Discovering Willimantic’s Main Street.
I was fortunate enough to call Willimantic, Connecticut home for many years. It is home of “The Great Windham Frog Fight of 1754” which I will get into more detail later. Willimantic (or Windham) is a small town in Northeastern Connecticut. It was in Willimantic in which I both attended Quinebaug Valley Community College (on the same side of the street in which the photographer is) and Eastern Connecticut State University. At both locations, I was able to grow as an individual. Willimantic — the town itself is its own character. You could film television or films here and be completely engrossed with the surroundings. If they ever reboot “The Gilmore Girls” with “an edge” than Willimantic would fit that description.
The Great Windham Frog Fight of 1754
Before I detail the local favorites of main street I feel like I must explain the significance and importance of the frogs. West of the main street heading more towards Danielson is a famous landmark known as “The Frog Bridge.”
Driving on or by this bridge cements that you have arrived in Willimantic. When I attended Eastern Connecticut State University I had the pleasure of walking and biking on this bridge. The pictures do not the frog bridge justice. Unlike Instagram models they are legitimate. Nonetheless, to the story — because of the French and Indian war tensions were high in Windham, Connecticut. One muggy night the townsfolks heard some strange and startling sounds. Most believed those sounds to be from the war. It was discovered those startling sounds came from a pond afar. In that pond — thirsty bullfrogs. Because of this Willimantic adopted the Frog symbol.
Cafemantic
Cafemantic holds a special place in my heart. It was at Cafemantic where I fell in love with the potential quality of food. Before Cafemantic I thought most food I had was good, sometimes great, but it was at Cafemantic where I began to understand that food is layered. Not lasagna-layered. More than that.
I originally started going to Cafemantic because of how “non-corporate” it felt. Yes, I was one of those types of people during college. While I did not always rage against the machine I tried to appreciate local restaurants and flavors more. Not even two minutes away is a Dunkin Donuts. Which I did not shy away from. It's cheap, convenient, and ultimately American. Those first two being great if you are a broke college student. Nonetheless, I did not stop going to Cafemantic. My wallet wished I went to Dunkin more but the quality and care that I received at Cafemantic were worth the two-three dollars more.
Primarily I went to Cafemantic for the coffee but then stayed for the food. Cafemantic now is a four-star reviewed New York Times restaurant. It has evolved from cafe to “you must make a reservation forty years in advance” small dining establishment. It is worth the wait. One night I took some friends from the United Kingdom to Cafemantic. It was the place I would not or shut up about. That night I remember ordering corn on the cob. My goodness. You would not expect corn on the cob to filling and full of flavor. But this — Thanos may as well snapped his fingers and taken me away. It was that good.
The Willimantic Brewing Company
Across the street from Cafemantic is The Willimantic Brewing Company. It is better known as Willibrew. Willibrew is a post office turned restaurant. Locals flock here. Before moving down to Florida to be with my now wife — this is where I had my final Connecticut meal. What makes Willibrew great is its atmosphere. Even during its downtime, the atmosphere remained consistent.
Locals go to the brewing company for different reasons. Are you there for the beer? Or food? Or both? If I had to guess I would say both. During this time, I actually drank. I often ordered local beers and IPAs. At the brewing company, you could purchase a beer sampler which is a favorite of locals. But there is something that myself and friends went to Willibrew for —
Their nachos! Willibrew’s nachos are a thing of legend. Did someone just break up with you? Get the nachos. Did you just receive a promotion? Get the nachos. Are you sick of rhetorical questions? Get the nachos. It does not matter the occasion — Willibrew’s nachos are great no matter the situation. My wife thought they were just okay. We continue to agree to disagree. I highly recommend you order these. I have not yet tried ordering from Florida but the temptation has been there.
Willimantic has so much more to offer. There is so much more I could talk about. If you are interested in what else main street features let me know in the comments below.
I detail Cafemantic and Willibrew because of the special place they hold in my heart. It was at Cafemantic I learned to appreciate the quality of food. At Willibrew, with great food in itself, I learned that atmosphere is an important factor in enjoying food.
Making it all better was that they are across the street from each other. If you are ever in the Willimantic area I recommend going to both. Both deserve your time and curiosity.
