The Connecticut Convention Center will be hosting ConnectiCon XVII July 11 - 14, 2019. ConnectiCon is New England's ONLY massively, multi-genre pop culture convention, the convention's focus is on all things pop culture and does every genre of pop culture in as big a way as possible. The event attracts over 30,000 people to the city Hartford over the course of the event weekend.
Check out Hartford's own baseball team, The Yard Goats. Part of the Colorado Rockies organization, the Yard Goats play their home games at Dunkin Donuts park situated just outside downtown Hartford. According to their 2019 schedule, the Yard Goats will be home the weekend of the event. Bring your baseball mitt and get ready to cheer on the Goats!
With more than 165 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater, four educational labs, plus daily programs and events, the Connecticut Science Center offers endless exploration for children, teens, and adults. From physics to forensics, geology to astronomy, visitors have the sciences at their fingertips. A great activity for the whole family!
West Hartford's prime shopping and dining venue - Blue Back Square is a unique shopping, living, dining, and entertainment destination. Anchored by Crate & Barrel, Barnes & Noble, Cinepolis Cinemas, West Elm and also has many upscale restaurants and retailers such as The Cheesecake Factory, Bar Louie, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Rizzuto's Restaurant, World of Beer and Charming Charlie.
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest continuously-operating public art museum in the United States, founded in 1842 by arts patron Daniel Wadsworth.
The Mark Twain House & Museum has restored the author’s Hartford, Connecticut, home, where the author and his family lived from 1874 to 1891. Twain wrote his most important works during the years he lived there, including "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", and "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court". In addition to providing tours of Twain’s restored home, a National Historic Landmark, the institution offers activities and educational programs that illuminate Twain’s literary legacy and provide information about his life and times.
Why not start at The Center of everything? It’s all right here: exceptional shopping, delightful dining and stellar services. With all the charm of a traditional main street shopping district, West Hartford Center combines trendsetting product offerings, expert and friendly customer service, and an environment that’s hip and happening. Come for a visit and discover for yourself why West Hartford Center is one of the best little downtowns in New England. Shop. Dine. Stroll. Local. And enjoy!
Brewpub housed in 1877 building offers its own beers & pub grub, plus comedy shows in adjacent club.
Looking to explore the Connecticut countryside while you're in town? Checking out one of the vineyards on the Connecticut Wine trail is a great way to spend a beautiful summer day! Rosedale Farm & Vineyards in Simsbury (shown on the map) and Brignole Vineyards in Granby are good options not too far outside of Hartford. If you're willing to take a longer stroll, John and Melinda love the views at Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford. Gouveia offers panoramic views of lush woodland, open fields and over 32 acres of pristine vineyards. This spot is about a half hour drive south of Hartford.
Visit the former home of abolitionist & author Harriet Beecher Stowe, offering interactive guided tours. Explore the worldwide impact of Stowe's 1852 anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. Engage with collections that belonged to Stowe and her family. Connect 19th century issues to today's headlines.