Top 15 Attractions and Activities in New Fairfield, CT

The small town of New Fairfield is situated on the west shore of Candlewood Lake, which is the largest inland body of water in Connecticut.

While the lake serves as a renowned retreat for affluent New Yorkers, numerous upscale residences along the shoreline in New Fairfield are inhabited year-round.

This stands in stark contrast to the time when New Fairfield was a vibrant summer destination.

Nevertheless, one of the finest locations for swimming and relaxation around Candlewood Lake is found within this town at Squantz Pond State Park.

New Fairfield sits on the northern edge of the city of Danbury, making an array of shopping, cultural and entertainment options accessible within a brief car journey.

1. Candlewood Lake

One of the appealing aspects of New Fairfield is the expansive, picturesque body of water to the east.

Candlewood Lake ranks as the largest in the state, extending 11 miles in length and two miles in width at its broadest point.

A substantial portion of Connecticut’s most expensive real estate lines its shores, which makes it remarkable to realize that no lake existed prior to the 1920s.

The lake was established by a hydroelectric project at the junction of the Rocky River and the Housatonic, requiring a workforce of nearly 1,400 men for its construction.

True to its upscale nature, Candlewood Lake features numerous private beaches and marinas; however, visitors from out of town or state can enjoy the waters at Squantz Pond State Park and New Fairfield Town Beach for a fee.

For water-based activities, consider Lakeside Watersports in Danbury, which provides motorized experiences such as waterskiing and wakeboarding.

2. Squantz Pond State Park

Perhaps the finest genuinely public space on the shores of Candlewood Lake can be found right in New Fairfield at Squantz Pond.

The name derives from Chief Squantz, the 18th-century Schaghticoke chief whose tribe dominated what is presently New Fairfield and Sherman.

He declined to sell this land, which was ultimately acquired after his demise.

What is now the state park was farmland until 1926, characterized by steep slopes beneath a canopy of hardwood forest, descending to a serene blue pond with a beach.

This beach is long and expansive, featuring a designated swimming area, restrooms, a boat launch, picnic areas, and lifeguards on duty most days throughout the summer season.

Along the shoreline, trails lead west into the Pootatuck State Forest.

3. Pootatuck State Forest

Located directly west of Squantz Pond, the 1,200-acre Pootatuck State Forest features rugged wooded terrain suitable for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing in winter.

This landscape is accessible via the same trails as Squantz Pond State Park, offering a myriad of blazed routes to choose from.

The most well-trodden route ascends to a scenic rocky overlook above Squantz Pond on the Blue Trail, providing a clear view of the pond as well as Candlewood Lake in the distance.

4. Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Center

More than 200 farm animals and injured wildlife species have found a permanent home at this center, located just beyond the state border at Putnam Lake.

Green Chimneys operates as a multifaceted non-profit organization primarily catering to children and youth who have faced challenges in traditional learning environments, with animal-assisted therapy at its core.

On weekends, the center is open to the public, providing opportunities to visit the teaching barn, horse barn, and outdoor paddocks from 10:00 to 15:00. Groups of six or more are required to arrange a tour, which includes encounters with pigs, camels, llamas, horses, donkeys, cows, goats, and more, along with pony rides and hayrides for younger guests.

Alternatively, the Farm & Wildlife Tour introduces visitors to non-domesticated animals, such as owls, snakes, falcons, a condor, eagles, and tortoises.

5. Danbury

Located just south is a city frequently recognized as one of the most livable in the United States.

From the late 18th century to the early 20th century, Danbury served as the nation’s hat-making capital, producing five million hats annually by 1887. Even today, Danbury is affectionately termed “Hat City.” Visitors can gain insight into this aspect of the city’s history at the Danbury Museum and Historical Society, featuring a prominent main campus on Main Street that encompasses five buildings.

Danbury also functioned as a railroad town in the 19th century, positioned at a critical junction between a branch of the Metro-North Railroad and the essential Maybrook freight line.

Railroad enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore the former Union Station (1903), which now houses the Danbury Railway Museum, where they can also enjoy a ride on a section of track in the expansive railyard.

For a serene walk amidst greenery, Tarrywile Park extends over 722 acres of landscaped parkland surrounding the stately Shingle Style Tarrywile House, constructed in 1897 and presently available for events.

6. White Silo Farm & Winery

Proceeding beyond the north shore of Candlewood Lake, one can find White Silo Farm & Winery, nestled in a rolling landscape that changes character with each season.

The tasting room at White Silo is an exquisite space, housed in a dairy barn that has stood since the 18th century.

This winery operates on a boutique scale, producing all its wines in small batches from various grapes, including Cayuga, Marquette, Cab Franc, and Frontenac, alongside a range of other fruits cultivated on the premises.

Wine tastings are priced at $8, enjoyed beneath the wooden beams of the historic barn or while relishing the countryside from one of White Silo’s terrace gardens.

Additionally, the farm cultivates a substantial asparagus crop in the spring, all of which contributes to an annual asparagus festival.

7. Danbury Fair Mall

The second-largest shopping mall in the state is located conveniently in Danbury, offering a location with a compelling history.

As suggested by its name, this site once hosted the Danbury Fair, an annual exhibition held from 1821 to 1981, drawing 400,000 visitors in its final year.

