Planning for Success
This trip will take us from Boston to CT’s Farmington River Valley and back. You will want to plan for a full day trip that will include driving both long and short distances. Snacks, a lunch, and plenty of fluids will be a must. Hiking boots may not be necessary, but may be advisable depending on recent weather conditions.
Driving Overview
We will drive from Boston to West Hartford via I-90 and I-84. Be prepared for toll gantries on I-90.
Estimated Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes – 2 hours.
Within CT, there will be additional trips of around 35 minutes, 30 minutes, and 12 minutes as we travel between destinations.
To return, we will drive from Farmington to Boston via I-84 and I-90.
Estimated Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Estimated Total Distance: 270 miles
Itinerary
Departure
Please plan to meet at the Stop & Shop Allston at 7:45 AM. We will depart as a group at 8:00 AM.
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60 Everett St, Allston, MA 02134
First Stop: Hartford Reservoir #6
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3070 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117
Parking: Free, gated entry for capacity management. Use the inner lot. Follow the yellow line on this map.
Hike Route: From the inner lot to Heublein Tower. We will follow the Reservoir Loop and join up with the Metacomet Trail, following it to the peak.
Trail Characteristics: Typically well cleared, but be wary of leaves covering rocks, creating a slipping or ankle hazard. Mosquito protection recommended. Opportunities for mud following rainfall.
Hike Distance: Approx. 2.1 miles, each way
Hike Elevation: From start, 591 ft (peak ~1000 ft)
Food: Prepare and bring a lunch with you
Estimated Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
Notes: Cameras recommended. Excellent photo opportunities along the route and at the peak. Heublein Tower offers an observation deck for a small admission fee (and a not-so-small staircase).
Second Stop: Lyman Orchards
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32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455
Parking: Free at both Apple Barrel and orchards. Peak picking times can and will be crowded. Be patient.
PYO Style: Pre-pay by volume (e.g. bushel, peck)
Payment Types: Cash, Credit, Debit (contactless available)
Driving: Follow signs to PYO orchards. From The Apple Barrel, they are up the hill, to the right.
Food: The Apple Barrel offers numerous food options including sandwiches, pastries, pies, produce, jams, jellies, and more. They may also have additional vendors outside serving carnival fare.
Other Entertainment: Corn maze!
Third Stop: Dinner in West Hartford Center
West Hartford Center and Blueback Square offer numerous restaurant options. They are conveniently located between the orchard and our evening entertainment.
Proposed Dinner Spot: bartaco
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Final Stop: Farmington Miniature Golf & Ice Cream Parlor
A classic hangout spot with fun holes and local ice cream in a retro parlor setting.
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1048 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06032
Mini-Golf Play: Groups of 3. $10/person.
Ice Cream: Yes. Many options.
Special Guests: Potential appearance by more Salads featuring a spare GeForce GTX 960. Also maybe special beverage treats…