Statues of massive frogs perched atop spools of thread greet drivers as they travel over the bridge that connects the southern residential section of Willimantic to downtown. The copper statues honor the two things that put this Connecticut community on the map: the American Thread Co., which was once the biggest thread mill in the country, and the Great Windham Frog Fight. Accounts of the frog incident have varied over the years, but all agree that sometime in the mid-1700s, townspeople were startled awake by a screeching noise. The French and Indian War had just begun, so many feared they were under attack, but by morning, it was clear the racket had been from hundreds of frogs, which were mysteriously found dead around the millpond. “The town really appreciates our folklore and history,” says Sharon Watson Stokland, a Realtor with List N Show who was raised in Willimantic. Not only has the riverside community embraced the frogs as its mascot, but it also prioritizes caring for the town’s Victorian homes. Once a year, local associations organize a walking home tour that stops by the town’s 20th-century properties. The town’s industrial past has also made for a diverse population, with Hispanic immigrants moving to the area for work in the 1950s; today, they make up a third of Willimantic’s population.
Giant frog statues welcome drivers as they cross the bridge into downtown Willimantic, CT.
Efforts in Willimantic, CT, ensure that its historic Victorian homes remain well preserved treasures.
The Willimantic River offers a view of the town’s historic mills and industrial heritage in the city of Willimantic.
From above, the historic architecture of Willimantic, CT, stands out with its charming details.
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Victorian cottages, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes throughout Willimantic
Most of Willimantic’s houses are older — Queen Annes, Victorian cottages and American Foursquares from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Cape Cods, bi-levels and ranch-style homes were added in the mid-to-late-20th century. Lot sizes vary depending on a home’s location, with properties south of the river tending to have larger yards, while lots on the gridded streets near downtown are smaller. The median sales price is about $250,000, well below the national median.
Each year, Willimantic, CT, offers a walking tour of its charming 20th century homes.
Throughout Willimantic, CT, Cape Cod homes stand as a symbol of tradition and architectural beauty.
Admire the blend of French Colonial and Victorian homes scattered across Willimantic, CT.
Colonial bi level homes, blending traditional style with modern features, are found throughout Willimantic, CT.
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Parks along the Willimantic River and public green spaces around town
Public parks around Willimantic have landscaped lawns, sports fields and playgrounds. People go fishing or paddling along the Willimantic River or hang out on the green spaces that line the waterway. From downtown, residents can walk south on the Victorian Foot Bridge, which was built in 1906. Joggers and bikers pick up the Airline North State Park Trail in town, which stretches for 21 miles between Windham and Putnam. Willimantic has all four seasons, including warm summers and cold winters. There’s usually about 40 inches of snow per year, but the town has the infrastructure to clear the roads quickly.
Willimantic, CT, features several bridges, including the Victorian Foot Bridge, with stunning views of the Willimantic River.
The Airline North State Park Trail in Willimantic, CT, is perfect for a jog or bike ride.
Memorial Park in Willimantic, CT, features sports fields and a playground for a fun day out.
Experience beautiful winter views, wooded trails, and Willimantic River access at Philip Lauter Park.
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Street festivals and outdoor concerts at Shaboo Stage
Willimantic has an active social scene, especially in the warmer months. From May to September, there’s the Third Thursday Street Festival on Main Street, when residents can support local vendors and enjoy live music and international cuisine. “It’s a diverse town, so you’ll see booths celebrating different cultural backgrounds,” Watson Stokland says. “It’s getting super popular; thousands of people show up for it.” Downtown Willimantic also has Shaboo Stage, a large outdoor venue that hosts concerts.
Willimantic's Third Thursday Street Festival, held downtown from May to September, features live music, food, and local vendors.
Experience live music, food, and fun at Willimantic's Third Thursday Street Festival in downtown, CT, from May to September.
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Small businesses and fast-food spots downtown
The historic downtown area is where most of the community’s stores and restaurants are located. “We have the usual suspects, like Dunkin Donuts and other fast-food joints, but other local businesses are cropping up,” Watson Stokland says. Locally owned coffee shops, elevated restaurants and a large brewery are popular spots downtown. Willimantic has a couple of supermarkets, and big box stores are only a couple of miles away in Windham.
Savor a cup of hot coffee at the locally loved Grounded Coffee Company in downtown Willimantic.
Blondie's Diner in Willimantic offers hearty American breakfast and dinner options for all.
Shop authentic Latin American groceries from Mexico and Guatemala at La Tea Meat Market, Willimantic, CT.
Find all your grocery needs at Stop & Shop in Windham, just a short drive from Willimantic, CT.
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Career pathways at Windham High and a small public college
Kids are zoned to Windham Public Schools, which serves about 3,200 students and has a C rating from Niche. Windham High School, the district’s only high school, offers career pathways for students to focus on areas of interest like global studies and business. The community is also home to Eastern Connecticut State University, a public college with about 3,200 undergraduate students. “The college has bought a few Victorian homes and restored them,” Watson Stokland says. “And our newer businesses are grabbing college students’ attention, so we’ll see them starting to traverse Main Street.” For medical services, Windham Hospital is near the university.
North Windham School in Windham, CT, is where local kids begin their academic journey.
At Windham Middle School, the spacious building reflects the goal of fostering growth in students.
Windham High School, a public school in Willimantic, CT, offers quality education to local students.
Known for its top programs in business, engineering, and agriculture, UCONN is near Willimantic, CT.
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Commuters head to Hartford or Mansfield
CTtransit operates a few bus stops in town that take passengers to nearby cities like Hartford. Some residents who live near downtown can walk, but most end up driving to work or to run errands. U.S. Route 6 runs just north of the community, routing drivers 28 miles west to Hartford and 48 miles east to Providence, Rhode Island. Mansfield, where the University of Connecticut is located, is a 7-mile drive north on State Route 195. For air travel, Bradley International Airport in Hartford County is 34 miles northwest.
Crime rates in Willimantic
FBI statistics show that violent crime rates are slightly lower than the national average, while property crime rates are usually on par with national figures.
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