Eric A.
Yelp
This is one of Hartford's gems, re-joining the city to its riverfront after decades of separation by levees and limited access highways. The stage, with its distinctive circus-tent awning, shelters performers at a wide range of music festivals. As a traditional music fan, I've really enjoyed the annual Pipes in the Valley event, but the grassy seating area has also accommodated fans of rock, blues, jazz, and more.
The path running along the riverside can bring you north to Riverside Park with its boathouse, picnic area, and challenge course, or south to Charter Oak Landing. Statues inspired by the life of Abraham Lincoln and the end of slavery add an elegant and reflective touch.
The grassy lawn above the stage is one of my favorite features, disguising what lies beneath it - Interstate 91 - so beautifully that I frequently forget that it's there. In addition to the stairways leading down to the river, elevators will also raise and lower visitors from one level to another.
The Connecticut Science Center stands just at the entrance to the Plaza, and other aerial walkways link it to the Convention Center.
Hartford is fortunate to have such a great venue.