Simsbury’s lovely landscapes, roomy residential neighborhoods, vaunted school system and absence of cheesy commercial chains, make it sparkle. Well-organized residents have been successful in preserving hundreds of acres of scenic farmland and wildlife habitats, shielding neighborhoods from high-density development, and protecting the historical integrity of its town center.

Entering town from the east on Route 185, the panorama of Simsbury’s 34.5 square miles of varied topography—and the outlines of its original villages—unfolds below. The hills of West Simsbury provide a scenic backdrop to fertile farmland that lies along both sides of the Farmington River through Weatogue. Off Route 185 is the entrance to Talcott Mountain State Park and the hiking trail up to Heublein Tower. Built as a summer retreat in 1914 by Hartford distiller Gilbert Heublein, this unique building is the Valley’s most visible landmark and a point of reference for travelers.

Two well-groomed farm estates on Route 185 serve as an informal gateway to town. Robert and Margaret Patricelli’s Folly Farm is an outstanding equestrian center that regularly hosts charity horse shows. Across the road, Brian Foley and Lisa Wilson-Foley put smiles on faces of passersby with a Noah’s Ark collection of exotic animals and barns always decorated for the holidays.

A right turn leads into East Weatogue’s historic district, a serene stretch of flat farmland where some of the town’s oldest Colonials look up at pricey contemporary home sites carved into the rugged, eastern-most edge of Talcott Mountain ridge. The district’s seasonal array of farm markets is a delight. Rosedale Farm, forever famous for its fresh corn, continues to expand its selection of local products that includes award-winning wines from its vineyard. Across the road, Connie Caldeira’s mums draw appreciative fans from miles around.

Moving north, Terry’s Plain connects East Weatogue to Tariffville. On the way is Curtis Park, where Simsbury’s youth soccer program plays on well-groomed fields throughout the spring and fall.

Ahead, a precipitous drop in the river’s level at the Tariffville Gorge tests even the most skillful whitewater enthusiasts. A frequent site of national canoe and kayak competitions, the gorge’s whitewater once provided the power for early Tariffville industries that, in turn, spurred the development of a tight-knit village. One remaining mill building has been converted to studios, and recently added a trend-setting restaurant.

Back onto Route 185 on the other end of town, the state’s largest tree, the Pinchot Sycamore, stretches up from below the road to welcome you to Weatogue. Just ahead is the landmark Pettibone’s Tavern, a local landmark that has recently been beautifully renovated and renamed Abigail’s in honor of the ghost that has reputedly haunted the place for more than a few centuries.

Turn left and Route 10 connects Weatogue to Avon, then Farmington. Along the way former prime, river-edge farmlands now grow condos and corporate office parks. Residents have strongly opposed retail development here.

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