The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is always a good reason to go into Hartford on a Saturday afternoon. Actually, a Saturday afternoon is the best time to go into Hartford. There are zero commuters blocking the box or creeping into intersections (I’m looking at you employees of The Hartford who block the box at the intersection of Cogswell and Asylum and Farmington every single afternoon).
I live in Hartford so I’m there every Saturday but on this particular Saturday I headed into Downtown with my friends Joe and Alyssa to check out the exhibit: Warhol and Mapplethorpe: Guide and Dolls at the Wadsworth Atheneum. I love the juxtaposition of one of the country’s oldest museums displaying a semi-racy exhibit. But that’s nothing surprising for the Wadsworth; aside from their famous Festival of Trees, the host a multitude of events aimed at capturing a new generation of art lovers and culture seekers. And they never shy away from controversial art. They also have a movie theater—something I didn’t even know until very recently.
Basically, if you’re looking to do a Saturday afternoon in Hartford, the Wadsworth is a must-see and a great jumping off point. From there you can add in a restaurant, the library or a bar to your agenda.
On this Saturday we took in the Warhol-Mapplethorpe exhibit, did a tour of the museum and then headed over to the new Blue State Coffee in the new 777 Main building. Things I love about Blue State Coffee: it’s open until 10 p.m. and they serve almond milk-based drinks. Many coffee shops only offer soy as an alternative to cow’s milk. Soy, in my opinion, is whack and tastes terrible. My almond milk latte was delicious, if a little small for a medium. Blue State also serves hot sandwiches, salads, soup and assorted snacks like fresh cut veggies and hummus, potato chips, and all the requisite baked goods. They even have gluten free cookies and bread.
But this isn’t an ad for Blue State. I’ve just happy Hartford finally has a decent Starbucks/Panera alternative.
The other great thing about Hartford on a Saturday afternoon was the atmosphere. A UConn game had just ended at the Civic Center XL Center, there was a good-sized crowd at the Atheneum and Front Street was hopping. I’ve organized an itinerary for you below.
ITINERARY: Afternoon in Hartford
Where to Park in Hartford
Street parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays. We parked along Bushnell Park and walked to the Wadsworth from there.
Things to Do in Hartford
Wadsworth Atheneum
600 Main St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 278-2670
Hartford Public Library
500 Main St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 695-6300
Front Street Stadium Spotlight Theaters
39 Front St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 422-7711
Places to Eat/Drink in Hartford
Blue State Coffee
77 Main Street
Hartford, CT
Salute
100 Trumbull St
Hartford, CT 06103
Salute is one of those restaurants that feels like home.
Dish Bar and Grill
100 Trumbull St
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 899-135
I normally love Dish but I’m mad them right now because they charged me $7 to swap a side of french fries for a baked potato. That’s just cheap, but their food is good so I have to recommend them. Just make sure you don’t have to swap anything and if you do, make sure your server doesn’t charge for ridiculous swaps like that.
0