The beautiful serenity of Hartford Connecticut is a wonderful mashup of antiquity, rich city elements and lush greenery. Once home of classic novelist Mark Twain, coal heiress Olivia Langdon Clemens and their children, their 1874 mansion peeks into Victorian opulence, with its Tiffany & Co interior, Venetian master bedroom, Scottish mantel, a botanical conservatory, expansive billiards room and innovative gadgets.

Nothing short of magnificent, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, filled with Renaissance period artifacts, resembles a Scottish castle, than an actual museum.

Take a breathtaking trail into Bushnell Park, with its vivid pink redbud trees, tranquil pond and picturesque sculpture by Charles Perry.

Local eateries at Hartford are as impressive as they are delicious. Chip’s Family Restaurant is your gluten free stop to a memorable breakfast, try their campfire treat S’mores pancakes, five layers of chocolate goodness with graham cracker crumble and marshmallow drizzle. For authentic churrasco, Brazil Grill serves buffet styled dishes, and for Vietnamese family style noodles and lobster rolls, dine at Pho 99.

Before leaving Connecticut don’t forget to make a pit stop at New Haven and visit Louis’ Lunch. Known as the first burger joint in America, the restaurant still serves classic hamburgers, made fresh daily, with onions, cheese and tomato on white toast.

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