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HartfordHartford, the state capital of Connecticut, is often overshadowed by its more prominent neighbors, New York and Boston, or by the more 'touristy' destinations of New England, though the city sees multitudes of business travelers. It sits at the end of the navigable portion of the Connecticut River, and this waterway shaped the city's evolution into the 'insurance capital of the world'. Its location made it an important trading center, and when groups of merchants began to share risks, the Hartford Insurance Company was born. It still operates in Hartford today, along with many
of the nation's largest insurance corporations.
However, Hartford has much to offer those visitors with leisure in mind. Greater Hartford is home to more than 200 cultural, arts and heritage organizations. The Hartford Stage Company, one of many venues for live musical and theatrical productions, has been recognized by the Tony Awards and the OBIEs. During the warm summer months, many outdoor concerts are staged downtown, and various festivals, sporting events and performances are held at the new Riverfront Plaza throughout the year. The Riverfront stretches along seven miles (11km) of pristine shoreline and encompasses 148 acres of park grounds with walkways, biking trails and water activities. The state-of-the-art Connecticut Convention Center is also located here.
For history buffs, Hartford lives up to its responsibilities as one of the oldest cities in the nation. At the State Library, visitors can view the Fundamental Orders adopted in Hartford in 1639, the first document in history to establish government by the consent of the people. A few blocks away, the entertainment district begins west of Main Street, offering visitors no end of dining, pub and club options. Sports fans can revel in University of Connecticut basketball; year after year, the UConn Huskies are contenders in both the National and Big East Championships.
Getting Around: Walking around the downtown area is possible, although visitors now have the option of taking the new Star Shuttle, a free shuttle service that loops the central business district, making 13 stops near hotels and major attractions. It operates Monday through Friday, 7am to 11pm, and Saturday, 3pm to 11pm. CTTRANSIT bus services operate regularly; standard fare is $1.25, but various passes are available.
New HavenNew Haven is a mid-sized city, but its distinguished reputation is well-known across the country. For Americans, 'New Haven' connotes intellectual brilliance, colonial tradition and, sometimes, controversy. It is the home of prestigious Yale University, the charter for which was granted in 1701. Since then, relations between the 'town and gown' have alternated between cooperation and confrontation, though over the past few years, a mutual recognition of interdependence and potential has been growing. In fact, the revitalization of downtown New Haven owes its success to the initiatives of both the local government as well as Yale's own property management program.
Today, New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut, but it remains steeped in history and elegance. It has more National Historic Landmarks than anywhere else in Connecticut. Walking along tree-lined Wooster Square, historic New Haven Green and the many leafy downtown streets, it is easy to understand how the 'Elm City' got its nickname. After visitors have taken in the beautiful vista of Long Island Sound and enjoyed hiking, biking and canoeing in the public parklands surrounding the city, New Haven's abundance of theaters, museums, music venues, restaurants, shops and nightlife options await. The Chapel Street Historic District buzzes with galleries, boutiques and bistros, and the newly redeveloped Broadway area is a shopper's heaven. The Shubert, Long Wharf and Yale Repertory Theaters are renowned for groundbreaking performances, and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra is the fourth oldest in the country.
No visit to New Haven would be complete, however, without taking part in what, for many, is its most enjoyable tradition. New Haven is the birthplace of the American pizza. Age-old contenders Sally's and Pepe's pizzerias, each with an army of fiercely loyal New Havenites, have been battling for the 'best pie' title for more than 60 years.
Getting Around: Exploring New Haven by foot is enjoyable, particularly in the area surrounding the university. Various walking tours start from the Yale Visitor Center. The downtown area is serviced by a free electric trolley system, operating Monday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm, every 15 minutes. CTTRANSIT bus service is also available. The city has been working to make parking more convenient; there are various off-street lots and garages, and the new Parcxmart card can be used to pay for metered on-street parking.
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.JPG "The Old State House")
