Hartford, CT Skyline View

This may seem a little strange at first, but I like to visit historic cemeteries when I travel the USA.  They are fascinating places with interesting old headstones and monuments, and you never know what, or who, you will find there.  Often - especially in the coastal areas - you can find the grave sites of famous early Americans.

In Hartford, I recommend the Center Church and Ancient Burying Ground.  The Church was built in 1807, and was modeled after St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London.  The stained glass windows are by Louis Tiffany, and as you can imagine, they are gorgeous.

Katherine Hepburn was born in Hartford in 1907, almost one hundred years ago.  She is buried in her family's plot at Cedar Hill Cemetery on Fairfield Avenue.  If you are interested in Hepburn, famous or historic graves, this may be a stop you want to make just out of curiosity.

My final recommendation for traveling and touring free USA monuments, especially one that is connected to the deceased in Hartford, is a trip to the 1886 Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch on Trinity Street. 

Civil War buffs tend to be attracted to it as it honors the 4000 Hartford citizens who served in the war, and especially the 400 men who died for the Union.  This Gothic landmark is really fascinating, and free tours are available.  One of the really cool things about the tours is that you can get inside and climb almost one hundred steps for a great view of the city and surrounding park. 

If you are looking for things that aren't readily available in other areas to travel in the USA, check out Gillette Castle state Park in East Haddam, just 45 minutes from Hartford. The castle is a 24 room mansion in the style of a medieval castle, and it was designed and built by an actor/director/play write: William Hooker Gillette.  There is simply nothing like this anywhere you may travel in the USA!  All the woodwork is hand-hewn southern white oak, and just about everything in the castle is unique.  The doors are intricately carved, the furnishings are amazing and ingenious with built-in couches and other fanciful creations.  Simply put, this is worth seeing.

For me, it is almost about choosing what not to do in Hartford, as opposed to finding things to do, since there is so much available.  I usually feel like I am missing things in this great town!