Postcards from a Perfect Day in Hartford, CT, USA

Hartford is the capital of Connecticut, and as such there is much to do from historic to contemporary offerings. Founded in 1635, Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the United States. While we spent a perfect day exploring some of its many cultural, cocktail, and culinary offerings in this charming city, you can easily spend a weekend or longer as there is always something fabulous happening in Hartford, Connecticut, where their slogan is “No mo’ fomo (No more fear of missing out).

Things to Do in Hartford, Connecticut

We took a day trip to Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday, July 20, 2024, and were spoiled for choices with so many diverse offerings. While we spent a perfect day exploring cultural, cocktail, and culinary options, we look forward to returning as there is so much to do and “discover” in this impressive city.

Mark Twain House

A visit to the Mark Twain house is “a must” for book lovers as well as lovers of historic architecture. Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910), pen name “Mark Twain” was an American writer, author, humorist, essayist, and lecturer. Born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, his intrepid spirit would take him across the United States and around the world.

Mark Twain House

We visited the Museum and took a fascinating 1-hour tour of the Mark Twain house designed by New York Architect Edward Tuckerman Potter. Completed in 1874, Samual, his wife, and three daughters lived in the 11,500 square foot house with 25 rooms until 1891. The Clemens family lived extravagantly and along with poor financial investments, the family left Hartford and moved to Europe in 1891 for a less expensive lifestyle. After their daughter Susy died in 1896, the family sold the property in 1903.

Mark Twain, Debra C. Argen & Edward F. Nesta

A few of Mark Twain’s notable books include: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, Life on the Mississippi, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.

Hours: Daily 9:30 am until 5:30 pm

Ticketing General House Tour: Seniors (ages 65+): $25, Adults (ages 17-64): $27, Children: (6-16): $15, Children under the age of 6: Free

Ticketing Living History Tour: Seniors (ages 65+): $30, Adults (ages 17-64): $30, Children: (1-16): $22, Not recommended for children under the age of 8 years of age.

Directions and Parking Information: Please visit their website: https://marktwainhouse.org/visit/directions-parking/

Read more about the Mark Twain House in the Arts section.

Mark Twain House
351 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
Telephone: +1-860-247-0998
Website: https://marktwainhouse.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarkTwainHouse
Instagram: www.instagram.com/themarktwainhouse

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

We loved our visit to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art affectionately known as The Wadsworth. If you love all types of art, this museum should be on your “must visit” list. Founded in 1842, it holds the distinction of being the oldest, continuously operating public art museum in the United States. The Museum is a treasure trove for art lovers. From classical to contemporary art, from its “On View” exhibitions to its permanent collections, the Museum offers something for art lovers of all ages.

Pablo Picasso – The Women of Algiers – Image Courtesy of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

A few of the Contemporary highlights include Yayoi Kusama’s bronze Pumpkin (2018) painted a bright yellow with her signature black polka dots; Ai Weiwei’s Grapes (2015); and Andy Warhol’s Early Colored Jackie (1964). Also of interest were the Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) paintings from 1923 – 1963; and works by Edvard Munch (1863-1944); Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890); Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) and his wife Lee Krasner (1908 – 1984), and so many more. Plan to spend several hours or visiting over the course of several days.

Vincent Van Gogh Self Portrait – Image Courtesy of the Wadsworth Antheneum Musuem of Art

About The Wadsworth

“Founded in 1842 with a vision for infusing art into the American experience, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is home to a collection of nearly 50,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years and encompassing European art from antiquity to contemporary as well as American art from the 1600s through today. The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States, opening its doors to the public in 1844.”

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Hours: Thursday – Sunday from noon until 5:00 pm. Their Café and Shop are open during regular museum hours.

Entrances: The main entrance is 600 Main Street. Their accessible entrance is at 29 Atheneum Square North.

Ticket Information: Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Students: $19, Members, Hartford Residents & Youth (age 17 and under): Free. Happy Hour – Pay What You Wish: Thursday – Sunday from 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Parking: There are Parking Garages nearby as well as on-street parking. Please check the Museum’s website for locations.

For more information about the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and their upcoming events and programs, please visit their website: https://www.thewadsworth.org/visit/

Read more about The Wadsworth Antheneum Museum of Art in the Arts section.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
United States
Telephone: +1-860-278-2670
Email: info@thewadsworth.org
Website: https://www.thewadsworth.org/visit/
Instagram: @thewadsworth
X: @thewadsworth

Art in the Parks and Public Spaces

Calder Stegosaurus – Hartford, CT

Art abounds throughout the city and if you love sculpture, be sure to check out the 50-foot Stegosaurus sculpture designed by Alexander Calder. This bright red whimsical sculpture is located between The Wadsworth and City Hall and is an absolute delight.

