Nestled about halfway between New York City and Boston, Connecticut’s history-filled capital has all the perks of a big city packed into a leafy, laid-back town. Consider it the best of both worlds, with activities to appeal to every stripe of traveler. Whether you want to peek inside Mark Twain’s Victorian home, wander around a park or art museum, or take a sightseeing cruise down the Connecticut River, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Hartford.
New England is at its best in fall, when that famous Connecticut foliage turns a fiery red and families spend the weekends on apple-picking adventures. While December can feel festive, winter is best avoided unless you’re itching to visit nearby ski slopes. Summer can be muggy, but it’s ideal for outdoor activities and recreation sports involving the river.
Hartford is a stop on the Amtrak line connecting New York City’s Penn Station with Boston; the train stops at smaller cities along the way, such as New Haven. Once there, you will find that much of the city is walkable, with many bike and pedestrian lanes. The CTtransit bus system has a wide-ranging network of stops, while other options include rideshare, taxis, and private vehicles, including rentals.
While the Mark Twain House and Museum is arguably Hartford’s most famous attraction, travelers should not overlook the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. This sprawling art collection—boasting some 50,000 works, including Dali and Caravaggio—dates back to the mid-19th century, making it the oldest continually operating public art museum in the United States.