The mall commenced operations in 1986 and pays homage to the historical significance of the site with a summer carnival occurring outdoors in June and July.

A selection of approximately 200 upscale and midrange retailers populates Danbury Fair Mall, including the Apple Store, Macy’s, Sears, Michael Kors, Old Navy, Gap, H&M, Foot Locker, Clarks, and Banana Republic.

In terms of dining options, visitors can choose from familiar chains such as The Cheesecake Factory, Chipotle, Cosimo’s Pizza, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s, and tasty treats like Cinnabon and Häagen-Dazs.

8. Ives Concert Park

The esteemed Modernist composer Charles Ives (1874-1954) hailed from Danbury, and the city commemorates this musical heritage with a splendid venue for summer concerts.

The Ives Concert Park is an amphitheater set within 40 lush acres adjacent to a pond, hosting a program that attracts over 65,000 attendees annually.

The performance lineup mirrors the city’s multicultural demographic, featuring classical music, jazz, celebrated classic rock artists, annual reggae, Irish, and Ecuadorian festivals, Shakespearean plays, live comedy, children’s events, and numerous tribute performances.

9. Richter Park Golf Course

During the 1980s, Golf Digest recognized this public course in Danbury as one of the finest in the country.

Richter Park is notable for its prime location amidst rolling, wooded terrain adjacent to the expansive West Lake Reservoir.

This water comes into play frequently, with 14 of the 18 holes featuring water hazards, while the steep slopes and recently renovated bunkers will challenge even the most skilled players.

It is safe to assert that Richter Park, despite its public status, is best suited for individuals who are confident in their accuracy.

For non-residents, the cost for a full round is $73 on weekdays and $83 on weekends (with complimentary carts).

10. Sherman Playhouse

Since 1929, this charming former church has been staging community productions, crafted with love and dedication by the Sherman Players (established 1949). The Greek Revival structure, once known as Center Church (1837), had fallen into disuse by the 20th century before being saved in the 1920s by a prosperous couple, Walter and Alice Evans, for their daughter Marianne to pursue her passion for drama.

Marianne’s daughter, Betsy, has participated in the Sherman Players (primarily in set design) for over 50 years, while her granddaughter Phoebe has been responsible for creating playbills, posters, brochures, and more for over two decades.

Five productions are staged each season at the Sherman Playhouse, with past performances in 2019 including Cabaret, The Tempest, The Graduate, Venus in Fur, and the Christmas pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

11. Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center

Established in 2016, the Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center is a non-profit entity committed to the conservation of biodiversity, experiential environmental education, ecological research, and passive outdoor recreation.

This last component appeals to casual visitors, as they are welcome to explore the 825-acre preserve, traversing more than five miles of walking trails situated in New Fairfield.

Additionally, the center offers programs such as guided nature walks and monthly “Kids’ Nature Nights,” packed with enjoyable yet educational activities featuring a different theme each month.

12. New Fairfield Town Park

Open from the start of the summer school break until the Labor Day weekend, New Fairfield has a modest yet inviting beach along Candlewood Lake.

A designated swimming area is available in the lake’s clear, gentle waters, complemented by a pleasant stretch of soft sand, restrooms, changing rooms, an expanded snack bar, and a picnic area.

Residents may acquire seasonal passes for a nominal fee.

Conversely, non-residents can purchase daily guest passes, although these can be relatively costly.

13. Bear Mountain Reservation

Among the finest locations in the area for walking, especially for dog owners, Bear Mountain Reservation features a network of trails on gentle hills adjacent to Candlewood Lake.

The longest trail is the looping red path, which winds through open fields and tranquil forests.

This route intersects with the orange trail, which descends sharply to Candlewood Lake, providing an excellent workout for your calves.

Situated to the south of the property is FCI Danbury, a low-security federal facility primarily housing female inmates.

Notably, historical conscientious objectors such as James Peck and Robert Lowell were imprisoned here during WWII, as was screenwriter Ring Lardner Jr., who faced blacklisting in 1947 during the Red Scare.

14. New Fairfield Historical Society

In an effort to preserve the town’s history, the New Fairfield Historical Society convenes every second Wednesday of the month in the Historical Room of the New Fairfield Library, located in the basement.

The primary property of the society is the Little Red Schoolhouse, a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse located on Brush Hill Road.

The schoolhouse hosts programs throughout the year, providing a glimpse into education during the era when New Fairfield was primarily an agricultural community.

In 2019, coinciding with the society’s 50th anniversary, a letter-boxing treasure hunt was organized at the Little Red Schoolhouse.

15. Cosier-Murphy House

Located at 67 Connecticut Route 39, the Cosier-Murphy House is a notable sight as one passes through the Miller’s Corner section.

This private residence is one of the oldest homes in the town, dating back to 1840 and constructed in the Greek Revival architectural style.

From the road, the house appears smaller than it actually is, as the main entrance is positioned on the side, following a side-hall plan where the door is located in the right bay.

Upstairs, the second-floor windows are unusually short, contributing to an appearance reminiscent of an enlarged frieze band beneath the main façade’s pediment.

Nearly all visible features, from the pediment to the shutters and picket fencing, are original; consequently, the Cosier-Murphy House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 due to its distinctive architecture.