the center & the square

aussienelson

we didn't have any of these fancy stores. We had a bowling alley, a record store, a diner, a movie theater, a couple of banks a hardware store and some mom and pop clothing places. Well, the banks multiplies, everything else closed but the hardware store, and the mom and pop places were slowly replaced by higher end clothing and apparel. Food became fancier. Still, it is a destination for people who like to walk around and look at stuff, and as far as a walking city goes... you really can't beat West Hartford Center.

BethNow

The West Hartford used to be just "OK" until the Blue Back Square opened up! They now have fancy stores and the hard-to-find stores you need or want for your home, traveling/camping needs, and gifting. Crate and Barrel is now there. Even REI has a store there. I drove down from western NY to visit my family and to go to REI for traveling equipments! It is a nice place to stroll around and I got to try my first yogurt with M&M at PinkBerry that my family have talked about. It was a nice afternoon well spent at the Blue Back Square with my family. They also have a parking garage available for use. I don't remember if we paid for parking, maybe we didn't.

230wendyb

When visiting the greater Hartford area West Hartford Center and Blueback Square are a must see. It is a wonderful place to stroll with friends and family. There are interesting shops, fabulous restaurants, the best Happy Hours, a movie theater, and town library with an amazing children's library on the lower level. I raised my family in this town.

msesqct

From free concerts in Blueback, Hanukkah Fire and Ice or the Christmas stroll there is always something going on!

SJayinCT

The Center and the adjacent Square area is a suburban gem. In addition to the plentiful variety of retail stores the Center/Square area features a very large number of restaurants. These run the gamut from very casual such as Cosi's and Chipolte Grill to restaurants which are among the best in the Greater Hartford area. From spring through fall many feature very pleasant outdoor dining. Free outdoor concerts are available on a regular basis. On-street parking can be a problem but the area has two outdoor lots and two multi-story garages. Visiting this area is a must.

HR0bertS

Samuel L Jackson uses that phrase in the movie "Jackie Brown"-which i recommend if u can handle the violence and obscenity: West Hartford Center is our little piece of treelined-street heaven. EXCELLENT shops, interesting variety, 2 outstanding (1/2 off on bottled wine on Mondays) restaurants = Grant's (best outdoor seating) & Bricco, the BEST bison burger & dare i say French fries at The Elbow Room, great Japanese beef sliders at Max Hamburger, great coffee and crepes at Sophia's (where I occ get a great double decaff espresso in a small cup filled to the top with regular coffee), and all very negotiable distance wise. Paid parking runs longer than you think, so read the meters. WELCOME. I live here

eva5959

The Center & The Square are filled with renowned restaurants and cute boutiques. There is a movie theater, plenty of outdoor seating at the restaurants and public areas, a large library and free music entertainment in BlueBack square on Wednesday evenings. On the weekends and Thursday nights, the restaurants are filled with families, business meetings, and couples all enjoying the great atmosphere of the area. Throughout the year there are events for people of all ages– antique car shows, famer's markets, winter holiday stroll, Halloween stroll, West Hartford days (a carnival and crafts show) and much more. Parking is easy and convenient on the street and in numerous parking lots.

DickandDoris

The addition of Blue Back Square to the already wonderful West Hartford Center has created a delightful entertainment mecca. Numerous restaurants ranging from very high end to very moderate, coupled with every type of retail store you could possibly want, has made the "Center and the Square" the place to be.

DawnM406

great shopping, great people and atmosphere. With 2 teenagers it is so nice to know that there is somewhere safe for them to go to meet friends.

JohnX269

I love Barnes & Noble. This is the best B&N in the area for travel books. I get a lot of travel books here. There is not a lot of children books here. There is a parking garage on New street. If you are a B&N member you get a discount. Be warned on thursday nights there are loud concerts.LibraryThis place is great. There is an extensive children's book collection. This is great.

Tree56LO

There is a great number of quality stores in a small area. an easy walk to the center, if your desired store is not in Blue Black square. Enjoy sitting ourside in the good weather here.

WestHartford_CTTomh

I would imagine most every nationality cuisine is represented in the area which occupies a large block and a square. Restaurants tend toward high end expensive but are usually worth it.

PamelaA151

Blue Back Square is a pleasant surprise. Having lived in West Hartford for over 45 years, I was hesitant when I heard of its plans before it was built. My husband and I enjoy it very much! We recommend it to everyone and often take our family and friends when they visit us. There is plenty to do in West Hartford Center and Blueback Square!

Cricket2424

West Hartford's Blue Back Square and town Center are well worth a visit! There are a fantastic array of restaurants from quick lunches to family-friendly to high-end romantic. There are also a wide variety of cuisines including American, Irish Pub, Italian, Mexican, Steakhouse, Mediterranean, Seafood, Asian, as well as some large restaurant chains. But, it's not all about the food, there are great places to shop or browse including cute boutiques, national clothing chains, chocolatiers, sporting goods, jewelry, pottery, home goods, accessories, and music and book stores. The Square often has free concerts in the summer where people from town congregate in the evenings. There's a wonderful, new library and other community services available. It has so much to offer and is a great place to spend the day in any season!

fuzzbrain

The greatest part about this place is that you can park your car and walk from place to place. In fact, it's worth braving the rush hour traffic through hartford EVERY day just to live here :)