The quieter side of urban green space
Sometimes there are just too many weddings, joggers, off-leash dogs, photo shoots, and frisbee games at the more well-known flower garden I hardly need to mention by name.
Venture into downtown Hartford for these escapes that happen to be off the beaten path.
Stowe House Garden
If you've made your way to Elizabeth Park and had second thoughts, just zig zag over to Farmington Avenue toward downtown and stop in at the corner where Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe were neighbors.
The flower garden next to the Stowe house is open to the public without admission (though of course the historical houses are well worth visiting).
In a 2021 survey, between 55 and 78% of Hartford respondents were looking for the City to fund more botanical gardens, parks and nature trails. (Source)
Constitution Plaza and the Science Center
Continuing into downtown, find your way to Constitution Plaza which stretches above street level over several blocks, connecting to Riverfront Plaza and the Convention Center terrace. From the stairs up to Riverfront Plaza, head north to find Willow Court, a hardscape garden designed by Sasaki, Dawson, & DeMay.
Strolling back south toward the Science Center, you'll find the Nassau Science Plaza, a green roof open to the public. The Science Center itself has another green roof, Michaela's Garden, accessible with admission.
Butler-McCook Homestead
Finally, back on street level and traveling south on Main Street, take a stroll through the lovely little garden behind this historical house. It's one of my favorite spots for a lunch break walk.
Time your visit for one of the Sunset Sounds summer concert series on the patio at the adjacent Amos Bull House.
Add an additional stop to your dinner-and-theater evening in Hartford by adding in a stroll through one of these unique, unknown garden spaces.
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