So this past Sunday we ventured out of Hartford and over to our friends in the West to Blue Back Square. We have to admit, we've really had no real reason to head over and see it "first". We we're just waiting for the right reason to go and that reason was a movie at the new Criterion theater. The threat of snow-ice-rain was imminent but that didn't stop us. Wimps.
Our show was at 7:ish and we got there around 5 with some time to kill. This offered us the perfect opportunity to strut our stuff and stroll through the square to see what all the hype is about. We screeched in off Raymond Road and couldn't find parking. A good sign, but no one was out on the streets... hmmm. After circling around a few times, we decided to park in the garage. With our Sunday's best on, we hit the Square - except there was no one around to show off our couture too.
First stop was the National Jean Company for a look see at the latest in $200 jeans. Yes, there are lots and lots of jeans, trendy shirts and outfits for all the guys and ladies to choose from. We'll definitely be back here for more. After carousing the shop - I the dumber of the two - haven't quite unpacked all of my winter clothing and needed gloves. So we flitted over to REI for some winter gloves. Needless to say there were plenty to choose from, if big-outdoorsy-logo'ed brands are your thing. I dropped $22 on a pair of nice REI gloves that were comfy and would get me through the cold. We looked around drooling at all of the skis and snowboards, but were constantly reminded through store announcements that they were closing in 15 minutes. We get it, it's time to go.
We then popped into Barnes & Noble to pick up our latest monthly run of trash and smut magazines and ended up staying in there until 6:30 or so. Our last stop before the big flick was the Cheescake Factory for a quick cocktial and appetizer. Au contraire, mon frere... the place was packed to the gills! After muscling our way through the crowd at the bar, we couldn't find a single barstool to perch upon. We decided it wasn't worth the hassle and headed on over to our movie to call it a night.
So here's the scoop. Blue Back Square has a lot to offer, but we just couldn't get past the fake feeling it radiated. Yah, yah we know, it's not entirely complete and maybe we're jumping the gun here, but it just felt strange and fabricated. We couldn't quite put our finger on it but the best way to describe it was that it felt like walking around a Hollywood movie set. It certainly didn't feel like the West Hartford Center we know with its unique charm, quaint boutique shops and fabulous independent restaurants. So the question is: Is there room for big corporate chains and mom-and-pop shops in the Center? Time will tell.
Overall, Blue Back Square has got it going on, but we can't help but cringe and wonder why Hartford can't get their act together and make any real progress with Adriaen's Landing. It would be an incredible accomplishment and boost to the city's image if major retailers on par with the ones Blue Back were reeled in could be brought downtown. Downtown needs this. Will it ever happen? What are your thoughts?
2 comments:
I dig the picture!
Right now Adriaen's Landing is about 40% done. So far we have
1. Connecticut Convention Center
2. Marriott Hotel
We are waiting for the Connecticut Science Center and the Front Street Entertainment District. If you talk to some of the people working on the project they say Front Street will include apartments, an ESPN Zone, a movie theater, restaurants and bars.
It is also right near the Riverfront and the Wadsworth. There is also some talk that a 4 or 5 star hotel is being sought for downtown, to help with the hotel room shortage to deal with the conventions.
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