Fairfield seduces you. This lovely village, which has five fantastic beaches and is serenely located on Connecticut's Gold Coast, is brimming with New England charm.
Historic greens, old burial grounds, and colonial mansions are just a few of the artfully landscaped vestiges of Fairfield's illustrious history.
Brand-name stores, unique boutiques, and confectionery shops can be found all across downtown, along with performance spaces and music halls. Visit the amazing Fairfield Museum and History Center, eat at one of the greatest vegan restaurants in the region, or go for a trek along the beautiful Lake Mohegan.
Speaking of hiking, Fairfield visitors who choose a more undeveloped, off-road excursion have lots of choices. For instance, the Roy and Margot Larsen Nature Sanctuary is the ideal setting for some alone time.
Whatever of the activities you enjoy, use our list of the best things to do in Fairfield, Connecticut, to organize a fun day out.
1. Enjoy Penfield Beach's sun.
Beside Fairfield Beach Road is a well-kept secret that tempts people to spread out across its wide, sandy expanse. There are plenty of places to spread out your towel, set up a chair, and open your beach umbrella with three and a half acres of room to enjoy.
This immaculate beach, surrounded by a sizable pavilion, has a summer beach vacation feel from the 1960s. In the grounds, there are kayak and sailboat racks, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and children running around and people sunbathing.
Go to the picnic tables or seek shade in the pavilion if you don't want sand in your lunch. It's simple to spend the whole day here because there is a food stand, rental lockers, and restrooms right on the property.
At the entrance to this well-known Connecticut beach is a little playground. It was built as a tribute to Jessica Rekos, a Sandy Hook victim, and is frequently visited by happy kids who are giddy with excitement.
The Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play Initiative, which remembers Sandy Hook victims across the state, has developed 26 play places, including this one.
Non-residents can purchase day passes, but only locals can purchase the beach sticker needed to enter between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
2. Visit the Fairfield Museum and History Center to go on a journey through time.
Fairfield has an amazing history museum for a tiny town.
This large building, which is in the center of the old Town Green, contains a variety of displays (some of which change frequently) to teach visitors about Fairfield's illustrious past. It debuted in 2007, giving the museum green a contemporary flair.
The Fairfield Museum and History Center's varied exhibitions aim to educate visitors about the region's past, celebrate their common heritage, and foster a feeling of community. You may see inside a wigwam, locate interactive areas that are great for motivating kids, and discover the town's past as a "charming summer resort."
Also, the museum is home to a sizable research library where guests can learn even more about Fairfield County's past from 1639 to the present. Attend a free Jazz Friday concert outside in August or go on a walking tour that includes stops at Old Post Road, Town Green, or East Cemetery.
3. Take a trip to the Old Post Road Historic District
There are three historic districts in Fairfield. Beside Old Post Road is one of the cutest. This charming location offers a tasty dose of history in a very alluring package. You should be prepared with a camera! In order to truly experience the area's historic beauty, we also advise leaving the car in the neighboring museum parking lot and going on foot.
This location has Old Town Hall, Kids' Cottage, and the Sun Tavern (built in 1780). Beyond the Fairfield Museum and History Center, on the Town Green, are a well-preserved 1888 Victorian Home and Barn. Within, there are interactive exhibits that showcase the town's agricultural heritage and contemporary farming developments.
To ensure that tourists get the most out of their self-guided sightseeing tour, informative signage have been placed all across the Museum Commons and Town Green. Did you know that in order to safeguard it from the royal governor Edmund Andros, colonists in Connecticut hid their colonial charter in an oak tree? Afterwards, the tree was given the name Charter Oak.
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The Fairfield Honor Roll, a memorial built in memory of those who served in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, is also located in this region.
Within the grounds, the lovely Fairfield Academy first welcomed students in 1804. The school closed 80 years later as a result of the popularity of more free schools in the area. The replica classroom serves as a lovely reflection of a bygone period today.
4. At the Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, become one with the birds.
The Connecticut Audubon Society was established in 1898 by Mabel Osgood Wright to protect the state's avian population and its natural habitats. Annie Burr Jennings gave the society 10 acres of land in 1914. They were utilized to establish Birdcraft Sanctuary, the nation's first private sanctuary for songbirds.
