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Founded in 1635, Hartford is among the oldest cities in the United States. While modest in size compared with other New England cities, Connecticut's capital nonetheless has plenty to offer the tourist by way of visitor attractions.
One of the most visited buildings in Hartford and indeed the state is the Victorian Gothic mansion that Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) and his family called home from 1874 to 1891. It's here that Twain wrote 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' among other novels. A tour of the property reveals fascinating insights into the life and work of the acclaimed author.
Hartford is home to Wadsworth Atheneum, the country's oldest public art museum. This revered institution preserves one of the finest collections of art in America, a portfolio that includes European Baroque art, ancient Egyptian and Classical bronzes, and French and American Impressionist paintings. National artists are well represented, particularly works of the Hudson River school.
A family-oriented facility, the Connecticut Science Center is all about having fun while learning more about the world around us. A series of interactive exhibitions themed around sight and sound, health, energy, the environment, and the cosmos, engage the minds of kids and grown-ups alike.
There's no mistaking the Connecticut State Capitol. Completed in 1878 and wrapped in marble and granite, this impressive building is open to the public. A tour of the ornate interior takes in the Hall of Flags, numerous statues of politicians and other people important to the state's history, and the central domed tower with its decorative rotunda.
Over 100 acres of formal gardens sown with more than 15,000 plants and an incredible 800 varieties of roses is why America's oldest public rose garden, opened in 1897, is also one of the country's largest.
It's also worth taking a look at the Old State House, completed in 1792. Combining Federal, Colonial Revival, and Victorian architectural design signatures, the building features a museum the exhibits of which focus on the history of Hartford and significant events in Connecticut's history.
Housed in Hartford's Supreme Court and Connecticut State Library building, this museum is where to catch up on exhibits that trace the growth of the state and its role in the development of the nation. Pictured is a Revolutionary War payment receipt owned by Jack Little, a soldier from the 2nd Company, 4th Regiment of the Connecticut Line, in the Continental Army.
One of Hartford's more incongruous visitor attractions is the city's Ancient Burying Ground, a cemetery set adjacent to the First Church of Christ and dating back to the 1600s. In fact, it is the only complete cemetery to survive from that period: the oldest gravestone dates back to 1648.
The city's outstanding ecclesiastical show-stopper is the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Dedicated in 1962, the building is noted for its brutalist exterior, composed of reinforced concrete. But all is forgiven after venturing inside, the interior decorated with an expanse of spectacular stained glass windows crafted in Paris.
Beyond Hartford, Connecticut calls. The first stop on your itinerary should be Mystic Seaport. The entire destination is a maritime museum preserving a recreated 19th-century fishing village. Among the vessels on show is the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world, built and launched in 1841.
Mystic Aquarium is home to playful beluga whales, the only ones found in New England. After meeting and greeting these beguiling creatures, say hi to the other residents, among them seals, sharks, and sea lions.
Yale University in New Haven is one of the most prestigious seats of learning in the world. Fortunately, many of the faculty buildings are open to the public, including the Yale University Art Gallery. The collections embrace all cultures and periods, with an emphasis on early Italian painting, African sculpture, and modern art.
The mysterious and slightly spooky Gillette Castle is a singular Connecticut crowd-pleaser. It was designed by stage and silent film actor William Gillette, known for portraying Sherlock Holmes. Opened in 1919, the castle features an interior of hidden secret passageways, two-way mirrors, and other whimsical and theatrical props and elements.
The Maritime Aquarium celebrates Connecticut's affinity with the ocean with a stunning Long Island Sound habitat teeming with seals, otters, turtles, jelly fish, and numerous species of fish. The facility also incorporates a stunning 4D movie theater.
The animals at Beardsley, the only zoo in Connecticut, include the beautiful Brazilian ocelot, found in the Rain Forest Building. The zoo also features a vintage carousel, a nod towards P.T. Barnum, whose world-famous circus was based in Bridgeport.
A roller-coaster ride with a difference awaits those at Lake Compounce, Connecticut's most popular theme park. The Boulder Dash is a wooden roller-coaster voted one of the best rides of its kind in the United States. After that, there are plenty of other attractions to keep families amused at this historic amusement park—the oldest in America.
