Does Connecticut count as New England? It definitely has the foliage to back up the claim. Elina and Dan commandeered her grandparents' car and chauffeured me around West Hartford, from coffee and snacks at Hartford Baking Co. to Talcott Mountain, with a quick stopover in a pumpkin patch (way too autumnal to pass up).

I didn't believe the Tripadvisor reviews that the "hike" would be steep out of the parking lot, but I was definitely winded. Good thing I didn't have to be in front of the camera! Did I just disclose that I read Tripadvisor reviews of a state park? Now you know I'm in AARP age range!

We laughed our way back down the trail as Elina told me the amazing story of her and Dan's first date. You guys are my kind of people, anyone who falls asleep on a first date and ends up getting married is exactly who I want to be friends with!

After a spin in the radio flyer, Elina and Dan indulged me by getting right into the freshly fertilized field with the rejected (aka rotting) pumpkins, did I mention they're the best?

Then we were off to more pleasantly scented fields at a nearby farm. I can't wait for what will be an epic celebration in Nashville next year!!