We had a living history tour with George, the butler. It was wonderful and I highly recommend it…read more He made life in the house come alive. It seemed as though the family was just out for the day!

We attended a living history tour with Livy Clemens (aka Beth in the present day), who was a…read morespectacular tour guide. Within about two minutes, the entire tour group was under her spell, never doubting that she WAS Livy. Seeing the gorgeous, perfectly restored house through her eyes and learning the history of the family from her perspective was fascinating. She even asked if she could practice playing for us the piano piece she had memorized so she wouldn't be so nervous playing in front of guests at her upcoming piano recital! Livy/Beth was so gracious and patient with my mom, who needed a little extra time getting up and down the stairs. (For other visitors, it might be helpful to know that there are railings on BOTH sides of the main staircase that leads up to the 2nd and 3rd floors, but the kitchen staircase only has a railing on the left.) And Beth even stayed after the tour to answer "modern-day" questions once she was no longer portraying Livy. We would love to come back and take another tour with Livy or any of the other actors who expertly bring this gorgeous national treasure to life.

This is a great historical venue because you get 3 houses for the price is one. Silas Deane is…read morefamous for being an American Revolution figure, but it's interesting to compare. In the visitor's center, there is currently an exhibit on restoring these and other houses in the area, and a nice gift shop. In the houses, one is of Silas Deane's stepfamily next door, and one is a leatherworker, but one that was lived in by the family the longest and most naturally preserved. George Washington slept in one of the houses. There is also history of the guy who originally tried to restore the houses and painted great American history scenes - so not someone who was perfectly accurate in his restoration, but he had the spirit. The history of restoration can be just as interesting and relevant as the original inhabitant history. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and there is a lot to see between 3 houses, so the tour was pretty full. There is a parking lot on site as well as street parking. It's nestled on a regular street among other businesses, but it's a nice gem of the past.

If you're in the Wethersfield area, you simply have to stop in. My friend and I actually didn't do…read morea tour of the houses, what drew us in was the fruit over the door to the house and we wanted to find out why there was real fruit put up. PSA: it's because it used to denote wealth and so they've carried on this tradition. If you're looking for some unique holiday gifts then you really need to check out their gift shop, they have Caswell Massey soaps, where you or your loved ones can smell like George Washington. They also have an amazing face mask selection right now so if you're looking for a holiday mask, stop by, they come to just under $13 plus tax. The ladies there were all incredibly nice and helpful, and I'll definitely stop by again soon to see what else is here.

One of the best places to go in the Hartford area. It has an amazing collection of classic artwork…read moreand rotating collections of modern art. I've been many times and somehow I'm still surprised by some of the pieces on display (Van Gogh, Monet, Dali, etc.). They run various events and community days, and membership costs are very reasonable. Support the Arts!

I was miserable most of my time there. BUT. This was a great museum. I was miserable because the…read moreonly time I could go was on a Saturday, a free Saturday no less, on a day they had a festival, arts and crafts, and a Christmas tree event. So the crowds were INSANE. Like NYC level insane. That being said, I have lots of great things to say about this place, which underwent a huge renovation and modernization several years ago that was so good that the New York Times wrote an article saying it was "a masterpiece of renovation." The great hall is beautiful and though I don't care much for old school colonizer art, I was bummed it was teeming with Christmas trees and families, hindering my ability to take an artful photo to capture that masterpiece. The museum does a great job of mixing colors, styles, appreciating the classical, while also mixing in fun and modern elements. They have European art. Impressionist art. All that gold religious stuff. Modern art that's just some blocks and colors and makes you wonder, "is this really art?" They have a great surrealist section and a huge Dali painting, which is actually the marketing they used to get me here. They have some sculpture, some Greek sculpture and some contemporary art. I enjoyed the art by Black artists and art focusing on Black struggles in the Amistad Center, located on the third floor, though I wish this section was bigger. They had an Islamic art section, Chinese art, American art (most of what I saw was from the 20s through the 90s). I loved how each space was painted a rich, moody color. And the common spaces were full of patterns, stained glass, and multi-colored walls winding up the staircase. The staff were nice and helpful. I paid 20-something bucks for admission, but since I bought a ticket for a free Saturday, the staff was cool enough to contact me and ask me if I wanted a full refund. I told them to take the fee as a donation. I've seen almost all the museums in New York City, which is my favorite place in the world. But this one can hold its own. But if I ever visit again (which I doubt, cus who needs to see Hartford twice?)--I will avoid weekends and free days and definitely the Christmas tree festival!

