Hartford

Hartford has become not only the state capital but also the insurance capital of the world, with a slew of historical attractions, thriving arts and entertainment center, a revitalized riverfront and beautiful parks and public gardens. Stroll around the Front Street district near the riverfront section of the city with its shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, which was the home of Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and his family from 1874 to 1891. It is also where he wrote his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Tour the fanciful Connecticut State Capitol and Legislative offices, visit the Connecticut Science Center or the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the U.S. If your timing is right (end of June, beginning of July), you’ll catch the Elizabeth Park rose gardens in bloom, but fall is also great for brilliant leaf colors, and spring yields colorful gardens and blossoming trees. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, visit the observation deck of Travelers Tower, where you might also spot two resident falcons.