Introduction to Hartford
Hartford is Connecticut's state capital and is a diverse city, where history, culture, architecture, business, education, and economic development combine to form a very livable place. The city was founded in the early 1600s by Dutch traders who called it the 'House of Hope,' and today it is known as New England's Rising Star. The city is home to the country's first public museum, the Wadsworth Atheneum. Other attractions include the Mark Twain House, the Hartford Stage, the Bushnell Memorial, and the Artists Collective. The city is also home to a number of large corporations, such as Aetna, The Hartford Insurance Group, Phoenix, and St. Paul-Travelers, and United Technologies.
Hartford Culture
Hartford ranks in the top six percent among North American cities for the arts. The city is home to more than 200 cultural, arts, and heritage organizations. The Antiquarian and Landmarks Society offers historical tours of 12 landmark homes in the Hartford area. The Connecticut Fire Museum offers visitors a collection of hundreds of early American firefighting memorabilia. Cinestudio offers a premier movie theater experience with new releases and classic cinema. The Connecticut Repertory Theater offers a wide range of premieres, contemporary plays, American musical theater classics, and great works of dramatic literature. The Connecticut Opera is located in Hartford and is the nation's sixth oldest professional opera company.
Hartford Sports and Leisure
Hartford has a number of golf courses for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. The PGA tour makes a stop at Cromwell, Connecticut, which is a 15 minute drive from Hartford. The golf courses in the area feature picturesque New England settings located both in the city limits and in the surrounding countryside. There are a number of arenas and stadiums in the Hartford area, including Hartford Civic Center, where the Hartford Wolf Pack play hockey and the UConn Basketball team plays. Hartford has the Hartford Fox Force, which is associated with the World Team Tennis Pro League. The city also has the New Britain Rock Cats, which are the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
Hartford Outdoors
The city of Hartford has an active parks and recreation department, and the city is surrounded by Connecticut forests and state parks. Riverfront Recapture is an organization leading an effort to increase public access to the Connecticut River, including adding a network of parks and public recreational facilities. There are a number of ski areas in the area offering a variety of winter sports opportunities. The countryside surrounding Hartford is laced with rivers, shoreline, history, and culture that all add up to an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Hartford at Night
Hartford has an active nightlife that offers something for everyone. The Greater Hartford Arts Council has a constantly updated calendar of arts, performance, and cultural events. The Hartford Advocate has a calendar of dining, arts, and film to liven up any nighttime outing. The city also has a wide variety of nightclubs, concerts, and comedy shows. Concerts, clubs, and parties are numerous on any given night in the city of Hartford.