One of the best bargains in the Hartford area is checking out a UHart basketball game at the very…read morenice Chase Arena. For $12 or $15 bucks you can get a great seat for mens or womens college hoops. They have a nice snack bar on the main level, but be on the lookout for the package deal in the upstairs loge where for a few bucks more you get a buffet dinner and open bar. There is a Pep Band, and cheerleaders. These kids play their hearts out in front of a mostly empty arena. Go and have a blast !!

The Marlborough Arts Center strives to offer local artists a space in which to display their work,…read moreto give residents the opportunity to take art lessons and master their crafts, and to host a range of musical performances. I think they do an admirable job of all three. The main building is still very new and has a pleasant, open feel, with bright track lighting to highlight the works displayed on the walls. Each time I've visited, the exhibits have been well worth looking at. I've seen photography, paintings, and most recently a display of Lionel model trains on loan from several owners. Although small compared to a dedicated museum, the accompanying descriptions and arrangement of the items could teach museum professionals how to do it right. As a performance space, it's very live. I've played here with my folk/acoustic duo a couple of times, and it's one if my favorites. People sing along here, and you can hear them. I'm always happy to have a plausible excuse to visit.

There's always something going on at the Marlborough Arts Center. The 4th Friday music shows are…read morealways a blast ($10, BYO wine) and the center brings in some very talented regional and national acts for a performance in a very intimate setting. There is a constantly revolving exhibition of fine arts on display. For example, this weekend there will be a Photography Exhibition featuring works from a number of amateur and professional photographers across the region. Check the website for current exhibits and arts classes.

From frequent performances by local dance collectives to galleries, films, lectures and fascinating…read morepanel discussions, it's safe to say I'm pretty glad that Charter Oak is in Hartford. As one of my favorite organizations in the city, I'm always impressed by the range of programs and activities they put on every day of the week. I'm not sure if they still do this (I participated several years ago) but Food Not Bombs used to utilize their kitchen space to cook/prepare food for the hungry on weekend days. Needless to say, this truly is an admirable community space. Between Indie Fest (supa talented local bands!) and the newest Bots Pots initiative (fresh food for folks in need - all around the city!), this is one non profit that wears many hats and supports oh so many causes.

Neat building. Very intimate. Tiny weeny snack bar selling skittles and such. Not super handicap…read moreaccessible as was noted when a visually impaired individual was found knocking at the back door while the show was being introduced. Of course, everything was halted and this person was let it and sauntered across the stage to their seat. Anyway... I was pleased with the performance i saw. This is CT though and it was way horribly cold waiting on the steps for the doors to open pre show.

Went here with a friend to view the Christmas tree show and raffle…read more We had a wonderful time, viewing the amazing Christmas trees that were donated by locals for this event The staff here were so accommodating and happy to give us a tour and explain the history of Ken and Collinsville to us Collinsville itself is a beautiful destination when visiting Connecticut. Visiting this wonderful museum just tops the visit off When here do not forget to go into the model train room. This room itself is worth the visit. If you know, you know!

Canton Historical Museum is located in Collinsville. It opened as a museum in 1970, however, the…read morebuilding was there for much longer. It was built around 1865 for the Collins Axe Company and had various uses. Plows were manufactured there then it was converted to a recreational spot for the employees. Parking is ample, right on the Farmington Trail. There are 3 floors to explore. I was surprised at how intricate and organized the place was. I am a huge fan of history so this was exciting for me. The main floor was made to look like the old barber shop, general store, Victorian rooms, and more. Our favorite floor was the third floor, there is a working toy train located in a miniature Collinsville and nearby spots. It was so meticulous and beautifully designed. You can press the button for the train to go around and even pull the lever to make the horn sound. There were so many items from the Collins Axe Company, various items from Victorian times, and a research library. Yes, I think it's worth a visit!

Quirky little museum tucked away on the campus of Norwich Free Academy. Great collection of…read moreplundered booty from rich US industrialists' world tours by private yacht. Eclectic but beautifully presented.

Great museum for the price. Only a few dollars to get in. The gift shop has some cool stuff too.read more

Definitely follow Riverfront Recapture on Facebook for tons of great free events. Jerk festivals,…read moreAsian Dragon Boat Races, Free concerts, Food trucks, Fireworks, etc. It's always a well organized, safe good time.

I finally visited the Hartford waterfront today thanks to the Dragon Boat and Asian Festival. I…read morecan't say enough about how impressed I was! It was as scenic and as pleasant as can be. It was jam packed with couples and families and folks of all ages enjoying the sun, the scenery, and a perfect summer day. Hartford has really come a long way since I moved here in 1987. The Science Center, the Convention Center, a re-invigorated downtown, the Lincoln Sculpture Art Walk, and the beautiful Riverfront. I can't wait to see what the future brings.

An alcove on the second floor of the Carousel Museum, it has a few examples of Greek art (slowly…read morebeing displaced by the ever expanding collection of carousel animals). My first visit here had more items on display than my second. However, it's an interesting break from the horses.

A fun tiny glimpse into one man's collection of Greek artifacts. Done tastefully. Needs more donorsread more

This event takes place every year and for the whole month of October. They're located in Old…read moreWethersfield along the main road. Scarecrows in all shapes and sizes were out near restaurants, shops, museums, and homes. It's sponsored by the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association. Parking can be found on-street. We were able to find easy and free parking. The weather was beautiful on a perfect autumn day in October, when we went. The townspeople did a great job with decorating the scarecrows; they were creative and unique. We saw one that was a skeleton in a bathtub; another one were a handful of Olympic skeletons doing splits; another one with pumpkin heads; another one was a puppet and it's puppet master; a giant 12ft Skelly and its dog; and so many more. We enjoyed walking through, it was pretty busy especially at the shops and restaurants. There were people hosting tag sales on their front yards as well. Old Wethersfield is a great place to take a stroll and take in all that history. There's so much to see and if you're a history buff or just enjoy being outside or spooky season, I highly recommend checking this event out.