Travel to Hartford

Travel to Hartford

A place with a fascinating past, the revitalised city of Hartford features several interesting attractions that will make a short visit to this classic town in New England an unforgettable travel experience. It is the capital of Connecticut and the second largest city in the state, founded in 1636.

The downtown area is filled with several outstanding dining establishments and a range of quality accommodation options which can all be found near to the main tourist sights. In addition, Connecticuts capital has plenty of culture and nightlife on offer at Hartfords Civic Center and the adjacent CityPlace.

Transportation to Hartford

Situated approximately 18.5 miles (30kms) north of the city, Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks receives flights which are serviced by several principal airlines, with daily links to the main eastern airports.

Amtrak operates a number of daily train services on the line between New York City and Boston, with stops at Hartford and Windsor Locks. The duration of the train voyage to both New York and Boston lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

The famed Greyhound buses connect Hartford to other significant localities in New England. For motorists, I-91 and I-84 intersect in Hartford, which is halfway between Boston and New York.

What to see

The first public art museum in the USA is the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. Since 1842, the facility has boasted some of New Englands most comprehensive collections. Its specialties are American paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Classics names like Rockwell, Remington and Wyeth are represented together with modern works by pop artists of the 1950s and 60s.

Though the roots of Samuel Clements are in the wild-west and mid-west, it was in Hartford in his Victorian mansion where the world-famous author known as Mark Twain wrote seven of his main books. The Mark Twain House is a completely restored home-museum and a registered landmark.

Hartfords Old State House is the oldest of its kind in the United States. This building of great historical interest was designed by Charles Bulfinch in 1796. Historic re-enactments, a visitors information centre and guided tours will acquaint you with the outstanding features such as Joseph Stewards Museum of Curiosities, the portrait of George Washington, the American Puppet Theater and other changing exhibitions.

Other attractions in the town include the wonderful granite and marble Capitol Building and Constitution Plaza. Gorgeous green areas can be found in the towns several parks. In particular, the fine rose gardens of Elizabeth Park; the 1914 Bushnell Park, with its hundreds of lights and mirrors, and the meticulously hand-carved 48-horse carousel and Wurlitzer band organ; and Colt Park, which was originally the Colt revolver inventors estate. Downtown, there are also midday summer performances and a daily farmers market.

Daytrips

Visiting Sturbridge, where you can find the Old Sturbridge Village makes for a great daytrip. This spacious 200-acre community is a realistic reproduction of a countryside New England village and includes a working farm and more than 40 authentic buildings. Lodging, shopping and dining are available, amid staff wearing historical costumes.

Complementary to the New England village, you can visit Pequot Museum, which is located in Mashentucket. The fascinating complex is tribally-owned and makes use of permanent exhibits to revitalise the Native American culture and natural past of an even earlier age.

The city of Essex offers you the chance to relive the classic days of travelling by train on the Valley Railroad. You have the option to travel in a 1920s-style steam train which follows a route from Essex to localities up the Connecticut River. Only 15 minutes north of Hartford is the New England Air Museum, situated at Windsor Locks. The museum features daily displays which contain 80 aircrafts. It is the northeasts largest aviation museum.

Activities and leisure

Spending some time unwinding in Elizabeth Parks rose gardens might be very enjoyable, or you can head to the 1914 Bushnell Park Carousel with its 48 beautifully hand-carved horses. Alternatively, the original estate of the Colt revolvers inventor, Colt Park is well worth a visit.

For those seeking thrills of a different variety, top-class entertainment is available in Ledyard at Foxwoods - the largest resort hotel and casino in New England. In addition to thousands of slot machines and hundreds of table games, Foxwoods offers a great selection of eateries, which among others includes gourmet theatres where romantic dining blends with star-studded performances.

Safety issues

Although Connecticuts capital is one of the safer cities regarding crime, travellers in an unknown environment can still get involved in accidents or unavoidable difficulties with travel arrangements. In addition, driving on icy or snowy roads in the wintertime can be hazardous, with traffic accidents being one of the main causes of death in the United States. It is highly recommendable to take out travel insurance for you and your family before you travel to Hartford.