Town #33 Granby

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Toni-Ann's * Old Mill Pond Village Shops * Bushy Hill Farm

We had trouble finding things to do in Granby, especially in the daytime. We had lunch at Toni-Ann’s on Rt. 10 where Bob and Tom, a friend, had stopped on a bike ride this past summer. The food was good—small local type eatery. ($19 with Entertainment coupon).

Then we went to Old Mill Pond Village Shops consisting of eight very old buildings facing a mill pond. There were thousands of “home furnishing” items, from home decor to knick-knacks to furniture, but too many items were made and imported from China. The shops were very cluttered and crowded with items for sale, which had the effect of cheapening the atmosphere. There is a Christmas shop, as well, but we didn’t find anything interesting to buy. We remember the place when it was the home of the Deming Craftsmen, makers of very fine custom furniture when we lived in Granby in the late ’60s. We rented an apartment across the street when we were first married and remember the furniture made across the street as being classy. This picture is from the Old Mill Pond shops' website.

There are a number of farms around selling apples, cider, and pies this time of year, so we visited Bushy Hill Farm and bought some apples for a pie. They were a variety Jan had never heard of, Cameo, and they are supposed to be great baking apples, even though they need more baking time. We bought a cider donut and ate it on the spot. In the summer, they have a creamery in operation. ($5.65) (Bob)