Top Recommended Layover Activities:
1. State Capitol
210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106-1535 · 860-240-0222
Built in 1879, this marble and granite structure rises above Bushnell Park and is visible throughout the city. The gold-leaf dome reigns over Hartford’s architectural scene. It houses the governor’s office and legislative chambers and features a display of flags, furnishings, and historic statuary. ADMISSION: Free (all tours start at a quarter after the hour).
2. Butler-McCook Homestead
396 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103-3001 · 860-522-1806
Amazingly, the same family continuously occupied this home, which was built in 1782, until 1971. Three centuries of life on Hartford’s Main Street are represented in the art, furnishings, and household items preserved here. There is an extensive collection of American art, East Asian artifacts, antiques, and Victorian era toys.
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Taste of Hartford
100 Constitution Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Cross Street: State Street
Become a food aficionado when area restaurants provide a taste of what's on their plates at Constitution Plaza. The maze of booths allows visitors to indulge in a sampler platter of area restaurants' food on the banks of the Connecticut River. Tinker's Seafood scoops clam chowder into bread bowls and Spris, Taco Dia and La Fonda bring their best. The longest lines are at the dessert booths, like the chocolate peanut butter Earthquake at Armen's Gourmet Endings--it will send shock waves through your taste buds.
2. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House
71 Forest St, Hartford, CT 06105-3243 · 860-525-9317
This Victorian Gothic “cottage” was built in 1871. Along with Mark Twain, Stowe, author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and “The American Woman’s Home,” was a member of Nook Farm’s prestigious literary community. The home is dedicated to a program series that focuses on social issues such as race relations and women’s roles. Inside is Stowe’s personal writing table along with several of her paintings. Admission: $6.50
3. Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105-4498 · 860-493-6411
Visit the home where Mark Twain wrote several of his famous novels, including "Tom Sawyer," "Huckleberry Finn," and "The Prince and the Pauper." This Stick-style Victorian mansion was built in 1874 in this famous Nook Farm neighborhood. Guided tours are available in which events from Twain’s personal and family life are recounted and the architecture and furnishings are described. Admission: $7.50
1. State Capitol
210 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106-1535 · 860-240-0222
Built in 1879, this marble and granite structure rises above Bushnell Park and is visible throughout the city. The gold-leaf dome reigns over Hartford’s architectural scene. It houses the governor’s office and legislative chambers and features a display of flags, furnishings, and historic statuary. ADMISSION: Free (all tours start at a quarter after the hour).
2. Butler-McCook Homestead
396 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103-3001 · 860-522-1806
Amazingly, the same family continuously occupied this home, which was built in 1782, until 1971. Three centuries of life on Hartford’s Main Street are represented in the art, furnishings, and household items preserved here. There is an extensive collection of American art, East Asian artifacts, antiques, and Victorian era toys.
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. Taste of Hartford
100 Constitution Plaza
Hartford, CT 06103
Cross Street: State Street
Become a food aficionado when area restaurants provide a taste of what's on their plates at Constitution Plaza. The maze of booths allows visitors to indulge in a sampler platter of area restaurants' food on the banks of the Connecticut River. Tinker's Seafood scoops clam chowder into bread bowls and Spris, Taco Dia and La Fonda bring their best. The longest lines are at the dessert booths, like the chocolate peanut butter Earthquake at Armen's Gourmet Endings--it will send shock waves through your taste buds.
2. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House
71 Forest St, Hartford, CT 06105-3243 · 860-525-9317
This Victorian Gothic “cottage” was built in 1871. Along with Mark Twain, Stowe, author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and “The American Woman’s Home,” was a member of Nook Farm’s prestigious literary community. The home is dedicated to a program series that focuses on social issues such as race relations and women’s roles. Inside is Stowe’s personal writing table along with several of her paintings. Admission: $6.50
3. Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105-4498 · 860-493-6411
Visit the home where Mark Twain wrote several of his famous novels, including "Tom Sawyer," "Huckleberry Finn," and "The Prince and the Pauper." This Stick-style Victorian mansion was built in 1874 in this famous Nook Farm neighborhood. Guided tours are available in which events from Twain’s personal and family life are recounted and the architecture and furnishings are described. Admission: $7.50