The six-acre sanctuary was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993. The museum, a sizable pond, butterfly and bird-attracting gardens, and a caretaker's cabin are all located here. This is a genuinely peaceful, yet welcoming, location to spend a peaceful morning or afternoon.
A modest viewpoint provides a closer view of the wildlife that inhabits this area, and a wooden boardwalk circles the pond's edge. The modest museum itself has exhibits that teach visitors about the local wildlife and their natural environments. A number of rescued birds, including owls, raptors, and hawks, can be found behind it.
5. Unwind at Jennings Beach
You'll understand why Jennings Beach is regarded as one of Connecticut's top beaches once you set foot there. Over its long, broad shoreline, there are numerous iconic white lifeguard platforms. Little ones are drawn to leap into the calm, azure water to go swimming because of how welcoming it seems.
Families frequently swarm the fine sand for a day of picnics, building sandcastles, and playing. A less-messy place to eat your picnic lunch is at a picnic table, and the northern fishing pier makes a beautiful background for creative photographs.
Other conveniences like restrooms and a concession stand are available, but you'll need to bring your own chair and umbrellas. See boats pass by the lavish villas that line the adjacent coastline while you unwind and sit back.
In order to park here between Memorial Day and Labor Day, residents must purchase a beach pass. A day pass is available for purchase, but it is expensive enough that you'll want to make sure you have a full day of enjoyment.
6. Explore the Lake Mohegan Recreation Area by hiking or swimming.
Visitors to the Lake Mohegan Recreation Area are greeted by more than 170 acres of lush forest, rivers, waterfalls, and crystal-clear water.
There are many routes in the woods where you may go for a walk with your four-legged friend. Your dog is sure to meet some new friends in this park because it is so dog-friendly.
Sunbathers go to the artificial freshwater lake and tiny sand beach during the summer. When children play in the water, dig holes, and picnic with their parents, lifeguards watch over it. If you intend to spend time in this enjoyable location, a beach umbrella is a necessity due to the lack of shade.
A playground and a sprinkler park are also available for the enjoyment of children. This family-friendly beach makes it simple to spend the entire day there thanks to on-site amenities like a snack shop, bathrooms, and outdoor showers.
Though parking is free, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there is a charge to utilize the swimming area.
7. Visit the Roy and Margot Larsen Nature Sanctuary to find peace
The Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary, which encircles the Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, is 155 acres of rich woodland. Expect to see a wide variety of animals during your visit to this natural utopia, including turtles, hawks, and owls.
There are numerous ecosystems, including freshwater ponds and wetlands, along the sanctuary's seven miles of twisting trails. The history of the area and the flora and fauna you are appreciating are both highlighted by signs that are placed all around the area. This is a fantastic spot to bring kids because there are several paths that are quick to complete.
The Chiboucas trail is easily accessible for people using wheelchairs or strollers thanks to wooden boardwalks, and viewing platforms make it simple to see wildlife dwelling in the wetlands. Keep a look out for the recreation of an Algonquin wigwam, according to an insider.
8. Shops along Post Road,
The center of Fairfield's shopping area is Post Road. Throughout this extensive strip, you'll find everything you require. Searching for discounts? Get Marshalls. Do you want to be charmed? Visit Glitter & Grime, a lovely children's store. Need assistance? Via Victoria's Secret, proceed.
Local hangouts include the Fairfield University Bookstore. The friendly staff here has some excellent recommendations for readers of many genres. A comfortable café, a wide selection of books (including a fantastic reduced section), and all the Fairfield University merchandise you could possibly want are also there.
After you've exhausted your financial muscles, stop by one of the neighborhood's adorable cafés or take a break under the gazebo in Sherman Green. Sundays between May and mid-November are ideal for visiting because that is when the Fairfield Farmers Market is held.
Secret tip: The Fairfield Public Library, which is located just east of Unquowa Road, provides a serene interior getaway from the busy business district.
