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- Collinsville’s Main Street may be short, but every door opens to a story, from art to adventure, from wellness to whiskey.
Collinsville’s Main Street may be short, but every door opens to a story, from art to adventure, from wellness to whiskey.
Spend a day exploring one of the most charming towns in the Farmington Valley area.
The Farmington Valley
November 12, 2025
Before we dive into Collinsville - Yesterday we welcomed these two companies to The Farmington Valley Business Listings:
Grateful Heights Roofing & Calvor Psychiatric Office
Discovering Main St. Collinsville -
Let’s Dive In
Discover Collinsville: Where History Meets the River
There’s something magical about Collinsville, Connecticut — a place where the hum of the past still echoes through red mills, where the Farmington River curves gracefully around Main Street, and where every turn feels like stepping into a story that’s still being written.
Once one of New England’s most industrious mill towns, Collinsville began its life in the early 1800s as the home of the Collins Company, a world-renowned axe and tool manufacturer. Its tools helped shape America’s growth, literally. They built railways, harvested timber, and fueled expansion from Connecticut to South America. The company’s sprawling brick factory complex, still standing proudly today, is the heartbeat of Collinsville’s charm.
When production ceased in the mid-1900s, the town could have faded into memory. But Collinsville refused to disappear. Instead, artists, makers, and dreamers moved into those old factory walls and Main Street storefronts, breathing new life into every corner. Today, the same buildings that once produced steel now produce creativity, community, and connection.
🚴♀️ The Rails to Trails Connection
One of the biggest draws for locals and visitors alike is the Farmington River Trail, part of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail system. Winding right through the heart of Collinsville, this paved multi-use path follows the old railway line and offers breathtaking views of the river.
Walkers, cyclists, and families love starting their journey in Collinsville, grabbing a coffee or sandwich downtown before heading out along the scenic route. In summer, kayaks and paddleboards glide past below; in fall, the trail becomes a tunnel of fiery color; and in winter, it’s a peaceful escape for cross-country skiers and photographers chasing quiet beauty.
The trail doesn’t just connect you to nature, it connects you to people. On any given weekend you’ll find everyone from seasoned cyclists to couples on leisurely strolls, artists sketching the view, and even live music drifting from Main Street cafes as you pass.
🏙️ Small Town, Big Heart
What makes Collinsville so special isn’t just its architecture or history, it’s the people. Shop owners know their customers by name. Neighbors wave across the street. Visitors are greeted not as tourists, but as part of the family, if only for the day.
Collinsville is a mix of old and new, historic storefronts housing modern art galleries, boutique shops, cozy salons, and local restaurants that fill the air with the scent of fresh baked bread and espresso. It’s a town that honors its past without getting stuck in it.
🛶 Make a Day of It
Start your morning with breakfast at LaSalle Market, wander through the shops and galleries, then head to the Canton Historical Museum to get a sense of the town’s roots. In the afternoon, rent a kayak or paddleboard from Collinsville Canoe & Kayak and see the village from the water, the steeples, bridges, and trees reflecting like a painting.
And before you leave, make sure to walk the bridge and watch the river shimmer below , it’s one of the Farmington Valley’s most photographed views.
❤️ A Village That Feels Alive
Collinsville may be small, but it carries an energy that few places can match. It’s a town that celebrates creativity, community, and the quiet beauty of slowing down. Whether you’re coming for the trail, the river, or the rhythm of Main Street itself, one thing is certain, you’ll want to come back.
This Weeks Coloring Challenge!
Using the download button below, download, print out and color main st. Collinsville any way you’d like. Crayons, pencils, water color. You choose. Then take a photo or scan it and email it to [email protected] , five favorites will be posted on facebook and two winners will be chosen by like count and gift cards to two local businesses won!
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Some Of The Top Shops Around Town
LaSalle Market & Deli
📍104 Main St, Collinsville
☕ A Collinsville cornerstone where locals gather for breakfast sandwiches, live music, and that classic small-town hum. Sit by the window and watch the village life pass by.
Carol & Company (one of the longest standing, same owner, businesses in town!)
📍107 Main St, Collinsville
💍 A boutique filled with artisan jewelry, gifts, and crafts. It’s been part of Main Street for years — a go-to for meaningful gifts with New England charm.
Good Bones CBD
📍5 River St (just off Main)
🌿 Locally owned wellness shop offering CBD oils, edibles, and even pet products. Known for knowledgeable staff and small-town warmth. Such incredible people with the highest quality products. And gifts!
The Findery
📍122 Main St, Collinsville
🏡 A blend of modern design and vintage flair. You’ll find home décor, wall hangings, and goods that tell a story. One of the most visually inspiring shops on Main Street, recently moved to a larger much more fitting store front next door to Rootz.
