Antiquing in Coventry, Connecticut a Charming New England Day Trip

Coventry, Connecticut is Charming

The hunting bug hit me yesterday and I was off to Coventry, CT (home of Nathan Hale) for an afternoon out antiquing and lunching with a friend visiting from Bristol, England. We started our day at Memory Too Antique Center (Route 44) and Memory Lanes Countryside Antique Center (next door). I bought several wonderful prints, a doll size China Cupboard and kitchen textiles.

Lunching at The Bidwell Tavern and Cafe

Next stop was lunch....we drove down to the Village of Coventry and ate at The Bidwell Tavern and Cafe (built in 1822). The Bidwell is a popular evening and weekend hang out for nearby UCONN students who come for some good ale and wings. During the day you will find plenty of antique hunters like "moi" who come in from the cold for some good hot soup and sandwich. I had a delicious "French Dip" (Roast Beef on a roll). My antique hunting partner, Lynn had some mighty fine Chili. We took the table by the fireplace stove ...... so we could de-frost!

Next Stop The Coventry Country Store

After a hearty lunch it was down the road to the Coventry Country Store (1140 Main Street) originally named the W.L Wellwood General Store (built in 1787). Word has it that the General Store is one of the oldest of its kind in America. The Country Store under new ownership is now a combination multi-dealer antiques shop and good ole fashioned Country Store carrying penny candy, soda, handmade quilts, scarves,jams, jellies and more.

I took plenty of photos of the wonderful painted Victorian buildings. There are over 100 buildings registered as historic properties.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

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