Visit the Historic City of Hartford, CT

Connecticut, nicknamed the "Nutmeg State," is a delightful place to visit, especially when you center your vacation around incredible cities like historic Hartford. Not only are there so many things to do in Hartford, CT, including visiting the famed Mark Twain House & Museum, but there's plenty of beauty at every turn to admire as well. 

Hartford, CT, the state's capital, is often overlooked when it comes to fantastic New England cities to visit. It shouldn't be, though, as it's a fantastic destination well known for its stunning historic homes and architecture, a great art museum, plenty of outdoor activities, and so much more. 

While you're enjoying all of the great things to do in Hartford, CT, make sure to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the downtime you deserve. There's no better place to do that than with our Select Registry hospitality partner, located right here in Hartford, CT.

Like all Select Registry properties, this Connecticut Bed and Breakfast provides an elevated, highly detail-oriented stay that's a far cry from what you'd experience in a standard hotel chain. If you're seeking a unique, customer-service-oriented stay, there's no better place to stay in Connecticut. Book your getaway today! 

The Best Things to do in Hartford, CT

From walking in the footsteps of some of America's most iconic literary giants to dining out at a foodie-friendly food market, there are so many incredible things to do in Hartford, CT. You can expect to find a little bit of something here for everyone. From art lovers and foodies to outdoor adventurers and history buffs, you'll never feel the sting of boredom. Below, we've curated a list of our ten favorite things to do in Hartford, CT. 

1. Of all the things to do in Hartford, CT, there's nothing more highly-rated than visiting the Mark Twain House & Museum. This beautiful Victorian Mansion was built in 1873, and it's here where the famous author penned The Adventurous of Tom Sawyer, among others.
2. Another iconic literary figure that lived in Hartford, CT, is Harriet Beecher Stowe. Visiting the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is one of the best things to do in Hartford, CT. 
3. Another of the most popular things to do in Hartford, CT, is to visit the Wadsworth Anatheum. This world-class art museum houses more than 50,000m revered works of art, including Baroque, Surrealist, and Impressionist masters. 
4. If performing arts is more your scene, one of the top-rated things to do in Hartford, CT, is to watch a performance at the stunning Bushnell Center for Performing Arts. The beautiful Art-Deco building, dating back to 1930, is worth seeing, especially its hand-painted mural, which is the largest in the nation. 
5. Take the time to at least walk around and admire the Connecticut Capitol Building, if not tour it. The impressive High Victorian Gothic architecture is more than worth seeing.
6. Take a walk around Bushnell Park near the Capitol. It is America's oldest public park and contains multiple beautiful statues and memorials. 
7. As one of the 13 original colonies, it should be no surprise that cities like Hartford are steeped in American History. Learn all about it at the Connecticut Historical Society Museum.
8. Spend a beautiful afternoon at places like Mortenson Riverfront Plaza by the river. There are miles of walking trails here, making it one of the most relaxing and beautiful things to do in Hartford, CT. 
9. Visit Coltsville National Historic Park, where you'll find a stunning historic estate, beautiful architecture, and much more.
10. Enjoy eating and shopping your way through the Parkville Market.   

Explore the Mark Twain House

There's a reason visiting the Mark Twain House & Museum was listed at the top of our list of things to do in Hartford, CT. Not only does it allow you to get into the mind and see how this famous American offer once lived, but the Mark Twain House is truly a fascinating place to explore. 

The Mark Twain House & Museum was first commissioned for the author and his family in 1873. The family then lived here from 1874 to 1891, at which point he wrote some of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, among others.

Today, fans of Mark Twain can visit and tour the house, which is a National Historic Landmark. The home is a massive 11,500-square-foot Victorian mansion with 25 rooms across three floors. The Museum features a range of exhibits about the author and his work. Objects on display include first editions of Twain's books, spectacles worn by Twain, and the infamous Paige Compositor.

The Mark Twain House & Museum is open to the public seven days a week, but it is only viewable as part of a guided tour. Given it's one of the most popular things to do in Hartford, CT, you'll want to plan ahead, as tours tend to sell out days ahead of time. Before you leave the Mark Twain House & Museum, don't miss the museum shop, filled with various gifts, books, and more. 

Are you ready to enjoy all of these fantastic things to do in Hartford, CT? Book your room at our Connecticut Bed and Breakfast, listed below, and start exploring the Mark Twain House & Museum and more! 

Best Hartford, CT Bed and Breakfast

Silas W Robbins House

The Silas W Robbins House is a completely restored 1873 French Second Empire Home, situated on 2 acres of gardens and manicured lawns in the heart of the Historic Old Wethersfield Connecticut. Overlooking the scenic Broad Street Green, the House features elegant guest rooms, a parlor, a music room, and two dining areas.

The Silas W Robbins House is fully restored to its original beauty and fully upgraded with the latest amenities. Lavish comfort awaits you in each of the uniquely decorated bed and breakfast style rooms. Savor the elegance of your surroundings: the hand-painted designs by local artisans inspired by the Victorian era and the exquisite 19th-century furniture.

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