West Hartford Connecticut, once a sleepy crossroads town, has blossomed into an attractive suburban community with plenty of attractions and amenities. Its proximity to Hartford and easy access to I-84 make it an attractive place for residents and families to live and raise their families. Walking down Main Street in Downtown West Hartford offers plenty of shops, restaurants, and amenities against a backdrop of historic brick buildings. Additionally, there are plenty of independent businesses to explore.
Mark Twain House & Museum
If you're a fan of American literature, then the Mark Twain House & Museum should not
be missed. Situated in Hartford,
this is where famed author Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) lived with his
family from 1874 until 1891. Twain wrote some of his most beloved novels and
stories during this time period, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,
Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi, and A Connecticut Yankee in King
Arthur's Court. Mark Twain House & Museum is a National Historic Landmark
and an excellent destination for kids to learn about this renowned American
writer. It also offers tours that provide insights into his life and work.
While in West Hartford, be sure to visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center -
home to author Uncle Tom's Cabin and an impressive example of a late 19th-century
residence. This museum is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago and a
must-visit for anyone with an interest in American history. It houses original
artifacts from the Stowe family, a research library, and a carriage house that
serves as its visitor center.
If you're traveling with children, be sure to visit the Exploring Space
gallery which features an assortment of objects from NASA including a moon rock
and moon craters. There's also Venture to a Black Hole, River of Life which
educates about the significance of the Connecticut River, and Picture of Health
which highlights different ways people can lead healthy lives. After exploring
Mark Twain House & Museum, you might want to stay at the Delamar Hotel in
West Hartford. Situated ten minutes away, this 103-room hotel provides
personalized service, an art-filled lobby, and even a therapy dog! Plus, it's
only a short walk away from downtown Hartford and West Hartford Center.
Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
is a theater hall and special events venue situated in downtown Hartford
Connecticut, serving its local community for over 80 years. It regularly hosts
performances such as Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, family presentations,
and more to bring delight to its patrons. Since 1876, Horace Bushnell - an
ordained minister and civic visionary - founded The Bushnell Center, one of
Connecticut's premier live performance venues. Each year it hosts over 350
events including major Broadway tours, symphony performances, family
presentations, and more. At first, the theater was intended to be a typical New
England hall with movable seats and an even floor. However, its founding board
of directors wanted something modern that would serve as the city's focal
point, showcasing its cultural offerings rather than maintaining an antiquated
look. This spurred young architect Edward Mortensen into undertaking an
ambitious project which eventually became both Connecticut's most renowned
performing arts center and an inspiring national model for theater design.
His plans included the purchase of a 5,600-pipe Austin organ from Hartford
in 1929 for $45,000, as well as mural paintings on panels depicting scenes from
the theater's history. The Austin organ was restored in the 1980s and is now
used by many local orchestras. In addition to Mortensen Hall and Belding Hall,
The Bushnell Center boasts a selection of smaller halls for concerts, lectures,
weddings, and other events. Furthermore, there are educational programs
tailored toward children at the center. The Bushnell Center is a beloved
landmark that strives to provide the finest entertainment and education
experiences for both locals and visitors. Whether you're searching for family
events, Broadway shows, or something completely unique, The Bushnell Center
will help create memories that will last a lifetime.
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center preserves and interprets the home, work, and legacy of
abolitionist and author Harriet Beecher Stowe to foster lively discussions
about her life and legacy, while inspiring a commitment to social justice. Its
historic collections include letters, documents, and artifacts from the family.
The house primarily displays Stowe's personal items but also offers an
interactive tour of the home that uses his story "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
to spark conversations about race and the abolitionist movement. Visitors are welcome
to compare and contrast Stowe's views on these issues with their own, as well
as discuss these similarities in a safe and respectful environment. In addition
to Stowe's house, the center also provides a research library and collection
storage facilities. Furthermore, they host author talks, tours of Stowe's home
and gardens, as well as themed or seasonal programs.
On my visit to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, my husband and I were truly
astounded. This house is an exquisite example of Victorian Gothic design
popular in Hartford during the 19th century, boasting stunning interiors as
well as period furniture that dates to when it was constructed. What struck me
as especially unique about the center is that it's much more than a museum.
They have an innovative and captivating way of teaching slavery's history
through an abolitionist perspective. The initial part of their tour features
quotes from prominent individuals from all political viewpoints, followed by
panels with insightful comments about Uncle Tom's Cabin. The impact gallery
showcases dozens of spinoffs from Uncle Tom's Cabin, such as plays, and
minstrel shows that descended into caricatures and racial stereotypes. This
part of the tour deserves special recognition and deserves to be given due
attention.
Trinity Park
Trinity Park complex offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to
enjoy, such as walking trails, a spray pad, athletic fields and a playground.
Plus there are plenty of retail stores and restaurants on-site - making it a
popular destination for both locals and travelers alike! One of the most
remarkable sites in the area is Trinity Health Stadium, home to high school football and soccer games. Constructed
in 1935 as a FERA project by FERA (Federal Emergency Relief Administration), it
stands as one of the finest examples of architectural brilliance today. Hartford
Charter Oaks were a prominent sports team from across America that played at
this venue from 1960 to 1972. As one of Hartford's most beloved and well-known
venues during those decades, it attracted visitors from far and wide.
West Hartford's main sports venue also happens to be one of the best places
in West Hartford to watch sunsets. With plenty of trees shading it, you can
enjoy watching the sunset over the city while admiring its beauty. Another
remarkable feature of the stadium is its skybox seating area, offering an
unforgettable view of the field that will surely leave you in awe. Other
remarkable features of the stadium include large screen video displays and an
interactive scoreboard that keeps fans informed on scores from teams in
attendance. Plus, there are plenty of bars and restaurants within easy reach to
keep you entertained.
West Hartford Reservoir
West Hartford Reservoir is an
idyllic spot to take a leisurely walk and admire the natural splendor of this
city. With numerous hiking trails scattered around, it's suitable for all ages
to come here to unwind and take in the scenery. This park boasts several water
treatment facilities and five small reservoirs situated amidst over 3,000 acres
of some of Connecticut's most stunning woodlands and trails. It's popular among
hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, and others alike. The west part
of the reservoir is a popular destination for mountain bikers and trail runners
alike. There are paved roads, some dirt tracks, and plenty of singletrack
trails suitable for all abilities. For a fast hike or run around the reservoir,
two main loops to choose from are the Red Loop and Yellow Loop. Plus, there are
plenty of offshoots that allow you to explore all of its surrounding woodlands.
For a longer hike, you can take the Metacomet Trail up to Heublein Tower.
This route is less crowded than the Yellow Loop but still offers stunning views
of the reservoir and city below. This area is stunning all year round, but
especially during the winter when it offers incredible opportunities for cross-country
skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Summers at Deer Cliff Park are popular
for picnics and walks. On the western edge of the park, Deer Cliff stands as a
high rocky ledge that marks its boundary. The Metropolitan District Commission
manages and supplies drinking water to residents in West Hartford and
Farmington. However, you should note that these reservoirs are not public
parks; thus, you should familiarize yourself with MDC rules and regulations
prior to visiting.
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