Welcome back–both to campus and to Hartford! We thought a fabulous way to kick-off a new semester of content on Her Campus Trinity would be to impart some of the savvy we’ve acquired to our loyal readers. In the spirit of enjoying all there is to do both on campus and in the city, we compiled a list of our very favorite places to have fun. Happy exploring!
Farmers’ Markets
They’re everywhere. The closest one to us is at Billings Forge, but you can find them all over the city (North End, West End, Park Street, Capitol Ave). Grab some friends on a sunny Thursday afternoon between 11:00 and 2:00 and hit up this local gold mine of fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, breads, cheeses, and even pickles!
La Paloma
Looking to mix up your coffee routine? This local coffee shop is practically a stone’s throw away from campus. Located on the corner of Babcock Street and Capitol Avenue. It’s cozy and teeming with delicious treats, both sweet and savory.
Cinestudio
You don’t have to travel very far to take advantage of this campus and community asset. Located on the south end of the main quad, Cinestudio (the only student-run, non-profit, movie theater on a college campus in the country!) plays recent blockbuster hits as well as documentaries, foreign films, and nostalgic favorites–Space Jam, anyone?
West Hartford Reservoir
Whether you’re tired of running campus loops or you’re just looking for a place to take in the beauty of nature in New England, West Hartford Reservoir is a wonderful place to start. Located a couple of minutes up the road past West Hartford Center, you’ll find more than 30 miles of marked recreation trails that wind through the area’s beautiful landscape.
The Pond House Cafe at Elizabeth Park
One word: Brunch. Located on the duck pond in Elizabeth Park on Hartford’s West End, The Pond House Cafe is home to one of the best and most affordable brunches I’ve ever had the pleasure of indulging in. The secret is out about this place, so I highly recommend a reservation!
Uptown Consignment
You’ll have to travel a couple of minutes down I-91 to check out Uptown Consignment, but it’s worth it. If you’re looking to get rid of clothes you’ve outgrown in either size or taste and if you want to make some money at the same time, this is your best bet. They’ll give you 55% of the original selling price (typically much less at other consignment stores!) for items priced over $75 and 40% on items priced less than $75. They also give you a 10% discount, should you choose to shop around while you’re there.
Have a favorite local spot we didn’t mention? Leave a comment!