Willimantic, Connecticut, is a town you are not likely to forget once you drive through it. Overlooking the city are two giant frogs in all their green wonder. As if that were not enough to grab your attention, the Willimantic frogs are sitting atop large spools of thread.
The city of Willimantic in Connecticut is technically a census-designated place
Willimantic, Connecticut, is a town you are not likely to forget once you drive through it. Overlooking the city are two giant frogs in all their green wonder. As if that were not enough to grab your attention, the Willimantic frogs are sitting atop large spools of thread.
The city of Willimantic in Connecticut is technically a census-designated place. Most people, however, know it as a village, because at one point in history, it did carry that title. In 1983, it lost village status, superseded by the Willimantic Special Services District. You can still call it a village if you want, though. The residents here won't argue the point. The village, or not, of Willimantic, is a distinct place with many notable landmarks, and even its own local currency.
There are no specific neighborhood designations, because Willimantic itself is sort of like one giant neighborhood. However, that doesn't stop the residents from having some interesting housing trends.
For example, most know it as the home to the Eastern Connecticut State University, so housing for rent tends to be seasonal. There is a high vacancy rate in this region, as well, meaning a search for apartments in Willimantic should provide rentable results even at short notice. Property owners, whether apartment complexes or townhouses for rent, will be used to short term occupancies. You will need an ID at the very least. Plan on a deposit plus possibly the first and last months' rent.
Willimantic has much to offer, but let's start with the frogs. That's right, the frogs! The Frog Bridge celebrates Willimantic's history in the cotton and silk manufacturing industries. Willimantic is home to the Windham Textile and History Museum, as well. The copper frog sculptures are eight-foot tall and sit atop concrete spools of thread. The Tread City Crossing, home to the frogs, is one of a number of architectural bridges in town. Other key landmarks to watch for include:
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Willimantic Footbridge -- A local bridge that crosses over road, rail and river
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The Garden on the Bridge -- An active garden on the Thread City Crossing maintained by the Windham Garden Club
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Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum -- A collection of locomotives and vintage railroad buildings
The events in town are just as interesting as the landmarks. The Willimantic Boom Box Parade, for example, fills the region with music every Fourth of July. The 3rd Thursday Street Fests bring food and fun to the streets each summer.
Valentine's Day in Willimantic is renamed Romantic Willimantic to celebrate the Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Fest that comes complete with a Chocolate Chip Stroll. One of the most interesting facts about Willimantic, however, is the Thread City Bread. This is the local currency accepted at many of the businesses in the area.
If you prefer not to drive, the city also offers a number of mass transit options, including the Willimantic City Bus, the Route 195 Express Service from the UConn campus and the Route 32 Commuter Bus going into Norwich and to the Foxwoods Resort Casino.
Historic fun, romance, boom boxes and frogs -- really, what more could you ask for from a New England town? You get all that and more when you choose Willimantic for your new home.
