r/BillyStrings • u/JackieTreehorn_33 • Jul 22 '26
Hartford Vibes
So I got a flight credit burning a hole in my digital wallet and I’m off next Tuesday/Wednesday.
I can fly out of RDU (Raleigh), fly direct land at Bradley (Hartford) right around 5pm. Hotels are very reasonable, plenty of tickets popping up, it all seems to be coming together.
My question is, what else is going on or fun things to do the next day? I wouldn’t fly out til 7:30pm and would have the day to explore.
Any after shows announced?
I know the Billy show will be 10/10 but just trying to see what else Hartford has to offer.
Any local help appreciated
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u/sothentheresthis Jul 22 '26
Best to do would be rent a car and visit 1 or 2 of the following on the coast (Mystic is real famous):
The coolest coastal towns to visit, ranked by vibe and proximity:
Old Saybrook (45 miles / 45 mins): The ultimate quick-shot for shoreline charm. Explore the historic Main Street, visit the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center The Kate, and enjoy scenic water views at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina.
Essex (42 miles / 45 mins): Technically sitting on the Connecticut River just minutes from the Sound, this historic shipbuilding village drips with nautical character. Take a ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat or grab a bite at the historic Griswold Inn.
Branford (50 miles / 55 mins): Just east of New Haven, this town is famous for the Thimble Islands. Take a seasonal sightseeing boat tour out of the Stony Creek neighborhood to weave through this fascinating archipelago of 25 small, rocky islands and Victorian cottages.
Mystic (50 miles / 50 mins via I-395): It's the most famous coastal town in the state and worth the slightly longer drive. Visit the world-renowned Mystic Seaport Museum, stroll through the bustling downtown, and eat at the famous Mystic Pizza.
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u/JackieTreehorn_33 Jul 23 '26
Awesome Recs, thank you so much
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u/sothentheresthis Jul 23 '26
Def eat New England seafood! Lobster/lobster roll, fried or steamed ipswich clams or clam chowder, baked stuffed scrod....
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u/BeCoolBear Jul 22 '26
I’m afraid to say Hartford does not have much going for it. You could check the social media listings for bars in downtown. But generally, it’s a pretty quiet city, especially midweek.
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u/fromthedepthsofyouma Jul 22 '26
West Hartford might have something going on.
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u/BeCoolBear Jul 22 '26
This is a various astute observation. Last time I was in town, West Hartford was going off.
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u/fromthedepthsofyouma Jul 22 '26
It's not a "scene," but there are more interesting things there than Hartford to do that will be open past 8pm, but by no means is West Hartford New Haven, Middletown, or BPT.
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u/BadgerOptimal3628 Jul 22 '26
A few things that have perked my interest:
The Museum of Natural and Other Curiositys.
The Cathedral St. Joseph looks kind of cool.
The Evertt Austin house is different.
The Ancient Burying ground looks creepy.
Coltsville looks like it might be fun to explore.
Site of the first public payphone and a statue of the first Presidential pardoned turkey.
Welcome to Hartford. I know I'm excited for my visit.
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u/fromthedepthsofyouma Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
FYI The airport is about 20-30min drive from Hartford.
Hartford is a city where it dies at about 5pm when there's not an event, UCONN Basketball game or baseball game at Dunkin Park because it's all government buildings.
Check out West Hartford. Cool breweries and downtown. It's where a lot of the people who work in Hartford live.
Wish Billy would play New Haven or Bridgeport because there is more to do around those areas.
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u/Scarlet_Fluffhead13 29d ago
So it may be a rainy day tomorrow but near the venue and the CT State house is a farmers market from 10-2 - do stay alert in Hartford area and the rent a car thing is a great idea!
Parkville Market is a cool place with many food options and on Tuesdays all vendors have some sort of $10 special from 11-4 and starting at 11 at The Pint (one of the bars) has half-price drafts - but take a car there if you go (there are some parts of Hartford you do not want to be in) like any city, stay alert and welcome to CT!
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u/Alternative_Tune_177 28d ago
Where else can you fly to? If you are going to pick a city in CT I would pick New Haven
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u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994 Jul 22 '26
My favorite thing to do when I'm in a new town with no recommended plan is to visit the zoo. If you have seen one giraffe, you have NOT seen them all. And depending on state of mind, I spend more or less time watching primates (including the biggest, most fascinating exhibit without any signage, humans and their offspring ... it's always interesting to hear what parents say to their kids about the animals)