Hartford is a great place to visit on a solo trip or with family. I visited on a solo trip during early October and got to see some of the enchanting fall foliage. The weather was perfect for walking. Whether you visit during the fall or summer you can have a great time! Here are some fun things to do in Hartford, Connecticut.
A great place for shopping, restaurants, and bars is the West Hartford Center. I accidently stumbled upon this area while looking for a Chipotle. I drove here on a Friday night and it was busy with nicely dressed people enjoying all of the shops, restaurants, and bars. It has a fun vibe and if you can find parking, I highly recommend stopping by. The quaint center starts on S. Main Street and goes down Farmington Avenue.
Mark Twain is a famous American author. Most students have read Huckleberry Finn or The Adventures of Tom Sawyer in school. Mark Twain’s Connecticut family home has been preserved and is open for tours. You will be climbing stairs in the home. They have a couple of chairs on each floor if you need to sit during part of the tour. Photos are not allowed to be taken inside the home itself but you can take photos of the grounds and inside the gallery where you check in for your tour. They have a gift shop on site and some great areas to take photos. They also hold different fun events you can register for online.
Harriet Beecher Stowe was the author who wrote over 30 books, most notably the famous novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The Stowe Center is neighbor to the Mark Twain Museum. It’s on the same property and you can walk right over. They offer history tours (not house tours) where you can learn more about the history of anti-slavery activism.
I was blown away by how large and beautiful Connecticut’s stats capitol is. It is designed in the gothic and French revival style. Opened in 1878, it houses both the executive and legislative offices. It also houses a statue of Nathan Hale – American solider, spy, and hero. The capitol’s picturesque beautify can be captured by taking a photo in the neighboring Bushnell Park. You can also book a guided tour Monday through Friday.
Bushnell Park was established in 1854 in downtown Hartford. The park hosts events throughout the year, like the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz. You can also visit and ride the historic Carousel. You can walk the arboretum and enjoy the rare and native trees. Stop by Corning Fountain for a great photo op. The 30 foot fountain was built in 1899 with marble and stone.
Founded in 1882, this museum houses European, American, and Contemporary Art as well as costumes and textiles and other decorative arts. Another part of their permanent collection is the Colt Firearms Collection. One of the current traveling works they have on display is The Lawrence Tree by Georgia O’Keefe. You’ll want to check their website before visiting to see what other displays may be visiting on your next trip.
This family-owned restaurant was established in 1990. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. You can park in the back of the building. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I had breakfast there and it was great. I let my server know that I have Celiac’s and she was knowledgeable about what I could have. Everyone there was very happy and there was a lot of laughing. It a very joyful environment. I will definitely go back.
