Top Five Places to Visit Between Burlington and Tolland, Connecticut

If you are looking for an exciting journey that passes through some of Connecticut's most beautiful towns and cities, look no further than the road between Burlington and Tolland. This stretch of the state boasts of several charming places you can enjoy, all within close proximity to each other, providing a perfect weekend getaway or a mini-road trip.

Crossing the Heart of Connecticut: Hartford

As you drive from Burlington towards Tolland, Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut, marks the halfway point between the two towns. Hartford is a cultural hotpot with a diverse blend of historical, architectural, artistic, and culinary delights. You'll find everything from museums, parks, art galleries, and top-rated restaurants to buzzing nightlife spots here in Hartford.

Our Top Five Places to Visit

1. New Britain Museum of American Art

Artistic Splendor of the US

Located just outside Hartford, the New Britain Museum of American Art offers an exceptional collection of art from colonial times to the 21st century, focusing on American artists. It features over 8,300 artworks, including sculptures, paintings, prints, photos, and decorative arts. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore the museum's beautiful galleries and sculpture gardens on their own.

2. Wickham Park

Nature's Haven

Covering over 250 acres of lush greenery, Wickham Park is a paradise for nature lovers, just a 15 minutes' drive from Hartford. The park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, featuring stunning rose gardens, ponds, trails, picnic areas, and some unique architectural marvels, including an aviary, a greenhouse, a cabin, and a bird sanctuary.

3. Mark Twain House

History and Literature in One Place

If you are a literature aficionado or a history buff, stop at the Mark Twain House and Museum on the way. The place is undoubtedly a must-see to experience the flamboyant lifestyle of Mark Twain, one of America's most famous writers who lived in the estate from 1874 to 1891. You can schedule a guided tour of the historic house where Twain raised his family and wrote some of his classic works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

4. Shoppes at Buckland Hills

Retail Therapy

On the eastern side of Hartford, the Shoppes at Buckland Hills is a premier retail destination with over 120 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. From top fashion brands, gift shops, beauty salons, and toys to cinemas, bowling alleys, and gaming zones, the Shoppes has something for everyone, making it a perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and unwind.

5. Nathan Hale Homestead

Escape to the 18th Century

If you are an American history enthusiast, don't miss the chance to visit the Nathan Hale Homestead, a historic house museum in Coventry, CT. The Homestead was once the residence of Nathan Hale, an American soldier, and spy who was executed during the Revolutionary War. The place takes visitors back to the 18th century, with its well-preserved buildings, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Hale's life and legacy.

Wrapping Up

Whether you are driving through Burlington to Tolland or heading in the opposite direction, there are a plethora of beautiful places to visit on your way. Our top five picks – the New Britain Museum of American Art, Wickham Park, Mark Twain House, Shoppes at Buckland Hills, and Nathan Hale Homestead – are sure to give you a mix of art, nature, history, retail therapy, and fun. Make sure you take the time to stop at each place and experience the charm of this stretch of Connecticut.