East Hartford Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, things to do, where to stay and how to get around in East Hartford, Connecticut with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to East Hartford

Located in the scenic Connecticut River Valley, East Hartford is a beautiful town in Connecticut, United States of America. It is a perfect blend of a peaceful small town and a lively suburban hub. With numerous attractions, fascinating histories, and an incredible natural beauty, East Hartford is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to explore. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to East Hartford.

List of Places to Visit in East Hartford

East Hartford has numerous cultural and natural attractions that would keep you busy for days. Here is a list of the top places you should not miss out while you are in the town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Connecticut River Museum: This museum showcases the maritime history and culture of Connecticut River. It has an impressive collection of artifacts, boat models, and interactive exhibits.

  2. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art: The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest public art museum in the United States. It has an extensive collection of European and American art, including works by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet.

  3. Mark Twain House and Museum: Explore the life and works of the legendary American writer Mark Twain, who spent his most productive years in this magnificent house. The tours would give you insight into his personal life and the time he spent in this house.

Natural Attractions of East Hartford: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Hockanum River Linear Park: This linear park has a beautiful hiking trail along the Hockanum River and is a perfect place for a morning walk or jog.

  2. Wickham Park: Spread over 280 acres, Wickham Park is a picturesque park that has beautiful gardens, walking trails, picnic areas, and a play area for children. You can also enjoy the stunning views of Hartford from here.

  3. Rentschler Field: Rentschler Field is an enormous stadium that hosts numerous sports events and music concerts. It connects with the University of Connecticut and Hartford Yard Goats, the minor league baseball team.

Hiking/Biking Routes of East Hartford

East Hartford offers a variety of scenic hiking and biking trails. Some of the popular ones are:

  • Hockanum River Trail: This trail is a popular destination for hikers and bikers, especially in the fall when the foliage is breathtaking.

  • Case Mountain: This is a moderately difficult hiking trail that provides stunning views of Hartford skyline and Connecticut river valley.

  • Airline Trail: This trail connects East Hartford to several other cities in Connecticut and offers a variety of landscapes, including wooden bridges, lush vegetation, and charming small towns.

Best Things to Do in East Hartford: Activities and Tours

  1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Enjoy the spectacular views of Connecticut River Valley in a hot air balloon. Several companies offer this adventurous tour.

  2. Enjoy the Hartford Skyline: Take a helicopter tour to experience the beauty of Hartford from the sky.

  3. Experience Indoor Skydiving: Try indoor skydiving at the iFly indoor skydiving center.

Week-Long Itinerary for East Hartford

Here is an ideal itinerary for a week-long trip to East Hartford:

Day 1: Visit the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and explore the beautiful Bushnell Park.

Day 2: Visit the Connecticut Science Center and go on a hot air balloon ride to view Hartford from above.

Day 3: Enjoy the hiking trails of Hockanum River Linear Park and spend the day at Rentschler Field.

Day 4: Explore the Mark Twain House and Museum and take a trip to Elizabeth Park Rose Garden.

Day 5: Visit Lowell Walks and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Great River Park.

Day 6: Take an indoor skydiving tour and visit Dinosaur State Park.

Day 7: Enjoy scenic driving around East Hartford and taste some local beer at the nearby breweries.

Food and Drink Scene of East Hartford

East Hartford has a vibrant food and drinks scene that you must explore. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Steamed Cheeseburger: This unique creation uses steamed white cheddar cheese to make a juicy and delicious burger.

  2. Clam Chowder: East Hartford’s clam chowder is famous for its creamy texture and rich flavor.

  3. Lobster Rolls: East Hartford’s lobster rolls are a must-try dish, especially when you are in Connecticut.

Local Beverages

  1. Connecticut Wine: Connecticut has an emerging wine scene, and several vineyards produce world-class wines.

  2. Connecticut Beer: East Hartford has a variety of breweries that produce some of the finest beers in the country.

Where to Stay in East Hartford: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

East Hartford offers a wide range of accommodation options, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some of the best options:

  • Holiday Inn Hartford Downtown Area: This hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

  • Econo Lodge East Hartford: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.

  • East Hartford Inn: This guesthouse offers simple and comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and free parking.

What to Buy in East Hartford: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

East Hartford offers many unique souvenirs and local products that you must bring back home as a reminder of your trip. Some of the popular items are:

  1. Connecticut River Valley Soaps: The soaps made from natural ingredients from the Connecticut River Valley are a must-buy.

  2. Handcrafted Jewelry: Several local artists make beautiful handcrafted jewelry that you can purchase as a souvenir.

  3. Maple Syrup: Connecticut has a booming maple syrup industry, and you can bring home some of the finest and most delicious maple syrup.

Local Culture and Customs of East Hartford

Connecticut is a friendly and welcoming place. People are polite, and it’s customary to greet strangers with a friendly “hello.” Make sure you respect the culture and customs of this place.

Best Time to Visit East Hartford

The best time to visit East Hartford is in the fall (September - November) when the foliage is stunning, and the weather is cool. However, the town is beautiful throughout the year, and you can visit any time.

Do’s and Don’ts of East Hartford

Here are some do’s and don’ts while visiting East Hartford:

Do:

  • Respect the culture and customs of the place

  • Be polite and friendly

  • Explore the nature parks

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment

  • Engage in any illegal activities

  • Be rude or disrespectful to others

Safety and Health

Safety in East Hartford

East Hartford is generally a safe place, but it’s always advisable to take precautions to keep yourself safe. It’s recommended to avoid walking alone at night and keeping your valuables safe.

Health in East Hartford

East Hartford has several hospitals and clinics that offer quality healthcare. Make sure you have travel insurance, and if you have any pre-existing conditions, carry all the necessary documents.

Getting to East Hartford: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near East Hartford

The nearest airports to East Hartford are Hartford Bradley International Airport (BDL) and New Haven Tweed Airport (HVN). Both airports are well-connected to the town.

Bus Stations Near East Hartford

The Greyhound bus service and Peter Pan Bus Lines connect East Hartford to several other cities in Connecticut.

Other Options

You can also take a train to East Hartford through Amtrak, which provides services from Hartford.

How to Get Around in East Hartford

East Hartford has a well-connected public transportation system, which includes buses and trains. You can also use taxis and rental cars to get around.

Where to Go Next from East Hartford: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

East Hartford is surrounded by several beautiful destinations that you can enjoy as day trips. Some of the popular ones are:

  • Hartford, Connecticut: Explore the capital city of Connecticut and enjoy its museums, art galleries, and parks.

  • Springfield, Massachusetts: Visit the birthplace of basketball and explore the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.

  • Providence, Rhode Island: Enjoy the Renaissance City and explore the Providence Performing Arts Center and the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Conclusion

East Hartford is a beautiful and charming town with incredible natural beauty and a rich history. It offers something for every traveler, from adventure tourism to cultural experiences. This comprehensive guide will help you plan a perfect trip to East Hartford and explore everything it has to offer.

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