I have had the privilege of growing up in one of the top ten best towns to raise a child in the United States, and of course, there are many, many perks:
Being in walking distance from nearly everything
There is at least one CVS in walking distance from you, and West Hartford Center is a nice walk.
Knowing the difference between Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center
West Hartford Center and Blue Back are right in the same area and right next to each other. West Hartford Center has the original locally-owned stores and the area has been there for years. Blue Back has the movie theater and high end stores and restaurants. Know the difference.
Celebrate! West Hartford
It used to be bigger before Blue Back Square came in and budget cuts took effect, but that weekend in June with all the food vendors and rides in the middle of the town is the perfect sign that summer is near.
Having a city and rural landscape, all in one.
Within a 5-10 minute drive, you can go from city life to farmland, all in the same town.
The Cow Parade
This was one of the things West Hartford had when I was little. Artists volunteered to paint life size statues of cows and they were placed all over town. It was super fun to go out with my parents on weekends to go and find all of the cows, and I wish they would do something like that again.
Running into almost everyone you knew in Blue Back Square
It was the coolest place to hang out, of course everyone was there.
Chasing geese and ducks at Fern Park
There were so many geese, and it seemed as though they were overly-tamed as well.
Trying to decide whether to go to Cornerstone Pool or the Veteran's Memorial Skating Rink on a rainy day.
Since they were right across from each other, you were really lucky if your parents would let you go to both in one day!
Lox, Stox and Bagels
The one place where you can get an overly-topped bagel for a good price, and they are really damn delicious.
Spending your fall afternoons at the corn maze and hayrides of Westmoor Park
Nothing better than having the smell of the farm blowing in your face while on a hayride.
Feeling like you were brought back to the fifties when driving through Park Road early on a Sunday morning.
Sundays are the days where all the old guys love to bring out their old cars and drive down the road, and then stop at Quaker Diner after. Oh...Quaker Diner!
A.C Petersen's is the only place to get ice cream.
They make it in store, and it would leave you broken hearted when there was none left.
It seems like everyone has a first date at the movie theater in Blue Back at one point or another.
Cheap movie + overly priced popcorn = perfect!
All of your school field trips are either to the Noah Webster House or the MDC plants.
Because, well, it was right there. And the teachers loved to brag about how we were the birthplace of the guy who wrote the first dictionary
Literally every household seems to have at least one dog.
And you feel the need to pet every one of them.
You have at least one friend who works at the Farmington Ave Stop and Shop
Perks? You get discounts if they're working!
Losing your mind when Frank Pepe's decided to open up a location here.
Famous pizza? Count me in!
Spending weekend mornings at the farmer's market
You can't find better and fresher food anywhere else.
Driving up to Balfour Drive to watch the sunset over Hartford on cool summer nights
You envy all the mansions on that road, and you envy even more the most beautiful view. It is also a hidden rule that you must visit before you graduate.
Friday nights consisted of eating at Moe's with all of your friends...
It was yummy, it was cheap, and was filling.
...and then signing the petition in order to keep Moe's from closing.
Everyone was devastated when Moe's decided to close, and despite thousands of signatures, they closed down.
Even though that petition didn't work, at least we managed to keep the Crown Market open!
The well known Bishop's Corner Jewish market that was in West Hartford for over 70 years was in threat of closing down years ago. Thanks to new owners, they are still up and running.
Eating strawberry shortcakes at St James's church while you watch the Memorial Day Parade
The parade was fun and all, but it made it even better when you had a homemade strawberry shortcake in hand.
Every kid went to Funtastic Summer Camp for at least two weeks in the summer.
And you were a cool kid if you went to the one at Fern Park.
Knowing it is winter when the light-up snowflakes take over the lamp posts.
You know Christmas is coming as soon as these light up the streets.
The rivalry between Conard and Hall
and losing your voice at the Conard vs. Hall football game. That game made news every year!
Having to choose between Pinkberry and SweetFrog for froyo.
SweetFrog is so much better that they closed Pinkberry shorty after SweetFrog opened
Sledding at Rockledge Golf Course
because nothing was more thrilling than sledding in an illegal place.
Knowing you'll need to leave your house ten minutes earlier if your commute requires you to go through the center of town.
Those stoplights will be the end of us all.
Having a friend that lives by Woodpond= endless days at the private beach.
Wait... West Hartford has a beach? Exactly.
