Everybody in state knows about the town of Hartford. Heck, not only is it our capital it's also the
Insurance Capital of the world. Let's not forget the restaurants, Shoppe's, museums, science center and
the Hartford Civic Center. How many ...people talk about New Hartford though? How many times do you
hear it come up in conversation? Chances are, not too much. We'll let me the first to tell you that New
Hartford maybe that much better than its parent town. The 1“ settlers here came from Hartford and the
rest is history. Not to many people travel to New Hartford, as there is not too much business here. This
is basically a rural bedroom community, but a great one with much to do. So much, that you have a hard
time getting a good night's sleep if you are resident. Ski Sundown is the state's largest ski mountain with
over 15 trails. They even have a trail called Tom's Treat, which someday I will need to check out. Where
Satan's Kingdom is located is where groups can enjoy river tubing down the Farmington River. This area is
called Satan's Kingdom State Recreational Area and is located right on Route 44. On the other side of
town one can taste some of Connecticut's best wines in what is called The Connecticut Valley Winery
LLC. This winery is located on Litchfield Turnpike and is family owned. Many times I have sampled award
winning wines here and the Port Wine is to die for. Ask the owners to tell you the story behind the origin of what
is their black bear wine.
What is really they eye catcher though is the Yellow
Victorian House just off of Route 44 on Church Street in the Pine Meadow Section of town. For those
that travel this area, it's a can't miss sight and one I have noticed for years. The house has quite a
history, dating back to 1867 when it was built. This Northern Italian Renaissance House is called the
Philip Chapin House. It once was owned by Philip Chapin whose family owned and operated Machine
Tool Factories in the area. The house was actually built by Philip's father in law William Bushnell, while some of the
land was donated by Philip's father Hermon. To make things more confusing, it was a gift to from
William to his daughter Amelia who has married Philip. So why in the worlds does Philip get all the credit
and have the house named after him? I really don't know. What I do know is that house has the power
to have to stop your car and take a picture of it. I know, because I have done that many times and so
should you. As a matter of fact, let's spread the word and tell more people about how much there is to
do in New Hartford. The insurance capital of the world maybe in Hartford, but it's New Hartford where
you are insured to have a good time.
Click here for information on my book, "The Signs of Connecticut," a chronicle of those familiar blue signs that have the names of Connecticut's towns on them.
