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9 Ways To Treat Yourself In Beautiful West Hartford, Connecticut

• Connecticut
• Destinations
• United States

Just outside of Hartford, Connecticut’s capital city, West Hartford is a charming urban enclave where you can enjoy all the wonderful and luxurious amenities you would find in Boston and New York, without the throngs of people jockeying for every square inch of sidewalk. With an inviting town center supporting locals and visitors, West Hartford has blossomed into a thriving foodie area, peppered with plenty of history, upscale shopping, and topped off with a dose of self-indulgent luxury.

Downtown West Hartford will enchant you with beautiful landscapes, rows of brownstones, and walkable amenities. Muscle melting spa treatments, sink-into-the-chair movie theaters, and a hotel with curated art displays elevate personal pampering getaways to a new level.

Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.

1. Relax Into A Massage

For the ultimate in luxurious relaxation, book a massage, facial, reflexology, or other uber pampering treatment session at the DELAMAR Spa . Feel the stress melt away while your sore muscles relish the individualized attention of their Signature massage. Alternatively, consider a Balancing Stone massage for a muscle penetrating heated treatment. Rev up your internal energy with a Reflexology session; there is nothing like a foot massage to treat your achy feet.

Who doesn’t want to look a little younger? No one. A custom facial can rejuvenate, refresh, and restore your skin. With their assortment of facial treatments, you will find the perfect pampering treatment to make your stay invigorating. Consider their Energy of the Glacier anti-aging ritual, it will not only make you feel younger — you will have “visibly restored, younger-looking skin.” Yes, please, I’ll take that one every day.

2. Dinner And A Movie

Now that you look and feel amazing from your spa day treatments, it is time to get out and explore West Hartford. Who takes time to go to the movies and see an action-packed adventure on the big screen? Movies are made to be enjoyed in a theater, and West Hartford has one you will love. The moment you enter Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas , you can feel the vibe is totally different from your average movie-going experience.

You are greeted by a chic, stylish lounge with a full bar and concession area, perfect for grabbing a seat and relaxing before the movie. The theater will blow you away with the soft reclining leather seats; it’s like watching a movie in your own in-home theater. With a push of a button, you are perfectly reclined to enjoy an exciting, new-release film.

In need of a beverage or nosh? Simply push your private call button and a waiter will magically appear to take your order — no need to miss a minute of the film. If you want to enjoy your favorite adult beverage and a large buttered popcorn, to share, of course, while you watch the show, no problem. When you want something more substantial, the menu offers a variety of pub-like choices including pizza, tacos, and salad. The latest flick never tasted so good.

3. Visit Mark Twain’s House

The Mark Twain House and Museum was the beloved home of Samuel Clemens and his family from 1874 to 1891. The 25-room Hartford mansion inspired Twain’s writing including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , The Adventures of Tom Sawyer , and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. It is a delight to enjoy a guided exploration of the Mark Twain house. Any writer or writer-want-to-be can feel the wonderful energy the home imparts.

The warm color palette and rich wood tones of the Entrance Hall combined with the stenciled wainscoting and patterned walls and ceiling crafted by Louis C. Tiffany & Co. Associated Artists, leave guests awestruck. This, of course, was the intent of the elaborately painted design — to show off the wealth and excellent taste of the owner.

The Library and the adjacent Conservatory were the heart of Clemens’ home life. Light from the conservatory and large library window gives the eclectically decorated room a cozy and relaxed, homey feel. You will be tempted to select a classic novel from the shelves, settle in on the divan, and read the day away.

The Victorian home offers guests a step back to the luxurious times of the Gilded Age , a term coined by Twain in a novel of the same name. Mark Twain’s house is a must-visit for anyone staying in the Hartford area.

4. Explore Elizabeth Park

Imagine you are strolling through your own mansion gardens while visiting the Elizabeth Park Conservancy . You will feel like you have been transported into a French Chateau’s jardin . The intricate rows of rose-adorned arbors form spokes around a center gazebo, creating a labyrinth of exquisite beauty.

