Visiting Canton for the first time or looking to discover a resident fan favorite? Level up your Instagram feed as you make your way through various scenic locations and small businesses. We’re highlighting a few of the most Instagrammable places our town has to offer!
Farmington River
Photo by the Farmington River Stewards Photo by Timmy Cronin
Year-round, thousands of people visit the Farmington River to hike, bike, walk, fish, and take a dip. If your Instagram is full of #adventourous and #outdoors photos, then the Farmington River is the place for you! There’s no better view than watching the sunset’s reflection hit the water or the lush greenery that surrounds the river.
The Farmington River trail spans 4.1 miles from Canton to Collinsville. By land, you can hike, walk, or bike the length of the trail or get in the water and enjoy the views on a paddleboard or canoe. Collinsville Canoe & Kayak sits right on the Farmington River and has bikes, canoes, and kayaks available for rent. The best time to visit the river is during the afternoon, right as the sun begins to set. Be sure to visit Collinsville Canoe & Kayak to take advantage of their sunset paddleboard sessions.
Collinsville Axe Factory
Photo: Collinsville Axe Factory by Juno Collinsville Photo: Collinsville Axe Factory by Jake Oster
You may have seen the famous Collinsville Axe Factory pop up on your Instagram feed here and there. The rustic red building has been a landmark and beloved staple in our community since the early 1800s. What was once the Collins Axe Company is now the place dozens of small businesses call home.
Level up your Instagram with outdoor and indoor pictures of the factory. Take a tour inside and experience the rich history our town has to offer or simply step outside and admire the reflection of the building on the water. During the fall the factory is covered with bright yellow and burnt orange leaves. Meanwhile, during the winter the factory’s red brick and wood pop against the soft white snow. The spring and summer months are the best times to visit as the temperatures are pleasant and the sky’s filled with pink cloudy hues.
Learn more about the rich history of the Collinsville Axe Factory and plan your visit today.
Flower Mural at Kismet Collinsville
Photo: Flower Mural at Kismet Collinsville
Add a pop of color to your Instagram feed with this floor-to-ceiling mural! Kismet Collinsville is an artisanal gift shop located within the Collinsville Axe Factory. They sell everything from skincare products and candles to books and gifts. In March 2022, the Kismet crew renovated the space, knocked down a few walls, and painted a flower wall to bring new life into the space.
The mural highlights the calendula flower, known for its vibrant golden color and its healing properties. Owner Emily Barnes painted the mural herself with inspiration and help from Co-Owner and local herbalist Jocelyn Richard. Kismet Collinsville is open Thursday through Sunday with select store hours. View the latest products from Kismet Collinsville and plan your visit today.
Sweetheart Mountain
Photos: Earlybirdonthetrail
There’s no better place to snap a picture for the ‘gram than on top of Sweetheart Mountain. Whether you’re an early bird or a lover of sunsets, Sweetheart Mountain has breathtaking views everyone can enjoy!
There are 3 different trails to choose from— yellow, red, and blue. The yellow and red trails will take you to the highest point of the mountain, with views overlooking Collinsville and the Farmington River. Altogether, the trails are about 2.5 miles and about 500 feet in elevation. We recommend wearing close-toed shoes and bringing a water bottle. Reward yourself with a selfie after you reach the top of the mountain, we promise the views are worth it.
Make your way through Canton and discover all the hiking and biking trails our town offers! Click here to view our trails and plan your visit today. For additional information on directions and parking to Sweetheart Mountain, click here.
Riverside Nursery Garden Center and Flower Shop
Photo: Red Skies Photography Photo: Flowers from Riverside Nursery Garden Center
Spend the afternoon stocking up on all your favorite plants and flowers as you make your way through the Riverside Nursery Garden Center and Flower Shop. This small business sits on the Farmington River and has a large selection of indoor and outdoor plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as home decor and gifts.
Every corner of the Riverside Nursery Garden Center is well deserving of a spot on your Instagram feed. Whether you’re sitting outside enjoying the views of the river or browsing through succulents and perennials, there’s a photo opp for everyone. The Riverside Nursery Garden Center and Flower Shop is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
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