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Billings Forge Farmers Market
539 Broad Street, on Billings Forge campus
Hartford, CT  06106
Phone: 860) 548-9877

Dates in 2010:
Thursdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; May 6-October 28

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This market features Connecticut only farmers, food artisans, jewelers, and entertainers joined by many different community-based groups at a rotating table. Also featured are vendors that offer a variety of lunch options. This is more than just a location to buy local fruits and vegetables, but a fun destination that everyone looks forward to each week.

Centennial Inn Hotel
5 Spring Lane
Farmington, CT  06032
Phone: 860-677-4647
Toll-Free: 800-852-2052
Fax: 860-676-0685

The Comfort's Inn-side

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Experience all the comforts of home in an extraordinary suite at the Centennial Inn Hotel. Offering the charm & privacy of a country inn with all the comforts & conveniences of home, Centennial Inn Hotel accommodates its guests with such features as a fully equipped kitchen, and a living room with cable TV and DVD player. Each modern one or two bedroom suite is also furnished with colonial décor and one or two baths. Some suites even have gas-flame fireplaces. Guests will also enjoy our complimentary breakfast, fitness facility, business center and outdoor pool. Click here to book a reservation with a discounted rate!

Charter Oak Greenway
East Hartford to Bolton, CT
Phone: 860-647-3084

Trail Length: 9.8 miles

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The Charter Oak Greenway is a paved, multi-use trail connecting parks and the Captain John Bissell Greenway in East Hartford with residential and commercial areas. The trail runs for 9.8 miles from Forbes Street in East Hartford to Bolton, including a one-half-mile section using local roads. The trail provides seasonal access to restrooms, picnic areas, athletic facilities, tennis court, and playground equipment at Charter Oak Park. Bike lockers are available at the intersection of Route 83 and Charter Oak Street, as well as at the Spencer Street commuter lot. Trail users should note that some hills are quite steep.

Parking and Trail Access:
From I-384 eastbound (note greenway on right side), take exit 3 (Route 83). Turn right onto Route 83-North. Turn right at light onto Charter Oak Street. Turn right at next light into parking lot at Charter Oak Field. From I-384 westbound, take exit 3. Turn right at end of ramp onto Charter Oak Street. As above.
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, inline skating, wheelchair accessible, walking, cross country skiing

Cheney Homestead
106 Hartford Road
Manchester, CT

Telephone: (860) 643-5588 Open: Thurs and Sun, 1 - 5 pm (closed holidays), and by appointment

Built in 1780, the home was the birthplace of the Cheney brothers, the founders of the Connecticut silk industry. The home contains 18th and 19th century furniture and artwork. There is also a restored 18th century schoolhouse on the property. Admission $1, adults; children free.

Connecticut Historical Society
1 Elizabeth Street at Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-236-5621

Open: Year-round, except Holidays, Tuesday - Sunday, 12 - 5 pm

Established in 1825, The Connecticut Historical Society is a non-profit organization, which collects, preserves and interprets the history of the diverse people - past and present - who have made Connecticut their home. The Society houses a museum with one of the largest collections of Connecticut furnture, silver, pewter, costumes, graphic materials and tavern signs in existence. A library holds 100,000 manuscripts and nearly 3 million volumes. Events and lectures are scheduled throughout the year. A current exhibit, Amistad -- A True Story of Freedom, is a comprehensive look at the African's revolt on the slave ship Amistad in 1839, and the events that followed. The interactive, multimedia exhibition features 5 galleries, historic artifacts, and special sound and light effects.

East Hartford Farmers Market
Raymond Memorial Library, 840 Main Street
Manchester, CT  06040
Phone: 860-643-2207

Dates in 2010:
Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; July 9-October 29

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Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens
Corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-231-9443

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The park’s world famous rose garden is the oldest municipally operated rose garden in the country. The two-and-a half-acre rose garden has 15,000 plants in about 800 varieties of roses. The park is also home to a rock garden and specialized gardens of annuals, herbs, and perennials. Open: Daily all year, dawn to dusk.

Faith Congregational Church
2030 North Main Street
Hartford, CT

One of earliest African-American churches founded in Connecticut.

