Photographs, clockwise from top left: altanaka – stock.adobe.com; Jellyfish courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium; Kyle Norton; altanaka – stock.adobe.com; Venera Alexandrova; contributed;
Looking for things to do in Fairfield County? Whether you’re searching for a fun way to spend family time this weekend, a solo spa day, or entertainment that you don’t have to drive into the city for, we’ve got you covered.
Things to Do In Fairfield County – 2023
Visit Local Specialty Shops
Unique specialty shops in every corner of Fairfield County
BOOK CRAWL
Remember the days when you were a kid and rode your bike to the local library to get punches on your summer reading challenge card? You can recreate those days by designing your own summer reading challenge. Fairfield County boasts an abundance of local independent bookstores, so why not make it your plan to do your summer reading by discovering a different independent bookstore, one shop at a time? Plan outings to visit local bookstores and take the time to stroll the nearby streets and cafes—fresh book in hand.
Athena Books
228 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich
HOURS: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
athenabooksog.com
Barrett Bookshop
6 Corvin Drive, Darien
HOURS: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. noon to 4 p.m.
barrettbookstore.com
Books on the Common
404 Main Street, Ridgefield
HOURS: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
booksonthecommon.com
Diane’s Books
8 Grigg Street A, Greenwich
HOURS: Mon.Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
dianesbooks.com
Dogwood Books and Gifts
254 E. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
HOURS: Tues.Sat. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Sun. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
dogwoodbooksandgifts.com
ELM STREET BOOKS
35 Elm Street, New Canaan
HOURS: Mon.Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m.
elmstreetbooks.com
Westport Book Shop (nonprofit shop of used books)
23 Jesup Road, Westport
HOURS: Sun. and Mon. Noon to 5 p.m., Tue.Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
westportbooksalesentures.org
SOUL FOOD
When you’re looking for a cup of coffee that’s good for more than just your palate, make a date and bring some friends to Coffee for Good. This spot hits a home run in its mission of offering great coffee while providing training in food service operations to individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. Employees train at the shop and then go on to jobs in the community. Grab-and-go food, merchandise and an array of drinks from coffee to tea are tucked into the beautifully renovated ground floor location on Maple Avenue.
Coffee For Good
48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich
HOURS: Mon.Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
coffeeforgood.org
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
For over seventy-five years, Darien Sport Shop has provided one-stop shopping, from luxury brands to sporting goods, at their 4,000 square foot landmark building in Darien. This family-owned store has something for every person and price range—from iconic Diane Von Furstenberg dresses and Vuori leggings for the ladies to Hickey Freeman suits and Rhone shorts for the guys to Vineyard Vines blazers and Roller Rabbit PJs for the kids—and sports gear for everyone. Ease and service is the hallmark of this shop, with options for virtual shopping, curbside pickup and private shopping appointments. It also offers complimentary gift wrapping, alterations and local delivery in an eco-friendly smart car. If “the sport shop” doesn’t have what you’re looking for, do you really need it?
Darien Sport Shop
1127 Post Road, Darien
HOURS: Mon.Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
dariensport.com
COASTAL CHARM
Take a mini vacation with a stop at Arden’s in Rowayton. This thoughtful coastal café and shop embraces the seaside charm of its small Norwalk enclave and allows visitors to escape to the beach, if only just for a lunch break. It sells housewares, table linens, and pantry provisions. The café features a thoughtful menu focused on sustainably. Check out the website for Camp Arden opportunities for kids, as well as unique adult workshops, communal after-hours dining experiences and intimate private events.
Arden’s
158 Rowayton Avenue, Norwalk
HOURS: Tue.Sat. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ardensrowayton.com
FIT & FRESH
Order from Barvida’s menu of clean-eating options like juices, smoothies, superfood lattes, acai and smoothie bowls, wraps and salads. Originating in Darien and recently opening in New Canaan, this is the perfect spot to refuel and recharge with nutrient-dense food—non-GMO produce, 100 percent organic ingredients and eco-conscious packaging. Signature juices like The Dope Detox and The C Word are tasty, and the Mood Manager and Malibu smoothies will bring you back for more. If you’re looking to kick off the summer with a nutrition reset, the café offers several cleanse plans that include smoothies, juices and wellness shots. Pickup and delivery options are available.
