Yeah, I've done that, no issues. Though technically parks close at dusk and in the winter it'd be dark by then. I think most of my after-dark walks have been more in the city itself or over to the riverfront. (Though that might also technically be closed at dusk..?)

I feel pretty comfortable with the standard "be aware of my surroundings" that I employ by default outside after dark, and haven't really felt the need to have anything more stringent like I might in bigger or more known-dangerous places.

I'm female and my boyfriend lives in downtown Hartford. We go for walks in Bushnell Park and at the riverfront (which is super pretty) all the time, including early evening, and I've gone by myself plenty of times. It's never felt unsafe.

There's also stuff to do if you look for it - last summer they had free outdoor concerts, his building did a wine tasting on the rooftop deck, there are theaters and restaurants, sometimes cool shows or events come to the XL Center or the Convention Center, we walk to Yard Goats games. I'm sure there are things like book clubs, but I've never personally looked into it.

That said, Hartford DOES feel relatively empty to me on weekends. Some people really like that; like they have the city more to themselves. It's true that some things close early or aren't open, but it's certainly not everything.

In general, I think Hartford gets a worse rep than it deserves. It's not my favorite city ever, but as far as being able to walk to good restaurants or occasional shows or whatever and having parks and water, it works.