Top 15 Attractions in West Hartford, CT You Can’t Miss

Summary

1. Elizabeth Park
2. West Hartford Center
3. Blue Back Square
4. Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
5. The Children’s Museum
6. Art Museum, University of Saint Joseph
7. Westmoor Park
8. West Hartford Reservoir
9. Playhouse on Park
10. Westfarms
11. Wolcott Park
12. Fernridge Park
13. Mark Twain House & Museum
14. Thomas Hooker Brewery
15. Celebrate! West Hartford

Often regarded as one of the finest small towns in America, West Hartford features a downtown that elicits envy from many other towns.

The Center and its contemporary lifestyle addition, Blue Back Square, are designed for pedestrian exploration. I could easily dedicate hours to discovering unique shops, complemented by a diverse selection of trendy international restaurants.

West Hartford seamlessly connects with its larger neighbor to the east, offering access to must-visit sites such as the Mark Twain House, located just minutes away.

The town is also enriched by ample recreational green spaces, including the elegant Elizabeth Park, the untamed West Hartford Reservoir, and Westmoor Park, where children can interact with farm animals.

Significantly, the town is the birthplace of the lexicographer Noah Webster, known for his contribution to the dictionary. His 18th-century childhood home is a site of interest, showcasing various personal artifacts.

Let us delve into the top attractions in West Hartford:

1. Elizabeth Park

This urban park represents a significant asset to West Hartford, spanning over 100 acres and featuring meticulously curated formal gardens, highlighted by the celebrated Pond House Café.

Prior to your visit, I recommend checking the website to learn about the blooming plants across the different gardens. Among these are an Iris Garden, Rose Garden (the third largest in America), Perennial Garden, Herb Garden, Shade Garden, and the Robert A. Prill Annual Garden.

Spring unveils a stunning array of daffodils, tulips, and other annuals at the greenhouse. Further notable features of this landscape, which includes ponds, bridges, and mature trees, are the farmstead and rock garden.

Additionally, be sure to visit the overlook, which offers an expansive view of the Hartford skyline to the east.

Elizabeth Park was carefully designed by Olmsted and Son at the turn of the 20th century after the land was donated by financier Charles M. Pond, named in honor of his wife, Elizabeth.

2. West Hartford Center

One of the appealing aspects of West Hartford is its pedestrian-friendly downtown, filled with shops, restaurants, and various amenities, all framed by charming brick buildings.

Commonly referred to as West Hartford Center, this area is situated around the intersection of Farmington Avenue and South/North Main Street. I find it particularly appealing due to the array of independent businesses coexisting with chain stores.

Since the 17th century, West Hartford Center has served as the cultural heart of the city, now exemplifying a vibrant main street shopping district.

Visitors can easily lose track of time while browsing jewelers, fashion boutiques, wellness establishments, design stores, and creative arts and crafts shops. Opportunities to enjoy various cuisines abound, with options that include burgers, sushi, gyros, pizza, oysters, kebabs, tapas, and falafel, among others.

3. Blue Back Square

When West Hartford Center expanded eastward with the creation of this harmonious development in the mid-2000s, the name Blue Back Square was inspired by the iconic blue-backed speller books authored by Noah Webster.

Integrating seamlessly with the downtown area, Blue Back Square combines retail space with residential properties. For me, it serves as a destination for dining, shopping, and leisurely strolls.

A selection of boutiques is complemented by a diverse array of bars, cafes, and restaurants offering comfort food, trendy cocktails, steak, Hawaiian poke, and an assortment of international beers.

To conclude your day in elegance, consider catching a film at the luxurious Cinépolis, the first “luxury” theater in the Northeast, featuring waiter service, gourmet concessions, and a full bar.

4. Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Noah Webster House And West Hartford Historical Society

Few individuals have influenced education in America as profoundly as Noah Webster (1758-1843). His name is virtually synonymous with the term “dictionary,” and his Blue-Backed Speller books have educated American children in reading and spelling for multiple generations.

