Day Trip to Old Wethersfield in Hartford County, CT

6/11/13 - By Tania Pesce

There are plenty of historical places to visit in Connecticut, but Old Wethersfield is one of the oldest and is named "Ye Most Auncient Towne." Sequestered from the modern town of Wethersfield, Old Wethersfield has maintained their small community feel with a bustling Main Street, quaint shoppes and wholesome places for kids to enjoy. The streets of Old Wethersfield are lined with over 300 historical houses with 50 even built before the American Revolution. Here are my top ten things to do in and around Old Wethersfield.

If you're looking for more local history, take a day to visit Harriet Beecher Stowe's home or the Noah Webster house, both of which made legendary impacts on Nutmeg history.

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1. Start with the Wethersfield Visitor's Center

The Keeney Memorial Cultural Center is where the visitor's center and museum are located.  Run by the Wethersfield Historical  Society, their goal is to educate and keep history alive. Start here to get a map  and a list  of attactions.

2. Spend some time at the Webb Deane Stevens Museum

The Webb Deane Stevens Museum encompasses several  historic properties that represent 18th-19th century life in Connecticut.  Explore the gardens, rooms, and see how the prominent business and merchants of that period lived. 

3. Satisfy your cravings at Main Street Creamery

Bring your sweet-tooth to this family-owned ice cream shop in Old Wethersfield. Fifty flavors of ice cream and soft serve. Also on the menu are several pastry items, milkshakes, sorbets and coffee. They offer gluten-free cones too! 

4. Stop by the Heirloom Market at Comstock-Ferre

Since 2016, this little market and cafe has been making delicious meals for everyone. Located in the historic Comstock-Ferre Seeds building, you can still see the agricultural roots of the building and even pick up some really unique seeds for your garden. The cafe menu includes panini sandwiches, soups, salads and bakery items.  

5. Learn more at the Buttolph-Williams House

Built in 1715, this large home is now a museum and was also the setting for the book Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare. Primitive interiors are historically adequate and the kitchen is outfitted with the cooking utensils of the period.

6. Play and romp at Mikey's Place

This was one of my kids' favorite playgrounds when they were younger. Mikey's Place is located one mile from Main Street and has fun and fully accessible things like ramp access to climbing towers, slides, swings, and a terrific sandbox. 

7. Investigate historic boats at the Cove Warehouse

Built within the first 50 years of the founding of Wethersfield, the Cove Warehouse is the oldest period existing merchant warehouse on the CT River. It currently houses a maritime exhibit hosted by the Wethersfield Historical Society open Saturdays and Sundays.

10. Plan your trip during one of OW's annual events

Old Wethersfield does fun annual events on their Main Street including Bicyles on Main, Farmers Market, Annual Heritage Weekend and Scarecrows on Main in the Fall.

Just a few miles away:  

9. Take the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry

Just over four miles away is the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry. The ferry has been running since Wethersfield was founded around 1655 and is the oldest running ferry in the entire nation. Originally, the ferry was a raft, but in modern days, you can drive  your car on board and ride in simple comfort over the Connecticut River. 

10. Go berry picking at Rose's Berry Farm

Once you disembark the ferry, it's just a short drive to Rose's Berry Farm in Glastonbury. My family has picked blueberries there, but you can also pick strawberries, rasspberries, blackberries and more. 

Have fun!

 

Updated 5/20/2021

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