CONNECTICUT:
"THE CONSTITUTION STATE"
BY Clay Larroy
There is nothing more
exciting than traveling. Whether you are going for a road trip
to see something new in your own state, or heading off to somewhere for the
very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should know. Travel in the off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy
temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel
due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded.
This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels. When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!
Read the article below
for an interesting perspective on Hartford.
Hartford CT:
The Best Cities In Connecticut
By Steven Penny
One
of the country's oldest cities established in 1635, Hartford grew into a
prosperous trading and manufacturing center, and today is one of the state's
largest metropolitan centers. The capital of Connecticut, Hartford bustles with
employment, recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities.
Conveniently
located in the center of Connecticut, Hartford is at the crossroads of
Interstates 91 and 84, with rail and bus service. Bradley International Airport
in Windsor Locks is only 20 minutes away.
In
the early years of its history the abundance of valuable merchandise stored in
Hartford requiring protection against damage and theft led to many insurance
enterprises developing. Nicknamed the "Insurance Capital of the
World", many of the largest insurance companies in the world have their
headquarters in the city. Tens of thousands of people from around Connecticut
are employed in the industry and is the economic foundation of the city. The
Traveler's tower is one of the signature buildings of the insurance industry
defining the city's skyline.
Mark
Twain and Daniel Wadsworth are among Hartford's most notable residents. You can
enjoy a tour of the Mark Twain House & Museum - a National Historic
Landmark. This 2,000-square-foot gallery is filled with rare manuscripts,
artifacts, photos, and fine arts not seen anywhere else in the world.
Daniel
Wadsworth established the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest art museum in the
United States. It's home to an impressive collection of historic furnishings as
well as European and American art. The Butler-McCook House is the city's oldest
house, containing an extensive collection of art, antiques and household items
with a restored Victorian Garden. The collection of original furnishings range
from Connecticut-crafted Colonial furniture to Victorian-era paintings and
toys.
The
Old State House is the oldest state house in the country. It was designed by
Charles Bulfinch in 1796 who is regarded by many as the first native-born
American to practice architecture as a profession. The Victorian Gothic styled
State Capital features many statues and engravings on its exterior. It is
topped with a gold leafed dome. Legislative Office building houses state
executive offices, legislative chamber, and historic displays.
Connecticut
State Library & Supreme Court is also located in the hill district near the
State Capital atop Bushnell Park. The building contains the Museum of
Connecticut History. The Colt Revolver was manufactured in Hartford throughout
the late nineteenth century and there are a number of galleries devoted to
Samuel Colt memorabilia.
Another
popular attraction is the Civic Center which features sporting and cultural
events, shops, restaurants, and luxury apartments in a 36-story tower. Restored
to its original 19th century condition, Union Station includes the refurbished
brownstone depot, restaurants, shops and lively entertainment.
The
Downtown Library was originally founded in 1774 and is a large library
containing approximately 500,000 items including books, reference materials,
audio books, and children's books. A cafe is located inside the library that
serves gourmet teas, coffees, and pastries with a special atmosphere.
Adriaen's
Landing, located on the Connecticut riverfront is home to the
540,000-square-foot Connecticut Convention Center, the Connecticut Science
Center with over 150 hands on exhibits, and a hotel.
The
University of Hartford features several cultural institutions such as the Mort
and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center, the Joseloff Gallery, and the Renee
Samuels Center. In addition, there are also a half-dozen private and public
colleges and universities in the city including Trinity College, Capital
Community College and the University of Connecticut School of Business
downtown.
Hartford's
public-school system is extensive and includes several interdistrict magnet
schools and a large parochial system that provides private instruction.
Hartford Public is the second-oldest secondary school in the country.
Since
1942 the Connecticut Opera Company has been presenting fully staged, high
quality operatic productions at the Bushnell Theater. The Charter Oak Cultural
Center is an important performance space where exhibitions, performances,
in-school programs, lectures and workshops provide the opportunity to learn and
understand a diversity of cultures.
The
Hartford Golf Club is a complete private country club offering twenty-seven
beautifully designed holes of golf, as well as nine tennis courts, three
swimming pools, four squash courts and four bowling alleys. The club also has
many banquet facilities and a grand ballroom.
For
those who are adventurous at heart, CT Ballooning, LLC provides unforgettable
hot air balloon rides over central Connecticut.
With
the abundance of cultural activities in the state capital, and with the average
commute for workers twenty-two minutes from the surrounding communities of the
greater Metropolitan area makes Hartford one of the best cites in Connecticut
for your home and family.
Steven
Penny author of Hiring The Best People writes on the best cities to live in
Connecticut. If you are looking for BHHS
New England Properties please visit http://www.Bhhsneproperties.com
REFERENCE SITES:
What wouldn't have happened to me if I hadn't
ended up in Hartford, Connecticut.
Peter Falk
