First Time Tourists Guide in Hartford
SIGHTSEEING
Located in Asylum Avenue, Elizabeth Park is a city park that has 102 acres. One of the most popular parts of this park is the Rose Garden. It is the oldest city rose garden in the US. It’s made up of 15,000 rose brushes that consist of 800 varieties. In addition to the roses, you also can find lawns, greenhouses, tennis courts, and pathways.
Elizabeth Park
DOWNTOWN
Go to Connecticut’s Old State House, a public building with a medley of style. It uses Colonial Revival halls, a Federal exterior, as well as a Victorian Representative Chamber. It is a National Historic Landmark that boasts a range of exhibits including the Joseph Steward Museum of Curiosities and a great number of historic rooms that display Connecticut’s history. If you want to learn more, you can take an organized tour.
Connecticut’s Old State House
SHOPPING
Charter Oak Marketplace is a shopping center that stands in a 300,000 square foot area. It is located on Flatbush Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut. You can shop at the 25 stores such as Dollar Tree, Marshalls, GameStop, Taco Bell, McDonalds, and many more. For those of you who are fashionista, you can go to the regional fashion-oriented stores such as Expressions, PCX, and Rainbow stores.
Charter Oak Marketplace
FOOD & DRINK
The restaurants in Hartford represent the historic status of this city. As a creative hub, the foods and drinks in this city combine the dozens of cuisines and cultures. There are lots of delicious foods you should try including Hot Lobster Rolls, PEZ Candy, Deep River Snacks, Apple Cider, and many more iconic foods in Hartford. For the drink, you can try White Birch Soda that is not only delicious but also makes you livelier!
CULTURE
Hartford is a home for some of the most prestigious arts and cultural institutions in the world. It is second to none in the treasure of cultural assets that Hartford has. In The Bushnell Center, there are some performing arts including education, arts, as well as community activities. Besides, there a number of art venues that accommodate theater, art works, cultural organizations, museums, etc.
The Bushnell Center
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Although you can go to Hartford in all seasons, visiting it in spring will give you mild weather as well as low prices. You can go to this city in June and July—they are the best months for blooming flowers. If you want to see the bright colors of fall leaves, you can go there in October.
HOTEL
The Goodwin Hotel is a hotel that combined timeless classic with modern style. Located in the heart of downtown Hartford, it is truly a comfortable place to stay. There are lots of supportive amenities and accommodations including spacious rooms, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and many more. For those of you who want to get an ultimate comfort, you can stay at Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown. It is absolutely an oasis of comfort that provides amenities to make sure every guest feels like home. While you stay in this hotel, you can enjoy the fitness center and an indoor heated pool. The all-suite hotel is completed with a fully equipped kitchen, free internet access, as well as comfy plush bedding.
The Goodwin Hotel
Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown
RESTAURANT
If you are in search of fine dining, you can go to ON20. It offers the finest culinary and friendly service to the guests. It is known for its progressive and innovative cuisines. The service is flawless! No wonder if it becomes one of OpenTable’s Top Ten Restaurants for its outstanding service. Besides, Max Downtown offers award-winning food and ultimate hospitality at its flagship restaurant. It is located in the center of Hartford City. You can taste a classic fine dining menu in a fresh and tranquil atmosphere.
ON20
Max Downtown
CAFE
Metro Café is a real gem located in the West End of Hartford. Enjoy a delectable meal and sip a cup of premium coffee. While you are sitting and relaxing, the soft music will flow embracing the intriguing décor of the café. It’s a stunning spot to stop for breakfast and lunch. Besides, if you are visiting downtown Hartford, you can go to Blue State Coffee. It offers excellent coffees that are strong and well brewed with heartfelt hospitality.
Metro Café
Blue State Coffee
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Nightlife in Hartford has a pretty fun atmosphere. Pig’s Eye Pub is a great place to have a late-night drink and a pool game. The prices are cheap with friendly service. All in all, this place is a perfect spot for drinking and socializing. Besides, you can enjoy weekly events in World of Beer. There are many events you can enjoy including Themed Trivia, Live Music, Tap Takeovers, etc. The service is outstanding and friendly, meanwhile the beer is really great. The foods are amazing as well.
Pig’s Eye Pub
World of Beer
INTERESTING PLACE
The Mark Twain House & Museum is located on Farmington Avenue. It is the place where Samuel Longhorne Clemens lived as well as worked in 1874 – 1891. Clemens, who is known as Mark Twain, lived here and wrote his most popular books. This Victorian Gothic style museum was opened in 2003 and offers intriguing exhibits that give the visitors to know more about Mark Twain and his life. With 19 rooms, this museum is really worth visiting. The library is amazing with its hand stenciled paneling and fireplaces.
The Mark Twain House & Museum
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Pope Park Highway can be a great place to take some incredible photos. The Windy Metal Garden sculpture is perfect to have an interactive photo. It is located in the grassy park and gravel stage area along the Pope Park Highway. Discover scenic city views from the footpaths and the concrete steps. In addition, you can go to The Colt Building that has an iconic dome. You can explore this place to see the historic former factory site with the mid-18th century architecture and industrial style. Snap a photo with the enchanting blue dome as the background.
The Colt Building
