thriftshopmusketeer t1_is63clj wrote on October 13, 2022 at 3:56 PM

It’s a little out of the way but the Hubline Tower trail is lovely for a fall walk. Short hike, maybe 20 minutes out of Hartford, with an excellent overlook from the Metacomet Ridge into the western river valley. Also nearby is the West Hartford Reservoir system, similarly close and several miles of lake and forest trail. Elizabeth Park in Hartford for a more curated stroll.

Cork086Eire OP t1_is641et wrote on October 13, 2022 at 4:00 PM

Thanks so much! Will be relying on transit for the day but will definitely check out the ones closer to town! Any other recommendations of things to do and see, even off the beaten path would be awesome! :)

thriftshopmusketeer t1_is64iso wrote on October 13, 2022 at 4:03 PM

I don’t know its hours but the Hartford science center is good fun, especially with kids but plenty there for a nerdy adult. Earlier in the year I’d recommend Riverfront Recapture for some rowing, but they still have a lot of parkland along the Connecticut River open for visiting. And I might be biased but the CT River competes strongly for most beautiful river, especially in fall.

thriftshopmusketeer t1_is6hd51 wrote on October 13, 2022 at 5:27 PM

Public transit isn’t necessarily Hartford’s strong point but I’ve been a carbound suburbanite my whole life so I can’t comment on the bus system. I know there’s a stop by Elizabeth Park, and believe it or not Google tells me there’s a bus to the West Hartford Reservoir every half-hour from Asylum & Main! No dice on Talcott Mountain State Park and the Tower, sadly.

thriftshopmusketeer t1_is6hnx7 wrote on October 13, 2022 at 5:29 PM

Last additional comment: West Hartford Center is bus-accessible and a very fun place to visit. We have a ton of restaurants, decent shopping, and a great library. I’m very biased because I’ve lived here more or less my whole life but it’s a great blend of modern town and the classical New England feel, town green and all.

MotivatedsellerCT t1_is7qn05 wrote on October 13, 2022 at 10:22 PM

hop Amtrak northbound. The aptly named Vermonter goes up through VT to Canada. Spend the night somewhere nice then head back the next day