In downtown Simsbury and Avon, there are plenty of little restaurants and shopping. Max a Mia Ristorante (Italian), Abigails Grille and Wine Bar (historic/"haunted"), Pure Love Bakery, BeanZ and Co (coffee/light breakfast), Little City Pizza, etc.
There are also some hiking trails a short distance away from both the Residence Inn and Avon Old Farms. Such as, Hublein Tower Hike (1.25 miles) where it brings you to a free tower museum that is open Friday-Sunday, Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, Stratton Brook State Park, and Alsop Meadows are all options where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll or run. With it being fall this is PEAK leaf peeping season these options will provide you with the perfect picturesque fall views.
There are of course the classic fall activities to partake in like corn mazes, pumpkin or apple picking, and fresh farm goods (produce, jams, honey). These can be done at, Rosedale Farms &Vineyards (yes they also have wine tasting!), the Pickin' Patch, and Clark Farms at Bushy Hill Orchard.