a locally painted canvas. All worth it.

Antiques on the Farmington

A treasure hunter’s paradise! If you love dusty old books, creaky crates, perfectly rusty lanterns, old Connecticut maps, and all things nostalgic, you’ll lose yourself here.

It’s a labyrinth of vendors offering everything from reclaimed furniture to hand-carved figurines to Collins axe factory relics. The smell of old wood and the creak of floorboards creates an atmosphere that at once feels nostalgic, cozy, and timeless.

Antiques on the Farmington is the place to spend a slow, curious hour or four.

East West Vintage Clothing

Tucked on Main Street in the village of Collinsville, CT, East West Vintage is a brand-new shop (opened October 2025) that brings together thoughtfully curated vintage clothing, furniture, and decor. The store — run by a couple who moved here from New York City — aims to combine East- and West-coast influences in a space designed for “slow living.” Inside the 1,000-sq-ft location at 110 Main Street, you’ll find mid-century and retro pieces from different eras, all carefully selected for quality, character, and a sense of story. It’s less a typical retail shop and more a cozy little treasure trove — a perfect stop if you love design, nostalgia, or unique finds with personality.

Canton Historical Society

A small but charming local museum, the Canton Historical Society is located in the former axe-factory district, showcasing 19th-century artifacts: a general store, blacksmith shop, toys, furniture, and more. Great for some local history and a sense of the area’s past.

The Findery

Like other places on this list, visiting Collinsville, CT’s The Findery feels like wandering into a beautifully curated treasure trove, where you unconsciously lower your voice for fear of disclosing a precious secret.

Housed in a cozy, vintage-inspired space, the shop is filled with antique furniture, handcrafted décor, quirky collectibles, and one-of-a-kind local artisan pieces. 

Every corner offers a new surprise—old maps, rustic signs, retro kitchenware, and charming home accents. 

You’ll linger, explore, and always discover something you didn’t know you needed until you saw it. 

Amazing little gift spot, guaranteed to have you smiling as you close their door upon leaving.

Riverside Nursery

Riverside Nursery is a peaceful retreat for plant lovers and garden dreamers alike. 

Nestled beside the gentle flow of the river, the nursery is filled with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and fragrant herbs as well as some awesome garden variety decor. 

You’ll wander under dappled sunlight, discovering colorful perennials, hearty shrubs, and charming potted plants to spruce up the homestead. 

With friendly staff offering gardening tips and bundles of vibrant blooms at the ready, Riverside Nursery is a tranquil haven where you can feed your green thumb and leave with something beautiful to grow or show off.

4th: Warm, Cozy Eats in a Historic Village 🥗🍕

After a day of wandering, hiking, and exploring, you’ll want a hearty meal in a place that feels just as relaxed and welcoming as the rest of town.

LaSalle

Again, we return to the Collinsville staple since LaSalle Market has tons of lunch options from soups and salads to sandwiches and pizzas. You simply can’t miss here!

Lisa’s Crown & Hammer Restaurant & Pub

Located in a historic mill building right beside the river, Crown & Hammer is the cozy, dim, and atmospheric—fireplaces in winter, open windows in summer, that you’ve been after. 

Think shepherd’s pie, flatbreads, soups, and creative comfort dishes. They also showcase local musical and artistic talent, which is always a plus.

It’s a local gathering spot, a warm hideaway, or a fun place to sit outside and eat right in the center of town during the warmer months!

ABC Pizza

ABC Pizza is a warm, inviting experience that feels just like the hometown favorite it is. 

From the moment you step inside, the aroma of bubbling mozz and wood-fired draws you up the front steps. 

You can grab snag a slice or plop down for a whole pie, the chill, no-frills setting — simple tables, friendly staff, and local chatter — makes it easy to unwind. 

After a day pod exploring a riverside mill town’s quaint streets, sometimes an old school pepperoni, cheese, or veggie pizza hits just right.

Even More Things to Do in Collinsville:

Collinsville Canoe & Kayak

Collinsville Canoe & Kayak is a beloved riverside hub situated centrally in a historic mill-era building, complete with creaky wooden floors, colorful kayaks absolutely stacked to the rafters, and friendly staff who greet you like old friends. 

Launch from their dock and paddle this calm, scenic stretch of the Farmington River, gliding past forests, old abandoned railways, and gentle bends until you reach Canton Town Bridge. 

The bridge rises beautifully above the water—an iconic spot where sunlight filters through its trusses and reflections shimmer below. 

It’s a peaceful, photogenic outing that forces one to slow down and go with the flow. CC & K has perfectly bottled the charm and spirit of Collinsville’s outdoor culture with their operation.

Bridge Street Live

Visiting Bridge Street Live means stepping into a cool, art-deco-style music hall perched above the river. 

Inside, warm wood floors, a permanent stage, and glowing lights set the tone for great live music and hilarious stand-up shows. 

Outside, the wrap-around deck gives sweeping river views — perfect for a post adventure drink by the water. 

With cozy crowds, a full bar, and a relaxed vibe, it’s a go-to spot for a memorable night out in historic Collinsville.  

Final Thoughts

A day in Collinsville is slow, colorful, and comforting—a blend of historic charm, forest paths, independent shops, and warm, soulful food, all set to the gentle ebb and flow of the town’s heart and soul, the Farmington River.