Looking for New England charm, farm-to-table flavor, and riverfront scenery? Visit Glastonbury, Connecticut! Located just outside Hartford, this historic town offers colonial architecture, vibrant dining, seasonal orchards, and access to the Connecticut River—perfect for a cozy weekend or scenic day trip.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Glastonbury is in the spring and fall (April–June and September–October). Spring brings blooms and market season, while fall is ideal for foliage, apple picking, and crisp country air. Summer is also great for festivals and outdoor dining.
How to Get There
- By Car: Glastonbury is about 15 minutes southeast of Hartford via Route 2 and easily accessible from I-91 and I-84.
- By Air: Bradley International Airport (BDL), just north of Hartford, is about 30 minutes away by car.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in Hartford, with regional connections. Local buses or rideshares can bring you to Glastonbury.
Where to Stay
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Hartford South-Glastonbury – Comfortable all-suite hotel with a pool, gym, and complimentary breakfast.
- Hilton Garden Inn Glastonbury – Centrally located with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the river.
- Charming B&Bs or Vacation Rentals – Quaint colonial-style homes and riverside properties for a cozy New England experience.
Top Attractions
⮕ Read, Relax, and Discover More at Welles-Turner Memorial Library
© Welles-Turner Memorial Library
The Welles-Turner Memorial Library is named in honor of Harriet Welles Turner Burnham and documents her legacy to Glastonbury, Connecticut. Born in the town back in the year 1856, Harriet Welles and her husband, Sturgis P. Turner.built and lived in the house on Main Street that is now a library. She later married John W. Burnham after Sturgis died in 1916. She willed her estate to the Town of Glastonbury to build and maintain a public library on the site of her home. The Welles-Turner Memorial Library offers a wide variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages.
Address: Welles-Turner Memorial Library, 2407 Main St, Glastonbury, CT 06033, Phone: 860-652-7719
⮕ Climb Higher and Push Limits at Central Rock Gym
© Central Rock Gym
The Central Rock Gym of Glastonbury, Connecticut provides world-class indoor rock climbing, other fitness activities and classes, summer camps, youth programs, and community events in a state-of-the-art facility that features expansive climbing walls, professional yoga classes, and cutting edge equipment. One of the main offerings of the Central Rock Gym is the one hour long Belay Classes, offering everyone a chance to learn how to belay. During certain hours, staff are available to do the work for visitors, taking away the need for the belay class. Guests can climb for an hour under staff direction.
Address: Central Rock Gym, 259 Eastern Blvd, Glastonbury, CT 06033, Phone: 860-659-8260
⮕ Escape into Nature’s Calm at Cotton Hollow Preserve
© alexandco/stock.adobe.com
The Cotton Hollow Preserve is made up of eighty acres of extensive pristine woodlands that are traversed by the area’s Roaring Brook. During the eighteenth century and the nineteenth century, the grounds were home to a cotton mill constructed in 1814, iron foundries, saw mills, and grist mills. Visitors can still see the cotton mill’s imposing ruins in the preserve today. The Cotton Hollow Preserve today is home to several passive recreational activities, such as fishing and hiking. The western entrance for the Cotton Hollow Preserve, just off of Main Street, is the site of a tree trail.
Address: Cotton Hollow Preserve, 493 Hopewell Rd, Glastonbury, CT 06033
⮕ Tee Off in Tranquility at Minnechaug Golf Course
© Minnechaug Golf Course
The Minnechaug Golf Course in the town of Glastonbury, Connecticut is a Par 35, nine-hole golf course situated at the base of the state’s Minnechaug Mountain. The gem of a golf course is home to one of golf’s most exciting attractions: an island green. The island green at the eighth hole is a par 3, 126-yard hole and is the first island green anywhere in the region of New England, as well as one of the first island greens in America. While the Minnechaug Golf Course is on the small side, it provides plenty of challenges for experienced golfers.
Address: Minnechaug Golf Course, 16 Fairway Crossing, Glastonbury, CT 06033, Phone: 860-643-9914
⮕ Gaze Beyond the Stars at the Glastonbury Planetarium
© sunghoon/stock.adobe.com
If you are interested in star-gazing and learning more about astronomy and the thousands of stars and planets which surround our Earth, you will enjoy attending one of the shows hosted by the Glastonbury Planetarium. The planetarium presents free public shows on select Thursday and Saturday nights. You can also introduce the younger members of the family to the fascinating world of astronomy by accessing their Young Kid Shows which are both fun and educational. The planetarium also hosts a series of Musical Concerts under the Stars – you can check their website for details of what’s on and to find a list of further educational resources.
