About the Coventry, Connecticut Area 

Historic Coventry bills itself as the “Gateway to Northeast Connecticut’s Quiet Corner.” This serene and scenic town of 12,000 friendly residents spread over 37 square miles of woods and old farmlands was incorporated all the way back in 1712 and there’s a reason people have enjoyed calling it home for almost 300 years. Coventry boasts a captivating combination of enchanting homes on country lanes surrounded by superior schools, historic sites, specialty shops and antique stores plus public beaches and a state boat launch on Lake Wangumbaug. Add in delicious places to indulge in a leisurely meal as well as renowned herb farms that will thrill even the most accomplished chef or gardener and it all equals one of the sweetest spots imaginable to settle down. Why even the acclaimed University of Connecticut, one of the finest public colleges in the nation providing incomparable intellectual and cultural attractions is just minutes away in Storrs. Most famous as the birthplace of Nathan Hale, people come to Coventry from around the world to explore the homestead of this favorite son whose patriotism during the American Revolution distinguishes him as Connecticut’s official State Hero. The Nathan Hale Homestead includes the Hale family home and an operating museum on the history of the Hale’s role in the American Revolution. July is a particularly enjoyable time to visit the Homestead when a Colonial Encampment and Muster is held and the Nathan Hale Ancient Fife and Drums Band performs. Other annual events held at the Homestead include Capt. Hales’ birthday party, night-time lantern tours and corn maze adventures on the adjacent 500 acres of parkland. Dedicated to preserving and protecting its many historic sites, Coventry is also home to the Strong-Porter House, an early 18th Century farmhouse nearby the Hale Homestead that belonged to Nathan’s maternal ancestors. An on-site museum flanked by various eighteenth and nineteenth century farm outbuildings presents exhibits on local history. Kids enjoy a tour of the classic one-room Brick School House Museum on Merrow Road that shows them what school was like for the grandparents and great-grandparents while the newly formed Museum of Connecticut Glass, located in the Coventry Glass Factory National Register Historic District offers a glimpse into Coventry’s industrial past. Graced with most charming town center imaginable, Coventry boasts an abundance of collectable boutiques that promise hours of pleasurable shopping. With a variety of flea markets, art galleries and an auction house, the opportunities for finding that perfect antique are endless. Yet Coventry is also home to all the conveniences you rely on with modern malls nearby as well as fantastic farmer’s markets for the freshest produce imaginable. The land surrounding Coventry has remained largely rural and the region is renowned among herb enthusiasts. Caprilands Herb Farm, which is open for visitors, was the home of the late, world-famous herbalist and author, Adelma Grenier Simmons, who turned her colonial Coventry farmstead into a showplace for herbal appreciation. Coventry is also home to the Topmost Herb Farm and South River Herbals and Education Center, both of which specialize in growing high quality, organic herbs while offering a variety lectures and classes for cooks and farmers as well as products for sale in local shops. When you live in Coventry you can really enjoy the great outdoors at Patriots Park on Lake Wangumbaug where a guarded beach for swimming, playground, picnic area, lodge facilities, Community Center, and band shell for summer concerts make it the ultimate summer retreat. There’s a boat launch and the lake is popular for fishing and water sports of every variety. Coventry also boasts two 18-hole public golf courses plus a Parks and Recreation Department that provides a full compliment of activities, classes and teams. Perhaps the most desirable place to live in Coventry is South Coventry Village, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is significant for its well-preserved houses and early industrial landscape. The buildings reflect a variety of architectural styles, including Colonial, Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Ann. Although whatever you seek, within gracious neighborhoods of both newer and vintage homes, you’re certain to find just the right residence to live the sought-after Coventry lifestyle.

Useful Links: Official Town of Coventry Website Tolland County Chamber of Commerce

LOCATION 

Coventry is spread along 37 miles of woods and old farmlands in a picturesque environment flanking the shores of Lake Wangumbaug at an elevation of 500 feet in northeastern Connecticut’s scenic Tolland County. Set along Route 275 just a few miles south of the I-84, Coventry feels far away but is remarkably centrally located, just 10 miles southwest of the main UCONN campus in Storrs and only 18 miles east of Hartford. Boston is only 90 miles north and New York City is 125 miles south.  

TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS 

Set along Route 275, Coventry is off the beaten track yet still remarkably accessible. Surrounded by a well-maintained network of local roads and bridges, most of Connecticut’s major highways are minutes away including the I-84, I-395, I-95 and Route-91. Hartford is 18 miles west, Boston is 90 miles north and New York City is 125 miles south. 

Bradley International, located off Route 91 in Windsor Locks, about a thirty minute drive away, is Coventry’s local airport. Also referred to as the Hartford-Springfield Airport, it is one of New England’s most hassle-free and easy to use with twenty airlines offering direct flights to primary pleasure and business destinations both domestic and international. Additional flights and travel flexibility are provided by Boston’s Logan Airport, less than a two-hour drive away.  

Bonanza Bus Lines provides intra-city service between nearby Mansfield and many East Coast cities and airports including Hartford, Boston and New York.

A BRIEF HISTORY 

Coventry was founded by a group of eleven families from around New England in 1709 that came together and purchased the land to establish an agricultural community. The town was laid out along woods and fields with the first permanent residences constructed by 1711 and the first church established by 1714. 

Coventry remained an agricultural outpost for its first century of existence while playing an important role in the American Revolution as home to famed patriot Nathan Hale, whose utterance of, “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” still resonates with us today. The Hale Homestead is Coventry’s pride and joy attracting visitors from around the world while Captain Hale has been officially recognized as the State Hero of Connecticut. 

During the nineteenth century, agriculture gave way to industrialization as the motor of the local economy. Factories were established in Coventry that produced a wide array of products including the pressed glass for which New England was famous. 

Always a sought after place to call home, beautiful residences were built in Coventry during the nineteenth century. South Coventry Village, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is significant for its well-preserved houses and early industrial landscape. The gracious buildings reflect a variety of architectural styles, including Colonial, Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Ann. 

As the twentieth century unfolded, manufacturing moved west and south while Coventry remade itself in the charming image it still maintains today as a classic New England village. Combining quaint shops and historic attractions with lovely residential neighborhoods, many filled with faculty and staff from the nearby University of Connecticut at Storrs, Coventry is a bedroom community boasting an intellectual and cultural sheen.  

During recent years Coventry has experienced a mini-building boom with new subdivisions and custom homes rising from the rural landscape. This progress is part of planned growth intended to keep the community vibrant while preserving and protecting its peaceful and picturesque allure. As Coventry approaches the 300th anniversary of its existence, it’s clear that there’s still a bright future ahead.