Aya Oriental Beauty Salon and Spa  

One of Hartford’s premier cultural events is the Caribbean and Jerk Festival. It has been held every August for the past seven years and features both the upper and lower areas of Mortensen Riverfront Plaza transformed into a Caribbean village. The whole family will enjoy the variety of music and dance performances as well as authentic Caribbean fare offered by more than 25 vendors. There is also a children's activity area, a Caribbean carnival, and salsa merengue lessons.

Whitewater kayaking and rafting are some water recreation activities that are not for the fainthearted. When you find yourself traversing the water's natural forces, the adrenaline rush is unlike anything you've ever experienced. You can experience it in Hartford by taking to the Salmon River by way of the Jeremy River to Route 16 to experience some of the best rides that the river has to offer.

It isn't uncommon to see babies and pre-school kids playing with iPads and being even more tech savvy than their parents. But in an age of cold technology, family experiences like a visit to the classic Bushnell Park Carousel can definitely warm things up. This vintage hand-carved carousel is a highlight of the park, and with good reason. The old-style music, the eye-catching but not overbearing lights and the friendly people make taking the kids out for a spin on their favorite wooden horse an activity that they will want to experience again and again, no matter how old they grow.