Things to Do in Farmington

Mal-sun Marletto has dedicated decades to the sport of fencing. A passion of hers since the age of 10, Mal-Sun has not only competed in five countries, but she's also a World Cup competitor and Connecticut Women’s Champion in foil, épée, and saber. At Farmington Valley Fencing Academy, where she is both owner and head coach, Mal-sun draws on her vast experience and US Fencing Coaches Association–certification to instruct students of all ages and skill levels. She designed a variety of programs and membership packages that include instruction in foil, saber, and épée, and include additional perks such as discounts on equipment and gear.

Hornet Marine President David Hartmann got his taste for boat design from his father, Hal, an engineer who helped create the smooth-riding deep-vee hull now included on each Hornet 17 speedboat. Today, the 17-foot seacrafts zip through the water with help from Mercury MerCruiser engines, each carrying up to five passengers perched on custom upholstery. Hornet Marine invites landlubbers on factory tours and test drives at its headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, where a staff of nautical experts also keep ships shipshape with oil changes, detailing, and other boat-maintenance services.

The NRA-certified instructors of Your Pistol Permit have one goal: to instill in their students responsible handgun practices as outlined by the National Rifle Association. To do this, they lead the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting course, blending both classroom and range training so students feel comfortable handling a firearm and auditioning for the next Police Academy movie. Along with demonstrating the proper mindset needed to responsibly operate a handgun, instructors teach terminology, stance, loading and unloading, and firearm cleaning. They also offer private instruction for clients who prefer training tailored to their skill level.

Pequabuck Golf Club traces its origins back to 1902, when it welcomed its first fairway explorers as a 5-hole course. After surviving the putter shortage of the Great Depression, the verdant grounds underwent a massive redesign by renowned golf-course architect and author Geoffrey St. John Cornish, who dreamt up more than 200 courses and was reincarnated as a golf cart now free to graze the land.

Under Cornish’s talented eye, Pequabuck became an 18-hole course that incorporates the rustic beauty of nature as its challenging terrain. The course takes golfers on a tee-to-green journey across its mature pine forest, over the Bristol Reservoir that runs through its fairways, and past the railroad tracks that drop off vagabond caddies on two fairways.

After conquering the 18th hole, golfers can head to the clubhouse for casual fare and drinks at The Pequabuck Pub, which features an outdoor patio with views overlooking the course.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 69 course
• Length of 6,015 yards
• Course rating of 70.2
• Slope rating of 118
• See the scorecard

Inside Cork & Brew, a husband-and-wife team infects customers with their passion for brewing, judging, and, of course, drinking wines and beers. Primarily, they hope to de-mystify home brewing and winemaking with classes, winemaking parties, and even homebrew get-togethers at a residence or office. They stock all the necessary equipment, including fresh hops, grain, and malt, as well as wine must from all over the world. The duo’s hookup with a custom-labeling source allows their clients to brighten up bottles before giving them away as gifts, displaying them on wine racks, or using them to christen newly-purchased ocean liners. Guests also may mingle through the newly opened banquet and party facility, which hosts soirees of 10–80 people.