The CT shows and runs that Nightrider suggested would be easy for Tbird and his wife to get to.
Newport might not be too long from Hartford? It would be a little haul from there but definitely worth it because Newport is great around the mansion area for photo ops.
And I bet if we do a group ticket buy to one of the mansion tours they'll let us do some special parking to take photos! DAMSRT you should inquire about that.