Address: 95 Oak Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033, Phone: 860-652-7925
⮕ Pick Fresh and Wander Rows at Scotts Orchard and Nursery
© Scotts Orchard and Nursery
The Scotts Orchard and Nursery began when JoAnn and Woody Scott bought the Villa Orchard more than forty-five years ago on top of Apple Hill. The Farmstand opens after the planting season with local produce, including sweet corn, raspberries, and blueberries. Summer brings fresh plums and peaches, followed later in the season by pears and apples. During harvests, visitors can come and pick their own fruits and vegetables. The end of the year’s growing season brings pumpkins and November is the start of the Christmas tree season. Family-oriented festivals take place during the weekends during the harvest season as well.
Address: Scotts Orchard and Nursery, 1838 New London Tpk, Glastonbury, CT 06033, Phone: 860-633-8681
Where to Eat
⮕ Dive Into Seafood Sophistication at Max Fish
© Max Fish
Max Fish
, located in the town of Glastonbury in Connecticut, is a popular seafood restaurant for both visitors and locals alike to enjoy a meal when they are hungry or in the mood for award-winning food and great service. The menu at Max Fish consists of a wide variety of the finest, freshest seafood available in dishes made with highest possible quality of ingredients. There are other dishes on the menu as well that aren’t seafood dishes. Max Fish has been voted by the Connecticut Magazine for “Best Seafood” and by the Hartford Courant for “Best Boozy Brunch.”
Address: Max Fish, 110 Glastonbury Blvd, Glastonbury, CT 06033, Phone: 860-652-3474
⮕ Savor Tuscan Comfort at Bricco Trattoria
© Bricco Trattoria
The owners of Bricco Trattoria grew just around the corner from the town of Glastonbury in East Hartford, Connecticut, making the restaurant a truly local place. Along with some talented people, the owners aimed to create an atmosphere of that of a vineyard home or an Italian farmhouse. The goal is for guests to feel comfortable at Bricco Trattoria and just enjoy the simple pleasure of eating a meal with friends and family. Service is meant to be polished, proper, and polite, and the food delicious, simple, and fresh. The menu features antipasto, cheese, and salumi to artisan pizzas and house-made pastas.
Address: Bricco Trattoria, 124 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT 06033, Phone: 860-659-0220
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- Glastonbury Historic District – Explore colonial-era homes, tree-lined streets, and local boutiques.
- Connecticut River Ferry – Ride the historic Rocky Hill–Glastonbury Ferry, the oldest continuously operating ferry in the U.S.
- Rose’s Berry Farm – Seasonal favorite for berry picking, pumpkin patches, and a Sunday breakfast with a view.
- Riverfront Park – Walk or picnic along the scenic riverbank with trails, a playground, and summer concerts.
- Meshomasic State Forest – Just east of town, this forest offers peaceful hiking, birdwatching, and foliage drives.
Local Events
- Apple Harvest Festival (October) – Celebrate fall with live music, crafts, food trucks, and all things apple at Riverfront Park.
- Summer Concert Series (June–August) – Weekly live music on the river, perfect for families and picnics.
- Glastonbury Farmers Market (Seasonal) – Held weekly with fresh produce, local goods, and live entertainment on-site.
More events and activities
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Glastonbury, Connecticut
- Hartford (15–20 min) – Explore the Wadsworth Atheneum, Connecticut Science Center, and vibrant downtown dining.
- Manchester (15–20 min) – Shop at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills or hike trails at Case Mountain.
- East Hartford (10–15 min) – Visit Rentschler Field or explore riverside parks and trails nearby.
- Rocky Hill (10–15 min) – Ride the historic ferry, visit Dinosaur State Park, or enjoy riverfront scenery.
- Wethersfield (10–15 min) – Wander the charming Old Wethersfield Historic District and visit colonial-era museums.
- South Windsor (20–25 min) – Enjoy shopping, local farms, and events at Nevers Park and the Promenade Shops.
- Hebron (25–30 min) – Discover rural charm with farm stands, trails, and the scenic Air Line State Park Trail.
- Portland (15–20 min) – Visit Brownstone Adventure Sports Park or take in Connecticut River views from the quarries.
- Newington (20–25 min) – Check out Mill Pond Park or shop local spots in this convenient central suburb.
- Cromwell (20–25 min) – Play a round at TPC River Highlands or relax at local parks and eateries.
FAQ
- What attractions does Glastonbury offer?
- Glastonbury has a wealth of historical sites, recreational activities, and beautiful parks in abundance.
- What shopping and dining options are available in Glastonbury?
- The town is also filled with a great assortment of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
- Where is Glastonbury located?
- Glastonbury is located along the Connecticut River, providing an ideal landscape for farms.
- What farming experiences can visitors enjoy in Glastonbury?
- Several farms offer "pick-your-own" fruits and vegetables, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh local produce.
Glastonbury is 15 min (11.7 mi) via CT-2 E from Hartford.
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