Things to Do in Hartford CT

Top 8 Things to Do in Hartford, CT

While you may be suffering from pandemic blues (i.e. sadness as a result of being restricted in your movement), you might be looking at exploring local sights in the good ole’ Nutmeg State. Though the pandemic restrictions will affect state laws regarding access to some of the suggestions below, plan your next outing in the capital of Connecticut by visiting the City of Hartford Connecticut.  If you should run into any issues medically, visit Hartford Hospital.

Let’s look at the top 8 things to do in Hartford, CT!

Bushnell Park

Regardless of the time of year, it is always a good time to visit the gorgeous, historic Bushnell Park! Whether you’re an avid jogger enjoying the trails, a bookworm looking to read on a bench and people-watch while sipping your coffee between chapters, a tree enthusiast (over 150 different kinds), or a kid at heart itching to ride the stunning carousel that was built in 1914, you will not be disappointed by a trip to Bushnell Park in Hartford Connecticut.

Hartford, CT 06123

Cedar Hill Cemetery

Want to continue with a peaceful walk in the fresh air? Head over to Cedar Hill Cemetery and pick up your free guide to walk through this stunning, historic cemetery and learn about some of the local history as you explore.  Located right near the Hartford Chamber of Commerce. Too tired for another walk? No problem: it is also possible to drive through the cemetery and take in the beauty from your car!

Hartford, CT 06114

ON20

Did you burn some calories in the park or cemetery and work up an appetite? If so, treat yourself to a meal at one of Hartford’s finest restaurants! While Hartford is often known as the “insurance capital”, it is also well-known to “foodies” all over the state for its fine dining. ON20 overlooks the beautiful Connecticut River and boasts a menu sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.  Located right next to The University of Hartford.

Hartford, CT 06103

Wadsworth Antheneum Museum of Art

After treating yourself to a fine lunch at ON20, you may want to continue on with a cultural experience, and what better way than taking in the rich collection (50,000+ pieces) of ancient and modern art from Europe and America in the nation’s first publicly funded art museum? You surely won’t regret a trip to the Wadsworth Antheneum Museum of Art!

Hartford, CT 06103

Mark Twain House & Museum

Keep the cultural experience going with a trip to none other than the home where America’s greatest author penned some of his most notable works: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and The Pauper, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. Not only will literary enthusiasts take delight in the home and museum, but lovers of architecture will appreciate the grand Gothic style as well.  The Mark Twain House is a great place to visit.

Hartford, CT 06105

Dishes Restaurant (Abandoned Comet Diner)

From classic to quirky: right down the road from the historic Mark Twain House you will find one of the formerly popular American diners. “Dishes” has escaped demolition many times over but the fate of this building seems to always be in limbo as it remains mostly abandoned. It is a sight to see, none the less!  If you have any issues or need any assistance please call The Hartford Police Department.

XL Center (formerly Hartford Civic Center)

Whether you’re a UConn Husky fan, a Wolfpack fan, or a Lady Gaga fan, the XL Center has been known to host truly great events. While there are obviously restrictions during a pandemic, a good hockey game in the city at the XL Center is easily one of the most underrated things to do in Hartford when there is no pandemic. Let’s go Wolfpack!

Hartford, CT 06103

Hartford Circus Fire Memorial

Consider ending your day by paying respect to those who lost their lives in one of the most tragic fires in US history by paying a visit to the Hartford Circus Fire Memorial. Here you will find the site of the tragic tent fire that occurred during a 1944 Barnum & Bailey Circus performance. It took less than 10 minutes for the entire tent to burn down and take 168 lives and leaving an additional 700 people injured. A beautiful plaque now stands at the center of the site, surrounded by gorgeous Dogwood trees and stones illustrating the story for all to remember.  Many businesses remember this.  For more info connect with one of Hartford’s local businesses.

While there is so much more to do and see in the great and historic city of Hartford, you can stop by the local Hartford Post Office, but these 8 options are sure to please all ages.

Zip Codes in Hartford are:
06101, 06105, 06114, 06126, 06141, 06145, 06151, 06156, 06176
06102, 06106, 06115, 06132, 06142, 06146, 06152, 06160, 06180
06103, 06108, 06120, 06134, 06134, 06147, 06154, 06161, 06183
06104, 06112, 06123, 06140, 06144, 06150, 06155, 06167