9. Take in a Delicious Dinner in Town
Pizza is a local favorite, which explains why Fairfield has so many fantastic pie shops. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana (Commerce Drive), Colony Restaurant, Brick + Wood (both on Post Road), and Nauti Dolphin Pizza are also excellent choices (Carter Henry Drive).
insider's tip: Colony Grill offers arguably of the greatest gluten-free dough we've ever tried, and they also have vegan cheese.
Go to the locally owned The Stand Vegan Café if you're seeking for something healthy. It is situated on Mill Plain Road and serves the best vegan food in the area. Delicious mac and cheese and the Slim Buddha Bowl! One of the sweetest chefs you'll ever meet is owner Jenna.
Best 13+ Things to Do in Fairfield (Connecticut) https://t.co/G0fh6LN8Re pic.twitter.com/j8VCq8hK8u
— TravelerDestiny.com (@TravelerDestini) September 11, 2019
Still famished? Barcelona dishes up tapas so delicious, you'll beg for seconds, while Wild Rice is a Pan-Asian restaurant with a unique décor and consistently outstanding food (or thirds).
10. Take a Self-Care Break at Saugatuck Sweets.
Local children congregate at Saugatuck Sweets to celebrate anything from school plays to sporting events to birthdays. The line can extend all the way down the street on some occasions. Al DiGuido, a resident of Westport, has two businesses, and this one brings together families from all over.
Al is a cherished part of the neighborhood. He devotes much of his free time to charity activities, working hard to raise money for kids with cancer and other rare blood diseases. Al's Angels, his nonprofit organization, has aided families across the state.
Saugatuck Sweets offers a variety of ice cream flavors, including vegan options, as well as baked pastries and chocolates to satisfy any sweet tooth. It is situated next to Sherman Green, which is a lovely location to relax and enjoy your treat in the open air, on Reef Road.
If they come when the deli is closed, most customers take a seat at the Firehouse Deli's outside picnic tables next door. Perhaps even better, start with a fantastic sandwich from the deli and then indulge in a sweet treat.
11. Visit Sasco Beach for a Break
Sasco Beach provides a nice break for those wishing to unwind because it is a smaller, more secluded beach than Jennings and Penfield. This quiet area is a beautiful place to watch waves lap the shore and is hidden behind the Country Club of Fairfield, west of Kensie Point, south of Southport Harbor, and behind.
Although this beach is free and accessible to everyone, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, only locals with beach stickers are permitted to park here. Non-residents will need to use another mode of transportation or go during the off-season, which is a nice treat because it's much less busy.
This is a genuinely tranquil location and a great site to take in a sunset over the town of Southport, as it is surrounded by the greens of the country club's golf course.
12. Take a stroll through the Greenfield Hill Historic District
In the center of the Greenfield Hill Historic District is the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church. This church breathes both elegance and history into a storied area of town. It is a charming, steepled edifice (about 1855) with baby-blue doors and a clean, white interior.
This lovely location, which has been included on the National Register of Historic Sites since 1971, is one you shouldn't miss. Greenfield Hill is home to magnificent homes held by the town's aristocracy in addition to historical remnants like the exquisite 105 Meetinghouse Lane, a grand, privately owned residence constructed in the middle of the eighteenth century.
Another beautiful private residence is The Old Salt Box. Built in 1751, it. These magnificent homes are off limits, but you may admire them from the outside. To fully experience the appeal of the region, park at the church and stroll down the open, tree-lined streets.
On Bronson Road, be sure to visit the Greenfield Hill Cemetery. The graves of troops who participated in the Revolutionary, French, Indian, and Civil Wars are located in this historic location, which was formerly an Indian Burial Ground. Some of the region's first occupants rest there as well.
13. Visit Ogden House Museum & Dooryard Garden to Walk Inside a Revolutionary Cottage
The Fairfield Museum and History Center, located 2.5 miles to the northwest, manages the Ogden House Museum and Dooryard Garden.
This charming hamlet, a former saltbox-style farmhouse built in the 18th century and originally held by the Ogden family, escaped flames started by the British during the American Revolution. Ogden House, which is preserved on the National Register of Historic Sites, is a wonderful location to learn about its fascinating past.
