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04/06/2017 12:00 AMLet's be honest, if it weren't for UConn or ECSU most people would have no reason to visit Windham County. I, for instance, never would have made the trip out there if I didn't have friends who went to school in Willimantic. That being said, even though I live an hour away I would make a point of going back for a day trip. With a quaint New England main street, posh eateries, and an inexplicable infatuation with frogs (note the Frog Bridge when entering or exiting town), Willimantic has transformed from the grungy Thread City everyone avoided to what I consider to be the Brooklyn of Connecticut (not to be confused with the actual Brooklyn, CT).
Cafémantic: If there's a restaurant in northeastern Connecticut that once attracted the attention of The New York Times, you know it has to be good. Cafémantic definitely lives up to the hype. With an environment which they describe as "casual and cosmopolitan," this is a perfect place to hang out for a few hours with a bottle of wine and shared plates for the table. They also have a brunch menu, and their food is sourced locally.
Willimantic Brewing Company: Housed in what was once the town's post office, WilliBrew is a local favorite. They make their own handcrafted beers on site and have a full bar and restaurant. The outside of the building still looks like a post office and they've preserved as much as they could inside to give the restaurant an old-timey feel.
Willimantic Records: Are you really a hipster if you don't buy records (or at least claim to)? This place is nirvana for old-school music lovers. In addition to selling used records and books, they host live music events every week, as well as art shows, lectures, readings, and film screenings.
Grounded Coffee Company: The coffee shop recently opened in Willimantic and works with local coffee roasters. They have happy hour from 3 to 4 p.m. on weekdays (just when you need that little pick-me-up) featuring $2 espressos and discounted milk drinks. They even give a discount when you bring your own to-go container. I'm looking at you, Mason jar lovers.
Leaf and Flour: Who says adults can't have tea parties? Leaf and Flour, a new tea room, bakery, and barista bar, offers a Cream Tea service Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. For $10, you can enjoy a pot of tea, scones, linens, and china. They offer High Tea service, as well, but it's more expensive and requires reservations. It's also a cute place to go for a cup of coffee and Wi-Fi.
Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace: Okay, so it's technically not in Willimantic...but it's pretty darn close. It's the perfect alternative to those over-priced movie theaters, plus you don't have to sit next to noisy strangers for two hours. Admission for adults is $9.99 online and $11 at the gate. There's also a full snack bar, unless you live on the thrill of sneaking food in your purse.