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West Hartford is a town of about 64,000 people just west of Hartford, Connecticut. Settled in the late 1600s as part of Hartford, it became a separate town in 1854 and grew into one of the state's most popular suburbs, with leafy neighborhoods, good schools and a lively town center. It is the birthplace of Noah Webster, author of the first American dictionary.
West Hartford Center and the newer Blue Back Square together form one of the best dining and shopping districts in Connecticut, with dozens of restaurants, boutiques and outdoor seating. The Noah Webster House shows his childhood home, and the Sarah Whitman Hooker House is a colonial home with Revolutionary War stories. Playhouse on Park stages professional theater.
Families enjoy the Children's Museum and Westmoor Park's farm animals and gardens, while the West Hartford Reservoir offers miles of wooded trails. Downtown Hartford, Elizabeth Park and the Mark Twain House are minutes away, and the Talcott Mountain ridge is a short drive west.
The walkable heart of town around Farmington Avenue and LaSalle Road, with independent shops, cafes and many restaurants with outdoor seating in warm months. It hosts festivals, a farmers market and holiday events. Park in the public garages and explore on foot together with Blue Back Square.
A mixed-use district opened in 2008 next to West Hartford Center, with shops, restaurants, a cinema, the Noah Webster Library and Town Hall nearby. Named after Webster's famous blue-backed spelling book, it is busy on weekend evenings. Free parking is available in its garage for a limited time.
The 18th-century farmhouse where Noah Webster, author of the first American dictionary, was born in 1758 and grew up. Guided tours show colonial family life and Webster's work, and the museum hosts history programs. Check tour times, and visit the gift shop for Webster-themed books.
A colonial house from the 1700s where Sarah Whitman Hooker lived and where British prisoners of war were held during the American Revolution. Volunteers lead tours on a limited schedule, sharing stories of colonial life and the war. Check open days with the local historical society before you go.
A town park with a small working farm, barnyard animals, gardens, a nature center and trails through meadows and woods. It is a favorite family stop, with seasonal programs such as maple sugaring and harvest events. Free to visit; check the town website for program dates and farm hours.
A long-running science museum for children, with live animals, a wildlife sanctuary of native creatures, hands-on exhibits and a planetarium with regular shows. Its life-size model of a sperm whale named Conny is a favorite photo stop. Good for a rainy day; check planetarium show times.
An intimate professional theater on Park Road with a thrust stage, staging musicals, plays, comedy and children's shows throughout the year. Every seat is close to the stage. Book ahead for popular musicals, and have dinner at one of the restaurants nearby on Park Road before the show.
The Metropolitan District Commission's reservoir lands on the western edge of town, with miles of wooded hiking and mountain bike trails, paved paths around the water and a ridge climb toward Talcott Mountain. It is a popular spot for runners and families. Swimming is not allowed; check MDC rules for dogs and bikes.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ragesoss, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marty Aligata, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