Certainly one of the more unusual of Connecticut's historic properties, the Glass House is a transparent abode that was once the home of American architect Philip Johnson. Open to the public between mid-April and mid-November, the residence remains of the best examples of modernist architecture in the country.
Hammonasset Beach State Park occupies an inviting stretch of sand on Long Island Sound and includes the Meigs Point Nature Center. As one of the best beaches in the state, Hammonasset is packed in summer. Out of season, however, it's just you and the wildlife.
Anyone with an interest in the US Navy and especially submarines should dive down to Groton and explore this unique museum. Pride of place is taken by the USS Nautilus—the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. In commission until 1980, the vessel is open to the public.
From underwater to up in the air, the New England Air Museum collects dozens of vintage and historic aircraft under three enormous hangers at Windsor Locks. Standout exhibits include the Silas Brooks balloon basket—the oldest surviving American-built aircraft—and a gleaming B29 Superfortress (pictured).
Connecticut positively brims with amazing properties. This residence, also known as the Pink House for obvious reasons, was the summer home of influential 19th-century businessman, philanthropist, and publisher Henry Bowen, his wife Lucy, and their family. The house and gardens are open to the public.
The largest town on Connecticut's Gold Coast, Greenwich exudes a refined and regal air, its historic district served by Greenwich Avenue, a tidy street lined by high-end shops and boutiques such as Hermès and Saks Fifth Avenue. While in town, check out the Bruce Museum, dedicated to art and natural history.
Make sure your trip to Stamford involves investigating the delightful Stamford Museum & Nature Center, where the resident river otters are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The Stamford Center for the Arts should also be checked out for its entertainment program, which often brings A-list performers to town.
The spruce town of Westport set along the Long Island Sound makes for a pleasant diversion, the mock-Tudor facades of many buildings lending the destination a decidedly British veneer.
Wilton is where to appreciate Weir Farm National Historical Park, which commemorates the life and work of American Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir. Other notable artists associated with Weir Farm include John Singer Sargent and Childe Hassam.
A bracing walk along the beachfront at Old Saybrook brings you to Lynde Point Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1803.
Sources: (National Park Service) (Biography) (The New York Times) (New England Air Museum)
See also: The most beautiful and iconic lighthouses in America
The wonderfully evocative town of Essex is a must-see for tourists. The 1855 "Gingerbread House" is don't-miss attraction, as is the historic Griswold Inn, founded in the late 18th century and one of the oldest continuously run taverns in the United States. The frontage is pictured with a 1930 Ford Model A Roadster parked outside.
The Connecticut Valley Heritage Railroad operates out of Essex, the vintage locomotives pulling passenger cars through the picturesque Connecticut Valley countryside.
Besides Mark Twain's house, book lovers can also seek out the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Stowe is the author of the 1852 anti-slavery novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin.' She lived in this house for the last 23 years of her life. The property is also open to the public.
Connecticut, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, is one of America's smaller states. But this New England destination is big on visitor attractions. History and literature go hand in hand in Connecticut, with the former residences of authors Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe both open to the public. Hartford, the capital city, is also home to the country's oldest public art museum, while the delightfully evocative town of Essex is keeper of one of the oldest continuously run taverns in the United States. Indeed, Connecticut exudes a rich maritime, literary, and national heritage—and it's all waiting to be explored.
Curious? Then click through and call in on Connecticut.
Calling in on Connecticut
This New England destination is big on visitor attractions
TRAVEL Usa
Connecticut, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, is one of America's smaller states. But this New England destination is big on visitor attractions. History and literature go hand in hand in Connecticut, with the former residences of authors Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe both open to the public. Hartford, the capital city, is also home to the country's oldest public art museum, while the delightfully evocative town of Essex is keeper of one of the oldest continuously run taverns in the United States. Indeed, Connecticut exudes a rich maritime, literary, and national heritage—and it's all waiting to be explored.
Curious? Then click through and call in on Connecticut.