Farmington Valley Visitors Association
33 East Main Street
Avon, CT  06001
Phone: 860-676-8878
Toll-Free: 1-800-4-WELCOME

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Whatever the season, find your “Hidden Gem” in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley, a special wonderland just 2 hours from New York or Boston. First choose a season, then select a lodging property. Each property offers unique seasonal packages whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a romantic escape or family fun activities. Coupon books for seasonal discounts and surprises await you at check-in. Explore shops, galleries, antiques, restaurants and more. Visit historic houses & museums. Hike, bike, canoe, kayak, fly-fish, tube, ski or hot air balloon, depending on the season! Free brochures and getaway information.

Festival For Kids 2008
Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-844-8461

January 19-20, 2008

Festival will feature interactive activities, commercial and educational exhibits, entertainment, rides, games and activities. There will be major amusement rides. Cost: Adults, $7; children ages 12 and under, free; rides, $2.Cash only is accepted. Information: www.FestivalForKids.com.

Folly Farm Classic Benefit Horse Show
Folly Farm Stables, 75 Hartford Road
Simsbury, CT
Phone: 860-693-8885

October 6-7, 2007

This premier fundraising event for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp combines top-notch equestrian competition with fun family-oriented activities. Kid-friendly adventures include pony rides, hayrides around the farm’s 25 acres, crafts, pumpkin painting and scarecrow making. In addition, a teacup auction will be held both Saturday and Sunday with featured items from New England Pasta Company, Shear Artistry, Little Red Clock Shop, Sur La Table, Bosc and The Secret Garden, among others. Time: 8 a.m.-dusk. Cost: $5; children under 12 admitted free.

Frank T. Simpson House
27 Keney Terrace
Hartford, CT

Simpson holds a special place in Connecticut's history: He was the first employee of the first Connecticut state civil right agency.

FROM HARTFORD, CENTRAL AND WESTERN MA, NH, VT AND CANADA:

Take I-395 South. Norwich and Montville are off this Highway. Exit at Route 2 for Ledyard, Gales Ferry and Mashantucket. I-395 merges with I-95 in Waterford. Utilize I-95 to reach the shoreline communities.

Gay City State Park
Hebron, CT

This rustic, rural park is the perfect place for fishing, hiking and walking, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Greater Hartford

The Hartford region is Connecticut's Capital Country! From metropolitan culture and excitement to the rural quiet of the Farmington Valley,enjoy the best of both worlds!

Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc.
One Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT  06103-1592
Phone: 860-728-6789

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Since 1974, the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. has marketed and promoted the Hartford region as a convention and meeting destination. The Bureau provides complimentary services to all convention and meeting planners. We can assist you in finding a meeting facility, provide promotional literature and much more. For more information, please call (860) 728-6789 or (860) 446-7811 (outside CT).

Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz
Bushnell Park, Trinity Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-727-0050

July 17-19, 2009

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New England's largest free outdoor jazz festival with three days of free live jazz entertainment from world-renowned artists and the finest local musicians. Contemporary, straight ahead, smooth, Latin, and more. A variety of food and beverage vendors and an arts and crafts marketplace. Location: Bushnell Park. Cost: Free admission. Information: www.hartfordjazz.org.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House
77 Forest Street
Hartford, CT  06105
Phone: 860-522-9258

Open: Tours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.; open on Mondays, Memorial Day to Columbus Day and December. Closed major holidays.

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Her words changed the world with "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the groundbreaking anti-slavery novel (1852). Tour the Victorian Gothic home (1871), the Katharine Seymour Day House (1884), and the Victorian grounds and gardens. Stowe Visitor Center showcases exhibitions, museum shop. Admission: Adults, $8; seniors,$7; children age 4-12, $4.

Hartford (HFD) Amtrak Station
1 Union Place
Hartford, CT  06103
Phone: 1-800-872-7245

