One of America's oldest towns, Hartford is a treasure trove of historic sites in a small package. It has hosted many "firsts" ? Wadsworth Atheneum, the country's first public museum; Bushnell Park, the first public park; and Elizabeth Park, America's first municipal rose garden, to name a few.
Hartford is famous as the home of insurance empires with sparkling glass buildings headquartered in Downtown. But, despite its business facade, Hartford has an artist's soul and a maternal connection to great writers and actors, including Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Katherine Hepburn. Today, theater and art continue to play a large role here.
This New England town offers many shopping pleasures ? boutiques and specialty shops, antique stores, malls, farmer's markets, and countless venues that tickle the fancy. The eateries are as diverse as its population. Hartford may be small, but it's just as sophisticated as Boston and New York City in terms of fashion, fine dining and entertainment.
There are countless to do in addition to shopping and sightseeing. A half hour's ride to Lake McDonough leads to swimming, boating and a series of nature trails along the Saville Dam that wind their way through a panorama of scenic beauty. The Lake is also a hot spot for trout fishing from early spring until late fall. Handicapped trails are available here as well, making it a truly universal paradise.
West Hartford Reservoir, a 3000-acre forest, has nearly 30 miles of paved paths for hiking, biking and jogging. Wintertime is no less fun with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to chase away seasonal blues.
Hartford is re-capturing its riverside and creating a recreational paradise with a series of parks along the Connecticut River. Weekly bass fishing contests are offered for amateur anglers. The river is considered one of the best sources of bass in the Northeast. But, there are many other fish in these waters, as well, including catfish, perch and carp.
Hartford ? a funnel wind of history, culture and recreation, ? is located in the heart of the Nutmeg State on Interstate 84.
