Hartford Weekends: Crowd-free weekends
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Hartford? If you like the idea of sipping along the riverfront, getting artsy sketching at local studios, and are daring enough to try paddling under historic bridges, Hartford is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from riverfront strolls to skyline views and give you a crisp sampling of Hartford's culture, history, and creative spirit.
Lynn, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Lynn has lived in Connecticut almost her entire life, and knows the difference between shoreline charm and quiet river towns. She's sampled pizza and donuts all over the state visiting all 169 Connecticut towns. Her most memorable (and probably last ever) move involved the trifecta of a hurricane, loss of power, and an August heatwave (so don't even get me started on moving horror stories!). She knits, bakes, metal detects beaches, and firmly believes New Haven pizza is a food group of its own. At Snappy Scout Lynn turns decades of CT discoveries into sage moving advice you'll enjoy reading and actually use.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Hartford?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
Elizabeth Park roses flexing, Riverfront kayaks, Pratt Street string lights.
When the gals come to town for the weekend
West Hartford brunch marathon with shopping for dessert, Delamar spa, laughs at City Steam.
Dude hangout
Hatchet House for axe throwing and beers.
Rainy dreary day
Get lost in Mark Twain’s study, then the Wadsworth’s masterpieces.
Intellectually stimulating
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center tour, abolition tea before hot takes.
Artsy
Wadsworth Atheneum date night, ancient armor judging your gallery poses.
Outdoorsy
Riverfront Recapture trails, skyline peeking while scullers whisper motivational gossip.
Fitness oriented
Run the Bushnell to Riverside loop; hike West Hartford Reservoir trails.
If you're a shopaholic
Westfarms Mall power laps, Blue Back Square, wallet will file grievance.
With your dog
Elizabeth Park leashed strut, latte on the lawn, squirrels will be terrified.
Family oriented
Connecticut Science Center experiments, Bushnell Park Carousel bribes for good behavior.
In need of a selfie
Elizabeth Park Rose Garden trellises, your camera gasps, blossoms preen.
My Favorite Local Spot in Hartford
Weekend brunch at Fire by Forge. Super delicious and vegan-friendly too!
— Lynn Nelthropp
Connecticut Local Expert
Ready to See If Hartford Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Hartford guide for the bigger picture.