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Farmington Miniature Golf

Competitive Fun for All Ages

By , About.com Guide

Farmington Mini Golf

A lighthouse is among the New England-y architectural obstacles you'll encounter at Farmington Mini Golf in Farmington, Connecticut, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012.

© 2012 Kim Knox Beckius
Teenagers on dates... families with young children... pairs of adult couples.... You'll see an amazing variety of people at Farmington Miniature Golf on a Saturday night. It's a summer tradition--a competitive, 18-hole round of putting through the Hartford area's most enduring miniature golf course, followed by sundaes or other ice cream treats at the course's own old-fashioned ice cream parlor. In an era when many businesses fail in their first few years, this mini golf course is an institution: The seasonal business celebrates its 50th season in 2012.

Farmington Miniature Golf is beautifully landscaped with colorful flowers--if you lose your ball amid the blooms, you're supposed to go and ask for another one, rather than trampling the posies to save face. Each hole presents a new challenge--many have architectural obstacles including a lighthouse, a barn, a castle, a church and a windmill. The 17th hole, known as "The Waves," is the toughest, with a wavy green that presents problems for even the most seasoned miniature golfer. A bonus 19th hole gives you a shot at winning another free round.

Par for the course is 48, and while my husband, who used to play at Farmington Miniature Golf frequently years ago, scored a respectable six over par, my score for my first outing at the Farmington course was somewhat less respectable. Luckily, we hadn't made a wager. If you're in search of family fun that costs less than the price of a movie, Farmington Miniature Golf is a good bet... even if your putting is a little sub-par.

If you're visiting Connecticut in the fall, check the dates for Haunted Miniature Golf, when Farmington Miniature Golf is transformed into a spooky adventure.

What You Need to Know About Farmington Miniature Golf

Location: Farmington Miniature Golf is located at 1048 Farmington Avenue, which is also Route 4, in Farmington, Connecticut.

Directions: From Hartford, follow Route 84 West to exit 39 for Route 4 toward Farmington. The golf course is less than two miles on the right.

Hours: In season, the miniature golf course is open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily, including holidays, weather permitting.

2012 Prices: Each round of golf costs $6 per person before 6 p.m. and $8 per person after 6 p.m. On weekdays before 6 p.m., play a second game for just $3 per person.

For More Information: Call Farmington Miniature Golf at 860-677-0118.

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