Hello, summer…hello, sunshine! Who says you have to go on vacation to get a good tan? Stamford offers countless events and places to visit during the warmer months that involve catching major rays, and effortlessly perfecting that lively summertime glow. From traditional beachside tanning, to enjoying a casual drink outside and even venturing down the city streets on a groundbreaking water slide, here are some of the best ways to soak up that Vitamin D this season.
Beach Bound
Living by the water has its many perks. Between the picturesque views, watersport activities and sandy shores, beaches throughout Stamford present the perfect summer day trip. One of the city’s most popular coastal destinations is Cove Island Park, an 83-acre park and beach with walking paths, playgrounds, wide open spaces and plenty of beachfront access. Load up the car with your favorite beach chair, towel and don’t forget that tanning lotion (or maybe sunblock…)! Cummings Park and West Beach are two more great spots to check out. You can even sign up for a beach volleyball rec team at Cummings Park—The ideal way to get both your daily dose of exercise and Vitamin D. (And we’ve all seen those beach volleyball tans!)
Jazz Up Your Day
Who says you can’t perfect your tan during the workweek? Visit Harbor Point Square every Thursday from 4:30-6:30 PM to sit back, relax and listen to a talented group of jazz musicians as they play some smooth, uplifting tunes. The music is live, the sun is shining and your after-work playtime has just begun! Chances are, when you head back to the office tomorrow, someone will ask, “Where did you get so tan?” Jazz music is also available at Commons Park every Sunday from 12:30-2 PM all summer long—the ideal place to continue “Sunday Funday” after a steady flow of bubbly mimosas during brunch.
Poolside Paradise
In addition to the countless apartment complexes that offer beautiful rooftop and courtyard pools, Stamford is home to a wealth of other swimming options. Tucked away in Northern Stamford’s Dorothy Heroy Park lies Heroy Pool, a public pool surrounded by woods and other outdoor recreational facilities such as fields, hiking trails and picnic pavilions. This hidden gem is not known by many, but loved by its frequenters, who surely take advantage of this refreshing luxury. The pool is open Monday-Friday from 3-6 PM, and Saturday-Sunday 12-6 PM. Additionally, a few favorite private outdoor swimming options throughout Stamford include three sun-drenched, amenity-filled pools at the Italian Center on Newfield Avenue, as well as Roxbury Swim & Tennis Club. This facility encompasses 23 acres of rolling woodland complete with a 25-meter heated pool with diving boards and a kiddie pool.
Slide the City
A complete day of sunshine, record-breaking waterslides and plain, old summertime fun will hit the streets of Stamford for the second time in a row! Slide the City is set to return on Sunday, July 17th, 2016. It’s not all the time that you can walk around downtown in a bathing suit, ready for the next smooth sail down Prospect Street on a 1,000-foot slip-n-slide. There’s still time to join the best block party of the season! Visit its website here, to learn more, and register today.
A Sip of Sunshine
Get down to the water and enjoy a “Sip of Sunshine,” and other rotating craft beers while at Shippan Landing’s Beer Garden—one of Stamford’s hottest summer hangout spots. Live music, cold drinks, local food trucks, classic games and an overall chill vibe abound! This seasonal community hidden treasure is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 4-11 PM, Friday 3 PM-close, Saturday 2 PM-close and Sunday 2-9 PM. As the saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun…” and time certainly does fly at The Beer Garden, where cold cups and suntans go hand-in-hand. Cheers!