If you have the time, I would recommend the seeing the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor, CT (Just nort of Hartford) and the Essex Steam Train (a reasonable distance SE of Hartford).
The Submarine Museum in Groton, CT is also a great place to see if you have not been to it before, and a Providence and Worcester RR main line passes right through the museum.
On a cautionary note, if for some reason, if you need to seek emergency services, it would benefit you to bypass Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT. They have damaged me and my wife in different visits, and my wife lost a friend due to them ignoring allergies.
I plan on going to the show, just look for the sailor that wobbles around like a penguin / bow legged like John Wayne.
I’ll second the Essex Steam Train (although, being a Friend of the Valley Railroad, I admit to bias). Their dinner trains, which are a real treat, are booked, but you can still enjoy an hour or so on board authentic (and lovingly restored [:-^]) rail cars. You can see our “new” 3025 Mikado in pieces, and maybe catch a glimpse of our #20 0-6-0T switcher, which we’re almost done restoring.
Also the New England Air Museum at Bradley International Airport (15 min drive N of Hartford, but where most of you will fly in if coming by air) is worth a visit, if you want a break from railroading.
If you want a Railfan excursion, head down to Old Saybrook, about a 45 minute drive down CT Rte 9 from and hit the Amtrak Station. There you will see Acela Express and Regional (EMD AEM-7 Toaster or Bombardier-Alstrom HHP-8 powered) trains, a Shore Line East commuter set in New Haven McGinnis livery, and maybe even a P&W Freight. Take all the pictures you want. No one minds.
Doc – I understand the “walking distance” concept. I was thinking of things people could do Friday morning if they’re not attending the convention, or Monday if they have a late flight, or if they need to get away from the crowds.
Not that the Essex Steam Train isn’t crowded…
BTW, if you do get down to Old Saybrook, be sure to check out the foundations of the Valley Railroad’s roundhouse at Saybrook Point, and by all means have a meal at Pizzaworks, which is actually IN the RR station and has two huge operating model railroads for your dining pleasure.