The outlying gardens provide opportunities for quiet meditation while soaking up the sweet floral aromas and colorful blooms. Planted with seasonal varieties, there is always something blooming in the gardens.

Elizabeth Park provides dozens of spectacular photographic backdrops. You will always find professional and amateur photographers setting up their perfect shots here. Grab your camera and join in the garden fun.

5. Hang Out In Blue Back Square

When you find yourself wandering around Blue Back Square , stop and explore luxe decor shops like LoveSac, Crate & Barrel, and West Elm. Plan to uplift your home’s furniture with one beautiful piece, redecorate the entire room, or collect ideas for your next redecorating project. Forget about online shopping as you meander the isles at a brick-and-mortar bookstore: Get lost in Barnes & Noble. Or simply secure one of the leather recliners at Cinepolis and enjoy a great movie.

After all that shopping, reading, or movie watching, stop for a bite and a sip at World of Beer Kitchen and Bar or the Cheesecake Factory .

6. Shop Westfarms Mall

Get ready for a shopping ninja day at Westfarms Mall . Here you will find all the luxury shopping brands you could desire. Spend an afternoon going in and out of stores like Vans, Nordstrom, L’Occitane, Athleta, Tiffany & Co., Brooks Brothers, Coach, Fabletics, Louis Vuitton, North Face, and so many others. You won’t run out of stores to explore.

When you are ready for a shopping mall pick-me-up, you can rest your feet at P.F. Changs, Gusnova Gelato, Au Bon Pain, or plenty of other yummy restaurants.

7. Cocktails Around The Neighborhood

With a multitude of restaurants and bars around West Hartford Center, it is the perfect spot to sample your favorite adult beverage on a few different bar stools. Take bar hopping to a new level by exploring crafted, bartender-driven cocktails or a new-to-you glass of wine.

Sip on an Espresso Martini at Max’s Oyster Bar . Relax with a local brew at the World of Beer . Enjoy a fine glass of wine at Vinted Wine Bar . Explore the area to find the perfect seat to people watch, chat, sip, and let your workaday cares slip away.

8. Noah Webster House

Noah Webster is known for his American Dictionary of the English Language . Webster brought American English usage away from artificial grammatical rules of the past. He began a linguistic revolution that based the American language more on the spoken word.

A tour of the Noah Webster House , located outside of West Hartford’s center, will take you through four, period furnished rooms. You can enjoy a docent tour (based on availability), or a self-guided tour with a personal tablet to guide you along.

9. Stay At The DELAMAR

Where to stay in West Hartford is an easy question to answer. The epitome of luxury hotels, the DELAMAR West Hartford , is a stunning example of an approachable chic and guest-focused venue. The best way to kick off a luxurious stay: with a complimentary chilled glass of bubbly while you are checking in.

The lobby has a relaxing vibe, stylishly decorated for interest and comfort. As you wander through the lobby you will find multiple seating areas for quiet work or lively conversations. For the ultimate in guest rooms, reserve the Governor’s Suite, a two-room suite with a private balcony and two baths. You can even book the two rooms on either side for a large family gathering; there is a lockout door in the hallway giving the area a large apartment effect.

Artfully decorated pieces by renowned artists decorate the guest rooms and public spaces. Some are part of the DELAMAR’s private collection, but others are listed in the hotel’s gallery catalog and are available for purchase. That would be an amazing souvenir!

A Luxurious West Hartford Center Getaway

Zipping off to West Hartford for an overnight break or long weekend getaway will envelop you in luxurious trappings. You will want to stay and stay and stay. Rejuvenating spa treatments and extravagant shopping during the daytime give way to fabulous foodie and libation finds when the sun sets, making beautiful West Hartford the perfect place to enjoy the high life.

