Blog / Outdoor Activities

4 Fun Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Hamden, CT

Beautiful garden in Hartford, Connecticut

There is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in the picturesque and friendly town of Hamden, CT, but if you want to head out of town, these weekend getaways are all great options. All of these destinations are less than an hour outside Hamden, offering metropolitan charm and some of the best nature in the state. Your 2022 Ford Escape Titanium, with plenty of room for the whole family and cruise control, is an easy and comfortable ride to get you there.

4 Fun Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Hamden, CT

1. Sleeping Giant State Park

Just six minutes outside downtown Hamden, Sleeping Giant State Park, at 200 Mount Carmel Avenue, is a gorgeous myriad of hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, and some of the best views in the entire state. It's easy to get to, and you'll find plenty of parking around the park.

Plus, there are plenty of different trails for people of all activity levels, which are very clearly marked. It's a great place to get away for the weekend if you want a break from the city and enjoy a good workout.

2. New Haven 

New Haven is about 15 minutes away from Hamden, and it's a fantastic place to experience a balance of big-city charm and relaxed coastal living. There's so much to love about New Haven, including superb dining, a thriving art culture, and beautiful beaches. There are also two excellent state parks nearby, the Shore Line Trolley Museum and A Broken Umbrella Theatre, where you can catch a world-class show.

3. Naugatuck State Forest

The Naugatuck State Forest's trailhead is at 225 Beacon Road in nearby Bethany, just 15 minutes away from Hamden, but this sprawling park covers several other nearby towns and cities. It's a great place to explore on the weekend because there are plenty of campsites, wildlife to see, and many trails for people of all athletic abilities and needs.

You can also bike in the park, check out pristine forest waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views that will take your breath away.

4. Hartford

Beautiful Hartford is just about half an hour outside Hamden, and it's a dynamic place to visit for the weekend. You'll find top-notch dining, entertainment, and regular festivals. Plus, there's plenty of outdoor art at places like the Bushnell Plaza Sculpture Garden and the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk. Best of all, you can easily get there on a Friday evening and enjoy two full days in Hartford without putting too many miles on your car.

There's plenty to explore around Hamden, but you'll want a reliable vehicle to get you from place to place. Visit us at Bob Thomas Ford and test drive your next new vehicle today.

Image by 12019 via pixabay.

Posted in:

Related Posts

6 Best Biking Trails and Paths Near Hamden, CT

Are you in search of a wonderful trail for cycling and exploring the great outdoors? Hamden, CT is a fantastic place to enjoy eye-catching scenery and photographic opportunities on some of the best biking trails you'll discover. 6 Best Biking Trails and Paths Near Hamden, CT 1. Farmington Canal Greenway Trail This trail is one of the best paths to explore amazing scenery, from the Farmington Canal Heritage Greenway to dense forests and lots of natural wonders and wildlife. The trail is 84 miles and stretches from New Haven, CT, until Northampton, MA. It's the perfect way to explore multiple states from your bike while enjoying a fantastic workout and taking breaks to capture natural beauty along the path. The trail system offers facilities and bathrooms for your convenience. more 2. Tidal Marsh Trail The Tidal Marsh Trail is a wonderful, quiet place to enjoy the sights on foot or by bicycle. This place offers some unique views of historic rail and many fantastic views of the lake, surrounded by marshlands. It's the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, cycling, walking, canoeing, kayaking, and studying wildlife. 3. West Rock Ridge State Park If you're looking for a large recreation area with excellent scenery and lots of outdoor space, you'll want to visit the West Rock Ridge State Park. The park is located in New Haven, Hamden, extending to Woodbridge in Connecticut. Popular activities at this state park include cycling, camping, sightseeing, hiking, stream fishing, and picnics. There's an impressive observation deck for nature lovers and lots of trails for mountain bike riders of all levels. 4. Brooksvale Park Brooksvale Park is a wonderful public space that stretches 500 acres and offers great hiking and cycling trails. The park features a local farm, complete with farm animals, an organic garden, a bee apiary, and a sugar shack for making maple syrup in the winter. It's the perfect place to visit with family for a picnic. The pavilion is open on a seasonal basis between May and October. A Veterans Memorial Hall is also available for rent between November and April. 5. Naugatuck State Forest Quillinan Reservoir Block This fantastic space offers hiking and cycling trails for mountain bikers and nature enthusiasts. The park covers 5,000 acres of forested space and lots of amazing views available to explore year-round. Naugatuck State Forest Quillinan Reservoir is popular for fishing and the perfect destination for snowshoeing in the winter. It's a terrific spot to spend a short break or a visit for the day. 6. Racebrook Tract The Racebrook Tract is a local escape from the city that features diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. It's a relatively small park, though it offers great paths for hiking and cycling to explore the natural surroundings. The park is popular among mountain bikers. You'll encounter superb outdoor recreation and scenic parks in and around Hamden for your cycling travels. Visit us at Bob Thomas Ford to inquire about our impressive vehicle selection on your next drive to town.