It is a house that was built around 1750 and is meticulously furnished with period-appropriate furniture, glassware, and other necessities for daily life.
The Fairfield Garden Club takes great care to maintain the Colonial Kitchen Garden, commonly known as the Dooryard Garden. It is in the back of the home and contains fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are used for dyes, medicines, and pesticides, among other things. The walkways made of broken seashells are a great addition.
Insider's knowledge: From Memorial Day through September, the museum is open every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. You can schedule an appointment to see the house if you're going outside of those hours.
14. In the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, find inspiration.
The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, sometimes known as the Quick, is considered to be the cultural hub of Fairfield University and the neighborhood. This stunning location, a hive of creative activity, provides a wide range of entertainment.
The center provides a cutting-edge theater, a "black box" theater area, and an art gallery. You'll find engaging performances and other dynamic, frequently experimental displays in these sections that aim to both inspire and engage their viewers.
You can attend concerts while you're here, from classical to rock. The Quick's resident Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut also gives frequent performances. Theater performances of all kinds and various dance performances are routinely offered.
Interested in learning more about the arts? The Quick is a great venue to catch lectures from Fairfield University academics and other business authorities (think politicians, artists, and humanitarians).
15. Attend a concert at FTC's Warehouse.
Visit The Warehouse if you want an evening filled with lights, dancing, and music. This 640-seat facility, operated by the Fairfield Theater Company, is a modest but significant improvement to the town's center.
One sizable, open industrial space with a stage in the front can be found inside the structure, which is appropriately titled given that it resembles a warehouse. There is some limited sitting on the balcony above, but most people come here to dance to the music, so you won't notice.
You're in for a treat at The Warehouse whether you're a lover of the funk and soul ensemble Average White Band, like to dance to Irish jigs (don't miss the Saint Patrick's Day show), or like to listen to live bluegrass music.
16. Visit Perry's Mill Ponds to Relax.
Fairfield's geographic center is where you'll find Perry's Mill Ponds. This charming location is a sizable, 58-acre open space that is surrounded by houses.
On the Mill River, some 1,200 feet upstream of the Sturges Road Bridge, is where the Perry's Mill dam is located. This is a frequently photographed location and is a gorgeous treat for any tourist.
Sturges Road has a little lot right off the street where you can park. Perry Street and Pell Meadow Road both offer on-street parking (for a select few vehicles, at least).
Starting at the Sturges Road entry, the yellow trail travels north along the west bank of the river. Along this path, you'll also pass the higher and lower ponds.
The blue route, a little than 1.2-mile loop that connects Lower and Pickerel Ponds, is accessible from Perry Street. The shorter but equally attractive orange trail can be reached from Pell Meadow Road.
17. Have a Good Time in Gould Manor Park
You can have a fun day out at Gould Manor Park with everything you need. At this kid-friendly local attraction, there are tennis courts, a sizable pond, walking trails, a playground, grassy spaces, and lots of fishing.
For those who want beautiful scenery, the pond is a major lure. It is a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts and serious birders because it is also home to some of the region's most beautiful animals, including blue herons, deer, turtles, and other waterfowl.
Those who are fortunate enough to fish in early April can strike it rich because the pond is stocked with trout for the annual Police Athletic League Fishing Derby. The derby, which takes place on a Saturday in early April, is open to kids ages three to fifteen.
18. Learn Something New at Fairfield University Art Gallery
On the premises of the institution, there is a jewel called the Fairfield University Art Museum (FUAM).
It is situated in Bellarmine Hall, a piece of art in and of itself, on the lower floor. A permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and photos by European and American artists can be found inside.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Yale University Art Museum, and the Worcester Art Museum have all loaned FUAM a number of ancient and medieval artifacts that are prominently displayed.
There is also a copy of the Book of Kells here, and there is also a remarkable collection of antique plaster casts of artwork from Ancient Greece and Rome for tourists to enjoy. Whatever your hobbies, this unique attraction's ornate walls will contain something to inspire you.
Before you go, make sure they are open. The museum is closed on holidays and only accessible by appointment during specific summer months.