In the affluent New England town of West Hartford, Connecticut, many people enjoy taking walking tours of the town center. Since the mid- 1990’s, West Hartford Center has become a true destination- spot for not only local residents, but for people who live in far- reaching communities in Connecticut and beyond. A large number of restaurants, featuring a smorgasbord of cuisines, are located in West Hartford Center, as are a host of interesting specialty- shops and upscale retailers. Presented here, is a guide which offers tips for taking a walking tour of West Hartford Center, in the state of Connecticut.
Starting at the intersection of Farmington Avenue and South Main Street, which is basically the beginning of West Hartford Center, the first thing one notices is the somber and reflective Connecticut Veterans Memorial- West Hartford, located on the north side of Farmington Avenue. This attractively- constructed memorial to the nation’s war veterans regularly draws many visitors, including anti- war demonstrators, who conduct regular demonstrations there.
Strolling down the north side of Farmington Ave, from the Veterans Memorial, one passes the attractive Farmington Savings Bank office, which frequently displays paintings by local artists. Next door to the bank is Max’s Oyster Bar, a popular restaurant that features a busy bar and lounge section. Continuing westward along Farmington Ave, such notable businesses as The Wild Raspberry, which stocks gourmet foods and gift baskets, Bookworm, a very popular small, independent bookseller, Maggie Moo’s ice cream shop and Pfau’s Hardware, with its wooden floors regularly draw- in customers and browsers alike. Also located on the north side of Farmington Ave are a Mexican restaurant, a sandwich shop, a CVS Pharmacy and a trendy American- style restaurant, in addition to an assortment of other interesting shops and small businesses.
Cross the street at the intersection of LaSalle Road and head west for approximately one block and view an exceptional art gallery and framing shop, a music store, women’s and girls clothing stores and Harry’s and Luna Pizza, situated essentially next- door to each other. The commercial district ends at the People’s Bank branch, just beyond the pizza restaurants. Turning around and heading back one block to LaSalle Road, then continuing down the west side of LaSalle, a hugely- popular Starbuck’s Coffee outlet is the first of many notable spots along this trendy street. An upscale bakery, a Mediterranean restaurant and a Japanese restaurant are all located on the west side of LaSalle Road.
On the east side of LaSalle Road, starting at the intersection of Farmington Ave, view interesting businesses such as a long- time barber shop, filled with memorabilia and another long- term West Hartford Center business, The Artichoke Shop, an elegant women’s clothing store, which regularly stocks the finest and latest in women’s fashions. Several jewelry stores and arts and crafts- related businesses are also located on LaSalle Road, as is a leading area sporting goods store. Also located on the east side of LaSalle Road are an Afghani fine dining restaurant, a high- end Italian bistro and a trendy, American- style restaurant, located next- door to a United States Post Office.
Heading back to the intersection of LaSalle Road and Farmington Ave, turn onto Farmington Ave, heading eastward. The walking tourist will encounter such interesting spots as; a card and gift shop, which stocks many local mementos, several children’s, teen’s and women’s clothing stores, a long- time West Hartford, Ct toy store, a delightful, upscale American restaurant, a doggie- treat bakery and Arugula Restaurant, a cozy, top- of- the- line Mediterranean restaurant. Just past Arugula Restaurant, back at the corner of Farmington Ave and South Main St, is Bruegger’s Bagels, a popular local eatery. Heading south along South Main St, one passes an excellent ice cream shop, War and Pieces, a top- quality hobby shop, the local Masonic Temple and a Friendly’s family restaurant.
Across the street, separated by the tree- lined town green, is the historic First Church Of Christ, Congregational, with its newly- renovated parking area and children’s playscape. Also housed at the First Church Of Christ, Congregational, is the prestigious John P Webster Library, which regularly hosts art exhibits by local artists. Next door to the First Church Of Christ, Congregational is the main branch of the West Hartford Public Library and the West Hartford Town Hall is situated next to the West Hartford Public Library.
Another point of interest in a walking tour of West Hartford Center is the Blue Back Square shopping and residential area, located on Raymond Road, near the West Hartford Police Station. This yet- to- be- completed in 2007 shopping area is located one block east of the town green. Also located on Raymond Road, is Pizza West, an excellent West Hartford, Ct pizza restaurant and a new- in- 2005 Whole Foods Supermarket.
