Urban Excitement in the Heart of Connecticut

Kick off your trip with bubbles, brunch, and drag at The Place 2 Be, which often collaborates with Sky Casper Entertainment’s drag performances. Sip cocktails from a bathtub and devour over-the-top breakfast bites while the queens steal the show. 

Then hit the shops in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square. Browse boutiques, cosmetics, furniture, bakeries, books, jewelry, fine chocolates, and more. 

Amp up your outing with a really unique stop: Smash Avenue. This spot is a safe, fun environment to vent by smashing a room full of breakable objects. Smash your way into a better mental space and have a great time doing it!

At night, head to sister restaurants Bartaco & Barcelona for amazing drinks, small plates, and awesome nightlife.

Then go bar hopping through West Hartford Center, home to many great restaurants that blossom with nightlife once the sun goes down. Try Halfway for a live band atmosphere, The Elbow Room for pub vibes and a rooftop bar, and Division West for a dance floor. Then stay over at nearby Delamar West Hartford.

The next day, start with a little adrenaline – and a brief detour from the city – and take a guided outdoor rock climbing or ice climbing tour with Ascent Climbing. The views will be worth it. 

Head to Hartford and spend the day hanging a Thomas Hooker Brewery. Then check out Connecticut’s first food hall, Parkville Market, for a sample of nearly every flavor you can imagine. 

End the night with live music at Arch Street Tavern, known for showcasing eclectic indie bands and emerging acts. Or go big and see A-list artists at Xfinity Theatre or the XL Center. Feel like more pub hopping? Find fun events from CT Bar Crawl.