Pro Tip: If you are in search of more east coast luxury, our list of Luxury Cape Cod and the Islands Hotels and Resorts is a great place to start. Another wonderful option is the Ocean House in Westerly, Rhode Island. Every once in a while, a luxurious getaway will make you feel like a million bucks.

Sandi loves writing about culture, cuisine, adult beverages, cruising, golf, skiing, road trips, hiking, New England, and photography. Traveling solo, with hubby Chris, or the entire Barrett clan there is always a story waiting to be told.

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Connecticut (CT) » 15 Best Things to Do in West Hartford (CT)

15 Best Things to Do in West Hartford (CT)

Often praised as one of the best small towns in America, West Hartford has a downtown to make most other towns green with envy.

The Center and its recent lifestyle extension, Blue Back Square, are made for walking. I could spend hours exploring the one-off shops, while there’s a big roster of hip international restaurants.

West Hartford merges with its larger neighbor to the east, putting must-sees like the Mark Twain House only minutes away.

The town also benefits from abundant green space. There’s the refined Elizabeth Park, the wild West Hartford Reservoir, and Westmoor Park where children can meet barnyard animals.

The lexicographer Noah Webster, of Webster’s Dictionary, was born in West Hartford. His 18th-century childhood home is not to be missed, and is enriched with personal items.

Let’s explore the best things to do in West Hartford :

1. Elizabeth Park

This urban park is a feather in West Hartford’s cap, composed of more than 100 acres of formal gardens set off by the acclaimed Pond House Café.

Before coming, I’d check the website to find out what’s in bloom in the various gardens. Among them is an Iris Garden, Rose Garden (third largest in America), Perennial Garden, Herb Garden, Shade Garden and Robert A. Prill Annual Garden.

Spring is kicked off with a beautiful display of daffodils, tulips and annuals at the greenhouse. Some of the other highlights in this landscape of ponds, bridges and mature trees are the farmstead, and rock garden.

Finally, don’t miss the overlook, which grants a panorama of the Hartford skyline to the east.

Elizabeth Park was landscaped by Olmsted and Son at the turn of the 20th century. This was after the land had been bequeathed by financier Charles M. Pond and named in tribute to his wife, Elizabeth.

2. West Hartford Center

One of many things I love about West Hartford is the walkable downtown. This is packed with shops, restaurants and amenities on a backdrop of venerable brick buildings.

Commonly called West Hartford Center, it’s all found around the junction of Farmington Avenue and South/North Main Street. I find the area even more endearing for the raft of independent businesses among the chain stores.

West Hartford Center has been the soul of the city since the 17th century. Today it shines as an example of a main street shopping district.

You could lose track of time browsing jewelers, fashion boutiques, wellness stores, design shops, cute arts and crafts stores. Then you can go for a burger, sushi, gyro, pizza, oysters, kebab, tapas or falafel, or whatever else takes your fancy.

3. Blue Back Square

When West Hartford Center was extended east with this sympathetic development in the mid-2000s, Noah Webster’s Blue-backed Speller books served as the inspiration for the name.

Blending seamlessly with the rest of downtown West Hartford, Blue Back Square mixes retail with residential space. For me it’s somewhere to eat, shop and just stroll for a while.

There’s a handful of boutiques joined by a generous helping of bars, cafes and restaurants, for comfort food, hip cocktails, steak, Hawaiian poke or international beers.

And to end the day in style you can catch a movie at the plush Cinépolis, the first “luxury” theater in the Northeast. This features waiter service, gourmet concessions and a full bar.

4. Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

Few people have made an impact on education in America like Noah Webster (1758-1843). I mean, his name practically means “dictionary”, and his Blue-Backed Speller books taught American children to read and spell across five generations.

At 227 South Main Street, Noah Webster’s birthplace is still standing and was turned into a museum for his life in 1966. 

The campus includes the historic house, as well as the hands-on Noah’s Discovery Learning Space, three new exhibition galleries, the Jodik Education Center and a one-room schoolhouse orientation area.

