Connecticut River Valley

Since the very earliest of geological times, the waters of New England have drained out through a central valley that would become the Connecticut River after the last ice age 11,000 years ago. The river actually has its source in tributaries reaching into far northern Vermont [1] and New Hampshire [2], but it really gathers steam after flowing into the state that shares its name, where it grows to a width of more than 1,000 feet across.

As the major artery of the region, the river was home to a thriving population of Native Americans before Europeans arrived. The river was “discovered” by Dutch captain Adrian Block in 1614, six years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock [3]. Early on, it was a major population center, spawning active trading posts between the Dutch and English New World settlements, and later serving as a conduit for raw materials and manufactured goods from northern New England.

Today, many travelers zip right through the valley along I-91, stopping only to see the sights in the capital city of Hartford [4]. Both north and south of the city, however, are a number of former farming and manufacturing centers with historic house museums and offbeat attractions.

Getting to the Connecticut River Valley

Bradley International Airport (I-91, exit 40, Windsor Locks, www.bradleyairport.com [5]) serves both Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts [6], from its location in Windsor Locks, halfway between the two cities. All of the major car rental companies are available at the airport. In addition, CT Transit (860/522-8101, www.cttransit.com [7]) also operates bus routes to the city. Take the Bradley Flyer service (BDL), which runs express from the airport to downtown Hartford in about a half-hour. Fare is $1.25.

Amtrak (800/872-7245, www.amtrak.com [8]) runs trains to Hartford’s [4] train station at One Union Place; as well as to Windsor (41 Central St.) and Windsor Locks (S. Main St. at Rte. 159). Greyhound (800/231-2222, www.greyhound.com [9]) runs buses to many area locations, including Enfield (Freshwater Blvd.), Farmington (12 Batterson Park Rd.), Hartford (1 Union Pl.), and Middletown [10] (340 Main St.).

If you are driving from Boston [11], the quickest way to Hartford is to head west down I-90, take exit 9 at Sturbridge [12] onto I-84, and follow that to the end (100 mi., 1 hr. 30 min.). Traveling from Providence [13], your best bet is to take U.S. Route 6 west, I-395 south, and then double back northwest on Route 2 (90 mi., 1 hr. 30 min.). From New Haven [14], Hartford is a straight shot down I-91 (40 mi., 45 min.).

CT Transit (860/522-8101, www.cttransit.com [7]) also operates bus service throughout Hartford and the greater Connecticut River Valley [15]. The E line runs from the corner of Main and Travelers Streets to West Hartford (15 min.) and Farmington (35 min.). The N line runs from the Old State House (800 Main St.) to Windsor center (45 min.), and the U line runs from the Old State House to Middletown [10] (1 hour). All fares are $1.25. For taxi service, try City Cab (860/416-6587), or pick one up at the taxi stand in front of Union Station.