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493 Shuttle Springfield, MA, to New Haven, CT
475 Shuttle Springfield, MA, to New Haven, CT
Regional Route offers downtown-to-downtown service up and down the Northeast Corridor from Boston to Newport News, VA, with many departures every day. Some of the major stops include Boston South Station, Providence, Mystic, New London, Old Saybrook, Windsor Locks, Windsor, Hartford, Kensington-Berlin, Meriden, Wallingford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Richmond. Amtrak shuttle trains provide additional service between New Haven and Springfield. Van or car service is available from Kingston, RI, to Newport, RI. Seasonal ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard is available from Kingston. Length of trip is 12 hours and 30 minutes. Information and reservations: 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com. Schedules may be subject to change without notice; always call ahead to confirm.
The Vermonter route runs daily from Washington, D.C., to St. Albans, VT. Major stops en route are Washington, New York, New Haven, Hartford, Springfield, and St. Albans. Other intermediate stations include Baltimore, Philadelphia, Trenton, Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Meriden, Kensington-Berlin, Hartford, Windsor Locks, Springfield, Brattleboro, Essex Junction. Trip length from Washington, D.C. to St. Albans is 13 hours and 45 minutes. Information and reservations: 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com. Schedules may be subject to change without notice; always call ahead to confirm.

Hartford Ancient Burying Ground
Gold and Main Streets
Hartford, CT

Open: Year-round

In this cemetery visitors will find the graves of Thomas Hooker (founder of Hartford) and other settlers, as well as many Revolutionary War soldiers. Admission is free. Tours are available July - Aug at 1:45 pm.

Hartford County 4-H Fair
Four Town Fairgrounds, Egypt Road (off Route 190)
Somers, CT
Phone: 860-570-9074

August 14-16, 2009

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4-H animals and project exhibits, demonstrations and activities, amusement rides, classic car show, barbecue dinner, and live bands. Time: Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Adults, $5; children age 12 and younger, free.

Hartford Old State House Farmers Market
Old State House, 800 Main Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-522-6766

Dates in 2010:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; mid-June-October

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Hartford Park Street Farmers Market
Corner of Park and Washington streets
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-633-2742

Dates in 2010:
Mondays, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; July 5-October 25

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Hartford Regional Farmers Market
101 Reserve Road
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-566-3699

Dates for 2010:
Open year-round, daily, 5 a.m. - 9 a.m.

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Hartford West End Farmers Market
571 Farmington Avenue at South Whitney Street
Hartford, CT

Dates in 2010:
Tuesdays and Friday, 4-7 p.m. through September and 3-5:30 p.m. in October; June 8-October 29

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The West End Farmers Market provides fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, local honey, flowers, ciders and homemade salsas and salad dressings. All items are locally grown or made in Connecticut. Produce is picked on the same day of sale. Local musicians perform at the market.

Historical Museum of Medicine and Dentistry
230 Scarborough Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-236-5613

Open: Mon - Fri, 10 am - 4 pm

This museum details the medical and dental instruments and medications of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. There is a library on the premises. Donations from visitors are accepted.

Holiday Inn Express East Windsor
260 Main Street
East Windsor, CT  06088
Phone: 860-627-6585
Fax: 860-292-1391

Located in the heart of New England, the Holiday Inn Express - East Windsor is a short drive from Bradley International Airport.

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The hotel has recently enhanced all of its guestrooms. All freshly renovated guest rooms features stylish urban boutique interior furnishings and luxurious beds. Start your day with our free Continental hot breakfast buffet, which includes our famous cinnamon rolls along with fresh bagels and pastries. We also have a variety of health conscious, low-carb selections.

Check out our business center, fitness center, or one of our two spacious and recently renovated meeting room facilities.

Our two complimentary hotel shuttle vans can be used for transportation through out the local area as well as Bradley International Airport. Make us your one-stop destination for work or play and enjoy a peaceful sleep minutes away from the airport.

Hope Out Loud 8 Peace & Arts Festival
Bushnell Park. Elm Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-523-4823

September 20, 2009

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Hope Out Loud 8 combines music, poetry, dance, family activities, speakers with fun for everyone. Spend the afternoon. Bring a picnic. It's a concert, a day of remembrance, a day of inspiration, a day for renewal with many organizations dedicated to peace and the arts. Hope Out Loud is a family friendly event. Time: Noon-5 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: www.hopeoutloud.org/

Howard Johnson Express Inn
1760 Silas Deane Highway
Rocky Hill, CT  06067
Phone: 860-529-3341
Fax: 860-571-0292

Comfort and convenience close to Hartford

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The Howard Johnson Express Inn at Rocky Hill is your affordable, comfortable hotel choice for lodging just 10 minutes from Downtown Hartford, Connecticut. Whether you need one night or an extended stay, our diverse hotel rooms, full amenities and packages/specials will make your stay convenient and cost effective. Within minutes of Connecticut's commercial sector and area attractions, our hotel's location is perfect for business or pleasure. Kick your visit up a notch with one of our customized packages/specials. Looking for love? Our Romantic Getaway Package includes a stay in our wonderful Jacuzzi room along with complimentary champagne, chocolates and continental breakfast. Want to work? Our Business Room Package offers a King room with free high-speed Internet, welcome snacks and complimentary Continental Breakfast. For business or pleasure, the Howard Johnson Express Inn at Rocky Hill makes your experience ideal.

