Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Follow the Buckland Street exit ramp off I-84 east to the end and one is greeted by a quaint “Welcome to Manchester” sign surrounded this time of year by lovely pink blossoms. It is a look consistent with the Connecticut town’s nickname, “The City of Village Charm.”

Take a left or right onto Buckland Street, however, and reach a modern Manchester and an expanding mini mecca of popular chain restaurants. To the left are Chili’s, Friendly’s and Olive Garden. Take a right to find the latest addition, Buffalo Wild Wings scheduled to open April 16th. Despite its offering of free wings for a year to the first one hundred customers, town officials do not appear to be bracing for the same fervor to accompany opening day here that came when BWW’s next door neighbor, a Sonic restaurant, set up shop several months ago. Across the road, the long standing Wendy’s seems to be holding its own in the face of increasing competition. Meanwhile, just up Red Stone Road are two more eating places, Carrabba’s and the Texas Roadhouse, both are situated across from a cinema, Imax rave motion pictures.

All of these are a stone’s throw from numerous shopping areas. They include the Burr Corners Plaza, the BJ’s Wholesale plaza – home to Wooster Street Pizza , what is commonly called the ‘Buckland Hills Mall’, another retail plaza down from that and over the town line in South Windsor, the upscale Evergreen Walk. Mixed in are – what else- more restaurants.