Hartford is the capital of its home state, Connecticut. There are many of the worlds leading insurers which have their headquarters in Hartford, which is why it is often nicknamed the “Insurance Capital of the World.” Hartford is one of the very oldest cities in the United States, and at one point in time used to be the wealthiest. Unfortunately, the economy of Hartford reached an all time low fairly recently, but fortunately it is on the rise again after a splurge of new developments on land which has been reclaimed successfully from the river. Hartford is a multicultural and exciting city. There are plenty of places to visit, and entertainment venues to tempt your fancy in this lively city.
Whether you have your seats booked and want to plan your itinerary, or you just want to know what the big deal is about Hartford, here are some of the most visited destinations the city has to offer.
Wadsworth Atheneum
If you want to see a wonderful art museum located in an old castle, the Wadsworth is going to be a place you love. This is the oldest public art museum currently in use in the United States, and the exhibits will not disappoint. Most of the museum is devoted to American and French Impressionist art, but there is also a wide range of contemporary and modernist masterpieces on display. It is a simply enormous museum, which is well-designed and managed. The museum is open daily, and attracts many tourists. If you are in the area, and need a good day’s entertainment, the Wadsworth is a place you must see before beginning on the long journey home.
Bushnell Park
Bushnell Park is a beautiful old park which plays host to a number of concerts and other public events every year. It is the oldest park in the United States, and has been planned to utilize many shaded spaces and nature trails. Interesting sites to note when you walk or cycle through the park are the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch which commemorates the Civil War, and the Corning Fountain which was designed by J. Massey Rhind. The park includes a performance space, and a wonderful carousel. The area is often crowded on weekends and public holidays by people who want to peruse the trails, explore on their bicycles, or just have a great game of Frisbee. Bushnell Park is somewhere you must definitely try to see, and offers a great time for the whole family.
Old State House
The Old State House has been deemed a historic landmark. It was believed to have been designed by Charles Bulfinch in the mid 1700’s and to have also been his first piece of professional work. There are halls, chambers, and courtrooms to see; all which have been fully restored over the past century. A cupola was added at some point in the 1800’s to protect the firemen on duty, but otherwise the building is pretty much how it was in olden times. This is a fantastic place to take pictures, and to enjoy a slice of the colorful history of Connecticut.
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