Here we are, the second day of summer, and Connecticut is experiencing its first heat wave of the season. The temperature was 97 degrees yesterday (about 15 degrees above normal!), and they are predicting a high of 100 degrees today.
So where do the residents of Glastonbury find relief? Well, that depends. If you are so inclined, and have the means, you can join one the the private swim clubs in town. Minnechaug, Pinebrook and Orchard Hill all offer swimming facilities as well as tennis courts. Glastonbury Hills has the added advantage of offering an 18 hole golf course.
The town has four official recreational swimming areas open to the public. These include Glastonbury High School Pool (indoor), the Grange Pool, Addison Pool, and Eastbury Pond.
If you are like me, and over-chlorinated cement ponds do not appeal to you, then you will want to check out Cotton Hollow Nature Preserve. This is, by far, my favorite place in town to find relief from the summer heat. This 80 acre parcel of land was once home to numerous mills and factories during the 18th and 19th centuries. Some remnants of the past still remain. As a kid, my dad and I would scout for slag from the old iron works.
Cotton Hollow is now home to unspoiled woodlands, lots of wildlife, and of course, Roaring Brook. This fresh water body of water runs through the preserve. As you make your way down the trail, you will hear the water before you see it. Most of the trail is flat, but be prepared to walk over some roots and rocks.
The trail will follow along the banks of the brook. There are numerous opportunities to climb out on the large rocks and dangle your feet in the water. If you want to swim, there is a naturally formed swimming hole and beach area located at the bottom of the main falls. I can't think of a better place to chill...
Click here for more information about Cotton Hollow!