Barvida
879 Post Road, Darien
137 Elm Street, New Canaan
HOURS: Mon.Sat. 8 a.m.to 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
thebarvida.com
Fairfield County Family-Friendly Activities
We are lucky to have so many ways to keep our kids active and engaged all summer long. Just make sure to plan ahead and take advantage of all the great opportunities in our area
CLASSICS FOR KIDS
Shakespeare is accessible to kids of all ages at Shakespeare on the Sound in Pinkney Park Rowayton. In addition to this year’s main Shakespeare performance of As You Like It that runs Wednesday, June 14 through Sunday, July 2 (every day except Mondays) at 7 p.m., the organization offers educational performances for younger audiences. Plan to attend the free children’s thirty-minute version of As You Like It, performed at 6 p.m. These mini-shows are suited for all ages. General admission does not include a seat, so bring a blanket or lawn chair. Food and beverages are allowed, and the park section opens at 4 p.m. VIP tickets are available and include a chair. And for the budding thespians in your life, check out the June workshops and camps for ages eight to fifteen.
Shakespeare on the Sound
Pinkney Park 177 Rowayton Avenue, Norwalk
shakespeareonthesound.org
SEA & BE SEEN
Long Island Sound is home to an amazing array of animals, and you can see many of them up close in Norwalk at The Maritime Aquarium. With over seventy-five exhibits and 7,000 animals, this world-class aquatic center houses everything from jellyfish to meerkats. As it’s more than just an aquarium—you can spend a day with the kids checking out the hands-on activities, 4-D movies and a variety of special events. From Animal Encounters to Seal Feeding to Story Time, there are things to captivate and engage every member of the family. Enjoy close-up views of the harbor seals in their new Pinniped Cove, a three-sided, two-level underwater attraction. Plan a visit around Seal Training Demonstrations at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily. Tickets for vistors thirteen to sixty-four are $29, children three to twelve are $20.95, 4-D theater admission is $7.
The Maritime Aquarium
10 North Street, Norwalk
HOURS: Mon.Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., open until 6 p.m. in July and August
maritimeaquarium.org
NATURAL INSTINCYS
Greenwich Nature Days aims to instill awareness and cultivate joy and wonder by fostering connections with the natural world. Kids (pre-school through fifth grade) can explore, imagine and create via the nature immersion programs. Saturday, May 20, there is a drop-off program at Converse Brook Preserve with the Greenwich Land Trust. And a summer solstice program for women will be hosted on Wednesday, June 21. Visit the website for all activities and locations.
greenwichnaturedays.com
HARVEST TIME
Summer is fruit-picking season, and just a short drive up the Merritt in Easton is Silverman’s Farm. June is strawberry season, July ushers in the blueberries and August is apple time. Check the schedule for events, such as the annual firefly festival on Wednesday, June 14, and fishing derby on Thursday, May 18, at Blueberry Pond. There’s also craft and story time at the Animal Farm.
A little farther away in Shelton, Jones Family Farms invites you to pick berries all summer long. Valley Farm features blueberries and strawberries, while Pumpkinseed Hill includes those, as well as pumpkins and gourds in the fall. Visit the website or call Farmer Jones Crop Hotline (203-929-8425) to know which parts of the farm are open for visitors each day.
Silverman’s Farm
451 Sport Hill Road, Easton Animal Farm and Market
HOURS: Mon.Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick Your Own 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
silvermansfarm.com
Jones Family Farms
555 Walnut Tree Hill, Shelton
HOURS: Mon.Sat. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
jonesfamilyfarms.com
TAKE IT NEXT LEVEL
Whether “It” caught your eye as you drove to the Cape or back from Watch Hill, just up the highway in New Haven right off I-95 sits It Adventure Ropes Course at Jordan’s Furniture, the world’s largest indoor adventure ropes course. This nearby destination is the perfect escape for those rainy or too-hot days. Four levels of adventure include Zip It (zip lines), Little It (suited for small children), Climb It (a fresh take on climbing walls) and Jump It (a free fall simulation). There are courses and attractions that provide appropriate challenges and fun for every member of the family. Book online to make sure you have a spot and save money on ticket prices. Prices start at $8 an hour for the smaller kid adventure course and climbing wall.
