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New businesses at former Tower Ridge Country Club offer experiences for the Whole Family

  • jfitts0
  • Oct 22, 2021
  • 4 min read

By Ted Glanzer

Staff Writer

Ozzy Nunez shows the different kinds of discs used to play disc golf.

In a word, the entertainment portion of the new development at the former Tower Ridge Country Club on Nod Road is about the experience.

Thirty acres of the shuttered golf course now plays host an 18-hole disc golf course, an entertainment venue with food, beer, music and games; and a nonprofit.

Tyler Ronald, an investor in the entertainment venue the Talcott Mountain Collective, said he and his fellow investors were looking for several years for something unique to bring to people.


Talcott Mountain Collective

There are plenty of good restaurants and breweries in Connecticut, Ronald said.

“We didn’t just want to build a bar,” he said in a telephone interview. “We didn’t want it where the event was drinking. We wanted to genuinely open the doors and the world to experiences that are augmented and enhanced by great food and by great beverage, alcoholic and nonalcoholic. A place where families can come. Plenty of people have money but plenty of people don’t. Not everyone has the option to go to a private club and have their kids run around there.”

After surveying the bucolic property, the investors formed the Talcott Mountain Collective, which which is targeted to open in mid-November, will feature craft beer from multiple local producers, food prepared on site, a rotating lineup of food trucks, live bands and games.

We wanted to borrow the best of what’s out there in the local community,” Ronald said. “

“This COVID area reinforced the need and desires to have four-season outlets where they can go have fun experiences, engaging in nature, being active, playing games matched with food and fare and fire pits and having unique local experiences,” he said. “We saw the puzzle pieces come together how this property with its expansive grounds could lend itself.”

The collective has about 6 acres of land and 4,500 square feet of interior space. The plan is to have food trucks on most nights of the week, with the space will accommodate “one to a few” trucks, Ronald said.

“The number will be reflected on what’s going on at the venue,” Ronald said. “We don’t want to dilute the pie for any truck, either. Part of the interest is we’re an outlet for them and we want them to sell out of their food.”

Ronald drew a loose comparison to Gastropark in West Hartford, which posts its weekly schedule. He said it could be a situation where one food truck is there Saturday afternoon, with a different one Saturday evening.

The collective will have its own menu of “simple fare,” Ronald said, including large German pretzels, brats and sausage and grilled pizzas.

The bar will have 28 draft offerings from all over “Hartford County, Connecticut, the country and the globe,” Ronald said. “It won’t be just beer. We’ll have ciders, we’ll have seltzers, wine and spirited drinks. But we’re not going to have a huge wine list or 60 different bottles of spirits. It’s going to be simplified to ease timely service.”


Tower Ridge Disc Golf

The pro shop at the Tower Ridge Disc Golf Course.

The collective dovetails with Tower Ridge Disc Golf, an 18-hole, par 62 course that is owned by David Tolk, Ozzy Nunez, Brett Hollander and the collective also maintaining an interest.

First things first with disc golf: players refer to disc golf as “golf,” and what’s commonly known as golf as “ball golf.”

No matter what you call disc golf, it’s popularity is exploding throughout the country.

“Huge popularity - they call it the COVID boom,” Nunez, a former ball golfer who tried disc golf a about 14 years ago and got hooked, said. “It’s one of those outdoor sports that you can distance yourself. It’s hiking with a purpose.”

The course, which is the first of its kind in the Farmington Valley, had a soft opening two weeks ago that was attended by YouTube star Simon Lizotte.

Like ball golf, there three layouts per hole - red (beginner), blue (intermediate) and gold (low-level pro) — that have different distances and challenges. The goal, Nunez said, is to have a championship level as well for tournaments. Nunez said there is also a plan to have kids leagues and women’s leagues.

The group is still tweaking the course, including looking to fill in the ball golf course’s sand traps with grass and other plantings for pollinators.

“A sand pit, in my opinion, is not an actual hazard,” Nunez said. “Disc golf you need visual hazard, so we’re looking to plant tall grass.”