Located at 227 South Main Street, Noah Webster’s birthplace remains intact and was converted into a museum dedicated to his life in 1966.

The museum features his historic residence as well as hands-on educational experiences in Noah’s Discovery Learning Space, three contemporary exhibition galleries, the Jodik Education Center, and a one-room schoolhouse orientation area.

Among the artifacts related to Webster are over 20 first editions, his desk, two clocks, and a hair ring from the early 19th century that encases the hair of both Webster and his wife, Rebecca, in crystal.

The West Hartford Collection chronicles local life from the 1700s to the 1900s and showcases a remarkable assortment of textiles.

5. The Children’s Museum

This attraction is particularly enjoyable for younger visitors, as The Children’s Museum has been operational since 1927. During my visit with my children, the museum had recently relocated to new premises on Mohegan Drive.

This institution is perhaps most renowned for its life-sized replica of a sperm whale named Conny, with a mission to “ignite curiosity through science and nature.” Accordingly, there are numerous interactive exhibits and live demonstrations that allow children to engage both mentally and physically.

One notable exhibit, Dinosaurs in Your Backyard, features 3D dinosaur models and fossil specimens, while the Imagination Playground consists of modular lightweight blocks designed for creative building and problem-solving.

Live animal exhibits are present in areas such as Lizard Lair, Turtle Town, the Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Winged Wonders Butterfly House.

6. Art Museum, University of Saint Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph hosts a vibrant campus museum featuring six galleries that house a collection exceeding 2,600 works, spanning from the 1400s to contemporary art.

The museum is particularly distinguished for its collection of 20th-century American paintings and European and American prints.

This collection was initiated in 1937, following a donation from priest Andrew J. Kelly, with further growth in 1966 due to a bequest from another priest, John J. Kelley (unrelated).

Remarkable exhibitions in recent years have included graphics by Käthe Kollwitz, 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints, caricatures by Enrico Caruso, and photography by Paul Caponigro.

During my visit, I enjoyed an exhibition on contemporary sculpture, offering an intriguing insight into the creative processes employed by artists whose works adorn the USJ campus.

7. Westmoor Park

In the western part of the city, you will discover a remarkable self-funded environmental education center known as Westmoor Park, encompassing a landscape of woodlands, perennial gardens, ponds, and wildflower meadows across 162 acres.

Children will delight in the presence of barnyard animals, including horses, donkeys, cows, llamas, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, and cats.

The Discovery Room accommodates more exotic animals, such as leopard geckos, turtles, and a California kingsnake.

In the outdoor areas, former polo fields have transformed into wildflower meadows. Additionally, at the ponds, one may observe beavers, turtles, and ducks, while bobcats and white-tailed deer often visit for a drink.

The Perennial Garden is in full bloom from spring until late autumn, and the summer months witness an influx of hummingbirds and butterflies, enriching the vibrant garden atmosphere.

8. West Hartford Reservoir

This beloved recreational area is composed of a series of six reservoirs, all surrounded by hilly forests ideal for hiking and mountain biking.

There are over 30 miles of paved and unpaved roads traversing these 3,000 acres, making it an exceptional location for cycling in Central Connecticut.

One scenic off-road hiking path is the blue-blazed Metacomet Trail, which runs from south to north. A notable site for hikers is Deer Cliff, a prominent rocky ledge that stretches 1.5 miles from north to south.

Moreover, there is intriguing historical significance near Reservoir #6, featuring the site of an encampment utilized by Continental Soldiers in 1778 during the Revolutionary War.

9. Playhouse on Park

This thriving, intimate performing arts theater serves as a vital component of the West Hartford community, providing a platform for emerging artistic talent both on and off the stage.

Each season features a captivating series of main stage plays and musicals. I had the pleasure of attending “The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged,” which was delightful.