Jordan’s Furniture
400 Sargent Drive, New Haven
HOURS: Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri.Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
itatjordans.com
Fairfield County Recreation & Outdoors
Miles of shoreline and parks offer opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few ways you can bathe in the sun and gaze at the stars
STARGAZING (Screen and Sky)
It really feels like summer when you can stretch out on a blanket or lawn chair under the stars and catch an outdoor movie. Our communities offer an abundance of opportunities to enjoy outdoor cinema. Every Saturday movies start at sunset on the Great Steps at Mill River Park in Stamford. Greenwich hosts summer movie screenings at the Bendheim Western Civic Center, and Westport’s Compo Beach is the setting for its summer screen. Check local listings for movies and showtimes. For a truly old-fashioned drive-in movie, try something that is, well, remarkable. The Remarkable Theatre is located in downtown Westport and creates meaningful employment for people with disabilities. Check the website for summer listings.
Movies at Bendheim Western Civic Center
Greenwich greenwichct.gov
Movies at Compo Beach
Westport westportct.gov
Movies in the Park, Mill River Park
Stamford millriverpark.org
The Remarkable Theatre
50 Imperial Avenue, Westport
remarkabletheater.org
FORE!
Catch a glimpse of fan-favorite golfers like Rory Mcllroy at the PGA’s Travelers Championship at River Highlands in Cromwell, Monday, June 19 through Sunday, June 25. The course is located up north by Middletown and is New England’s only PGA stop on the tour. Tickets are sold through the Travelers Championship and Ticketmaster.
Travelers Championship, TPL Highlands
1 Golf Club Road, Cromwell
travelerschampionship.com
TAKE A DETOUR
Create a personalized athletic challenge for yourself or a group with Conquer Events. This app allows you to set up your fitness tracking devices for a challenge of walking, biking, hiking or swimming covering a set number of miles (anywhere from twenty to over 2,000) in virtual destinations. Swim the great Barrier Reef or Hike along the Great Wall of China. This makes all those miles you log add up to more than another ring closed on your Apple Watch. As you hit milestones in your route, you can explore images and information about the local wildlife and attractions. Challenges are $29. As you progress toward your destination, Conquer Events contributes to ecological initiatives. Reach 20 percent of your challenge and a tree is planted through the Eden Project. Meet another 20 percent and a contribution to the Plastic Bank is made to help curb plastics in the environment.
theconqueror.events
EASY AS RIDING A BIKE
Grease your gears for the CT Challenge, a cycling event in Westport on Wednesday, July 29 with options including ten, twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five and 100 miles. With so many courses, there is one to match all cycling levels—flat, coastal, inland or hilly. This grassroots charity tour features live music at the finish and a festival atmosphere. Proceeds from the race fund programs for cancer survivors.
Kick off your cycling summer on Sunday, May 21 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport with The Bloomin’ Metric. This bike tour offers four countryside to coastal route options—twenty-five, forty, seventy-five and 100 kilometers. The ride is sponsored by Sound Cyclists, a volunteer-run recreational cycling club that focuses on safety, fun and fitness.
bike.ctchallenge.org
bloominmetric.com
SUNDAY FUNDAY
Break out your Pretty Woman dress, pack up the kids and plan a Sunday at the Greenwich Polo Club. Matches open to the public on Sundays, beginning on June 4, with the East Coast Bronze Cup and continue for eleven Sundays, concluding on October 8 with The Grand Prix of Greenwich. All tickets include car passes, which allow entry for all vehicle occupants. Children of all ages and dogs on leashes are welcome. Bring a lawn blanket or low chair for seating. Marcia Selden Catering is on-site with a la carte items or pre-order a Polo Picnic box. There is also a rotating schedule of food trucks. Gates open at 1 p.m. Matches begin at 3 p.m. and conclude around 5 p.m. East Lawn passes start at $50, Reserved Umbrella East Lawn are $125, Grandstand Bleachers are $55, Cabanas start at $500 and come with four car passes. For the best views reserve The Player’s Lounge for $1,000, which comes with five car passes.