Among the pieces relating to Webster are 20+ first editions, his desk, two clocks and a ring from the early 19th century. The latter has Webster and his wife Rebecca’s hair encased in crystal.

The West Hartford Collection deals with life and times in the city from the 1700s to the 1900s and includes a sensational assortment of textiles.

5. The Children’s Museum

One for littler folks, the Children’s Museum has been around since 1927. When I brought my kids here, the museum had recently relocated to new premises on Mohegan Drive. 

This attraction is perhaps best known for its life-sized replica of a sperm whale named Conny. The aim throughout is to “ignite curiosity through science and nature”. In that spirit there’s a world of hands-on fun and live exhibits where kids can burn off mental and physical energy.

By way of introduction, Dinosaurs in Your Backyard has 3D dinosaur models and fossil specimens. Meanwhile Imagination Playground comprises modular lightweight play blocks for building and problem solving.

There are live animals at Lizard Lair, Turtle Town, the Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Winged Wonders Butterfly House.

6. Art Museum, University of Saint Joseph

At USJ’s vibrant campus museum there are six galleries for a collection of more than 2,600 works ranging from the 1400s to the present day.

The Art Museum’s forte lies in American painting from the 20th century, and European and American prints.

This collection first took shape in 1937 with a donation by the priest Andrew J.Kelly, and grew again in 1966 with a bequest from another priest, John J. Kelley (no relation). 

Some of the many compelling exhibitions in the last few years have been graphics by Käthe Kollwitz, 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints, Caricatures by Enrico Caruso and photography by Paul Caponigro.

I was here for an exhibition for contemporary sculpture. This enthralling show offered a detailed look at the creative process of artists who have contributed works to the USJ campus.

7. Westmoor Park

In the very west of the city there’s a wonderful, self-funded environmental education center. Westmoor Park is couched in a landscape of woodland, perennial gardens, ponds and wildflower meadows over 162 acres.

Children will be enamored of the barnyard animals, with horses, donkeys, cows, llamas, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits and cats.

The Discovery Room keeps more exotic animals, like leopard geckos, turtles, and a California kingsnake.

Outside, former polo fields were allowed to grow out to become wildflower meadows. Meanwhile at the ponds you may catch sight of beavers, turtles and ducks, while bobcats and white-tailed deer come to drink here.

The Perennial Garden is in bloom from spring to the end of the autumn, and in summer the Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden thrums with colorful creatures.

8. West Hartford Reservoir

This much-loved recreation area comprises a chain of six reservoirs, all fringed with hilly forest for hikes and mountain biking. 

There are more than 30 miles of paved and gravel roads crossing these 3,000 acres. Honestly, I can think of few better places to go for a bicycle ride in Central Connecticut. 

One off-road hiking path is the scenic, blue-blazed Metacomet Trail, passing through from south to north. A high point for hikers is Deer Cliff, a tall rocky ledge measuring 1.5 miles from north to south.

There’s also intriguing history close to Reservoir #6. Here you’ll come across the site of an encampment by Continental Soldiers in 1778 during the Revolutionary War.

9. Playhouse on Park

This flourishing, intimate performing arts theater is integral to the West Hartford community, giving a springboard to emerging artistic talent both on and off the stage.

Every season there will be an eye-catching series of main stage plays and musicals. I was here for The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged, which was an absolute delight. 

Playhouse on Park also strives to produce original plays and musicals through its Playwrights on Park series. There are comedy nights every couple of months, as well as a program of shows especially for young audiences.

10. Westfarms

Central Connecticut’s top shopping mall is on the line between West Hartford and Farmington, and its name is a portmanteau of the two places.

Westfarms is the third-largest mall in the state, home to some luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Apple, Tiffany & Co. and Michael Kors.

Sprinkled around are mid-market stores like H&M, J. Crew, Hot Topic, Gap, Foot Locker and Banana Republic.

