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Strike up some fun with family and friends at Hall Of Fame Silver Lanes in East Hartford. This state-of-the-art bowling facility boasts 52 lanes that are equipped with new upper monitors that help you easily keep track of the game. There's also a separate lounge area that comfortably sits 50 guests and you can relax between frames as you watch your favorite sporting events on any of the impressively large flat screen TVs. There's also more fun for the kids in the video arcade, plus plenty of pool tables to distract you and even a DJ spinning tunes over the weekend.

Hartford resident Harriet Beecher Stowe attracted plenty of attention when she published her anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. Her outspoken nature and desire to champion issues like human dignity and equality were hallmarks of not only her work, but of the woman herself. You can learn more about her and her various campaigns to end racism when you visit the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. The center and museum of sorts hosts various exhibits that stand alongside Stowe's personal effects that all work together to tell the story of this courageously outspoken author whose battle is still being fought today. The center spotlights current projects that are still being implemented in Stowe's honor.

Even if you've read Huckleberry Finn or Tom Sawyer several times, you still may not really know much about the man who created these timeless works of American literature. A visit to Hartford's Mark Twain House & Museum will change all that in a truly dramatic fashion. The historic home has been meticulously preserved and treats visitors to the sight of various personal items that belonged to Twain, who made his home here before and after he met with his staggering success. Among the most striking pieces at this house museum are his writing desk, eyeglasses and other personal curiosities, and various first editions of his most famous books.

Entertaining the kids is always a challenge. It becomes less of a chore when you take them to visit the Children's Museum. This impressive facility seamlessly melds education and entertainment to offer visitors a chance to have fun while they learn. Among the many highlights and attractions are a planetarium and a wildlife sanctuary that features over 30 animals. Star Station One is another popular exhibit, as it dramatically recreates the experience of outer space, complete with an amazing replica of the International Space Station.