2010 Discover Hartford

Bicycle & Walking Tour

Presented by Bike Walk Connecticut & City of Hartford

Bike Walk Connecticut - formerly The Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance

Walking Tour - 4 different routes

9:30 a.m. Asylum Hill

How did Asylum Hill get its name? Discover the reasons and why migration to Asylum Hill was so popular, becoming the destination neighborhood for so many, including Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Participants will view the incredible historic preservation efforts taking place and learn more about the people that made “The Hill” their home and today’s residents who are embracing the City’s architectural legacy!

 9:30 a.m. Bushnell Park and the Capitol Grounds

Are you aware the State Capitol was originally designed with a Clock Tower instead of a Dome? Get up and close to check out the fine details and fantastic stone work of the State Capitol. Explore the incredible history of Bushnell Park, America’s first municipally voted and funded park, designed by Jacob Weidenmann, landscape designer of Hartford’s Butler-McCook House and Cedar Hill Cemetery. Climb the steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch and uncover the last resting place of its architect!

10:30 a.m. Downtown/Riverfront

Hartford has the first two-sided building in the World! Did you know that? Explore Downtown’s growth through the centuries by examining the buildings that rose and fell during the years of “urban renewal” and the recent additions to the skyline. Who were the visionaries and the nationally renowned architects? Witness the reconnection of the Capital City to the riverfront and discover the hiding place of a rare Civil War artifact!

 10:30 a.m. South Downtown/South Green

Where is the bridge on Main Street that crosses a buried river? The 1833 Stone Bridge, at the time the largest in the United States, finally connected Hartford’s southern neighborhoods. South Downtown, locally known as SoDo, experienced an explosion of development with beautiful brownstone townhouses and Greek Revival homes. Step into this welcoming neighborhood and view these landmarks, along with the gracious grounds of the Butler-McCook House, Main Street’s last surviving 18th century home. See their Civil War era rose bush still in bloom! Stories about South Green will prepare you for Halloween, with tales of witches that predate Salem!

 

Registration and sign in time: (Everyone must sign in)

 Bushnell Park, Elm Street Side

4 different, 1 hour tours: 2 leaving at 9:30 a.m., 2 at 10:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. Tours: Asylum Hill or Bushnell Park/Capitol Grounds                 10:30 a.m. Tours: Downtown/Riverfront or South Downtown/South Green

How to Register

 Online closes Thursday, Sep 9

www.hartfordbiketour.org

By Mail (one form person) deadline Friday, September 3

Send this form (coming soon) to:

Bike Walk Connecticut

P.O. Box  270149

West Hartford, CT  06127

In Person

Please arrive early on the day of event

Walking Tour Fee:

Early Bird:  On or before Mon, August 9 $20

Tuesday, August 10 – Thursday, September 11  $25

New Members:  Sign up for the 2010 Tour and receive a $10 discount off a

Bike Walk Connecticut membership.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  A Release of Liability Form must be signed and submitted by everyone at the event. Forms will be provided on site or print out the form at www.hartfordbiketour.org and bring with you.

 About Hartford Preservation Alliance

 The mission of the Hartford Preservation Alliance (HPA) is to advocate for the preservation and revitalization of the Capital City’s unique architectural heritage and neighborhood character.

HPA focuses on educating the public about preservation issues and benefits, convening and collaborating with interested parties for positive change, advocating for rehabilitation and proper "mothballing" of older structures, and placing appropriate properties on state and federal historic registries. In fulfilling this agenda, HPA is contributing to Hartford's quality of life and neighborhood pride by preserving the irreplaceable.

www.HartfordPreservation.org