East Hartford, Connecticut

Welcome to East Hartford, a small town located in the Hartford metropolitan area of Connecticut. The town is known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and cultural attractions. East Hartford is a great place to visit for those looking for peace and tranquility. Here is a list of the top 10 places to visit and 5 places to avoid while in East Hartford.

Places to Visit

1. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is a must-visit place for art lovers. It is the oldest public art museum in the United States and has an impressive collection of European art, American art, and contemporary art. The museum’s architecture itself is a work of art, with its Gothic and modernist elements. Make sure to book a guided tour to fully appreciate the art and history of the museum.

2. Rentschler Field

Rentschler Field is a multi-purpose stadium that hosts concerts, sporting events, and cultural festivals. It is the home stadium for UConn Football and can hold up to 40,000 people. The stadium is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and is a great place to take in a game or concert.

3. Glastonbury Hills Country Club

Glastonbury Hills Country Club is an 18-hole championship golf course that offers a fun and challenging experience for all levels of golfers. The course is nestled in the rolling hills of Glastonbury and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After a round of golf, make sure to stop by the club’s restaurant for a delicious meal.

4. Hockanum River Trail

The Hockanum River Trail is a 5-mile paved trail that follows the Hockanum River through East Hartford. The trail is perfect for hikers, bikers, and joggers, and offers a beautiful scenic route along the river. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenery.

5. Wickham Park

Wickham Park is a beautiful park that spans over 280 acres and offers stunning botanical gardens, a scenic picnic area, and hiking trails. The park hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, art shows, and festivals. Make sure to visit the aviary, which houses over 50 species of birds.

6. Burying Hill Beach

Burying Hill Beach is a small beach located on the Connecticut River. It is a great place to relax, soak up the sun, and take a dip in the cool waters. The beach also has a playground and picnic area, making it a great spot for a family outing.

7. Lutz Children’s Museum

The Lutz Children’s Museum is a small museum that focuses on nature and science education for children. The museum has several hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that teach children about the natural world. Make sure to check out the live animal exhibits, which include birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

8. Connecticut Trolley Museum

The Connecticut Trolley Museum is a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the trolley cars that once crisscrossed the state. The museum has an impressive collection of vintage trolley cars and offers guided tours of the museum and a ride on an antique trolley car.

9. Charter Oak Landing

Charter Oak Landing is a park that sits on the banks of the Connecticut River. The park offers beautiful views of the river and the Hartford skyline. It is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic, take a stroll along the river, or launch a boat into the water.

10. AMC Classic Bloomfield 8

The AMC Classic Bloomfield 8 is a movie theater that offers the latest blockbusters and independent films. The theater has several screens and is equipped with comfortable seating and excellent sound systems. It is a great place to relax and catch a movie after a day of exploring.

Places to Avoid

1. Urban Areas at Night

As with all urban areas, it is best to avoid walking around certain areas at night. It is best to stay in well-lit areas with other people, especially if you are not familiar with the area.

2. Burnside Avenue

Burnside Avenue can be a bit rough and is not the safest area in town. It is best to avoid this area altogether or take precautions if you must go there.

3. East Hartford Skatepark

The East Hartford Skatepark is not well-maintained and can be a bit dangerous. It is not recommended for skaters or for those who want to watch the skating activities.

4. East Hartford Public Library

The East Hartford Public Library is not a safe place to visit, especially at night. It has been the site of several criminal activities, so it is best to avoid this area altogether.

5. Spencer Street Area

The Spencer Street area can be a bit rough and is not the safest place to visit. It is best to stay in well-lit areas with other people.

Overview About the City