Huguenot House
Martin Park, 307 Burnside Avenue
East Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-568-6178

Open: Memorial Day - September, Thursday and Sunday, 1-4 pm

Historic property features a restored colonial home onced own by a saddlemaker, a schoolhouse built in 1820, and an 1850 blacksmith shop.

Incredible India Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-713-3131

October 3, 2009

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Come down to the Riverfront for Indian music, food, handicrafts, and entertainment. Rain Date: October 4. Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Information: www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/

Lift Every Voice & Sing Gospel Festival & Fair
Bushnell Park & Thomas D Harris Pavilion, Downtown Hartford near Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-243-8734

September 13, 2008

Lift Every Voice and Sing Gospel Festival & Fair organization includes featured singing artists, health fair, voter registration, senior & youth activities, double dutch, 3 on 3 basketball, 911 tribute and more. Raindate: September 20. Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Menczer Museum of Medicine & Dentistry
230 Scarborough St.
Hartford, CT  06105
Phone: 860-236-5613

Open: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed holidays.

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Instruments and medications used from the 18th- to the 20th-century. Historical medical library. Admission: Adults, $2; children, $1.

Mozzacato Bakery -- Hartford

Mozzicato's has repeatedly been voted Best Bakery in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine and The Hartford Advocate. Mozzicato's is warmly known as a family business built on quality Italian baking. The company specializes in gourmet Italian cookie platters that are so tempting and delicious they guarantee your family and friends will love them. Colorful cookie platters range in size from 3 to 10 pounds, and are expertly wrapped and decorated. Information: 860-296-0426

Museum of Connecticut History
231 Capitol Ave.
Hartford, CT  06106
Phone: 860-566-3056  860-757-6535

Open: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed on state holidays

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Historic documents, including Connecticut's Royal Charter, are just part of the exhibit material in this museum. Special exhibits feature Colt firearms, Connecticut's Governors and changing exhibits. Admission: free.

Neighborhood Fiesta
Artist’s Collective, 1200 Albany Avenue
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-761-7375

October 2, 2008

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From Italian to Soul food, and everything in between, the city’s finest restaurants display their best eats for your tasting, entertainment, and chances to win prizes. Time: 5:30 p.m. Information: www.opp.org

New Hartford Farmers’ Market
Pine Meadow Green, Route 44 and Church Street
New Hartford, CT  06057
Phone: 860-379-3062‎

Dates in 2010:
Fridays, 3:30-7 p.m.; May 21-October 8

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Beef, pork, poultry, rabbit, eggs, cheese, maple products, baked goods, freshly milled flour, cut flowers, perennials, jams & jellies, soups and other take home foods, crafts and lots of fresh picked fruits and veggies. There are live musical performances every Friday on the Green by local artists and an on-site market chef.

Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society
227 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-521-5362

Open: Thursday-Monday, 1-4 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday

The restored 18th-century birthplace of author and educator Noah Webster offers tours of the historic home, changing exhibits about West Hartford, a gift shop, and public programs. It is a National Historic Landmark. Admission: Adults $6, AAA members and seniors $5, Students 6-18 or with ID $4, children 5 and under free.

North Cemetery
North Main Street
Hartford, CT

Historic 19th century graveyard includes those of several African-Americans who fought in the Civil War.

Old State House
800 Main Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-522-6766

Open: Tues - Fri, 11 am - 5 pm; Sat, 10 am- 5 pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Connecticut's original statehouse is the oldest in the U.S. Many historic events took place here, including the signing of the first written Constitution in the nation, and the Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials. The site contains a the restored, original Senate chamber and a Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington. Free admission.

