
State Capitol © State of Connecticut
Why? Hartford has been named one of the 'Top 20' cool
places to live, work and play. It offers the vibrancy of a big-city
arts and entertainment scene paired with easy access to New
England's colonial history, charm, natural beauty-and more than 40
golf courses.
When? Summer is lovely and not too hot; it's then that some
of the more exciting free events take place downtown, like the
Taste of the Caribbean festival, Opera al Fresco and, of course,
Riverfest, the Independence Day festival. The autumn foliage of the
nearby countryside is spectacular. Autumn also marks the start of
the turkey-hunting season, with deer hunting season following in
early winter.
Who for? Hartford offers business travellers many lively
options for relaxing after their meetings. It can also serve as the
perfect gateway for holidaymakers wishing to explore New England's
charms without giving up the excitement of the city.
More Info: Our Hartford travel guide is updated daily to
provide current information on all aspects of a holiday in
Hartford, from the top attractions and excursions to how to use the
bus service.
Overview
Hartford, the state capital of Connecticut, is often
overshadowed by its more prominent neighbours, New York and Boston,
or by the more 'touristy' destinations of New England, though the
city sees multitudes of business travellers. It sits at the end of
the navigable portion of the Connecticut River, and this waterway
shaped the city's evolution into the 'insurance capital of the
world'. Its location made it an important trading centre, and when
groups of merchants began to share risks, the Hartford Insurance
Company was born. It still operates in Hartford today, along with
many of the nation's largest insurance corporations.
However, Hartford has much to offer those visitors with leisure
in mind. Greater Hartford is home to more than 200 cultural, arts
and heritage organizations. The Hartford Stage Company, one of many
venues for live musical and theatrical productions, has been
recognized by the Tony Awards and the OBIEs. During the warm summer
months, many outdoor concerts are staged downtown, and various
festivals, sporting events and performances are held at the new
Riverfront Plaza throughout the year. The Riverfront stretches
along seven miles (11km) of pristine shoreline and encompasses 148
acres of park grounds with walkways, biking trails and water
activities. The state-of-the-art Connecticut Convention Center is
also located here.
For history buffs, Hartford lives up to its responsibilities as
one of the oldest cities in the nation. At the State Library,
visitors can view the Fundamental Orders adopted in Hartford in
1639, the first document in history to establish government by the
consent of the people. A few blocks away, the entertainment
district begins west of Main Street, offering visitors no end of
dining, pub and club options. Sports fans can revel in University
of Connecticut basketball; year after year, the UConn Huskies are
contenders in both the National and Big East Championships.