There is also a small shop for people to buy discs. (Just as ball golf has specialized clubs for varying distances and shots, disc golf has different discs for the length, curve, etc. of a throw. Unlike ball golf, which limits the number of clubs a player can have in his or her bag, a disc golf player can carry as many discs that will fit in their bag.)

Rounds cost $5 until spring, with memberships available: $50 per month or $500 per year.

Since the soft opening, the response from players has been overwhelmingly positive, Nunez said.

On a recent sunny afternoon, Matt Bunko and Torrie Sarnecki were spotted coming up the ninth hole. They said the course was definitely worth the trip and the price of admission.

“It’s fantastic,” Sarnecki said. “Wide open holes, challenging distance and beautiful scenery.”

“This is awesome,” Bunko added. “Just playing the front nine, it’s great. A great mix.”

The disc golf course and, when it opens, the collective will enjoy the synergy of people playing a round, then kicking back and enjoying a meal or beverage. Alternatively, people may come for the collective and decide to play a round, Ronald said.


Healing Meals

The final piece to the property is Healing Meals, a nonprofit that prepares and delivers healthy meals to people in a health crisis, which occupies the former clubhouse. See more at https://healingmealsproject.org/



 
 
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Valley Happenings

Fit for a Lifetime races

Fit for a Lifetime Choose Your Race to benefit a sports program for individuals with a disability. March 29, starting at 8 a.m. Farmington River Trail, 350 Collinsville Road, Unionville. Several races, fees vary. https://fitforalifetime.itsyourrace.com/

Earth Day celebration

Flamig Farm, 7 Shingle Mill Road, is having their annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 9 to 5 p.m. (rain date April 27) with discounted admission of $5 per person (under 2 is free). 860-658-5070 or www.Flamingfarm.com

Tunxis Senior Citizens meeting

Tunxis Senior Citizens Association’s monthly meeting, featuring Bunny Bingo. Monday April 8. Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville. Meeting at 1:30 with introduction, followed by six games of Bingo and then refreshments. $1 for admission and $3 per pack of papers. $20 gift certificates to local grocery stores will be awarded to bingo winners. Call the  860-675-4770 to learn about membership.

April at Hill-Stead Museum

• Art of Shearing, Sunday, April 6-10 a.m., Sheep Shearing, fiber artists, vendors, free hayrides. $20 carload.

• On view through April 27, visit The Arethusa Collection From Italian Renaissance to Contemporary British Art to see the private collection of Tony Yurgaitis, owner of Arethusa Farm.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

Garden club event

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a presentation on “Floral Mechanics:  Past, Present, Future for Eco-Friendly Floral Designs.” Tuesday, April 8, 11 a.m. at 40 Dyer Avenue. Open to the public. $5 guest fee for non-club members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

The SpongeBob Musical

Favarh Players presents The SpongeBob Musical, April 4, 5 at 7 pm; April 6 at 1 p.m. at Northwest Catholic School, 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford. Cost: $15 per person. Tickets: favarh.org/theater

2025 Walker’s Cup: Honoring Women in International Showjumping

The Ethel Walker School invites the community to the Second Walker’s Cup on Sunday, April 13, a day of friendly equestrian competition and celebration. This year’s event highlights the achievements of U.S. women in international showjumping and honors the female athletes who have paved the way. Opening ceremony begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by a warm-up round and two rounds of competition. A closing ceremony and victory gallop conclude the day at 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Ken Whelihan at kwhelihan@ethelwalker.org.

Community Breakfast w/Easter Bunnny

AVON – Community Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road. Details, times at avonmumc.org, 860-673-2111.

Author Luncheon in Avon
AVON – The Friends of the Avon Free Public Library present New York Times honored author, J. Courtney Sullivan, on Friday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Farmington Polo Club located at 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington. Tickets are $50 per person. Download an Author Luncheon Reservation form at  https://www.avonctlibrary.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/new-Author-Luncheon-2025-Reservation-form-2-9-25-1.pdf.