Rootz Organic Salon
📍124 Main St, Collinsville
💇♀️ An eco-conscious salon that brings style, health, and sustainability together. They use organic products and embrace a relaxing, natural vibe.
Iron Eel Tattoo Studio
📍7 River St., Collinsville
🖋️ Custom tattoos by local artists in a cozy, creative space. The studio embraces the artistic spirit of Collinsville — every design tells a story.
Milkweeds Salon
📍The Collins Company Factory, 10 Depot St (just off Main)
🌸 A boutique salon nestled inside the historic factory building. It’s modern, artsy, and totally Collinsville.
The Grindstone Tavern
📍3 River St, Collinsville
🍺 A neighborhood favorite known for craft beer, comfort food, and casual riverside vibes. Live music and good energy spill out onto the patio on warm evenings.
Crown & Hammer Pub
📍3 Depot St, Collinsville
🍻 A pub in one of Collinsville’s historic brick buildings — hearty food, live tunes, and an atmosphere that’s equal parts cozy and classic.
Collinsville Canoe & Kayak
📍41 Bridge St, Collinsville
🚣 The heart of outdoor adventure here. Rent a kayak or SUP and paddle the Farmington River — then stroll back to Main for a bite to eat.
Antiques on the Farmington
📍10 Depot St, Canton, CT 06019
🕰️ A multi-room treasure trove of antiques and collectibles inside the old factory. You could spend hours browsing everything from mid-century furniture to local relics.
Dance by Kristen
📍109 Main St, Collinsville, CT 06019
💃 A lively local dance studio for kids and adults alike — from ballet to hip hop. The windows glow with energy during evening classes.
Legit Skate & Music Shop
📍41 Bridge St, Collinsville, CT 06019
🛹 A shop for skaters and musicians, keeping Collinsville’s youth and creative energy alive. Boards, strings, and plenty of character.
Blumen Laden
📍41 Bridge St, Collinsville, CT 06019
🕯️ A short drive from Main Street — a dreamy gift shop featuring handmade candles, apothecary items, and cozy gifts.
Hallows Tattoo Studio
📍100A Main St, Collinsville, CT 06019
🖤 Another tattoo studio with an artistic edge, specializing in fine line and dark realism styles. Side note, they have some pretty spectacular gifts too!
ABC Pizza of Collinsville
📍9 River St, Collinsville
🍕 A casual, family-run pizza spot that’s a local favorite for post-hike or post-paddle meals.
Dowd Insurance Agency
📍13 River St, Canton, CT 06019
🏢 A long-standing local business that’s served residents and small businesses in Collinsville for decades.
Center Spirit Shop
📍32 Bridge St, Collinsville, CT 06019
🍷 A neighborhood wine & spirits store — friendly service and a surprisingly curated selection for a small-town shop.
Canton Historical Museum
📍11 Front St, Collinsville
🏛️ A must-visit to understand the soul of the town. Located in a former Collins Company building, it’s filled with fascinating artifacts and stories about the area’s industrial roots.
If you’re looking for a little lift in life, or tips to have better days, or adventures near and far. Uplift if the newsletter for you.
Don’t Let A Life Coach Scare You To Death
There’s this hilarious thing about how health and wellness coaching is explained on websites that makes me laugh. I did it too, at first, and I still laugh when I come across this language because even though the description is true, this ethereal language it’s not helpful. It leaves someone wondering… what exactly will we be doing? Is it actually going to help me?
Coaching exists to bridge the gap between how you feel and how you want to feel. Its support with making a change happen - and stick. It's the conversation on stress, life and our bodies that so many people want to have but can't comfortably or properly do with friends and family.
Let me help (finally) clear the confusion. Here’s when and where what I do, helps:
Shifting lifestyle for sleep improvement (acute or chronic)
Reducing A1c, HTN, and LDL cholesterol through lifestyle changes (nutrition, movement, stress etc)
Adjusting perspective and mindset in places of significant life stress
Designing daily self-support when living with a chronic condition (great for chronic pain or autoimmune)
Creating movement routines that are realistic, enjoyable and honor weekly schedules
Navigating a job transition or any “what’s next?” moment
When walking through grief (great if you are working with or also plan to work with a therapist)
Overcoming compulsory phone + screen use
Navigating a job transition or any “what’s next?” moment
Striking the highly sought after ‘work/life balance’
Giving day-to-day tools (practices that use breath, movement to self-support anytime)
In office, virtual or walk and talk sessions are available through the fall season. Let’s talk: Schedule a free, 15-minute call
Happy Fall,
Elise Cusimano, MA, NBC-HWC, RYT
@elise.cusimano.coaching
Until next time, The Farmington Valley Team