Pipes In The Valley Celtic Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-306-2653

September 26, 2009

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This Celtic Music Festival celebrates eight years at the Riverfront with bagpipes, Celtic diddling, Scottish drumming, step dancing, kids activities, highland games, and plenty of beer. This year’s event promises a day filled with fun, flavor and world-class entertainment. Time: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Information: www. pipesinthevalley.com

Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival
Martin Park, 307 Burnside Avenue
East Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-291-7166

Aug 5 - 8, 2010

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Get ready for 4 days of premier bluegrass/acoustic Americana music at beautiful Martin Park in E. Hartford. Camping on-site, pickin' all night, kids activities, and great food/craft vendors. Acts include Ricky Skaggs and Rhonda Vincent. Time: Thursday at 6 p.m. - Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Cost: tickets range from $7 - $94, depending on age, and number of nights they’re good for. Information: 860-291-7166 or visit www.podunkbluegrass.net.

Ray Gonzalez Latin Jazz & Salsa Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT

July 25, 2009

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This festival brings you an evening of music featuring some of the best international Latin Jazz and Salsa artists. Time: 5-10 p.m. Rain Date: Sunday, July 26. More performance information to come. Information: http://www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/#Latin

Riverfest
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford; Great River Park, East Hartford
Hartford and East Hartford, CT

July 10th, 2010

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Celebrate 30 years of Riverfest, Hartford’s annual 4th of July event. Enjoy live music, traditional children’s games and activities, and tons and tons of food at this true American festival. And last but not least, don’t miss the best fireworks show in New England. Location: CT River waterfront, downtown Hartford. Time: 4 - 11 p.m. Cost: free. Information: visit www.riverfront.org.

Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Boulevard.
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-713-3131

August 21-22, 2010

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2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of the Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival. Our event also features Asian entertainment, martial arts demonstrations, a table tennis tournament, educational cultural booths, delicious Asian cuisine, Asian games for kids and much more. Location: Waterfront, downtown Hartford. Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: visit www.riverfront.org.

Rose Weekend
Elizabeth Park, Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT  06105
Phone: 860-231-9443

June 20-22, 2008

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Rose Weekend has been held annually for more than a century in Hartford, Connecticut's Elizabeth Park, the nation's oldest municipal rose garden.

Rose Weekend
Elizabeth Park, 1555 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-231-9443

June 19-21, 2009

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Rose Weekend has been held annually for more than a century in Hartford, Connecticut's Elizabeth Park, the nation's oldest municipal rose garden. Information: http://www.elizabethpark.org/

Sarah Whitman Hooker Homestead
1237 New Britain Avenue
West Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-523-5887

Open: Monday, Wednesday, 1:30 - 3:30 pm, and by appointment

Originally built as a traditional New England salt box in 1720, this home was remodeled in 1807. During the American Revolution, the residents sided with England. Visitors can see the original wallpaper, 18th and 19th century fabrics and porcelain. Admission: Adults, $3, children under 16, $2.

Ski Sundown
126 Ratlum Road
New Hartford, CT  06057
Phone: 860-379-SNOW (7669)
Fax: 860-379-1853

Is there snow in the forecast?

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Experience great New England skiing and snowboarding in Connecticut's scenic Farmington Valley. Ski Sundown operates day and night offering 15 trails, 5 lifts and state of the art snowmaking technology covering 100% of the mountain. A trail mix encompassing beginner, intermediate and expert runs affords pleasant views and both easy and challenging terrain on 65 skiable acres. 160 member Ski and Snowboard School provides lessons to children and adults ages 4 and up. Full service Rental & Repair Shop. Two terrain parks, snowskate park, and separate Sunnyside Learning Area. Modern and spacious base lodge with two self-serve food courts, lounge serving adult beverages, large mountain view deck with picnic tables and outdoor barbecue. Weekly themed events and exciting winter competitions.

Soldiers and Sailors' Monument
Bushnell Park
Hartford, CT

This monument honors the memory of all those from Connecticut who have given their lives in defense of the country.