I have come here twice to see this documentary "No Other Land" because it isn't streaming or…read moreplaying anywhere else. I'm grateful that we have a theater like this in Hartford! I am not a member yet but I intend to become one. There is also an art gallery which I have not explored yet. I took a star off because the popcorn was not great. I only got it once. Maybe it wasn't fresh. I'm going back tomorrow to see the movie one last time before it's gone and will check out the art gallery and try the popcorn again!

We had the pleasure of attending the opening of " MIDAS."…read moreThe theatre was perfect in size and the chair not tight fitting! The staff were great in directing us to the evening's event and activities. We will return!!

We arrived just before the closing time of 4. I expected to be turned away, but a woman standing…read moreoutside whom I'd assumed was there to deliver bad news instead enthusiastically started a thorough, enlightening tour. Lots of history packed in this charming house, tied to the broad, rich history of this charming colonial old town.

"Now when he was a young man, He never thought he'd see…read morePeople stand in line to see the boy king. King Tut" (Steve Martin) You all know his name, and maybe that goofy Steve Martin song, but if you want to know more about King Tutankhamun, you have until October 15 to check out this impressive exhibit at the Hartford Convention Center. He became a King at age 9, and served until his death at age 19. He died in 1323 B.C., and in 1922 a team of British archaelogists discovered his tomb with over 5,000 artifacts and displays of over-the-top opulent wealth. What is the National Geographic Beyond King Tut exhibit? Think of it as a cross between a fantastic museum and an IMax theater. Similar to last year's Van Gogh event, this is an "Immersive Experience" with high quality projectors showing imagery on the walls, floor and ceilings. There are nine galleries to stroll through, and some of them are huge, so the super-sized imagery is jaw droppingly cool. The show started off with a short introductory video, but I didn't care at all for the tour guide's shlocky banter. Pricing is on a two-tiered basis with "Peak" and "Off Peak Pricing". The Peak Pricing levels are Adult (Ages 16+) is $39.99, Child (Ages 5-15) is $28.99, Student/Senior/Military is $34.99, Premium Flex (enter whenever you want to) is $53.99, VIP (enter whenever you want to PLUS an VR Experience at the exit) is $79.99. A Family 4 Pack is a flat $34.99 price per ticket. Off Peak pricing is $10 less for adults and $5 less for kids. Of course, parking is extra, and if you haven't spent enough money, no worries because there's a bar and gift shop at the exhibit.

What an incredible experience this is! I've been obsessed with Egypt since I was 5, and being able…read moreto go into an interactive exhibit like this was like a childhood dream come true. Each room is unique, with historical facts, and always something interesting to see or do. The room with the boat and the projections was just absolutely incredible. I could probably just sit there all day if I could just taking everything in that I possibly could. What an amazing adventure, I want to go back already!

Fun little spot for a quick stop if you're already in the area. It's a FREE museum of sorts that…read moretouches on Wethersfield history, and had two main exhibits when we were there. First one delves into the broad history of the area, second is a related to the Connecticut State Prison that used to be on the Wethersfield Cove (and is now a park, though most of the buildings are gone). If you're in downtown Wethersfield for a visit or happen to live there and want a brief history lesson, it's worth a stop. Then you can go to one of the great local businesses afterwards! Good quick "Day Activity" bundle deal...? Combo this with a trip to the Cove/CT River so you can see the real thing and compare to the photos here!

My wife and I wanted a simple but historic place to have our wedding and reception....we got both…read moreat the Keeney Center...Jill Fletcher was outstanding in her role as manager of the centers ballroom area. She was very flexible in allowing us access to the hall to get everything set up for the big day. Everyone at our wedding marveled at how beautiful and historic the center was. There was plenty of parking behind the center and its location in Old Wethersfield provided the perfect backdrop. The sound system was excellent and allow us to plug right in and play music. There's a small area to set up a bar and plenty of rooms to get ready in. Jill and her team were outstanding hosts and I highly recommend renting from them for any event you have planned.