The views from the top of Quarry Park in Rocky Hill are expansive.
Summer Fitness Series: Out-of-Towners
ROCKY HILL - Summertime is when our out-of-state friends and family visit us to experience the wonderfully warm season of the Northeast. As represented in the classic early 90’s movie Mad House, a houseful of people may be overwhelming at times, but that doesn’t mean that our health and fitness has to suffer. We can show our guests the best our communities have to offer as we maintain an active lifestyle.

       Getting outdoors is an essential anytime you have company, especially if those guests include children. Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill is both informative and the ideal place to work off the extra servings of Uncle Ted’s extra-creamy potato salad.

       Besides, what youngster doesn’t like prehistoric monsters? The little ones can experience the world of dinosaurs while exploring the Mesozoic Era under the enormous domed exhibit center. Outside the facilities are various trails and some surprisingly difficult hikes that are suitable for the whole family. All of this can be explored without the fear of a rouge velociraptor creating another Jurassic mishap.

       If obsolete creatures don’t strike your fancy, Billy Tee’s, located on Sebethe Drive in Cromwell, offers more variety and is a fantastic place to visit. It is home to some of the best food around, serving wood-fired pizza, and across the parking lot is Torza’s Golf. The gang can play rounds of mini golf as well as practice their major league swing at the batting cages. They also have a driving range for the serious golfers in the family.

       For the PGA hopeful in the family, the TPC in Cromwell and the Indian Hills Country Club in Newington are the best the area has to offer for playing 18 holes of regulation golf. But if you’re not fortunate enough to belong to one of the private clubs, there is a perfectly good public course in our backyard.

       The Rolling Greens Golf Course in Rocky Hill is a golfer’s paradise, offering nine holes on a gorgeous piece of land off of Cold Springs Road. Just off the course is Casa Mia on the Green, serving some of the finest Italian food around. It’s the perfect night cap for all wise guys after a long day on the links.

       Biking is an ideal exercise for all the sightseers in the group. Connecticut is not the most bike-friendly state, but there are a few trails locally that can provide a challenge and unforgettable scenery for the entire clan.

       Heritage Way bike path is the Tour De Wethersfield and the best way to work up a sweat while you see all that our historic community has to offer. The entire path is over 10 miles in each direction and will take you from The Meadows, starting at Rocky Hill’s Ferry Park, and ending at the reservoir off of Highland Street in Wethersfield. Along your way you will peddle around the picturesque Wethersfield Cove and through Mill Woods Park. It’s also a great opportunity to take a slight detour and show your guests historic Old Wethersfield. Here you’ll find good eats, quant shopping, and rich history.

       Mill Pond Park in Newington is the best location if you and your family are looking for a variety of outdoor activities. The park has a huge outdoor swimming pool with lifeguards, as well as a basketball court and several tennis courts. The open landscape also has a paved walking path and plenty of fields to frolic. Newington Center is also a short walk from the park, offering plenty of local flare.

       Quarry Park in Rocky Hill is a little-known historical playground for people of all ages. Located off of Old Main Street, the park allows visitors the freedom to exercise and reflect on the town’s storybook past. The trek is suitable for all ages and has many breathtaking outlooks, giving a bird’s eye view of Hartford and the surrounding towns. The trail runs parallel with the railroad tracks and stone depot stations are still standing, albeit covered in graffiti. The area is well shaded, but that means that mesquites are plenty, so bring your repellent. There are also plenty of berries that look like cranberries, but I’d advise your visitors to skip the snack.

       All of this activity combined with abundant sunshine is bound to wear out your guests. Thankfully there are places around that allow you to take a load off and enjoy local entertainment following a day full of fitness.

       Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, located inside Elm Ridge Park in Rocky Hill, is a fun and free way to experience the outdoor movie experience from yesteryear. The town presents movies on the big screen every Friday night in July.

       Disney’s animation Big Hero 6, starring an inflatable robot voiced by Scott Adsit, is the next movie on the schedule. And no, you didn’t miss the Big Hero 1 through 5, the title is misleading. Showtimes are at dusk, but it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot. Don’t forget to bring your own seating and this theater allows outside food, so pack a cooler.

       Old Wethersfield offers more lively entertainment, with a free outdoor concerts series. Keeney Koolers Summer Music Program presents incredible musicians for you and your guests every Tuesday under a setting sun. The concerts start at 6:30 p.m., outside of the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center on Main Street and are held rain or shine, moving inside if the skies open up.

       The next musical act is the very popular Number Nine, covering the best tunes of The Beatles. These talented musicians will make you wish they performed in Wethersfield eight days a week.

       All these excursions can be experienced with or without guests, so if you’re in a fitness rut it may be time to reintroducing yourself to the surrounding towns. And remember, it may be a mad house inside, but happiness is right outside your front door.
MORE ROCKY HILL NEWS  |  STORY BY JOSH HOWARD  |  Jul 16 2015  |  COMMENTS?