Getting away to Hartford, Conn.

Hartford, Conn. is a city with very deep roots. It has an amazing amount of history and organizers are making a real attempt to be current and relevant. If you are looking into getting away to Hartford, Conn for a couple of days of art, arts, literature and science you will be very well pleased with what you will find. I actually got to be a tourist while attending a genealogy conference at the Marriott.

Where to stay

Hartford does not have a great selection of hotels. With the demise of the Goodwin Hotel in 2009 the last of the historic hotels has bitten the dust. However, there are some new and modern hotels. I am a big fan of the Marriott. It is attached to the Convention Center and has a great location for walking to many of the downtown attractions. Other hotels in or near downtown include The Crown Plaza, The Hartford Hilton, The Holiday Inn Express and the Residence Inn.

What to see

Wadsworth Atheneum- this museum is a Connecticut treasure. Founded in 1842 it is the oldest public art museum in the United States. Their collection of Hudson River Painting is one of the finest in the world. The most recognizable work in their collection is the Alexander Calder sculpture of a stegosaurus which is outside the museum. They also have old masters, Impressionists,and fabulous furniture.

Mark Twain House- At the time that Samuel Clemens was in Hartford, it was an enclave of artists. He wrote most of his great works while he lived here. The house can be visited on a tour and it takes you through what was above all, a family home. He loved to hang out on the third floor where he had his billiard table and a porch where he could step out to have a smoke and escape from visiting guests.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center- Harriet Beecher Stowe is primarily remembered for her book Uncle Tom's Cabin. While this was quite an achievement is was far from being her only achievement. One thing that you will take away from the Center is the fact that she was a multi-talented and many faceted woman, who was born ahead of her time.

Old State House- 200 years old. This lovely building has been restored to its former glory and is open for visit Monday-Friday year round. You are on your own to tour but just walking in this historic building will give you a sense of the history that was made here.

Connecticut Science Center- The Science Center is Hartford's newest attraction. It offers interactive exhibits that will fascinate children of every age and even those who are only young at heart. Learn about motion, sound and a wide variety of other areas of science. Come and enjoy the fantastic new addition to Hartford's downtown attractions.

Entertainment

Hartford Stage-For almost 50 years the Hartford Stage Company has been bringing music and drama to Hartford. From the works of Shakespeare to cutting-edge productions, the stage has seen it all. There is almost never a time when something won't be playing. Parking is conveniently located right next door.

The Bushnell-When it comes to performing arts center it is hard to beat the Bushnell. Whether it is their Broadway Series, family or children series or visiting artists you can be sure that you will fall in love with this venerable theater. Free parking is available right across the street.

Where to eat

When it comes to food, Hartford is a great place to eat. There are some top-notch Italian restaurants on Franklin Avenue in the South End, excellent pubs and ethnic restaurants of every sort. Among my personal favorites is the Arch Street Tavern where the all American food is taken to new heights and even a simple dish is done so well it is exceptional.

If you are staying in downtown, use the Dash Shuttle to get you from your hotel to almost any restaurant in downtown Hartford.

I hope that this has given you a few ideas for spending your next getaway in the Hartford, New England's Rising Star.