Built as a replacement for the Gothic-style church that burned down in 1956, the majestically modern Cathedral of St. Joseph built in was built in 1962. The cathedral is beautifully adorned with stained glass, elegant bronze bells and ceramic-titled murals that surround the altar of this impressive edifice.
Take a break from your hectic schedule and enjoy a few moments of relaxation at Elizabeth Park Conservancy. Operating since 1897, this beautiful park has been a place of interest for the locals as well as the tourists due to its charming gardens. The property spans an area of 102 acres (41 hectares) and is home to a heritage rose garden, horticultural garden, shade garden and four other gardens. Besides the lush greenery, it features four century-old Greenhouses verdant pathways, lawns and many more things to do on a sunny day. It also provides facilities for recreational activities like tennis courts, basket ball courts, picnic groves and many others. All in all you are sure to enjoy your time here.
Since the American Revolution, Connecticut has had three Capitols; built in 1878, this angelic-white structure is the state's third and last one. Designed by renowned American architect Richard M. Upjohn, the gold-domed building was erected in the Victorian Eastlake Movement-style and constructed using marble sourced from three different East Coast states. The iconic structure's stunning main facade is embellished with a series of carefully-crafted statues that bear likenesses to some of the most influential politicians and historic citizens to have come out of Connecticut. The capitol building is currently home to the state senate and the house of representatives, while also maintaining the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state.
Take a walk by the lake, have a picnic, or ride on the vintage 1914 carousel that is housed in one of America's first municipal parks. Since the mid-1850s, Bushnell Park has offered citizens a comfortable place to unwind away from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown Hartford. On the registry of National Historic Landmarks since 1970, the famous Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch dedicated to those in the Civil War is one of the major highlights as well as the Horace Wells Monument and the Corning Fountain.
Riverside Park is one of Hartford's oldest public parks and its location on the waterfront invites all for a relaxing stroll or bike ride next to the water. The series of four, 148-acre parks on both sides of the River are popular picnicking and excursion spots for Hartford's residents and the many people who work Downtown during the week. Visitors can use the boathouse for rowing along the Connecticut River, get permits to go fishing or during the summer months, and even attend one of the numerous events at the riverfront venue, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.
The University of Connecticut was founded in 1881, originally as an agricultural college. Today, its location about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Hartford and the school prides itself in its their high academic standards as well as its basketball teams.. The university's architecture is reminiscent of early 20th Century colleges, with gorgeous Gothic buildings alongside the modern facilities. UConn is one of New England's top-ranked public universities and is worth the trip to the serene countryside for a basketball game, to see a show at the Jorgensen Center, or some sightseeing in fall when the leaves change.
Located to the east of Wethersfield, the Buttolph-Williams House is one of the oldest structures in the city. Established in 1711, this house was constructed in the Puritan style. Its facade features wooden clapboards and casement windows with diamond-shaped panes. The house was renovated in the 1940s by Frederick C. Palmer, who restored it to its former glory. Managed by the Connecticut Landmarks, Buttolph-Williams House opened as a museum in 1951. Elizabeth George Speare's historical fiction, "The Witch of Blackbird Pond," was set around this house, making it a popular visitation spot amongst fans of this novel.
In 2009, the Playhouse Theatre Group decided to open the doors and present some of the best classic plays and other performance pieces on stage. From comedy and children's shows to Othello and modern, interpretive dance, there is something for all tastes. Tickets are relatively inexpensive and the organization constantly provides outreach programs to foment a love for the arts in the greater Hartford region.
Built in the early 20th Century by the industrialist George C.F. Williams in the Georgian Style of Architecture, the Connecticut Governor's Residence has been serving the state governors since 1945. It was added to a National Register of Historic Places in the year 1985. The structure has been restored to its original form and part of the interiors have been modified. You can visit the house with prior appointment.
Established in the year 1977, the facility is a center for ecological study and community welfare, and is dedicated in helping the locals discover and understand more about nature and the natural surroundings. The center is home to a variety of wildlife like birds, bunnies, ferrets, lizards, turtles, snakes etc. There are hands-on activities for children, exhibits and a reading cum game corner. The center can be rented for community welfare programs, birthdays and celebrations. There is no admission fee, but visitors are requested to make a nominal donation for the welfare of the museum. Since the center is located in the vicinity of Mill Wood Park, visitors can take a hike and explore the meadows and trekking trails after a visit to the museum.