Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford

I grew up in the area and would walk or bike to Cedar Hill Cemetery when I was very young. The grounds were designed to be a rural cemetry along the lines of the much larger and more celebrated Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA. There are graves of famous people, and mausoleums and burial monuments that are beautifully constructed. Events are held on the grounds to which the general public is invited. I've been to mushroom hunts, butterfly hunts, concerts, behind the scenes tours (you can ring the chapel bell and get a look inside the crematorium), and other events, including the famous and well-attended lantern tour in October that features costumed players representing some of the people buried on the grounds. Whether you love nature, beautiful landscaped grounds, history, or just need a quiet place to get away, Cedar HIll is a place that will meet your expectations.

Lots of history. Walk or drive around. A site to see.