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Coastal Fairfield County is within a short train ride from Manhattan, and ferry ride across the Sound from Long Island. From New York's Grand Central Station, take the Metro- North Railroad (800) 638-7646 to any of these stations. From Long Island, hop on the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat ferry (888) 44-FERRY or (631) 473-0286 for a relaxing Long Island Sound crossing. Following are just a few ideas of how to enjoy a day or weekend in Coastal Fairfield County!
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Ride New York's Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Station to Bridgeport
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APPROXIMATELY 77 MINUTES
Hop on the train or ferry to Connecticut's largest city, Bridgeport, home of the unique Barnum Museum, honoring the life of P.T. Barnum, founder of "The Greatest Show on Earth." Catch some sporting action a short walk away at the Arena at Harbor Yard, home to The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the newest American Hockey League team. Or consider a baseball or lacrosse game at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, home to the Bridgeport Bluefish professional baseball and Bridgeport Barrage major league
lacrosse teams. Enjoy first-class live entertainment at the Downtown Cabaret Theater or the Polka Dot Playhouse. Check into the Bridgeport Holiday Inn for a pleasant night's rest and a dip in their indoor pool. Make sure you find time to explore the tigers at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, operate the Challenger Space Mission at the Discovery Museum, and stroll the shops and museums at Captain's Cove Seaport & Marina, all within a five minute cab ride from the hotel.
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Ride New York's Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Station to Greenwich
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APPROXIMATELY 52 MINUTES
Greenwich, besides home to many celebrities, great restaurants and shops, is also where you can watch a polo match or attend the Concours D' Elegance, the premier annual vintage automobile show in June. Just off Metro-North's Cos Cob train station, the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich is home to the Bush-Holley Historic Site, the birthplace of American Impressionism. At the Greenwich station, walk a block to the Bruce Museum of Arts & Science. Besides great exhibits, you will want to return for their outdoor Arts and Crafts Festivals held each May and October.
Take a stroll up Greenwich Avenue, for unparalleled shopping and dining along the "Rodeo Drive of the East." For an evening of luxury (just a short cab ride away from the train) spend the night at the elegant Hyatt Regency Greenwich or DELAMAR Greenwich Harbor. Or, if you prefer a Bed & Breakfast or Inn, may we suggest Homestead Inn (Greenwich), Harbor House Inn (Old Greenwich), Cos Cob Inn (Cos Cob) or Stanton House Inn (Greenwich) for a wonderful evening in Coastal Fairfield County.
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Ride New York's Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Station to Fairfield
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APPROXIMATELY 70 MINUTES
Enjoy the convenience as you disembark the train station in Fairfield Center, a charming and historic New England town. Explore the remarkable natural history exhibits and the country's oldest bird sanctuary, the Connecticut Audubon Birdcraft Museum. Afterwards, experience how the residents lived over 300 years ago at the Fairfield Historical Society. The town is a perfect setting for an afternoon stroll to enjoy terrific shopping and dining. Escape to the coastline with a short cab ride to the Fairfield beaches and check in to the Seagrape Inn to enjoy waterfront views.
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Ride New York's Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Station to New Canaan
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APPROXIMATELY 70 MINUTES
Quintessential charm abounds throughout this small New England town, yet there is so much to explore. Hop off the train and browse the upscale boutiques on Elm and Main Streets, or grab a bite along the mini-restaurant row on Forest Street. Meander up to the New Canaan Historical Society, a campus atmosphere of historic proportions with a genealogy library, costume and tool museum and the John Rodgers Sculpture Studio. A bit further up the road, explore the 40-acre New Canaan Nature Center's gardens, environmental education center and exhibits. Complete your New England
experience at one of New Canaan's cozy B&Bs - The Maples Inn, Main Street Inn, Village Inn or Roger Sherman Inn, where you can enjoy dinner in front of the fireplace or listen to some live music.
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Ride New York's Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Station to Stratford
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APPROXIMATELY 86 MINUTES
A town for all seasons! Just off the train station is the National Helicopter Museum, as Stratford is the home of Sikorsky Aircraft and the first helicopter. Stroll through the town center to the Stratford Historical Society and learn about the Revolutionary War. Relax with a spot of tea at the White Lilac Tea Room, or for a heartier appetite, order a celebrity-named sandwich at Gaetano's Salumeria! For a true New England experience a short cab ride away, visit the Nathan Booth House Bed & Breakfast.
Enjoy a picnic on the spectacular grounds of the Boothe Memorial Park & Museum, a National Historic Landmark just down the road from the Nathan Booth House. Prefer a hotel? Ask the cab driver to take you to the Ramada Inn or the new Staybridge Suites. Another lodging option "shore" to please is Marnick's Motel & Restaurant on the Long Island Sound.
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Ride New York's Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Station to South Norwalk
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APPROXIMATELY 58 MINUTES
Historic South Norwalk (SoNo) offers something for everyone. A short walk from the train is the nationally acclaimed Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk where you'll discover over 1,000 marine mammals native to the Long Island Sound. History buffs can learn Norwalk's commercial past at The Norwalk Museum, or book a summer sail to The Norwalk Seaport Association's Sheffield Island Lighthouse for an unforgettable adventure.
Climb the lighthouse stairs to the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Sound. Return to the dock in SoNo and stroll the streets to shop the unique boutiques, outlets and galleries. Hop in a cab to the Homestead Guest Studios or Silvermine Tavern, or arrange for a hotel shuttle from Norwalk's Four Points by Sheraton, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Doubletree Club Hotel or Norwalk Inn. SoNo is known for international dining, hot nightlife and entertainment, and during the summer and fall, bursts with many festivals, including the Harbor Splash! (with its great chowder cookoff), SoNo Arts Celebration and Oyster Festival.
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Ride New York's Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Station to Stamford
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APPROXIMATELY 44 MINUTES
Escape the traffic congestion and board a train for Stamford. A quick walk from the train is the Stamford Town Center, an urban mall with over 120 stores, or hop in a cab to the south end to find dozens of antiques shops. Each summer in downtown Stamford, enjoy the sculpture exhibit that adorns the streets. Just a short cab ride from downtown, experience the Long Island Sound on the SoundWaters schooner and its Community Center for Environmental Education.
Check in at one of Stamford's fine hotels, Stamford Marriott, Westin Stamford, Holiday Inn Select, or Stamford Sheraton, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Budget Hospitality Inn. You'll have a tough time deciding where to dine, as Stamford's downtown offers over 70 restaurants in a four square block area. Afterwards, walk to The Palace Theatre or Rich Forum to enjoy first-class entertainment or stop in at one of the many bars and nightclubs offering live music. If you're visiting Stamford in November, you'll want to catch the annual Parade Spectacular, the largest helium balloon parade in the country!
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