Connecticut Outdoors: Did Hartford Really Just Win?

Connecticut's Best Outdoor Destination is in Hartford?

MSN just released their list of the top outdoor attractions in every state. Naturally, my attention went straight to Connecticut — and what they listed? Pure poppycock.

Their choice was Elizabeth Park in Hartford. They added:

There's something romantic about Hartford's Elizabeth Park, not least because of the Helen S Kaman Rose Garden with its flower-laced trellises and bright, blooming beds. Some 15,000 rose bushes fill the garden, which dates to the early 20th century and is sewn with tranquil pathways, plus a gazebo built in 1904.

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I love me some gardens, especially bush-laden gardens, and I have zero beef with Hartford. BUT we’re talking about the outdoors in Connecticut, and that conversation shouldn’t even include Hartford (no offense). I’ve never had the pleasure of going to this park, but I hear great things — and that’s wonderful. Fantastic. Spectacular. People in the big city have a natural oasis to escape to. But that’s where my understanding ends. This state is loaded with clean, natural wonders stretching as far as the eye can see in the countryside.

We’ve got Candlewood Lake, Kent Falls, Silver Sands, Wadsworth, Enders, endless hiking trails, rivers straight out of a CCR song. What are we even talking about here?

Love and respect to Hartford and Elizabeth Park, but this is not on the list — even if the list were really long. Because if you’re a real outdoorsperson, the last thing you want to do is drive into Hartford. Respectfully.

Let’s do a quick visual comparison and I’ll pick the first place that comes to mind versus Hartford.

Candlewood Lake - Brookfield, or New Fairfield, or maybe New Milford - Ask Ethan

Ethan Carey

Hartford

Photo: Lou Milano

Case. Closed.

P.S. For the know-it-alls in the back, yes, I’m aware that Candlewood isn’t exactly a “natural” wonder — but it is a wonder. And if you drive two minutes away from the lake, you’re definitely not in Hartford. That’s a major plus for anywhere but the capitol.

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Filed Under: travel