Greenwich Polo Club Field
1 Hurlingham Drive, Greenwich
greenwichpoloclub.com
Try Local Meal Services & Bakeries
From gourmet meal delivery to specialty spa services and pet adventures, plenty of services are available to help you enjoy the lazy days of summer
BE CATERED TO
Want to take back your meal prep time and enjoy summer evenings without spending hours in the kitchen? Enter Food Design Catering. In addition to providing amazing catering for your special events, Food Design now offers Family Meal deliveries. Menu items feed four or eight and include options for entrées, soups, salads, sides and desserts. (How does pan-seared filet mignon, butternut squash purée soup, snow peas with shallots and warm apple cobbler sound?) Or take it a step further with the Healthy Meal Plan and let these amazing chefs prepare you a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner with items like egg white frittatas, sesame-crusted salmon and truffle-seared chicken.
fooddesigncatering.com
PACK YOUR PICNIC BASKET
No need to struggle with gluten-free restrictions, thanks to these two bakers in the area. You can now have your cake and eat it, too, with no need to compromise the taste. Old Greenwich Baking’s philosophy sums it up with the phrase: OGBC is just good, not just “good for gluten free.” Stock up on the gf baguettes, buttermilk biscuits and pecan pie for your next picnic or bbq through this online service. Everyone can enjoy the good life without having to guess if the baked treats are gf, thanks to the Stylish Spoon in SoNo. Try the OatMEAL cups with chia, blueberry and chocolate or grain-free donuts. All baked goods are dairy-free, soy-free, vegan and gf.
Old Greenwich Baking
order online, free delivery in Greenwich; $10 Fairfield County
oldgreenwichbaking.com
Stylish Spoon
97 Water Street, South Norwalk
HOURS: Tues.–Thurs. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment
stylishspoon.com
Pet-Friendly Activities
PUPS NEED ADVENTURE, TOO
Give your dog more than just another walk around the block. K9 Trek offers stimulating hikes and group nature walks throughout Fairfield County for your favorite furry child. Services include pick up and drop off and there is complete supervision at all times. We all know, a good dog is a well-exercised—and tired—dog. Services start at $30 including transportation.
k9trek.com
Wellness Musts
DESTINATION WELLNESS
The Well at the Mayflower Inn expands beyond simple spa services and is a full-on wellness destination. In addition to spa services, it offers body detox packages, guided forest bathing and nature hikes, all at the gorgeous Mayflower Inn in Litchfield County. Recognized Functional Medicine doctor Dr. Frank Lipman oversees the new program.
Or escape to New York City for the day and check out The Well NYC, featuring the same signature East meets West programs. Schedule one of the transformative treatments from breathwork to vibrational energy sessions.
The Well at The Mayflower Inn
118 Woodbury Road, Litchfield
The Well New York
2 East 15th Street, New York, NY
the-well.com
BEACH BODY RESET
That summer beach body is about more than just looking good—it’s about feeling great. Get ready to have fun in the sun with all the energy you deserve. Try one of Dr. Katie’s three-, five- and ten-day detoxes. Dr. Katie Takayasu is an Integrative Medicine doctor with a passion for plant-forward cooking and lifestyle balance who understands the pressures many woman face in seeking balance. Her seasonal health reset of anti-inflammatory nutrition is delivered to your door and comes with daily curated support from both doctor and coaches. Invest in getting yourself on the right track for summer and beyond. Doorstep delivery is available for Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, New Canaan and Darien with programs starting at $159.
Dr. Katie Wellness Insights
745 Post Road, Darien
drkatie.com
FRESH FACE FORWARD
Give a little lift to your facial regime. Let Susan Knight in Greenwich give you an Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation to diminish fine lines, reduce redness and boost your skin’s elasticity with this natural and ancient skin-care treatment. The five-step process includes a healing mask, body acupuncture to balance the organs, facial acupuncture, a pearl mask and finally, a facial massage to stimulate blood flow. Other acupuncture options include parent/teen and couples acupuncture. Afraid of needles? She offers cupping as well.
Susan Knight Acupuncture
100 Melrose Avenue, Suite 107, Greenwich
susanknightacu.com
Fairfield County Entertainment
Looking for a low-key and convenient option to New York City shows? We’ve got you covered
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Alive at Five hosts live music in downtown Stamford on Thursday nights from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for just $25. The outdoor summer concert series has become a staple in Stamford, offering great music from national and regional headliners. This year’s performances take place July 13, 20, 27 and August 3 in Stamford’s Mill River Park. You must be twenty-one years old or over to attend.
