Ready For A Saturday Adventure?

Bagels, Art, and the Great Outdoors: A Day to Warm Your Winter Soul

Author

The Farmington Valley
January 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Are we over the cold yet?

This cold, this freakin’ cold… Surely it has been almost unbearable. Negative temperatures leaving the furnaces working over time. Stepping out the front door and the cold air hitting your face as a reminder that we are, indeed, in New England and it is, indeed…. Still January.

In all honesty, I don’t know if we here at TFV have ever longed to be in 32 degree weather so badly.

So after a week of frigid arctic blast temps, a winter Saturday in January (and this Saturday and this weekend is not going to be -73 degrees!) is calling for an adventure—and we’ve planned the perfect day for you, or at least one we plan on taking...

So bundle up, grab your sense of exploration, and let’s get started!

Morning Magic: Bagels and Coffee


The day begins at Bagel Chalet in Avon, where the warm and welcoming staff will greet you like an old friend. Their bagels—crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—are the ultimate treat to fuel your morning. Whether you go for a classic plain with cream cheese or a savory egg sandwich, you won’t regret starting here. The only problem we generally run into is wanting a second one after the first is gone. So if you opt for sandwiches, maybe grab one extra to split?

bagel chalet bagels in Avon Simsbury canton Farmington CT.

Next, we take a right out of the lot and head about 2 miles down the road where we plan to stop at Dom’s Coffee for the perfect road-trip companions: a hot Americano and a chai tea latte for us. What’s your fav hot drink? The cozy ambiance of Dom's is an experience in itself, but today we’re taking our drinks to go. Why? Because a 30-40 minute drive awaits, taking us beyond the Farmington Valley to a destination that’s worth every mile. With that, if you didn’t grab that extra egg sammy at Bagel Chalet, you could definitely grab a treat to eat from Dom’s. A pastry will do!

doms coffee Avon ct. Simsbury coffee

Mid-Morning Inspiration: The New Britain Museum of American Art

Our journey leads to the New Britain Museum of American Art. We know, we know, it’s not in the valley. But it is warm and get this, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon they offer free admission!!! Stroll through the galleries and immerse yourself in the beauty, creativity, and magic of world-class art. Whether it’s contemporary pieces, timeless classics, or something in between, the museum has something to spark joy and wonder. Some of the current exhibits here.

Lunch Break: Savoy Pizza in West Hartford

Leaving the museum with a fresh dose of inspiration, we will head to Savoy Pizza, one of the beloved Max Group restaurants. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are a slice of heaven—perfectly charred crust, fresh toppings, and rich flavors that hit the spot after a morning of cultural exploration. They have lunch specials with the Prix Fix Lunch - soup or salad and your own personal pizza, which is the perfect lunch size. Eat the whole thing, it’s yours. We won’t tell! And hey, it’s only $12 to boot! You won’t find a better lunch deal around!

Afternoon Adventures: Hot Chocolate and the Great Outdoors

While some might call it a day after lunch, we’re not done yet! The fresh winter air is calling us back to the Farmington Valley. Driving over Avon Mountain, we make a stop at Chokaico for a cup of their rich, velvety hot chocolate. It’s not just an afternoon treat; it’s a warm hug in a cup, prepping us for the next leg of our adventure. However, if hot chocolate isn’t your thing, just stop by The Coffee Spot and grab tea or coffee. They are just as welcoming and kind as Chokaico, grab it to go though, because we have fresh air calling!

With hot chocolate in hand, we head to McLean Wildlife Refuge for a leisurely hike (or as we like to say, a "walk in the woods"). The quiet trails, dusted in snow, provide the perfect setting to soak in nature’s beauty, stretch your legs, and clear your mind. (Link to download trail map below.

Mclean game refuge hike trails

Evening Options: Dinner or a Cozy Night In

As the sun dips below the horizon, the day winds down, but the choice is yours. Head to dinner at local favorites like Tiger Belly in Granby, Mercato Italian Kitchen, or Lisa’s Crown and Hammer in Collinsville. Or, head home to light a fire, snuggle up with a movie, and savor the memories of a day well spent.

No Matter Your Choice, Winter Adventures Await

From bagels to art, pizza to wildlife, this day proves that even in the heart of winter, the Farmington Valley and beyond offers a treasure trove of experiences to brighten your weekend. So, where will your next Saturday take you?

Location Details

Bagel Chalet
Address: 29 E Main St, Avon, CT 06001
Phone: (860) 678-8888 The Bagel Chalet

Dom’s Coffee
Address: 20 W Main St, Avon, CT 06001
Website: domscoffee.com
Phone: (860) 255-7232

The New Britain Museum of American Art

Address: 56 Lexington St, New Britain, CT 06052
Website: nbmaa.org
Phone: (860) 229-0257
Admission: Free every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon
 

Savoy Pizza in West Hartford

Address: 32 LaSalle Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107
Website: savoypizzeria.com
Phone: (860) 969-1065

Hot Chocolate Stop: Chokaico
Address: 100 Albany Turnpike, Canton, CT 06019
Website: chokaico.com
Phone: (860) 352-2519
 

Nature Walk: McLean Wildlife Refuge
Address: 96 Salmon Brook St, Granby, CT 06035
Website: https://mcleancare.org/game-refuge/
 

Dinner Suggestions:

McLean_Game_Refuge_Trail_Map_9_21_2023.pdftrail map for Mclean Wildlife Refuge4.79 MB • PDF File
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Today’s Inspiration

There’s a quiet little corner of your life that’s been overlooked, gathering dust and losing its luster. What if today was the day you breathed new life into it? Imagine taking that forgotten space—physical or metaphorical—and making it beautiful again.

Picture the sense of purpose that would fill you as you work, the deep satisfaction that will linger long after the task is done. With just a bit of focus, you have the ability to make a tangible, meaningful improvement in your world—right here, right now.

Each time you take the initiative to create beauty, you prove something important to yourself: that you can. That you have the power to shape your surroundings, to bring order to chaos, to infuse life with intention and care. And in the process, you’ll awaken creativity, build confidence, and feel inspired.

There’s a unique joy in participating in beauty. It resonates deeply, lifting your spirit and energizing your soul. So, ask yourself—what in your life is waiting for your care, your attention, your choice to do something good just because you can? Feel the spark of enthusiasm as you think about it.

Then take that spark and turn it into action. Polish that corner, nurture that space, and watch it transform. It’s a gift you give yourself—and it’s a moment you’ll carry with you, one that you’ll never regret.