The four anchors when I went to press were Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s & Home, Nordstrom, JCPenney and Jordan’s Furniture. 

Meanwhile Westfarms’ eateries have their own storefronts outside and include chains like California Pizza Kitchen, Brio Tuscan Grille, Taco Bell, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Dunkin’, and Subway.

11. Wolcott Park

One of five neatly tended local parks around West Hartford, Wolcott Park has recently been furnished with a splash pad for little children.

Kids can also take on the playscape and sandpit, and there’s a pond with ducks to feed (oats and seeds). With ample room for picnics and a long paved trail, it’s one of my favorite places to stroll in West Hartford.

The path weaves off into a wooded area and the park is lovely in spring when the fruit trees are in bloom.

Other amenities include tennis courts, pickleball courts, a basketball court and a baseball diamond, with a concession stand open during games.

12. Fernridge Park

A treasured amenity for generations, Fernridge Park has a great public pool, complete with a splash pad with wacky characters for children.

There are at least six hours of public swim time at the pool each day, while the mornings are normally set aside for lessons.

Also for smaller family members is a pair of well-appointed playgrounds, while there’s an area set aside for picnics. Close by is a pond, with a big contingent of Canada geese when I was here. 

When it comes to sports you’ve got a baseball diamond, tennis courts, a basketball court and generous grassy spaces for frisbee games.

13. Mark Twain House & Museum

West Hartford and Hartford are contiguous, which puts a lot of interesting sights and attractions in easy reach. For my money, none is more absorbing than Mark Twain’s purpose-built residence.

Less than a mile down the road from Elizabeth Park, this sublime American High Gothic house went up in 1874. Twain and his family would live here until 1891 when they were forced to move to Europe because of financial troubles.

I got frisons knowing that The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were all written right here in the Billiards Room.

As well as its whimsical design and literary history the house is remarkable for its technology.  Twain was an early adopter and installed gadgets like a telephone, while Louis Comfort Tiffany was hired to revamp the exterior in 1881. 

An environmentally-friendly visitor center showcasing Twain’s life and work was built next door in 2003.

14. Thomas Hooker Brewery

A Hartford and Connecticut institution, Thomas Hooker Brewery has two locations in the area. The closest is a brewery, taproom and biergarten ten minutes away in Bloomfield.

When I wrote this list there were 19 different beers on tap at this brewery. A few standouts, in my opinion, were Chocolate Truffle Stout, Citrillo (Hazy IPA), and the malty Irish Red. 

There’s free Wi-Fi, an outdoor patio, and a gift shop selling t-shirts and accessories. If you don’t have time to stop you can pick up most of Thomas Hooker’s seasonal and year-round beers in cans to go.

15. Celebrate! West Hartford

First held in 1987, there’s a free festival on the grounds of West Hartford’s town hall in June. Celebrate! West Hartford is a two-day event, helping to encourage community spirit with a wide array of activities.

The headline for me is the arts & crafts fair, which has won multiple awards over the years. This features more than 160 vendors, while there’s also a businesses and nonprofit expo, with another 120 exhibitors.

In the mix are carnival rides and games, road races, concerts, and a wonderful food court. This has something to please everyone, with classic fair bites as well as more elevated options.

15 Best Things to Do in West Hartford (CT):

• Elizabeth Park
• West Hartford Center
• Blue Back Square
• Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
• The Children's Museum
• Art Museum, University of Saint Joseph
• Westmoor Park
• West Hartford Reservoir
• Playhouse on Park
• Wolcott Park
• Fernridge Park
• Mark Twain House & Museum
• Thomas Hooker Brewery
• Celebrate! West Hartford

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Eat & drink

• Restaurant Bricco
• Max's Oyster Bar
• Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen
• Mission Escape Games
• Elizabeth Park
• West Hartford Reservoir
• The Children's Museum
• The Center & The Square