I'm usually the guy writing about places closing around the area, so I got to thinking — what are some places that I would like to see return? Now I know it will never happen, but I can dream a little, can't I?

Since my wife and I moved to the area, many stores and businesses have come and gone. Most of them I don't miss, but there are a few I wish were still here. So I've put together a list of five of my favorites that I wish could come back:

  • (Photo by Darren McCollester/Newsmakers)
    (Photo by Darren McCollester/Newsmakers)
    loading...
    1

    Bradlees

    How cool was Bradlees? They had everything and you could always find a sweet deal or two. Walmart now occupies that space, and yeah, Walmart is okay, but it's just not Bradlees.

  • (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
    (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
    loading...
    2

    Blockbuster Video

    This is one place I really miss. I know, now there's On-Demand and Netflix, but there was something special about heading into Blockbuster on a Saturday afternoon and picking out a movie for that night.

  • image courtesy of Joe Calabrese
    image courtesy of Joe Calabrese
    loading...
    3

    Marcus Dairy

    Best known as a dairy shop and then for their Super Sunday events, bikers from all over would converge on Danbury for these massive rallies, but in my opinion, the best part of Marcus Dairy was the burgers and their chocolate shakes — the best anywhere.

  • (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
    (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
    loading...
    4

    Fun Station

    The name said it all. Video games, pinball, roller skating, and lots more. It was the place to be seen if you were a teen, and a great place to take the family for a fun Friday or Saturday night. They even had a small-pin bowling alley there before they went through one of their many remodeling projects.

  • (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
    (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
    loading...
    5

    Ponderosa

    How many times did you eat at the Ponderosa? It used to be right on Rt. 6 where Mattress Firm is now. It was probably one of the grossest places ever, but they did have an amazing buffet, and the best chicken wings and mashed potatoes I've ever had. (Please don't judge me on this one).

More From WRKI and WINE