Summary
Located one hour from New York City’s Penn Station, Stamford offers an urban atmosphere downtown, where nine Fortune 1000 corporations are based.
Traveling south leads to Long Island Sound, featuring nearly 20 miles of coastline encompassing parks and beaches.
Heading north, Stamford exemplifies a quintessential New England small town characterized by attractions like the Stamford Museum and Bartlett Arboretum, nestled within expansive hardwood forests interwoven with trails.
The vibrant downtown area of Stamford is filled with various bars, restaurants, cinemas, and the Stamford Town Center Mall. Renowned Broadway productions, notable comedians, and well-known musicians perform at the historic Palace Theatre.
Let us delve into the premier activities in Stamford:
1. Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Source: Stamford Museum & Nature Center / facebook
Nestled in the woodlands of North Stamford, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center seamlessly integrates art, history, and agricultural sciences.
This facility spans 118 acres, housing the half-timbered Bendel Mansion constructed in the mock Tudor style in the late 1920s.
Within this exquisite building, visitors may explore various galleries that feature contemporary art exhibitions. Notable attractions include exhibits on the Natural History of New England, antique farming tools, totem poles, and nostalgic pedal cars.
Artworks by luminaries such as Warhol and Dalí, alongside pieces by esteemed local artists like Gutzon Borglum and Reuben Nakian, are also displayed.
Outside, the grounds boast a magnificent sculpture collection and the 10-acre Heckscher Farm, which celebrates New England’s rural traditions. Expect to encounter a spectrum of heritage breeds alongside non-indigenous species, including alpacas, burros, and llamas.
The Overbrook Nature Center offers engaging wildlife exhibits complemented by trails that meander through 80 acres of parkland, linking to the adjacent Bartlett Arboretum.
Be sure to visit the Edith & Robert Graham Otter Ponds, housing playful North American river otters.
2. Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
Source: Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens / facebook
Regarded as a “living classroom,” the Bartlett Arboretum features over 3,500 specimens distributed across 12 gardens in close proximity to the Stamford Museum.
The majority of the plants originate from New England, enhanced by species from the Caribbean, Africa, Mexico, and the Southwestern United States.
The oldest specimens were planted over a century ago, with the most recent arrivals established over the past 50 years.
Stroll through the Frank Bartlett Heisinger Conifer Garden and the Mehlquist Garden, noted for azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese Andromeda, all flourishing under towering hardwood trees.
The Woodland Treasures garden boasts over 100 species within less than an acre, while the Alice Smith Fern Allée features 60 varieties of ferns. My personal favorite is the charming Cottage Garden, designed like an English garden from the 1700s.
3. Downtown Stamford
Over the past 25 years, Stamford’s downtown has undergone significant transformations. Notably, the skyline has evolved dramatically, with the rise of high-rise structures such as the 34-story Parc Tower.
While the business sector flourishes, downtown Stamford thrives with cultural and entertainment offerings. I will mention several noteworthy venues later, but I also appreciate the Avon Theatre Film Center, a prime destination for independent cinema.
During the summer, Columbus Park hosts the Alive@Five Summer Concert Series, featuring performances by well-known artists, including Boyz II Men and Cee Lo Green.
The downtown area features over 100 dining and drinking establishments, more than a dozen nightlife options, and an abundance of shopping opportunities, particularly at the Stamford Town Center Mall. During the last update, celebrity chef Todd English was slated to open a food hall in this area.
4. Philip Johnson Glass House
Source: Mark B. Schlemmer / Flickr
Situated a short drive east of the Stamford Museum, the Glass House represents an icon of Modern architecture in New Canaan.
This minimalist structure features a single open plan room with glass walls supported by a slender wooden frame and a brick base, designed by Philip Johnson in 1949. It exemplifies geometry, reflection, and transparency, embodying the concept of an ideal home.
Notably, the only concealed feature is the bathroom, housed within a brick cylinder. Designed as a weekend retreat, the Glass House was utilized by Johnson for nearly 60 years until his passing in 2005.
Visitors can embark on an informative guided tour from the visitor center in downtown New Canaan, which includes shuttle service and a 3/4-mile walk through the estate, also visiting other structures such as the Brick House where Johnson hosted guests.
5. First Presbyterian Church
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Designed by Wallace Harrison (1895-1981), who contributed to the construction of the Rockefeller Center, the First Presbyterian Church is another local example of Modernist architecture.
Commonly referred to as the Fish Church due to its fish-shaped outline reminiscent of early Christian symbols, it was completed in 1958 and continues to amaze visitors more than 65 years later.
Inside, the stunning stained glass windows composed of 20,000 individual pieces of faceted glass are remarkable; together, they depict scenes of the crucifixion on one side and the resurrection on the other.
In front of the impressive Visser-Rowland pipe organ stands a wooden cross, approximately 30 feet tall, crafted from materials sourced from Canterbury Cathedral.
6. Cove Island Park
Source: Alexander Prokopenko / shutterstock
Positioned in the southeastern part of Stamford, Cove Island was once home to a 19th-century factory that produced bleached minerals, dye extracts, and licorice.
The facility was destroyed in a notorious fire in 1919, and the area was subsequently transformed into a park. It may be easier to list what Cove Island Park does not offer; primary summer attractions include two sandy beaches.
In addition to the beaches, the park features a children’s playground, expansive lawns, cycling paths, a mile-long walking trail, and a state-of-the-art nature center.
Anglers can fish along the secluded rocky shoreline, while birdwatchers can observe various species near the Cove River and at Holly Pond. The park has received recognition as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society, with more than 287 species documented.
7. Cummings Park
Source: AndyCBR1000RR / shutterstock
Located along Long Island Sound, the 80-acre Cummings Park integrates green space and recreational facilities. Key features include a boardwalk, picnic pavilions, fishing piers, a snack bar, and Cummings Beach.
