West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square
A vibrant suburban hub blending traditional charm with modern amenities, offering diverse shopping, dining, and community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere
West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square
Best Time
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant suburban hub blending traditional charm with modern amenities, offering diverse shopping, dining, and community events.
"It’s beautiful, clean, and artsy, with plenty of lovely spots to sit and relax outdoors."
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The area is very walkable, with many residential options just steps away. Wear comfy shoes!
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From casual eateries to new restaurant openings, find a variety of cuisines to satisfy your cravings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blue Back Square Ambiance
Blue Back Square
A beautiful, clean, and artsy district with lovely outdoor seating and a stage for live performances.
West Hartford Center Charm
West Hartford Center
Explore a vibrant town center offering a mix of chain stores, unique boutiques, and diverse dining options.
Whole Foods Market Experience
Whole Foods Market, Blue Back Square
Discover a wide array of food items with approachable and knowledgeable staff ready to assist your shopping.
Seasonal Events and Strolls
West Hartford Center & Blue Back Square
Enjoy family-friendly events like the Halloween Stroll and Holiday Stroll with trick-or-treating and festive activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The area is very walkable, with many residential options just steps away. Wear comfy shoes! 
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From casual eateries to new restaurant openings, find a variety of cuisines to satisfy your cravings.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Enjoy events like the Halloween Stroll and the general ambiance perfect for a family outing.
🅿️ Ample Parking
Designated lots and garages make parking convenient for shoppers and diners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The area is very walkable, with many residential options just steps away. Wear comfy shoes!
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From casual eateries to new restaurant openings, find a variety of cuisines to satisfy your cravings.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Enjoy events like the Halloween Stroll and the general ambiance perfect for a family outing.
🅿️ Ample Parking
Designated lots and garages make parking convenient for shoppers and diners.
🌃 Evening Ambiance
The area looks beautiful at night, especially during Christmas with festive decorations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square for their beautiful, clean, and artsy ambiance, with plenty of outdoor seating and live performances. The area is noted for its variety of shops and restaurants, ample parking, and safe, walkable environment, making it perfect for families and leisurely strolls. Some found ride tickets at the fair to be pricey.
"I love walking around Blue Back Square. It’s beautiful, clean, and artsy, with plenty of lovely spots to sit and relax outdoors. There are several nice eateries, including my favorites: World of Beer and The Place 2 Be. The area also has an outdoor stage for live performances. Though not expansive, it’s quaint and perfect for families."
Jamil Mangan
"Just love it! I went to Whole Foods Market with my grandson when he was around 13. He picked out food items I never saw him eat before. Everyone who worked there was approachable, knowledgable and showed us exactly where to find the items we were searching for. I am glad we chose to shop there."
Amy Johnson
"Don’t expect huge malls or anything but in such space, you can find good stores/restaurants/libraries/multiplex.
It’s quite beautiful and scenery one.
In night, it looks got makeover and so beautiful it is... My pics are from when X’mas was around the corner.Worth a try…and it’s is hardly 2-3 miles from downtown…"
Sanjay Gupta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square are easily accessible by car, located just a few miles west of Hartford, CT. Public transportation options are available, and the area is known for its walkability once you arrive.
While specific bus routes can vary, public transportation is available to the West Hartford area. Many visitors find it convenient to drive and then explore the center on foot.
These two areas are adjacent and highly walkable. You can easily stroll between them, enjoying the shops and scenery along the way.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in the West Hartford area, providing convenient transport to and from the center.
West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square are located approximately 2-3 miles west of downtown Hartford, making it a short drive or a longer walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to enter West Hartford Center or Blue Back Square. You can freely explore the public areas, shops, and restaurants.
While general access is free, specific events like the West Hartford Fair may have separate fees for rides or activities.
Individual store and restaurant hours vary. However, the public spaces and walkways are generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening.
You will need to purchase tickets for movie showings at the cinema located within Blue Back Square.
Yes, Blue Back Square features lovely outdoor seating areas and a stage for live performances, all free to enjoy.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a mix of chain stores, boutiques, and specialty shops. From clothing and home goods to bookstores and pharmacies, there's a good variety.
Popular spots include World of Beer, The Place 2 Be, and new additions like Grangusto for Neapolitan pizza. There are many other eateries offering diverse cuisines.
While many are chain stores, the overall atmosphere of West Hartford Center offers a charming local feel with a good selection of businesses.
Yes, Blue Back Square is considered perfect for families, with several nice eateries and a generally welcoming atmosphere.
Several cafes and coffee shops are scattered throughout West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square, perfect for a pick-me-up.
📸 📸 Photography
The charming streetscapes of West Hartford Center, especially during festive seasons with decorations, offer great photo opportunities.
Absolutely! Blue Back Square is described as beautiful and artsy, with lovely outdoor spaces and architecture that make for great pictures.
The outdoor stage in Blue Back Square and the general well-maintained streets of both areas are popular for photos.
Evenings offer a magical ambiance with lights, while daytime provides clear views of the architecture and street life.
Yes, events like the Holiday Stroll are vibrant and offer many opportunities for capturing festive moments.
🎫 💡 Local Insights
Locals appreciate the vibrant atmosphere, walkability, and the mix of amenities. It's seen as a desirable suburb with urban comforts.
While known for its shops and dining, the artsy ambiance and outdoor performance space are often highlighted as charming aspects.
It's a relaxed yet bustling suburban center, offering a pleasant environment for shopping, dining, and leisurely strolls.
For a first date, Vinted, Barcelona, and Harvest are recommended for their nice ambiance and drink selections.
Yes, the area hosts seasonal events like the Halloween Stroll and Holiday Stroll, as well as live performances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Beyond events, the variety of dining options, including family-friendly eateries, and the general walkability make it easy to navigate with children. The presence of a movie theater also provides entertainment for a family outing.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Explorers
+2 You can easily spend hours strolling through the streets, discovering shops, and enjoying the ambiance without needing to drive between locations. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time to soak in the atmosphere. The well-maintained streets and pedestrian-friendly design make it a pleasure to explore.
🍽️ Foodies and Drink Enthusiasts
Whether you're seeking a quick coffee, a casual lunch, or a memorable dinner, West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square offer a diverse culinary landscape to satisfy every palate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of West Hartford: Center vs. Blue Back Square
Blue Back Square, on the other hand, is a more modern, mixed-use development. It features a contemporary design with a focus on retail, dining, and entertainment, including a movie theater and a Whole Foods Market. It's designed to be a vibrant hub with ample public spaces and a lively atmosphere, often hosting events.
+1Many residents and visitors appreciate the convenience of having both the traditional charm of the Center and the modern amenities of Blue Back Square within easy reach. This blend makes the area a popular destination for shopping, dining, and community gatherings.
+1A Shopper's and Diner's Paradise
The dining scene is equally impressive, with options ranging from casual eateries and cafes to upscale restaurants. Popular choices include World of Beer and The Place 2 Be, while newer establishments like Grangusto offer authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
The area is a great place to discover new flavors or enjoy familiar favorites, making it a destination for food enthusiasts. Beyond shopping and dining, the presence of a movie theater and Whole Foods Market adds to the convenience and appeal of the area, making it a comprehensive destination for a day out.
Community Events and Family Fun
+1These events transform West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square into lively hubs, filled with sights, sounds, and flavors. The presence of an outdoor stage in Blue Back Square also means there are often live performances and community gatherings throughout the year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Visitors often describe the area as beautiful, clean, and perfect for families, highlighting the welcoming environment and the range of activities available for all ages.
Social
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