Spring’s casting its intoxicating spell here in the Connecticut capital, which makes it a wonderful time to indulge in our boutique hospitality here at The Goodwin! Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, we thought we’d pull together some suggestions for local attractions absolutely ideal for a springtime visit.
The Elizabeth Park Conservancy
Hartford boasts one of the best-known historic gardens in the country: the “Flower of New England Parks,” Elizabeth Park.
Elizabeth Park is a year-round destination for fresh-air strolls, given it’s open each and every day of the year from dawn till dusk—and it doesn’t cost a dime to enter! But certainly spring is one of the most thrilling times to wander the formal gardens that anchor its 101 acres.
Especially promising this time of year for early blooms are the Robert A. Prill Tulip Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Julian & Edith Rock Garden. By the end of spring, Elizabeth Park’s famous Rose Garden—the first municipal rose garden established in the country and still one of the very biggest—will be putting on its spectacular flower show, which typically starts to peak in mid-June.
(You can get a sense for the typical blooming calendar at Elizabeth Park right here, though the Elizabeth Park Conservancy’s Facebook page is best for the most up-to-date news on what’s blossoming.)
Bushnell Park
Another truly venerable Hartford greenspace, Bushnell Park ranks among the very oldest city parks in the U.S. Its elegant grounds make a beautiful walkabout in springtime, and the famous Bushnell Park Carousel—constructed in 1914—reopens this month for classic family fun. In May, meanwhile, the park’s monthly historical tours and free interpretive tours of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch start up.
The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village
A tailormade family daytrip from The Goodwin, the Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village opened for the season earlier this month, which basically means its impressive menagerie of prehistoric beasts woke up for spring. Better than 40 full-size dinosaurs await your oohs and aahs along the 1.5-mile walking trail, among them Dilophosaurus, Euoplocephalus, and the skyscraping Brachiosaurus. Meanwhile, there’s Mesozoic fun to be had at Monty’s DINO-Sized Playground and the T. Rex Tower Playscape.
Connecticut Science Center
Join in on the fun at the Connecticut Science Center. Discover the world of science through multiple interactive activities and learn more about your body at the Real Bodies Exhibit, open from now until June 30th. This is a perfect experience for the entire family to enjoy.
Enjoy a Spring Getaway to The Goodwin
Come join us this spring in downtown Hartford, Connecticut at The Goodwin, where we’ll treat you to the finest in boutique accommodations while you enjoy all the area has to offer this budding and blooming time of year!