The park offers numerous tennis and basketball courts, four softball fields, and a public marina with a boat launch.
Cummings Beach is sheltered by the surrounding islands in Westcott Cove, creating a tranquil location for a few peaceful hours in the summer sun. It also features a hill that transforms into a sledding destination during winter snowfall.
This park is named after Homer Stille Cummings (1870-1956), a former mayor of Stamford who later served as Attorney General under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is said he enjoyed walking along this very shore.
8. Mill River Park
Source: GREG PATTON / shutterstock
The lush banks of the Rippowam River delineate the boundary between Stamford’s West Side and downtown. Mill River Park was inaugurated in 2013 following a six-year restoration initiative on the river.
This endeavor connected Mill River Park to Stamford’s Kosciuszko, Scalzi, and Southfield parks via a greenway.
At Mill River Park, visitors can explore riverside paths on both riverbanks, occasionally diverging from the water to navigate through undulating greenery.
During winter, I particularly enjoy the park’s ice rink; however, the main feature tethering visitors to this location is the charming David & Marian Nissen Carousel, showcasing 30 intricately crafted animals, spanning from horses to rabbits, seals, and frogs.
9. The Palace, Stamford
Source: Stamford Center for the Arts – The Palace Theatre / facebook
The premier venue for live performances in downtown Stamford is this magnificent Art Deco structure, which has been operational since 1927 and accommodates 1,580 guests. Originally a stage for vaudeville acts, the Palace Theatre transitioned to a movie theater for over 40 years until returning to live performances in the summer of 1983.
Visitors can anticipate top-tier entertainment, including off-Broadway musicals, touring artists, concerts by the Stamford Symphony Orchestra, renowned comedians, magic acts, and family-oriented performances. Notably, during my visit, both Steve Martin and Martin Short took to the stage.
The Palace Theatre operates under the Stamford Center for the Arts and is situated four blocks from its counterpart, the Rich Forum, where television productions like “Jerry Springer” were filmed.
10. Half Full Brewery
Source: Half Full Brewery / facebook
You may be intrigued to find a contemporary craft brewery nestled within an unremarkable industrial building on Homestead Avenue.
The taproom at Half Full offers a diverse array of beers, ranging from hoppy pale ales to malt-forward options. As someone who favors malt, I appreciated their Dunkel (Dark Lager).
To fully experience what Half Full has to offer, consider trying a flight, and visitors can also purchase cans to take home.
At the time of compiling this list, the brewery had recently inaugurated a second location referred to as the Third Place, which serves as a coffee house and coworking space by day, transforming into a taproom in the evenings.
11. The Ferguson Library
Source: John9474 / Wikimedia
Featuring an elegant Ionic portico at the intersection of Broad Street, Stamford’s public library serves as a community pillar and ranks among the largest in Connecticut.
Constructed in a Georgian Revival style, the main building of The Ferguson Library dates back to 1910. Regardless of whether you are a local resident or a visitor, there are numerous reasons to consider visiting the library.
Every Friday, the library offers movie screenings for children, alongside workshops, discussions, and a variety of programs geared toward children.
The Friends of Ferguson Library operate a second-hand bookstore on-site, and a local coffee shop, Winfield Street Coffee, is conveniently located next door.
12. Fort Stamford Park
Source: fortstamfordpark.org
A tranquil site with a historical narrative, Fort Stamford Park is home to earthworks from the Revolutionary War that are over 250 years old.
The fort’s strategic location afforded clear views of the Long Island Sound and Mianus River.
Additionally, the park features the Goodbody Garden, which is landscaped in a formal style and boasts a stone-pillared pergola, a sunken garden, and Italianate balustrades.
Spring and early summer are particularly enchanting at this location, as the magnolias and peonies bloom prolifically, attracting numerous butterflies.
13. Mianus River Park
Source: Morrowlong / Wikimedia
This park follows the course of the Mianus River, which delineates the boundary between Stamford and Greenwich. Spanning nearly 400 acres, Mianus River Park offers a serene natural setting for hiking, jogging, birdwatching, fishing, and mountain biking.
The park features steep slopes leading to the riverbanks, abundant hardwood forests, wetlands, rock formations, a cave, and a wildflower garden. For those seeking a challenging hike or bike ride, this is an ideal choice.
The Mianus River flows for 20 miles before emptying into Long Island Sound, supplying water to approximately 100,000 residents across the Stamford-Greenwich area.
14. Curtain Call
Source: Curtain Call (Kweskin Theatre/Dressing Room Theatre) / facebook
To gauge the vibrancy of the arts scene in Fairfield County, consider attending a performance at Curtain Call, an acclaimed theater company that produces over 12 shows annually.
As a community initiative primarily operated by volunteers, Curtain Call adheres to professional standards of production.
The venue encompasses two performance spaces: the 184-seat Kweskin Theatre and the 100-seat Dressing Room Theatre, which features a cabaret-style setup.
From September to June, the programming caters to diverse audiences. I recently witnessed a moving rendition of The Diary of Anne Frank, staged with sensitivity and finesse.
Curtain Call also serves as a creative platform for youth in the Stamford community, offering classes and workshops in writing, acting, improvisation, comedy, and dance.
15. West Beach
Source: Pit Stock / shutterstock
For a delightful family excursion during the summer, West Beach is situated slightly beyond Cummings Park, adjacent to Westcott Cove.
This picturesque area features clean, soft sand caressed by the gentle waters of Long Island Sound. A children’s playground is conveniently positioned near the beach, and lifeguards are present during peak summer hours.
If you’re in the mood for a bite, I recommend visiting Brennan’s Restaurant located nearby, or exploring various delis, cafes, and sandwich shops along Shippan Avenue.