 

At the Farmington Libraries

The following programs are offered by The Farmington Libraries. Except where noted, programs take place at the main library, 6 Monteith Drive. Register for programs at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Cake Candle Decorating! Thursday, April 3 at 6 p.m. 12 and up Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• History of Beauty & Cosmetics - Thursday, April 10 at 1 p.m. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Paths to Autistic Empowerment. Presenter Jeremy Farrell encourages attendees to think critically about the benefits of open communication and self-advocacy for their lives and the lives of those around them. Thursday, April 17 at 6 p.m. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

 

Canton Community Health Fund

CANTON – Canton Community Health Fund, Inc.Community Partner grants/ Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship and Pay It Forward Scholarships for graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety. www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.

Word Art at Gallery on the Green

CANTON  – Gallery on the Green’s Word Art, plus Solo Shows by Renée and Patrick Hughes and Peggy Stosz, takes place through Saturday, April 19. In “Word Art” visual artists create a work of art that is inspired by prose or poetry, while writers create new work in response to visual art. On Saturday, April 5 from 7 to 10 p.m. authors will read aloud. The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. http://www.galleryonthegreen.org or call  860-693-4102

Easter Bunny at Westfarms

FARMINGTON – At Westfarms the Easter Bunny will greet visitors in Bunnyville – a three-dimensional town for kids to explore through April 19. Located on the shopping center’s lower level in the Center Court, Bunnyville features many places to visit. For more information or to make a reservation at https://shopwestfarms.com/

Welcoming Hummingbirds

AVON – The Garden Club of Avon presents Welcoming Hummingbirds to your Yard and Garden with Catie Resor on Monday, April 21 at the Church of St. Ann, Father Bennett Hall, 289 Arch Road. Guests are welcome for a light lunch at 12 p.m. with the presentation starting at 1 p.m.  Reservations are required, the guest fee is $15 payable at the door with cash or check. Spots must be reserved by April 15 by emailing thegardenclubofavon@gmail.com.

All For Girls Summer Academy

Providing a summer of academic discovery, The Ethel Walker School’s All For Girls Summer Academy is where curiosity meets exploration and fun. Our vibrant in-person program for grades 5-8 is an immersive learning experience on campus, while grades 9 and 10 connect and collaborate in online spaces. Learn more, register at www.ethelwalker.org/summer.

Program on Stress and Disease

SIMSBURY – Stress and Disease with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz takes place Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. To register, call 860-658-7663 or visit: https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/event/rescheduled-stress-disease-w-dr-wendy-hurwitz-54826

Friends of the Simsbury Public
Library Spring Author Luncheon

SIMSBURY – The Friends of the Simsbury Public Library will hold it 2025 Annual Author Luncheon on Tuesday, May 6 from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury. This year’s featured author is critically-acclaimed author Claire Messud, who will discuss her latest award-winning historical novel, This Strange Eventful History. Cost is $38 per person.  Please RSVP by April 8. Seating cannot be guaranteed. Sorry no refunds. Register on-line at www.simsburylibrary.info or pick up a reservation form at the library’s reference desk, or call 860-658-7663.

11th Annual Memory Walk

WINDSOR – On Sunday, May 4, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families will host its 12th Annual Memory Walk at Northwest Park; 145 Lang Road, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

National Day of Prayer event

AVON – There will be a National Day of Prayer Event held at Carmon Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, Thursday, May 1 from 8 to 9 a.m. The theme this year is “Pour out to the God of Hope and Be Filled” from Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Tag, Bake sale

CANTON – The North Canton United Methodist Church, 3 Case St. North Canton, will hold a tag and bake sale April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Early birds 8 a.m., $10 entry. Free after 9 a.m.

Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League

FARMINGTON – Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League. Thursday mornings at Tunxis County Club starting in May. Visit https://www.tunxisgolf.com/ or call 860- 202-0957 or email jco13142@gmail.com

Old school house open house

AVON – The Avon Historical Society welcomes the public to an now annual family friendly OPEN HOUSE of the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris Road on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Those interested being a Sunday: info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

Send May listings to
jfitts@turleyct.com by April 7

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