Edward F. Nesta – Traveler’s Red Umbrella

The iconic Travelers big red umbrella sculpture located at Tower Square located near Gold Street and on the side of The Wadsworth is picture perfect for posing or sheltering under during a rain shower.

Bushnell Plaza Sculpture Garden

Bushnell Plaza Sculpture Garden

Also make a stop at the Bushnell Plaza Sculpture Garden, located directly across from The Wadsworth. This collaboration between the Bushnell Plazas Association, the iQuilt Partnership, and Joan Hurwit, the creator of the sculpture garden at the Governor’s executive residence, features large-scale sculptures by Connecticut artists in a concrete urban setting.

Bushnell Plaza Sculpture Garden
Corner of Golf Street & Main Street (opposite The Wadsworth)
Hartford, Connecticut
United States

Explore – Bushnell Park

Bushnell Park was established in 1854 and is the heart of Hartford, as there is much to do and see there. Encompassing 37-acres, enter through the gothic Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch located at 1 Jewell Street. The arch was designed by Hartford architect George Keller and dedicated in 1886. It is made of brownstone from Portland, Connecticut. Interesting to note is that Mr. Keller’s ashes were buried in the tower in 1935, and his wife’s ashes in 1946.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch

The park has walking trails, sculpture throughout, and there is a self-guided Tree Walk. At the top of Bushnell Park is the Hartford state capitol with its distinctive gold dome.

Bushnell Park Tours: The park offers free Arch Tours on Thursdays from May through October from 12:00 pm until 1:30 pm. Tree Tours and Historic Park Tours are also coming, so be sure to check their website: https://bushnellpark.org/

Bushnell Park – Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch
1 Jewell Street
Hartford, Connecticut
United States
Website: www.bushnellpark.org
Instagram: @bushnell_park

Bushnell Park Carousel

Bushnell Park Carousel

We indulged our inner child and visited the Bushnell Park Carousel. We took a fabulous ride on their vintage 1914 carousel, flying on horseback as their Wurlitzer provided the music. With a mere ticket cost of $2 per person, it is great fun! In addition to the attractively carved carousel horses, there are also “chariots” making a ride on the carousel perfect for all ages.

Bushnell Park Carousel

Hours: During April, the carousel runs on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm, During May, the carousel runs Friday through Sunday from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm, During June – August, the carousel runs Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm, and from September until December, the carousel runs on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Bushnell Park Carousel
Email: manager@bushnellpark.org
Telephone: +1-860-232-6710
Website: https://bushnellpark.org/
Instagram: @bushnellpark

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz in Bushnell Park 

If you love Jazz, you will want to add The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz in Bushnell Park to your music calendar for next year, as it is the largest free Jazz festival in the United States. The Festival, which celebrated its 33^rd year, was held from July 19-21, 2024, and we were fortunate to be able to attend on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

The Greater Hartford Festival Jazz in Bushnell Park – The New Mosaic

Appreciative Jazz fans flocked to Bushnell Park to enjoy a day of great Jazz, along with sampling food from the various food trucks, and visiting the many vendors.

The Saturday line-up of music included performances by The New Mosaic, Four 80 East with Jeff Kashiwa, Elan Trotman/”85^th Birthday Tribute Show to Marvin Gaye” featuring Larry Braggs, Art Frm Da Hart – Khaiim Rapoet (Bap Pack & Friends), Marion Meadows & Alex Bugnon featuring Eric Leone, and Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene.

We caught an outstanding performance by The New Mosaic performance and look forward to hearing them perform again at other venues. We will be sure to mark our calendars to attend The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz in Bushnell Park next year.

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz in Bushnell Park
Website: www.hartfordjazz.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hartfordjazz
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hartfordjazz-ghfj/

Cocktail Time – Take A Distillery Tour at Hartford Flavor Company Distillery

Cocktailians and Mixologists will love visiting Hartford Flavor Company’s Distillery and taking a tour at the woman owned organic distillery where the Creatrix Lelaneia Dubay has created a botanist’s dream of spirits with her Wild Moon Liqueurs and Hartford Flavor Company Vodkas. For the past 10 years, Lelaneia has been crafting spirits from sugar cane, which is naturally smooth and gluten-free.

Hartford Flavor Company Distillery – Girls Just Want to Have Fun

We took an interesting distillery tour that included tasting their newest products, Hartford Flavor Company Raisin Fig Vodka and Harford Flavor Company Sour Cherry Vodka, as well as others. The amazing line-up of Wild Moon Liqueurs flavors include Cucumber, Rose, Lime, Cranberry, Lavender, Birch, Chai Spice, and Chocolate. The Wild Moon Botanics Liqueurs include Sumac, 7 Lemon, Sage, and Roasted Dandelion Root. Hartford Flavor Company Vodkas include Organic Vodka, Vanilla Vodka, Orange Vodka, Espresso Vodka, and Raisin Fig Vodka, and all are delicious!

