Cynthia - Click to enlarge Edition #53, 26 October 2009

Hello, my name is Cynthia, a mermaid from the cool waters of New England. Thank you for visiting my collection of articles on New England. Please tell your friends and family about this web site.

Look for other articles in this series on the home page.

Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford is the capital of Connecticut. It is located in the north-central part of the state in Hartford County. The Connecticut River and Interstate Highway 91 both pass through Hartford in a north/south direction. English settlers arrived in the area in 1635. The settlement was named Newtown, but it was renamed Hartford in 1637. Hartford was incorporated as a city in 1784, and consolidated in 1896. Here is a map of Hartford.

The Star Shuttle provides free transportation among 15 points in downtown Hartford. The shuttle runs 7am to 11pm weekdays, and 3pm to 11pm on Saturdays.

Be sure to bring the kids to the Connecticut Science Center at 250 Columbus Blvd (Star Shuttle stop #1). The Center features 150 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater, four educational labs, and daily programs and events. From Physics to Forensics, Geology to Astronomy, there is sure to be something of interest for everyone! Hartford Downtown from Bushnell Park

Cruise the Connecticut River aboard the Hartford Belle, a 49-passenger riverboat. Cruises leave Charter Oak Landing or Riverfront Plaza in Hartford, May to October. As they say, "From the water, its a whole new view!" I would have to agree!

The Mark Twain House and Museum is located at 351 Farmington Avenue. Current exhibits include The Readers Room and a Lego Double of the Mark Twain House. Both the house and museum are a must-see for history lovers. Allow a minimum of two hours for your visit, there is a lot to see!

Located in downtown Hartford and surrounding neighborhoods, Open Studio Weekend will be held on November 14th and 15th from 11am to 5pm. The event is a showcase for local artists, and features jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculpture, and photography. Admission is free.

The Connecticut Veterans Day Parade is the largest Veterans Day Parade in New England, and it is also one of the largest in the US. This year's parade will be held Sunday, November 8th at 1pm in downtown Hartford. The parade features 25 bands and over 3500 marchers from 49 towns.

What are the locals saying about Hartford? What is the awesomest thing ever? Find out here.

Located at 283 Asylum Street, Mayor Mike's Bistro is a local favorite. Start with the Spicy Calamari, Antipasto, or The Mayor's Mussels. Entrees include Cowboy Rib Eye, Montego Chicken, and "Not Your Momma's Meatloaf." You are sure to return so you can try something new!

People are raving about O'Porto Restaurant at 2074 Park Street. Specializing in seafood and Portuguese cuisine, the menu contains a variety to satify even the picky eaters in the family.

Read more about Hartford at www.enjoyhartford.com, www.hartford.com, and www.hartford.gov. If you see me in the water, be sure to wave!

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Photo Credits:
Cynthia at Sunrise: DSI Photo
Hartford Downtown: Webshots/bubai002

©2009 Gold Mermaid