Full of historical attractions and beautiful scenery, West Hartford — a town in Hartford County, Connecticut — is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Initially part of Hartford, West Hartford was settled by colonialists in the 1600s, and incorporated as its own town in 1854. It’s therefore steeped in colonial history with plenty to see, learn, and do. From amazing colonial-era house museums to beautiful historic gardens, a visit to West Hartford never disappoints — and it’s also just an easy bus or train ride away from NYC.
Sarah Whitman Hooker House
Built in 1720, the Sarah Whitman Hooker House is officially the oldest home in West Hartford. Here, Sarah Whitman Hooker (1747-1837) lived with her husband Thomas Hart Hooker, a descendent of Rev. Thomas Hooker, one of Connecticut’s founders. A visit to this historic home provides fascinating insights into life in colonial times and throughout the American Revolution. In fact, the couple famously harbored English prisoners here during the war. The house — which has been immaculately preserved and was remodeled in 1830 — showcases genuine historical items like antique furniture, porcelain, and glassware. Notably, every item within the home pre-dates 1830. You’ll also get to admire the building’s simple yet beautiful colonial-era architecture.
Guided tours of the Sarah Whitman Hooker House are available and must be booked in advance. These tours are also good fun. As the guide effectively channels Mrs. Hooker and speaks in her same manner, history is really brought to life. Tours cost $15 for adults, and $7.50 for children under twelve.
Elizabeth Park Conservancy
First opened in 1897, Elizabeth Park — a gorgeous 102-acre city park filled with gardens, ponds, and nature walks — is an oasis of peace and natural beauty within West Hartford. It’s famously home to the Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden: the oldest (and, arguably, the most beautiful) public rose garden in the country, Connecticut Visitor Guide explains. Here you’ll find roughly 15,000 bushes and over 800 varieties of roses, the oldest of which date back to at least 1867. As the roses are in full bloom from mid-June, summer is the best time to visit.
Watch this video to learn more:
The Robert A. Prill Annual Garden is another Elizabeth Park highlight. This garden dates back to 1911 and offers amazing, vibrant spring tulip displays. But, if you visit in the summer or fall, that doesn’t mean you miss out as the equally colorful Annual Garden is in full bloom during these months. Elizabeth Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Entrance is free.
The Noah Webster House
The Noah Webster House is the historic birthplace and childhood home of Noah Webster, who’s known as the father of American English. Born in 1758, Webster was a lexicographer and penned the first-ever dictionary of American English. He’s the reason for American versions of English spellings, which Webster had thought were needlessly complex. Webster’s colonial home has since been turned into a museum filled with original books, manuscripts, and early versions of the American English dictionary. You’ll also get to see Webster’s desk, an antique loom, and a big, beautiful hearth (over nine feet wide).
Although you can explore the home solo, guided tours are also available (and must be booked in advance). Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for students (6-17 years old) and seniors (62+), and free for children five and under. The museum is open Monday to Saturday between 1-4 pm.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
How to get to West Hartford
West Hartford can be easily reached by bus or train (and bus) from New York City. If you want to go by bus, catch a Greyhound or Peter Pan bus from New York Port Authority to Hartford. From there, you can then catch a CT transit bus to West Hartford. The journey takes around three hours in total. To take the train, catch the Amtrak from New York Penn Station (roughly a two-and-a-half hour ride), and catch the CTtransit bus to West Hartford.
Full of interesting history and cool things to see and do, West Hartford makes for a perfect weekend trip. No matter when you plan your visit here, you’re bound to have a fun and memorable time.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram