Things to do in Hartford
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Trumbull Kitchen
At this slick downtown eatery you can get bites of anything from dim sum, tapas, stone pies or (and?) fondue. The bar stays open later on the weekend, the longer to sample the impressive cocktail list.
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Bushnell Park
Spreading down the hill from Capitol Hill is the 37-acre Bushnell Park, designed by Jacob Weidenmann in the 1850s. The Gothic Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch, which frames the Trinity St entrance, commemorates Civil War veterans and offers fine views from its turrets, unfortunately accessible only on a tour. If you're a botany buff, take the self-guided tree tour of the park. Pick up a brochure at the Memorial Arch. The Tudor-style Pump House Gallery (1947) features art exhibits and a summer concert series. The park's carousel is a 1914 merry-go-round designed by Stein and Goldstein, with 48 horses and a 1925 Wurlitzer band organ. Even if you’re not game for a ride, stop…
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Center Church
This church was established by the Reverend Thomas Hooker when he came to Hartford from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636. The present building dates from 1807 and was modeled on St Martin’s-in-the-Fields in London. In the Ancient Burying Ground behind the church lie the remains of Hooker and Revolutionary War patriots Joseph and Jeremiah Wadsworth. Some headstones date from the 17th century. Adjacent to the church is Carl Andre’s Stone Field sculpture, which to some is a powerful minimalist statement. To others, it’s exactly what it sounds like – a field of rocks.
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Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens
Known for its fine collection of 15,000 rose bushes, Elizabeth Park at Asylum Ave is a 100-acre – and 100-year-old – preserve on the Hartford-West Hartford town line. More than 900 varieties such as climbers, American Beauties, ramblers and heavily perfumed damasks cover the grounds. June and July are the months to see the roses in full flower, but they bloom, if less profusely, well into fall. Besides roses, the park tends a tall dahlia display, herb gardens and greenhouses. The landscaped paths make for excellent jogging trails.
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Trash Museum
JRun by the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA), it enlightens visitors on earth-friendly recycling techniques. A viewing platform overlooking the sorting operation takes center stage while cool sculptures made from trash and wormy composting displays plug the green side of it all. You'll also get the scoop on CRRA's trash-to-energy program that fuels a billion kilowatts of green electric power annually. To get to the museum take I-95 to exit 27, which dumps you right at the site.
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Museum of Connecticut History
While you’re up on Capitol Hill, have a look at this museum housed in the State Library and Supreme Court Building just across from the State Capitol. Nationally known for its genealogy library, it also holds Connecticut’s royal charter of 1662, a prime collection of Colt firearms (which were manufactured in Hartford), coins and the table at which Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
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City Steam Brewery Café
This big and boisterous place has plenty of yummy beers on tap. The Naughty Nurse Pale Ale is a bestseller, but be sure to check out their seasonals. The café is also home to the Brew Ha Ha Comedy Club, where you can yuk it up with comedians seen on Conan O’Brien and at the Improv. Shows are $15 on Friday and Saturday nights and $5 on Thursdays. You must pay for tickets with your credit card.
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Travelers Tower
Score the best views of the city and the Connecticut River from the observation deck of the 34-story Travelers Tower, named after its tenant, the Travelers Insurance Company, and once the tallest in New England. The observation deck is free, but only open from May through October, and you have to climb 70 steps along a spiral staircase from the elevator to the deck.
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Bushnell
Bushnell, hosting over 500 events a year, plays a major role in the state’s cultural life. Its historic building is where you go for most ballet, symphony, opera and chamber music performances. For current shows contact the Greater Hartford Arts Council. The well-respected Hartford Symphony stages performances year-round.
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Agave Grill
Dine amid colorful murals at this warm and breezy Mexican spot that’s found an unlikely niche a block from Union Station. Ten different margaritas pack a variety of punches, but don’t let them distract from such innovative fare as grilled chicken glazed in mango sauce or lobster enchiladas – just like your Connecticut abuela used to make it.
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Mark Twain House & Museum
It was at this former home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain, that the legendary author penned many of his greatest works, including A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. The house itself, a Victorian Gothic with fanciful turrets and gables, reflects Twain's quirky character.
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Real Art Ways
Contemporary works in all kinds of media find an outlet at this consistently offbeat and adventurous gallery/cinema/performance space/lounge. Evening events at RAW usually cost between $5 and $12. You can sip wine or beer while watching the new drag-queen documentary or the latest export from the new Brazilian cinema.
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Tapas
Crowds pack this storefront bistro at lunch and happy hour for good reason. You can sit at high tables or stand at wall counters and rub shoulders with three neighbors while eating blackened chicken tapas ($8) or souvlaki ($7). They brag that their food’s so fresh, they don’t even have a freezer.
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Luna Pizza
The pizzas that come out of the brick oven are divine – crispy and thin-crusted – and the mozzarella is fresh. Luna’s space is reminiscent of an upmarket cafeteria, and jazz musicians play on the weekends. Try the salmon, onions and caper pizza. Amazingly, they offer single slices, too.
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Pastis
A great date place, this French-American bistro wins you over with its intimate tables, candlelight, lace curtains and French acoustic music. The mains, classics like coq au vin, are well done, if not swoon-worthy. Try the seared scallops with saffron rice or the steak-frites (both $20).
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Black-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues
This blues palace drags in local and national acts. The walls are covered with graffiti, some penned by visiting bands. There’s live music Wednesday through Saturday, and Sunday and Monday are all-you-can-eat BBQ nights (meals cost $17 to $20).
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Polo Club
While this place seems to cater more to curious straight couples who come to watch the drag-queen shows than to gay men themselves, it’s a fun place to lounge around with a martini in hand, feeling fabulous.
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Wadsworth Atheneum
America's oldest art museum showcases outstanding collections of Hudson River School paintings and sculptures by renowned Connecticut artist Alexander Calder (1898–1976).
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Hot Tomato’s
Locals love this place with its café deck overlooking Bushnell Park and the State Capitol. The interior is postmodern chrome. Try the simple but delicious linguini vongole ($19).
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Ancient Burying Ground
In the Ancient Burying Ground behind Center Church lie the remains of Hooker and Revolutionary War patriots Joseph and Jeremiah Wadsworth. Some headstones date from the 17th century.
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Stone Field sculpture
Adjacent to Center Church is Carl Andre's Stone Field sculpture, which to some is a powerful minimalist statement. To others, it's exactly what it sounds like - a field of rocks.
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Hartford Stage
Contemporary as well as classic dramas play from September to June. Venturi & Rauch designed the striking theater building of red brick with darker red zigzag details.
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State Capitol
You can tour the state capitol, built in 1879 in such a hodgepodge of styles that it's sometimes dubbed 'the most beautiful ugly building in the world.' Below the capitol grounds, the 37-acre Bushnell Park features a working 1914 carousel, lovely gardens and summer concerts.
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Peppercorn's Grill
Dine on contemporary Italian-American fare at Hartford's favorite restaurant, where you'll find plenty of tempting options from spicy clam cakes to lobster ravioli.
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Hartford Children’s Theater
This theater puts on several productions a year, like Charlotte’s Web and the Wizard of Oz. Both children and adults make up the casts.
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