They’re names that even the most casual of golf fans know immediately: Finau, Scheffler, Rahm, Thomas, Fleetwood (who treated the world to an exciting sudden death shoot off in Canada last week, McIlroy and more.
The top golfers in the world will be competing from June 22-25 in the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, a less than two-hour drive from Boston proper.
There are still tickets to get a look at those greats in action (https://travelerschampionship.com/tickets/). But there’s another superlative attraction to take in as well: Hartford.
The city of Hartford, just a 14 mile zip north of Cromwell, may just be the perfect addition to a day – or days – spent with the champions.
Those who settled Hartford (https://hartford.com) embraced the arts, nature, and all those things that make life good. In the Victorian era, it was a haven for artists, writers and thinkers, and they left their mark.
Be it pre or post tourney day, you can add all kinds of extra fun with a Hartford stopover. From viewing their spectacular Capitol Building, to dining, shopping and exploring culture and history, great choices abound.
First, if you’re staying for more than one day, consider The Goodwin Hotel (www.goodwinhartford.com) for posh, or the Capitol Hotel (capitolhartford.com), with a great view of the Capitol, for something more affordable. There are plenty of other choices as well.
For outdoor delights, spend some time at Historic Pratt Street (prattst.com) where folks have gathered to dine, sip, play and entertain for more than 200 years. In addition to great food and people watching, there are often special events like live music and other entertainment. Check out their weekly Salsa Social that draws in hundreds of dancers and spectators.
The Parkville Market (parkvillemarket.com) is another must-visit. With 19 restaurants and indoor and outdoor dining, pop up shops and more, it’s a great spot to relax and savor the local scene. They have lots of free summer concerts to boot. They have plenty of parking … and it’s free.
Goodwin Park and Keney Park Golf Courses: For a small area city, Hartford has its fair share of golfing opportunities. These two courses are open to the public which means you can watch Travelers and then go for your own glory at a nearby course.
At Goodwin Park (www.goodwinparkgolfcourse.com) you can play nine holes for just $39 (and there are 18, so you can do a full round if you want). At Keney Park (www.keneyparkgolfcourse.com) 18 will run you under $50. Both award-winning courses are well maintained.
Savor the local fare: Like any good city, Hartford has its signature noshes. With its diverse population, there are plenty of choices.
Pop into Scotts Jamaican Bakery in the city’s North End for their much-beloved Jamaican Beef Patty and Cocoa Bread. Be sure to also grab a cannoli at Mozzicato’s in the South End (true Bostonians can decide if it stands up to Modern or Mike’s). And in the South End, pop into Tangiers for a gyro and baklava.
The don’t miss list: Then there are the landmarks. The Mark Twain House and Museum (marktwainhouse.org) is well worth a visit, and is the place Twain said he was happiest and most productive. The interior and the gardens are lovely.
You’ll thrill the kids or your own inner kid with a stop at the Bushnell Park Carousel (bushnellparkcarousel.org), in operation since 1914. You’ll be treated to 48 hand-carved wooden horses and two lovers’ chariots that swirl around a booming Wurlitzer band organ.
Hartford is easily doable in your car (there’s plenty of parking, sometimes free and when not, usually reasonable). With its close proximity to the Travelers Championship, it definitely belongs on your list of “must see’s” for the tournament week.