Need a place to take the little ones? Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich hosts its family-friendly Wednesday Night Concert Series, June 28 through August 23. And Binney Park will offer two Sunday night shows (July 30 and August 27). Pack a picnic, ditch the shoes and dance in the grass.
The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Westport is a true entertainment gem. It offers an amazing lineup of summer concerts and events with its “50 Free Nights Under the Stars” series. There are also ticketed performances throughout the season including Samara Joy, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers.
And be sure to check out the goings-on at MoCA in Westport. This month, the museum will host two concerts (Friday, May 12, Iraqi violinist Ameen Makdad, and Saturday, May 20, Joni Mitchell tribute) within the stunning Rainbow in the Dark exhibit by German artist Anselm Reyle.
Alive at Five
Mill River Park, 1010 Washington Blvd., Stamford
stamford-downtown.com
Binney Park
Binney Park Drive, Greenwich
greenwich ct.gov
Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
100 Arch Street, Greenwich
greenwichct.gov
LEVITT PAVILION
40 Jessup Road, Westport
levittpavilion.com
Moca in Westport
19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport
mocawestport.org
MAKE A PLAYDATE
Save yourself a trip to the city and still see world class theater locally at the Westport Country Playhouse. This summer catch the classic thriller Dial M for Murder, running Tuesday, July 11 through Saturday, July 29. For a truly unique glimpse into the process of theater, check-out the Playhouse Script—script-in-hand run throughs—for an intimate look at artistic performance in progress. This one-time performance brings actors together to rehearse and perform on a simple set and includes the audience in decisions regarding costumes and sets. Tickets are on sale for Monday, June 12 at 7 p.m. ($25, $20 for Westport Country Playhouse members).
Visit the website for other upcoming shows and special events. Tickets start at $35 and season ticket packages are available. Season ticket holders can customize the shows they attend and choose from a number of interesting pre- and post-show events such as Post-Play Dialogues, Backstage Pass and Thursday Talkback Q&A’s.
Westport Country Playhouse
25 Powers Court, Westport
westportplayhouse.org
THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG
Let Art Garfunkel, the Wallflowers or America add more music to your date night with the line-up of favorite artists performing at the The Ridgefield Playhouse this summer. From tribute bands to the real thing, every week of the Playhouse’s summer calendar offers a fun night out. Be sure to check out Moffly Media’s Evening of Art, Jazz and Wine five-part series including performances by Sergio Mendes on Wednesday, June 21, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra on Friday, July 28.
The Ridgefield Playhouse
80 East Ridge, Ridgefield
ridgefieldplayhouse.org
TAKE A BOW
With smaller audiences, local playhouses provide an intimate setting to experience theater. Get your tickets to see Next to Normal at The Ridgefield Barn Friday, June 2, through Saturday, July 24. The Barn hosts year-round community theatre with cabaret seating. Tickets start at $33, with doors opening an hour prior to show, and guests may bring their own food and drink.
At Sterling Farms in Stamford, Curtain Call offers a dozen productions a year as well as Comedy Nights and Interactive Murder Mysteries at the Kweskin Theatre and Dressing Room Theatre. On Friday, June 2, through Saturday, June 17, see Assassins The Musical at Kweskin Theatre. Tickets start at $28 for seniors and $30 for adults.
The Ridgefield Theatre Barn
37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield
ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org
Curtain Call
1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford
curtaincallinc.com
A DAY IN THE PARK
The only thing better than seeing a play in the great outdoors is having a gorgeous park at your disposal to explore before or after. Waveny Park in New Canaan is the perfect summer destination with over 250 acres of parkland, including approximately three-and-a-half miles of jogging and walking trails, a picnic area and plenty of open space. Each year it hosts the Summer Theatre of New Canaan with performances on the outdoor stage. Saturday and Sunday performances for children start at 10 a.m. Bring your own lawn chair or book VIP seating for evening performances of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast July 15 through 30, Thursdays and Fridays 8 p.m., Saturdays 7 p.m.
Summer Theatre of New Canaan
Waveny Park, 677 South Avenue, New Canaan
stonc.org