Home of the athletics powerhouse the University of Connecticut and the gateway to New England, Hartford offers a wealth of opportunities for a fall getaway. That’s even before using the city as a jumping off point to tour the changing leaves and early snows in the Northeast. 

Getting There

Delta Air Lines offers daily nonstop service to Hartford. The flight departs RDU daily at 7:55 p.m. and arrives in Hartford at 9:34 p.m. The return flight departs Hartford at 6:25 a.m. and arrives home at 8:16 a.m.  Delta uses 72-seat Canadair regional jets for the route. Book your flight now.

Located in Windsor Locks, Bradley International Airport is less than a half-hour from the center of Hartford. Public transportation as well as rental cars, taxis and car services are available at the airport.

What to See In Hartford

There are a wealth of things to do in Hartford including visiting the visually stunning Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.  History and literature buffs will certainly enjoy a trip to the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and a visit to the Mark Twain House and Museum.

When the sun goes down, head to the Infinity Music Hall and Bistro, famous for its lobster hushpuppies. The venue is also famous for concerts and comedy most evenings in its 500-seat venue. Or enjoy the eclectic restaurants of the city’s South Downtown District, including 50 Elm.

Within a Short Drive

With peak fall foliage season lasting through mid-November, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, viewing fall colors is a must when visiting the region this time of year. The state makes it easy with well-marked driving routes, including one that passes the airport and downtown Hartford.

Just an hour from downtown Hartford, along the Connecticut shore is the town of Mystic. Here, find the nation’s leading maritime museum, with four National Landmark Vessels and more than 500 others! Nearby, visit Ft. Griswold State Park, site of a major Revolutionary War battle. Then, continue back to Hartford via the small town of Lebanon, where you can still see glimpses of colonial life through several historic sites.

Create Your Own Driving Trip

If you have more than 48 hours to spare, Hartford is the perfect jumping off point for driving trips in New England. The airport is just a few miles from Springfield, Massachusetts and just over an hour from Providence, Rhode Island. New York City and Boston are about 2 hours away as well.

What else do you enjoy about Hartford and Connecticut? Tell me what’s on your must-see list in the comments below.

Thanks to the Hartford Business Improvement District and Connecticut Office of Tourism web sites for assistance with this blog.