For the last three years, I have been leading a tour around Norwichtown, a village in Norwich, Connecticut, as part of The Last Green Valley’s Walktober series. The walk’s name is “Off Kilter Tales of Norwichtown” and yes, it features an array of ghost stories about the historic neighborhood. The walk is run in conjunction with the Norwich Historical Society. The historical society walks have opted to have theirs virtual this year (although other walks are still being offered in-person). I thought this was the best option for my walk, as in previous years the crowd has been large, making it difficult to socially distance on the narrow sidewalks of Norwichtown.
The allure of Norwichtown
As you can see, the video outlines a bit of Norwichtown’s spookier side. These come from my collections of Connecticut folklore. Whether or not you are looking for ghosts, this historic neighborhood is worth your while to take a walk. From paths in the Lowthorpe Meadow to a meander among the old gravestones at the Norwichtown Burial Ground, or a trip up Meetinghouse Rocks, this neighborhood is perfect for a reflective walk or simply the enjoyment of nature around you.
You may find one or two other visitors on the paths, or locals walking dogs, but unlike other historic neighborhoods such as Old Wethersfield and Old Deerfield, Norwichtown is not teeming with tourists.
Other Norwich Attractions
While you’re visiting Norwichtown, make sure to take a peek at the impressive Yantic Falls, only a few miles down the street, downtown Norwich’s restaurant scene, and Mohegan Park, with its walking trails, swimming pond, and rose garden.
Norwich has the distinction of being a city, but in certain areas, farmland is a common sight. Its various neighborhoods include Taftville, with Ponemah Mill (now renovated into apartments) as the jewel in its crown. It also has hidden places that are beautiful, especially this time of year. Each neighborhood has its own gems to uncover.
Norwich is a town of contradictions: a city with farmland, downtrodden in parts, with 19th-century millionaires’ mansions just around the corner, and is home to Norwich Free Academy, a premier high school that even features its own art museum (make sure to visit in May when the cherry blossoms are in bloom). History is alive here, but so is culture, cuisine, and community. Add to that natural hidden locations, and Norwich is a gem waiting to be uncovered.
The following pictures showcase of my favorite scenes in Norwichtown.
As many times as I’ve walked around in that area, including quite a bit in the cemetery, I’ve never had any sort of ghostly encounters – darn the bad luck! It really is a nice part of Norwich though, especially if you enjoy the early history of the city. Thank you for the virtual visit, I’m going to have to round up my cousin and head over for a walk through Lowthorpe Meadows one of these days soon, we’re always looking for good places for a stroll!
Even though I grew up right there it’s still such a special place!
The only encounters I have had in that meadow were with Mr. Gibson.
And in the nearby Stop and Shop!