My goal is to visit every small town in CT. Today I began with Union.
Union has a population of only785 people, making it Connecticut’s least populous town. However, it has an area of 28.71 square miles, making it larger than Waterbury, which has 114,403 people, or 146 times the population. Incorporated in 1734, the town’s website states that “Union was the last town to be settled east of the Connecticut River.”
Normally, I would plan to eat at a restaurant, and then visit at least one noteworthy location in town. Well, Traveler Restaurant is pulling double duty today, because there isn’t much else going on in little ol’ Union. But that’s fine, Traveler Restaurant is more than just a restaurant, it’s also a noteworthy place! It’s the only restaurant I know of where every patron gets to take home three free books.
It all started when prior owner Marty Doyle wanted to thin out his own collection. Now the current owners spend their spare time running around picking up books, which are mostly donated by libraries and local members of the community.
If you’ve ever driven on Rt 84 through Sturbridge, you’ve seen Traveler Restaurant right next to the highway. Today was my first visit, and I found it to be a capable small-town burger and sandwich place, with pizza on the menu as well. The sandwich I had was good, as was the iced tea, although the pie they were pushing was a disappointment. Human hands had never touched that pie until the moment the server sliced it and plated it.
As you can see, books abound. I was there at an odd time, between lunch and dinner, so there were only a few patrons, but from what I saw they have definitely managed to attract a bookish clientele.
I did not take my authorized three books, but I did pick up a copy of One Fine Day the Rabbi Bought a Cross. Mainly to annoy my girlfriend who is sort of Jewish. Like maybe 52% Jewish.
Thank you Pearle L Crawford Memorial Library, and thank you Traveler Restaurant!
One Response
52% Jewish!