Playhouse on Park also aims to produce original plays and musicals through its Playwrights on Park initiative. Additionally, there are comedy nights held every few months, along with a dedicated program of shows tailored for young audiences.

10. Westfarms

Central Connecticut’s premier shopping center is situated on the border between West Hartford and Farmington, and its name derives from a combination of both locations.

Westfarms ranks as the third-largest mall in the state, featuring a selection of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Apple, Tiffany & Co., and Michael Kors.

Additionally, the mall includes mid-range retail options like H&M, J. Crew, Hot Topic, Gap, Foot Locker, and Banana Republic.

The four main department stores, as noted during my visit, included Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s & Home, Nordstrom, JCPenney, and Jordan’s Furniture.

Furthermore, Westfarms’ eateries are situated in their own storefronts outside and feature chain options such as California Pizza Kitchen, Brio Tuscan Grille, Taco Bell, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Dunkin’, and Subway.

11. Wolcott Park

Among five well-maintained local parks throughout West Hartford, Wolcott Park has been recently equipped with a splash pad for children.

Kids can engage with the playscape and sandpit, and the park features a pond where ducks can be fed (using oats and seeds). With ample picnic space and a lengthy paved trail, it is one of my preferred spots for leisurely walks in West Hartford.

The trail meanders into wooded areas, and the park is especially enchanting during spring when the fruit trees blossom.

Additional amenities include tennis courts, pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a baseball diamond with a concession stand available during games.

12. Fernridge Park

A cherished local amenity for numerous generations, Fernridge Park features a public pool equipped with a splash pad adorned with whimsical characters suitable for children.

The pool typically offers six hours of public swim time daily, with mornings often reserved for swimming lessons.

In addition to the pool, there are two well-maintained playgrounds, and a designated area for picnics. Nearby, a pond attracts a large population of Canada geese during my visit.

For sports enthusiasts, facilities include a baseball diamond, tennis courts, and a basketball court, as well as expansive grassy areas ideal for frisbee games.

13. Mark Twain House & Museum

West Hartford and Hartford are adjacent to one another, placing a multitude of intriguing sights and attractions within easy reach. In my opinion, none is more captivating than Mark Twain’s specifically constructed residence.

Located less than a mile from Elizabeth Park, this exquisite American High Gothic mansion was established in 1874. Twain and his family resided here until 1891 when they were compelled to move to Europe due to financial difficulties.

It is thrilling to know that The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were all created in the Billiards Room of this home.

In addition to its whimsical architecture and literary significance, the house boasts remarkable technological innovations. Twain was ahead of his time, having installed items like a telephone, and Louis Comfort Tiffany was enlisted to enhance the exterior design in 1881.

A visitor center dedicated to showcasing Twain’s life and work was opened next door in 2003, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

14. Thomas Hooker Brewery

A celebrated institution within Hartford and Connecticut, Thomas Hooker Brewery operates two locations in the region, with the nearest brewery, taproom, and biergarten located ten minutes distant in Bloomfield.

As I prepared this list, there were 19 distinct beers available on tap at the brewery. Notable selections included the Chocolate Truffle Stout, Citrillo (Hazy IPA), and the malty Irish Red.

Visitors can utilize complementary Wi-Fi, enjoy the outdoor patio, and browse a gift shop stocked with t-shirts and accessories. Should time be constrained, it is possible to purchase most seasonal and year-round beers crafted by Thomas Hooker in cans to take home.

15. Celebrate! West Hartford

Initially held in 1987, Celebrate! West Hartford is a complimentary festival conducted on the grounds of West Hartford’s town hall each June. This two-day event aims to foster community spirit through an extensive variety of activities.

A highlight of the festival is the arts & crafts fair, which has earned multiple accolades over the years and features over 160 vendors. In addition, there is a business and nonprofit expo showcasing around 120 exhibitors.

Carnival rides and games, road races, concerts, and a delightful food court round out the festivities, providing something enjoyable for everyone, from classic fair fare to more sophisticated culinary options.

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