Photo by David Kanigan

Hit the Road! 3 Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Hamden, CT

Known among locals as “The Land of the Sleeping Giant”, Camden, CT is a small town located about 10 miles north of New Haven. If you are planning a vacation to discover the wonders of Connecticut in your new 2022 Ford Edge Titanium and are thinking of going on day trips from Camden, here are three beautiful spots you can get to in less than one hour by car. Hit the Road! 3 Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Hamden, CT 1. New Haven Established in the 17th century by a group of English Puritans, New Haven is one of the oldest planned cities in the United States and the most popular day trip destination among Hamden residents and those visiting the area. Having served as the co-capital of the state for nearly 200 years, this city is full of historical landmarks, cultural institutions, music venues, and great restaurants. more Driving from Hamden to New Haven takes a little under 20 minutes by car via route I-91. Once in the city center, you can start exploring with a stroll around the downtown area. Some of the local attractions you should check out here include New Haven Green, the Yale University Art Gallery, Harkness Tower, West River Memorial Park, Grove St. Cemetery, and the New Haven Museum. 2. Hartford One of the best features of small states is the way in which towns, cities, and attractions are all concentrated and can be easily reached without driving too far. While New Haven is only a 20-minute drive south of Hamden, Connecticut´s capital city, Hartford, can be reached in about half an hour via routes CT-15 and I-91. With a population of over one million in its metropolitan area, Hartford also stands among the oldest cities in the entire country. With a relatively small city center sitting on the banks of the Park River, Hartford is home to a plethora of local attractions that make it a fantastic day trip destination. Some of these landmarks include the Connecticut Science Center, Great River Park, Bushnell Park, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, and the Connecticut State Capitol. 3. Wadsworth Falls State Park A scenic nature reserve featuring swimming pools, nature trails, and photogenic waterfalls, Wadsworth Falls State Park is another fantastic day trip destination that can be reached in just 25 minutes by car via route CT-15. If you are looking for a spot where you can enjoy nature and spend some time outdoors, Wadsworth Falls State Park is a great place to be. If you are thinking of buying a vehicle in the Hamden area and are searching for a local dealership offering the latest models and flexible financing plans, we've got your back! Stop by Bob Thomas Ford today, check out our inventory, and take home the car of your dreams.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

5 of the Best Hotels for Visiting Hamden, CT

Situated just north of New Haven, the charming town of Hamden, CT is a super place to go when you want to get away from it all and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Visitors here can spend hours exploring local lakes and parks, like Sleeping Giant State Park, or spend time in the town itself, visiting museums, historic homes, and botanical gardens. If you're planning a trip to the area, here are some of the best hotels to stay at. 5 of the Best Hotels for Visiting Hamden, CT 1. Clarion Hotel & Suites Hamden Situated just off I-95, the Clarion Hotel & Suites Hamden is a great place to stay when you want to explore the local area and really make the most of each day. Parks and lakes are mere minutes away, and the hotel itself has all the comforts and conveniences you need, including high-speed internet access, an on-site café, a business center, and a heated indoor pool, too. more 2. Whitney Inn & Suites If you're looking for a true home away from home for your stay in Hamden, the Whitney Inn & Suites is the place to be. This place has an authentic, homely feel, with very friendly service and some beautifully decorated rooms. You can also enjoy a tasty breakfast each morning at this hotel while reading through one of the free newspapers, or you can cook up some snacks in your own room thanks to the microwave and fridge. 3. Best Western Plus North Haven Hotel Best Western is a name that you can rely on, and the Best Western Plus North Haven Hotel is perfect for trips to Hamden and the surrounding area. It has plenty of great facilities and useful features, including an enormous indoor pool, a modern business center, and a 24-hour gym with all the workout equipment you could hope to find. Rooms here are clean and comfortable too, equipped with cable TV, work desks, and more. 4. La Quinta by Wyndham New Haven The La Quinta by Wyndham New Haven is situated in New Haven, only a few miles from Hamden. It's ideal for people who want to enjoy urban attractions like Yale University, while still having easy access to peaceful parks and tranquil lakes. You'll find free, speedy Wi-Fi at this hotel in all of the rooms, as well as cable TV, coffee makers, and plush, comfortable bedding. There's also an outdoor seasonal swimming pool and a fitness center with treadmills and bikes. 5. Courtyard New Haven at Yale The Courtyard New Haven at Yale is also located in New Haven, only a short drive from the sights and sounds of Hamden. There are also plenty of art galleries and cultural hotspots near this hotel. As for the property itself, it offers an on-site restaurant with breakfast and dinner service, a home theater area, a library, and a 24-hour fitness center. Rooms are equipped with marble and granite bathrooms, seating areas, and big work desks. So, if you're planning a trip to Hamden, there are plenty of cozy and comfortable places to stay, from luxury locations to affordable inns. If you need any auto work while in the area, the friendly mechanics at our dealership will be ready to help out. Visit Bob Thomas Ford for car servicing and repair in Camden.