Sound View Beach
Hartford Avenue
Old Lyme, CT

Fewer crowds and concession stands are the mark of this small beach in Old Lyme. Parking is available for a fee in lots run by the town.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Connecticut Expo Center, 265 Reverend Moody Overpass
Hartford, CT
Phone: 800-210-9900

March 27-29, 2009

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This year, Sugarloaf Crafts Festival springs into the new craft show season with more than 225 of the nation’s most accomplished fine artists and craft designers. Artists from around the country are jury-selected for the festival based on the superior quality of their work and will display and sell their unique creations in functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, home décor, furniture, items for the garden, and photography. Entertainment and refreshments will also be a part of this three-day event. Time: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: Adults, $7 in advance, $8 at the door; children under 12, free. Information: visit www.SugarloafCrafts.com.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
265 Reverend Moody Overpass
Hartford, CT
Phone: 800-210-9900

November 13-15, 2009

More than 200 of the nation’s most accomplished craftspeople, including renowned artisans from Connecticut, will display and sell their handmade works. Visitors will enjoy a wide variety of contemporary crafts and fine art in all mediums, including functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, furniture, home accessories, and photography. Time: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $7 with online ticket/coupon, $8 at the door, children under age 12 admitted free. Information: www.sugarloafcrafts.com.

Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-713-3131

August 1, 2009

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This year marks the 4th Annual Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival and it will be bigger and better than ever! Don’t miss one of Hartford’s premier cultural events as both upper and lower Mortensen Riverfront Plaza are transformed into a Caribbean village. Bring the whole family to enjoy numerous musical and dance performances while you sample authentic and world famous Caribbean dishes. Rain Date: Sunday August 2. To 1-11 p.m. Information: www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/

The Amistad Trail
Locations throughout Hartford

In 1839, a group of Africans who were to be sold into slavery took control of the ship Amistad, which then landed in Connecticut. Several trials were held to determine the status of the Africans, who wanted to return to their homeland. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled that all people exist in a natural state of freedom, and therefore, the Amistad Africans were free. The trail consists of many locations important to the Amistad trial and to the Africans themselves.

The Children’s Museum
950 Trout Brook Dr.
West Hartford, CT  06119
Phone: 860-231-2830

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Children age 12 and younger can discover the wonders of science and nature through unique exhibits, star shows in the planetarium, a wildlife sanctuary with more than 70 live animals; and a life-size kaleidoscope. Younger kids will enjoy the hands-on activities and older children can put their inner scientist to work.

The Children’s Museum
950 Trout Brook Drive
West Hartford, CT  06119
Phone: 860-231-2824

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

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The Children’s Museum provides rich learning experiences for children of all ages and their families. This science and nature museum has hands-on exhibits, more than 100 live animals, digital planetarium shows, and educational programs, the Wildlife Sanctuary and Roaring Brook Nature Center.

The Mark Twain House & Museum
351 Farmington Ave.
Hartford, CT  06105
Phone: 860-247-0998

Open: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5:30 p.m.; first Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; closed Tuesday from January-April; Closed January 1, Easter, Thanksgiving, December 24 and 25.

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Elaborate Victorian (1874) mansion with rare interiors by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1881) was the author's home for 17 years (1874-1891). Nineteen furnished rooms including many of Twain's possessions. National Historic Landmark. The Museum Center features fine gift shop, cafe, Ken Burns' documentary, orientation and changing exhibition galleries, lectures and special programs. Admission: Adults, $12; seniors, $11; students age13-18, $10; children age 6-12, $8.

The Trash Museum
211 Murphy Rd.
Hartford, CT  06114
Phone: 860-757-7765

Open: September-June, Wednesday-Friday, noon-4 p.m.; July and August, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Educational facility, tours and hands-on exhibits on solid waste management and recycling, including the "Temple of Trash;" adjacent to recycle center. Admission: Free.

Union Baptist Church
1921 Main Street
Hartford, CT

A historic church, and a focal point for the African-American community in Hartford over the decades.

Wadsworth Atheneum
600 Main Street
Hartford, CT  06103
Phone: 860-278-2670

Open: Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; open first Thursday of each month until 8 p.m. Closed major holidays.

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The nation's oldest public art museum (1842). World-renowned collections include Hudson River School landscapes, Old Master paintings, modernist masterpieces, Impressionist paintings, American furniture, decorative arts, cutting-edge contemporary art. Restaurant (860-728-5989); gift shop. Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $8; students with ID, $5; children age 12 and under, free; first Thursday of each month, $5 from 5-8 p.m.

West Hartford Farmers Market
LaSalle Road public parking lot
West Hartford, CT  06119

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Open: May-October, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Noon-4 p.m., Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.