I haven't been blogging most of the week, as I've been crazy busy with the girls and work and running here and there. But I have been thinking about what I'm grateful for... and I think this entire week, I've been grateful for my town.
Named by Family Circle magazine as one of America’s 20 Best Towns for Families, West Hartford is a wonderful place to raise a family. The awards are numerous. From Hartford Magazine’s #1 Best for Families rating to U.S. News & World Report naming our public high schools top in the state and gold medal distinction for top 500 nationwide, West Hartford is the place we are fortunate enough to call home.
When David and I talked about starting a family, moving back home was always a part of the conversation. Transplants from the Nutmeg State, we met and lived in Washington, DC for the first 2 ½ years of our married life. When Baby G was still just a thought, we began looking at houses back in Connecticut. After a few visits back and forth, we narrowed our search to the town of West Hartford. With top schools, a beautiful center, restaurants, museums and a politically active community, we knew this was the place for us.
Located approximately 100 miles south of Boston and 100 miles north of NYC, West Hartford is a perfect combination of small town charm and big city culture. We put a deposit down, and by the time our first daughter was born, we just had our floors refinished.
Rich in culture and diversity, West Hartford is indeed an amazing place to live and raise a family. For the past 10 years we have made it our home. It is something I will always be grateful for and one which deserves many thank yous...
I am grateful for our schools. Our daughters are thriving in school, a school which we love. As PTO Co-President, I have the wonderful opportunity to work with the other parents and teachers. It’s a small school, with the most amazing teachers. In addition to their core curriculum, the girls are learning French, how to play the flute, sing in harmony and create beautiful masterpieces.
Find out what's happening in West Hartfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I am grateful for our government. We have an active and caring town government, it doesn't matter what the party affiliation. Our Mayor, Deputy Mayor and many of the Town Council members have become our friends, as well as the Board of Education. They care about our citizens and truly want to make a difference. They show up at school events, town meetings and special events. How refreshing!
I am grateful for our town center and square. We love walking around the town center and Blueback Square. We have date nights at Grants and playdates at the Claypen. I celebrated many birthdays at Besito, and kids’ parties at the Claypen. Bartaco is great for GNOs, and I’m a regular at Fringe Hairworks. Small boutiques, like Kellie Burke Interiors or Spin are fabulous shops, and the Toy Chest is usually my go-to for birthday gifts. We are regulars at Butterfly on Friday nights, with a greeting and extra pretty umbrellas for the girls lemonades. Our community involvement is amazing, like Kristine at Ben and Jerry’s, who always says yes whenever we ask her to host a fundraiser or awareness night, and my friends Jane and Mike of IRIS Photography, who give back to help literacy programs.
Find out what's happening in West Hartfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The girls grew up jumping at My Gym, and field trips to Westmoor Park. They proudly received their first library card at the Bishop’s Corner Library, and fell in love with ice skating at Veteran’s Memorial Rink. Our town’s Leisure Services has a phenomenal social activities calendar not only children and young adults, but residents of all ages.
I am grateful for our resources. Our parks are beautiful and filled with families, and the town boasts wonderful events throughout the year, including the Holiday Stroll, Memorial Day Parade, and other activities. We are so fortunate to have the most amazing Police and Fire Departments, ready to protect us (and help me when I lock my keys inside my car.)
My girls have participated town sports, and we have met many wonderful friends from the Newcomers Club, Mom’s & More and Wamp. We worship with our friends at St. Timothy’s Church, and feel a connection like we’ve been there forever.
What I truly love most about West Hartford is the amazing people we have come to know. People who are now our friends. Thank you West Hartford, for giving us a place to raise our children, a place for us to grow, a place for us to call home.
