Sterling is a diverse, country town encompassing 27.2 miles of ground space, 47 miles of roads, a menagerie of farms - horse, dairy, turkey, alpaca, and even goats - acres of state land, and an industrial park. The industrial park was initiated in Sterling when fire destroyed the mill that was the town's largest employer. Leaving many people without jobs, the Governor of Conn., at that time, proposed providing funding for an industrial park on town owned land. The park has been an asset to this town. The park presently has nine active businesses, with a purchase pending for another parcel, which will lead to future development and employment. The I-Park still has five available sites at very reasonable prices per acre, so feel free to check Sterling out at www.Sterlingct.us
Sterling has many country farm stands offering local food, produce, flower and vegetable plants, and even homemade ice cream. Sterling's landscape is adorned with miles of stone walls and rolling fields, which give the town its country atmosphere. All these things combined add to the pastoral beauty of this small town nestled in the Northeast corner of Connecticut.
Sterling loves sharing history, of which it has plenty: to give you just a taste - do you know what a Cattlepound is? Sterling has one, still standing, and in good condition - it is a stone, circular enclosure that housed roaming animals in its day. If your cow or horse or goat (or other!) was found roaming and no one knew whose livestock it was, the animal would be placed in this stone enclosure, and when the owner realized his/her animal was missing, they'd go there to claim it and take it home. This enclosure still stands today, making for interesting conversation, when people see it and ask what it is.
Sterling has always had an abundance of rock; it had a very active quarry operation in earlier years. Granite mined from Sterling was transported to and used in building the base of the Washington Monument in Washington D.C. Still standing in Sterling is the home/birthplace of Mr. Dow of the Dow-Jones Stock Market. The home is located on Rte. 49, Sterling. The town also has "must see" places such as Red Bridge, Gravity Hill, Mount Misery, and more. Visit Sterling: we love sharing our history!
The town is presently compiling it's long-range plan: It encompasses a bridge replacement, (three have already been replaced over the past five years), finding the right location to build a new fire station for the village of Oneco (within the town of Sterling), and further develop the industrial park. The town has a main "downtown" site, referred to as the Revere Site. This 7.4 acre parcel is shovel-ready, for the "right" development.
The Economic Development Commission is also working on its long term plan for Sterling, focusing on manufacturing within the I-Park and commercial development in strategic areas throughout the town. Commercial entities would provide services for both the local people and surrounding area residents - a good example being our new unisex hair salon - Salon 41 of 1110 Plainfield Pike - that also offers tanning, nail treatments, massages, and much more. This salon is busy enough that they have already expanded, since their inception. They offer people a service, at reasonable prices, and the people respond by booking their appointments there. It is a win-win for the business owner, the town, and the people who enjoy going there. The restaurants and seasonal eateries, dotted throughout our town, are assets that provide a service for the people. Sterling offers good food, to eat in or to take out, at such places as Weidele's, Lizzy B's, the General Store, Brown Cow Cafe, Winnie's Weenie Wagon, and the soon-to-be-opened Parkside Deli at 31-41 Main St. Whether purchasing a sandwich, grinder, pizza or a full meal, add a drink, a bag of chips, perhaps dessert, and, with a blanket, you have an excellent recipe for a picnic!
Sterling also offers many visitor-attractions: the Rails-to-Trails biking/hiking path travels through Sterling, connecting to Moosup from the northwest, and to Rhode Island to our southeast; weekend horse shows, offering free admission to the public, can be appreciated April through October at Falls Creek Horse Farm, Bailey Rd; three clean, friendly, well-managed campgrounds, offering lots of family activities, are located here. Many retail entities are scattered throughout Sterling for your shopping pleasure, from The Hands of Man Gallery on Rte. 49, to Valley View Trading Post on Valley View Rd., to the Earthy Expressions Shop on Plainfield Pike, to the newly opened LolliPot Shop on Sterling Rd., where sweets-(candy)-bouquets and gifts can be purchased for one's personal enjoyment or specialty orders placed for a special occasion.
There is something for everyone in this small town!
Sterling wishes to remain a quaint, country town, but growth and forward progression is imperative to keeping this small town surviving. Check us out!

Sharon Chviek is economic development coordinator for the Town of Sterling.