If the literary soul in you is longing for a quick escape, there’s a charming Connecticut village that just might be the perfect spot — and it’s only about 90 minutes from NYC.
Tucked away in Hartford’s historic Nook Farm neighborhood is the stunning Victorian mansion where Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, lived from 1874 to 1891.
Here, he penned some of his most iconic works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
We’ve outlined the best way to visit the literary neighborhood, and make the most of this timeless retreat where the past still whispers through every brick and bookcase.
Start at the Mark Twain House & Museum
A visit to the Mark Twain House & Museum is like stepping directly into the mind of America’s most beloved humorist.
This grand 25-room mansion, built in the High Gothic Revival style, was designed by architect Edward Tuckerman Potter and completed in 1874. Twain and his wife Olivia Clemens raised their three daughters here, and the house quickly became the heart of their creative and social life.
Visitors can explore the ornately decorated interiors, including Twain’s billiards room — where he often wrote while pacing with a cigar in hand — and the mahogany-paneled library filled with books he once read and collected.
The museum also offers permanent and rotating exhibits, a cozy café, and an excellent gift shop stocked with Twain-themed memorabilia.
Notably, Twain called this house the “happiest period of his life,” and despite its grandeur, it exudes a welcoming charm that draws visitors from all over the world.
Be sure to join one of the guided tours — they’re filled with surprising anecdotes about Twain’s eccentric routines, friendships with other writers, and even ghost sightings.
Things to see around Nook Farm, CT
Beyond the mansion, Nook Farm itself was a hub for 19th-century intellectuals, activists, and writers.
One of Twain’s closest neighbors was Harriet Beecher Stowe, the famed author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. You can tour her beautifully preserved home next door, where she spent the final years of her life and advocated for women’s suffrage and education.
Take time to walk through the tranquil neighborhood, where Twain often strolled with guests or reflected on new writing ideas.
Just a short walk away is the Connecticut Historical Society, which houses period artifacts and exhibits that contextualize Twain’s time in Hartford.
You’ll also find old carriage paths, Victorian gardens, and even a few original lampposts that still illuminate the same streets Twain once walked.
Where to eat and unwind
After your dose of literary history, head to downtown Hartford for a bite. This underrated foodie city has plenty of gems to discover.
Grab a playful, Instagrammable brunch at The Place 2 Be — a local favorite with over-the-top milkshakes and colorful décor — or cozy up with pasta and wine at Salute, known for its warm service and hearty Italian fare.
Looking for something a bit more off the beaten path? Head to Fire by Forge, a rustic-chic gastropub with wood-fired fare and inventive cocktails or try Tangiers International Market for Mediterranean bites like falafel wraps, hummus platters, and house-made baklava.
If you’re visiting in summer, look out for live music and food trucks at nearby Bushnell Park too.
Getting there from NYC
The easiest way to reach Hartford/Nook Farm from NYC by public transportation is via Amtrak from Penn Station.
Direct trains to Hartford Union Station run several times a day and typically take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
For a slightly more budget-friendly option, take the Metro-North New Haven Line from Grand Central Terminal to New Haven, then transfer to a Hartford Line commuter train.
If you’re looking to drive, just hop on I-87 North to I-287 East, then connect to I-684 and I-84 East straight into Hartford. Without heavy traffic, the drive usually takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. There’s ample parking around both the museum and downtown area.