Emma & Andrew — Travel & Accomodations

Accomodations

We have secured a block of rooms at the Simsbury Inn for our guests to book at a discounted rate. The Simsbury Inn is located across the street (a two-minute drive or a six-minute walk) from The Riverview, where our ceremony and reception will be held.

There will be shuttle service between the Simsbury Inn and the Riverview before the ceremony and after the reception.

To reserve a room at the discounted rate, call the Simsbury Inn at +1-860-651-5700 and ask for the Connell/Small Wedding.

Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT is just a 20-minute drive from the hotel and wedding venue. For guests who are flying in for the celebrations, we recommend flying in and out of Bradley.

Recommendations

While you're in town, we want you to have a good time! Here are some of our favorite local places for you to check out during your stay.

Restaurants

Rein's New York Style Deli

The Restaurant we went to on our first official date. If you love New York-style comfort food (or if you've been meaning to figure out what matzo ball soup tastes like), this is the place for you.

Emma orders: The Hartford club sandwich and a Dr. Brown's Black Cherry soda.
Andrew orders: A bowl of matzo ball soup, and the mac & cheese dinner. And some full-sour pickles.

Frank Pepe's Pizza Napolitana

The world-famous Frank Pepe's is listed atop nearly every "best pizza" list; in 2009, The Guardian named it "The Best Pizza on Earth"! This is where all our movie dates start out, and where most of our visits with out-of-town friends end up.

Andrew & Emma order: A large cheese pizza. Cut Pepe's-style. And a Foxon Park ginger ale (made in New Haven, Connecticut).

Shady Glen Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor

Shady Glen makes their own ice cream—get a cone or a handpacked pint to go—and it is hands down the best around! They've also been serving their unique, world-famous "Bernice Original" cheeseburger since 1949.

Emma orders: Bernice Original cheeseburger
Andrew orders: Grilled cheese sandwich. Extra pickles on the side.

Antonio's of Simsbury

A favorite of Andrew's growing up (every Mother's Day and Father's Day was spent here), Antonio's is an Italian-style family restaurant with a fun, quirky decor. Antonio's is just a short 8-minute drive from the Simsbury Inn.

Andrew orders: A side of opus bread (trust me) and a pizza.

Vernon Diner

We're regulars at this 24-hour eatery. After a board meeting or a night at the theatre, we'll grab a booth and enjoy a late dinner. Or after a Mets game, we'll get takeout and have a little 3 AM snack at home.

Emma orders: Chicken Souvlaki. Or waffles with strawberries!
Andrew orders: Chicken fingers and fries. Or challah French toast.

Popover Bistro

Just a 6-minute drive from the Simsbury Inn, Popover Bistro and Bakery is Emma’s favorite spot to grab breakfast or lunch in the area. This adorable café focuses on locally sourced, healthy, and organic fare. Stop in for a snack, cocktail, sweet treat, or delicious meal!

Emma orders: Emma Orders: Chicken Caesar Salad with a plain popover and lavender lemonade.

Places to Go

Talcott Mountain / Heublein Tower

If the weather is nice, enjoy an easy, scenic hike on Talcott Mountain up to the Heublein Tower for an incredible panoramic view of central Connecticut.

The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

Hartford's home for professional touring theatre and performing arts. During the week of our wedding, see the national touring production of Pretty Woman – The Musical in the beautiful, historic Mortensen Hall. Tickets available on The Bushnell website.

The Hartford Stage

The Hartford Stage produces world-class professional theatre and advances arts education in Greater Hartford. Their production of Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers is playing in the days leading up to our wedding. Tickets available on the Hartford Stage website.

Noah Webster House

This charming museum showcases a unique piece of Connecticut History. The childhood homestead of Noah Webster, creator of the first American Dictionary, is open for guided or self-guided tours. See quintessential new england history brought to life and learn about one of the most famous lexicographers, and the creation and legacy of what is now the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Wickham Park

Wickham Park is the perfect place to take a gentle stroll and view some early spring flowers on a nice day. With ten distinct gardens it's easy to lose track of time while exploring. Park at the hilltop cabin for a gorgeous view of the hartford skyline in the distance and a sloping hill perfect for an afternoon picnic, or head to the lower oriental and Irish gardens for countless picturesque tableaus of flora and architecture. You may recognize some of these spots from our engagement photos!

Wadsworth Atheneum

The oldest continually operating art museum in the United States, The Wadsworth Atheneum houses an extensive collection of paintings, statues, and rotating exhibitions in a historic building that is a piece of architectural art in it's own right. Better yet, The Wadsworth offers free admission on the weekends!

Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

This rails-to-trails greenway spans aproximately 84 miles, and passes right next to our wedding venue! Cross the street from the Simsbury inn and you'll make your way to this linear park with a flat paved trail perfect for a walk, jog, or run.