Following the tour, we enjoyed cocktails in their gorgeous cocktail lounge where the cocktails were pure inspiration served in vintage glasses to add a romantic and glamorous touch.

Hartford Flavor Company Distillery

One of the cocktails we enjoyed was their Indigo Eyes, off their Summer Cocktails Menu 2024, made with Hartford Flavor Company Organic Vodka, Wild Moon Liqueur Lavendar Liqueur, Blackberry Purée, Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade, and garnished with fresh mint and a sprig of lavender.

We also enjoyed their Birch & Bourbon cocktail off their Always Available menu, made from Wild Moon Birch Liqueur and bourbon, and garnished with an orange peel, and birch twig stirrer. Both cocktails were delicious and showed the diversity of their delicious product line.

Edward F. Nesta – Cheers From Hartford Flavor Company Distillery

Bottles of Wild Moon Liqueurs and Harford Flavor Vodka are available for purchase at the distillery along with vintage glasses to enhance your cocktail experience at home.

Pricing: Tours include product tasting and a cocktail for $15.00. Cocktails without the tour, or additional cocktails are available for purchase at $13 each. A selection of food is also available for purchase.

Hartford Flavor Company Distillery Hours: Tour Seatings: Friday from 4:00 om until 7:00 pm, Saturday from 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm. By Reservations, every 30 minutes.

Bottle Sales: Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Read more about Hartford Flavor Company Distillery and their delicious products in the Liquor Cabinet section.

Hartford Flavor Company Distillery
30 Arbor Street (enter in the back)
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
United States
Telephone: +1-860-338-1642
Website: https://hartfordflavor.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HartfordFlavor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HartfordFlavorCompany
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wildmoonliqueurs/

Where To Dine – Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour

Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour

After visiting the Hartford Flavor Company Distillery, we had a delectable and romantic dinner at their sister restaurant, the stunning Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour, owned by Lelaneia Dubay and her husband Tom Dubay, located at 54 Pratt Street in the Historic section of Hartford.

Wild Caught Monk Fish – Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour

The restaurant opened on July 11, 2024, we had dinner at the restaurant a mere nine days after its opening, it was bustling with appreciative diners, where creative cocktails and cuisine are the order of the day.

The ambience is stunning, yet warm and inviting. The cocktail menu is inspired, and there is a broad selection of wines, beers, mocktails, and soft beverages available. The culinary menu was designed as Bread & Bites, Shared, Raw, and Entrees to appeal to diverse palates, whether you want to enjoy small bites to enjoy with cocktails, or as a formal meal.

One of the many highlights of our dinner was the Entrée of Shoreline Stew, a delicious mélange of mussels, scallops, and shrimp served in a rich and flavorful Wild Moon Birch Liqueur Tomato Fennel Broth. Accompanied by grilled bread, this dish alone was worth a trip to Hartford. Well-crafted cocktails, a gorgeous ambience, and impeccable service, make the Hartford Flavor Company Cocktail Parlour a standout in the Hartford restaurant scene, and the desserts are all gluten-free.

Restaurant Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

For more information about the Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour, please visit their website: https://hartfordflavor.com/

Read more about our dining experience at Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour in the Restaurants section.

Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour
54 Pratt Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Telephone: +1-860-216-9745
Website: https://hartfordflavor.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HartfordFlavorCompany

With so many options to choose from, Hartford is a perfect destination to spend a day, weekend, or longer. We cannot wait to return and explore more of what this dynamic city has to offer. Until next time, keep enjoying travel with Luxury Experience!

Read more about our experiences in Hartford, Connecticut in the Arts, Destinations, Liquor Cabinet, and Restaurants sections.

Travel Distances to Hartford, Connecticut from:

See you on the Bushnell Carousel! Take a Spin in Hartford.

For more information on what is happening in Hartford, Connecticut, please visit these websites:

Hartford.com:  https://hartford.com/ where their slogan is “No Mo’ Fomo” (No More Fear Of Missing Out).

LetsGoArts.org: https://letsgoarts.org/
The Greater Hartford Arts Council’s website with a full schedule of arts events and exhibitions.

CTVisit.com: https://ctvisit.com/
The State of Connecticut’s official tourism website

Follow Luxury Experience on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LuxuryExperience to see photos and videos.

Follow Luxury Experience on YouTube at @edwardnesta9910 @luxurypair

Follow Luxury Experience on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/luxurypair @luxurypair

© August 2024. Luxury Experience www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.