While Hartford Claims to "Have It," New Britain Seems To Be Having All the Fun.

Let me start off by saying I have great affection for the city of Hartford. Some of my fondest memories were spent cheering for the Whalers amidst the blaring sounds of Brass Bonanza at the old Civic Center. One of my first memories of taking a girl on a date was to a Vanilla Ice concert in Connecticut's capital city. (Yes, I was quite the Casanova back then). I still like Hartford and feel the city is full of hidden gems. One of my favorite annual events is catching jazz concerts in Bushnell Park. I enjoy having lunch at the spectacular art deco Polish National Home. The museums are top class and a renovated Front Street is a great place to dine or catch a movie.

Despite all this, I find myself spending an increasing amount of time in a neighboring city. Hard Hittin' New Britain to be precise. So why New Britain? Here are just a few places where I find New Britain tops Hartford.

1. Professional Baseball: New Britain Bees vs. Hartford Yardgoats

When it comes to America's favorite past time, I have to tip my cap to the New Britain Bees. Not surprisingly, there is no love lost for Yard Goats (former Rockcats) team owner Josh Solomon. Ignoring the wisdom of his namesake, Solomon brokered a secret deal to leave New Britain for supposed greener pastures in Hartford. The decision baffled local fans. The team was getting record attendance numbers and lots of local support from fans and businesses. Many felt the city of New Britain deserved at least a little heads up. Stuck with an empty stadium, the city managed to bring in another team in record time. Now as daily newspaper headlines blast the Yardgoats ongoing stadium building woes, many can't help but chalk it up to karma.

So what about these New Britain Bees? I had reservations about Atlantic League Baseball. I heard the criticisms that Atlantic ball was not up to par. Nonsense. My own reservations were quickly dispelled when I attended my first Bees game. The easily accessible stadium in New Britain had ample parking, affordable ticket prices and great baseball. The current roster features former MLB players from teams like the Yankees and Red Sox. The stadium looked great in its new black and yellow colors. Fidgety kids could go on a carousel or play in bounce castles. I found long lines buying team merchandise which was decidedly "cooler" than the more childlike Rockcats gear that was once offered. To be frank, the team's bee mascot "Sting" was decidedly less creepy than the caffeine laden goat employed by the Yardgoats. If you haven't experienced Beesball, I suggest you give it a try.

2. New Britain's Little Poland vs. Hartford's Little Italy

So now comes the question. Little Italy or Little Poland? Pierogi or Pasta? Growing up in the 80s, one of my favorite annual events was attending the Italian Festival in Hartford's Little Italy. Throughout the year, Franklin Ave was the place to get a great Italian meal or your fill of pastries. Unfortunately, the area has lost its luster over the years. Old mainstay restaurants closed down as crime increased in the area. Although a few standouts still remain, it's just not the same. As Little Italy falters, the opposite seems to be happening in New Britain's Little Poland neighborhood.

New Britain's unique Broad Street neighborhood has had a decidedly large Polish presence since the 1890s. At that time, Polish immigrants poured into New Britain seeking factory jobs. The Broad Street neighborhood grew around Sacred Heart Parish. The church remains the heart of the community to this day.

Like Hartford's Little Italy, Little Poland also saw an uptick of crime in the 90s. The Hartford Advocate described the neighborhood as a crime filled cesspool full of empty stores that ended in "ski". Local business owners and residents decided to fight back. They decided to re-brand the area and change its image. In 2008, the city officially designated Broad Street as "Little Poland." Through an intense social media marketing campaign, neighborhood mascots, festivals, new investment, streetscape improvements and increased cooperation with police, the neighborhood's fortunes began to change. Empty storefronts began to fill up with new businesses. Touring Little Poland became an important stop on campaign trails. By 2011, the Boston Globe was calling it a city's Polish heart.

That same year, Little Poland celebrated its renaissance by holding a festival. It was limited to two parking lots on Broad Street. In only 5 years, the festival grew to over 20,000 visitors. Today, Little Poland boast over 100 businesses including law firms, banks, day spas, restaurants and delis. In addition to New York City and Chicago, popular Polish recording artists now add New Britain's Little Poland on the American leg of their tours. The area has been visited by the Polish Ambassador, the former American ambassador to Ireland, members of the Polish Sejm (Parliament), international heavyweights, former Olympians, various members of Congress and even a delegation from Japan. The area has been profiled in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Travel Channel and various other media outlets

3. Golf: New Britain's Stanley Golf Course vs. Hartford's Goodwin Park

While Goodwin Park is good for beginners or someone looking for a quick nine, I enjoy yelling fore at New Britain's Stanley Golf course. You'll find well-groomed fairways and greens, a friendly staff, knowledgeable pros, great dining, a driving range, and GPS enabled carts. You can order a sandwich and beer remotely from your cart. Stanley Golf, you had me at sandwich.

New Britain seems to be the little city that could these days. If the city of New Britain is standing at a crossroads, it seems to be heading down the right path. While there is still room for improvement, the city has made some great strides over the past few years. Recently New Britain was chosen as an All America City and was featured in Where to Retire Magazine as one of 8 Towns of Tradition. So hats off to New Britain. Keep moving forward.

New Britain's Great American Boom.