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Historic Attractions |
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COVE PARK Originally an "oxbow" of "The Long Tidal (i.e.Connecticut) River," Wethersfield Cove is ten feet above sea level and forty miles from Long Island Sound. Thomas Deming built his shipyard on the banks of this natural harbor, where he launched the Tryall - the first ship made in Connecticut - in 1649. |
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COVE WAREHOUSE Once part of a thriving commercial center, the warehouse - now housing a Wethersfield Historical Society maritime exhibit - contains reminders of the West Indies trade that flourished in Wethersfield from 1650 to 1830. Merchants exported lumber, grain, onions, salted beef, fish and pork in exchange for salt, sugar, molasses and rum from the Caribbean. Open mid May through mid October, Saturdays 10am - 4pm and Sundays 1pm - 4pm. $1.00 for Adults, Free for children 16 and under and Society Members. |
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THE SOLOMON WELLES HOUSE Built in 1774 for a descendant of colonial governor Thomas Welles and later used as the warden's house for the former state prison, this elegant house overlooks Wethersfield Cove and the adjacent Cove Park. Hartford's skyline is visible on the north horizon, but worlds away. While not open to tours, it can be rented for special occasions. |
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Whether it's brunch at a sidewalk café, ice cream on a hot summer afternoon, or fine dining at a 200-year-old inn, Wethersfield has choices to please all tastes. Join the locals at their favorite gathering places: Mainly Tea, The Spicy Green Bean Deli, Main Street Creamery, Village Pizza, and Old Town Café. |
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MAIN STREET SHOPS From artwork and antiques, to custom-designed jewelry and hand-made crafts, you'll find these - and other unique treasures - at a variety of small shops along Main Street. Browse to your heart's content at Antiques on Main, Heart of the Country, House of Images Gallery, Sandra Wakeen Gallery and Neill Walsh Goldsmiths - to name a few. |
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AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE In the 1850's,Wethersfield seed companies sold packets of garden seeds to homesteaders who followed the westward expansion of the rail lines. Today, companies like Comstock Ferre, Hart Seed and McCue Gardens carry on Wethersfield's long agricultural tradition, offering a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, seeds, garden supplies and gifts. |
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WEBB DEANE STEVENS MUSEUMS Revolutionary War diplomat Silas Deane's portrait hangs in his home on Main Street, one of three remarkable 18th century houses that comprise the Museum. These homes - all with important stories to tell about Wethersfield's rich past - capture the vitality of our nation's formative years. Museums are open May 1st through October 31st, Wednesdays to Mondays 10am - 4pm. November 1st through April 30th, Saturdays and Sundays 10am - 4pm. For more information call 860-529-0612 |
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GARDENS Colonial-era gardeners were a practical sort, not unduly concerned about matters of beauty. Gradually, interest in horticultural aesthetics grew. Wethersfield homeowners today tend gardens for food, flavor, profit or pleasure. This generation's gardens of note include the Webb House Colonial Revival Garden, designed by Amy Cogswell in 1921, The Heritage Herb Garden and the Weston Rose Garden. |
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An overnight stay at either of the charming bed and breakfasts in town - the Chester Bulkeley, or the Silas Robbins - will have you sipping your morning latte virtually in the center of our nearly 370-year-old village. If contemporary lodging is your choice, there are several hotels and motels nearby. |
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The Wethersfield Museum is an excellent way to begin your tour of Old Wethersfield. Informative exhibits provide a good introduction to the town's history. Museum staff have brochures and information on local attractions, shops, and restaurants to help you plan your stay. The building also has free public parking, rest rooms and a gift shop. Open Monday to Saturdays 10am - 4pm, and Sundays 1pm - 4pm. $3.00 for Adults, Free for children under 16, Society Members, and Wethersfield Residents |
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FARM STANDS 19th century scientists discovered what 17th century native Americans already knew: that Wethersfield's alluvial soil is among the best in the state. Farm stands, run by Anderson Farms and Morris Farms, offer native-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables June through October. Meadowgate Farms, just around the corner, offers hayrides. |
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BROAD STREET GREEN Beautiful, even in winter, but dazzling after an ice storm, the Broad Street Green - surrounded by elegant and stately old homes - is where early settlers grazed livestock. Today it's host to dozens of magnificent specimen trees - elms, oaks, sycamores, an 1836 copper beech - some as high as 15 stories tall! |
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HURLBUT DUNHAM HOUSE This handsome brick house is filled with original furnishings, wallpapers and painted ceilings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Jane and Howard Dunham, social and civic leaders of their day, made it their home. Open mid May through mid October. Saturdays 10am - 4pm and Sundays 1pm - 4pm. $3.00 for Adults, Free for children 16 and under; Society members. Tours begin at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center (Wethersfield Museum). 860-529-7656 |
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BUTTOLPH-WILLIAMS HOUSE Built for Benjamin Belden around 1715, this house - now a museum - provided the setting for Elizabeth George Speare's award-winning novel, The W itch of Blackbird Pond, which depicts a young woman's encounter with superstition and intolerance in a 17th century New England town. The restored kitchen contains an extensive collection of period cooking equipment. Open May 1st through October 1st. Wednesdays to Mondays 10am - 4pm. 860-529-0612 |
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FIRST CHURCH When built in 1764, some derisively referred to it as "vastly grander than Solomon's Temple. "Today, this beautiful church which graces the center of the village, is home to First Church of Christ Congregational. Members come from miles around to worship in this authentic 18th century building, whose light-filled interior inspires all those who gather here |
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ANCIENT BURYING GROUND The quaint, often poetic, inscriptions found on the headstones in this historic burial ground tell poignant tales of the demise of loved ones. The skills of a dozen different Connecticut Valley stone carvers are represented here. The earliest one - Leonard Chester's table stone - dates from 1648 |
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"Scarecrows Along Main Street" - now a fall tradition - is one of many special events that take place throughout the year in Old Wethersfield. Others include antique and craft shows, summer concerts in Cove Park, lectures, church fairs, auctions and the popular "Cornfest" sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. |
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A WALK DOWN MAIN STREET The best way to discover the quiet beauty that Old Wethersfield has to offer is to leisurely stroll around the village. The leaf-covered brick sidewalks of Main Street will lead you past beautiful old homes, historic sites and tree-filled parks. "Take your time" is good advice to first-time visitors. |
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WETHERSFIELD ART ACADEMY The Wethersfield Academy for the Arts is a nonprofit educational organization that can be found at the Old Buck Farm located on Hartford Avenue where some of Old Wethersfield's most beautiful homes can be seen. The Academy offers tours, family events, festive celebrations, exhibition previews, concerts, guest artist gatherings, as well as catered affairs. Keep an eye on our website calendar for up coming events. |
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| About Us | Regional Tourism Links | History | Maps | Contact Us |
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The Official Wethersfield Tourism Website
info@historicwethersfield.org
webmaster@historicwethersfield.org
860-721-2939
