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Lock 12 Park is part of the Cheshire park system. It is also one of the few remnants of the Farmington Canal, which ran from New Haven CT to Northampton MA. The lock itself is the only one remaining along the length of the canal. It still works, which is additionally exciting.

There is the Lock 12 Museum along at the park, along with a pavilion which Cheshire residents can rent for a small fee. I didn’t tour the museum, however, i did walk the paved path at the park. The path is perfect for bikes or rollerblades – straight, paved and wide. There were a number of other walkers as well though, especially with dogs.

The path is part of the East Coast Greenway, a path linking major cities along the east coast. The different sections are also marked with mile markers, to let you know how far you’ve gone and if you want to continue or head back.

The walk along the pathway is shaded, but not really wooded. It isn’t a hike, just an easy walk. It really is a nice spot for an easy walk or ride.

The Burritt Hotel is one of those spots in New Britain – you hear of it, you know the area it’s in, you’ve probably seen the building, but never put it all together.

Located on the corner of West Main & Washington Streets, the hotel was opened in 1924, with 130 rooms. It’s architecture is Georgian Colonial. At the time of it’s construction, the city’s chamber of commerce felt there was a need for a high class hotel, and so they raised the funds.

You can get some idea of the neighborhood by looking at the Downtown New Britain Walking Tour Guide (PDF).

Today it is a subsidized home for the elderly, and known as the Burritt House.

Again, this was a place i wasn’t able to tour the interior of, but despite it’s place on the National Historic Register, i doubt it’s in the same condition it once was during it’s days as a hotel.

Last night we went, as a family (Mom, Dad & brother) to see Toots & The Maytals at Toad’s Place in New Haven.

While my brother & i have gone many times, this was the first time for both of my parents in many years, if ever. As the early portion of the night was very slow and empty, it also meant we got to look around more than previous as well.

We’d never been to the ‘rainforest’ area, a greener bar with a pool table and a few more tables, located at the far end of the place, just off the stage.

Toad’s Place opened in 1975, and has been rocking since. If you check out their MySpace page, there is a list of the many famous acts that have played there, along with the hundreds, if not thousands, of lesser known acts.

It’s also fun to look at the various posters and other memorabila on the walls, representing the various acts that have played there. Because of it’s location near New York City, Toad’s has become a pretty famous place for huge acts, like the Rolling Stones, to play small shows.

It isn’t the perfect venue. It’s had long running issues with various codes and laws, that recently resulted in a 3 month shutdown. Still, it has come back strong.