Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Stratford, Connecticut

Summary

Boothe Memorial Park and Museum
Two Roads Brewing Company
Roosevelt Forest
Short Beach
Lordship Seawall
Stratford Antique Center
Long Beach
Stratford Center Historic District
Captain David Judson House
National Helicopter Museum
Wells Hollow Creamery
Connecticut Air and Space Center
Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point
The CT Audubon Society at Stratford Point
Academy Hill Green

Dating back to 1639, Stratford is a town situated on Long Island Sound, bordered to the east by the final reach of the Housatonic River.

At the mouth of the Housatonic River, and along the coastline, visitors can relax on public beaches. One of the most appealing locations to witness the sunset is right here, on a panoramic stretch of seawall at Lordship.

Stratford has a notable place in aviation history as the site where the first effective American helicopter was developed in the late 1930s. To this day, Sikorsky Aircraft remains Stratford’s largest employer, and there are museums dedicated to the preservation of that aviation heritage.

During the summer months, some of the town’s historical homes are open to the public for guided tours, including those at Boothe Memorial Park and the Captain David Judson House.

1. Boothe Memorial Park and Museum

Perched on the steep west bank of the Housatonic River, this 32-acre public park is dotted with historic structures. Up until 1949, this area served as the estate of the Boothe family, who inhabited the site for many generations.

In 1914, brothers David Beach Boothe and Stephen Nichols Boothe established the Boothe Museum. This continues to serve as a preservation site for 20 historic buildings relocated to the grounds.

These structures include a carriage house, windmill, chapel, Connecticut’s last highway toll booth, trolley station, blacksmith shop, and a clock tower museum.

The most significant piece is the Boothe Homestead, constructed around 1840 and built on the foundation of a house dating back to 1663. Guided tours of the park’s buildings are offered between May and October, coinciding with the stunning blooming of the rose garden.

During the remainder of the year, these fascinating artifacts provide a memorable walking experience. A notable event on the calendar is the Great Pumpkin Festival in mid-October, which features a competitive pumpkin carving contest.

2. Two Roads Brewing Company

It seems that every town in Connecticut has embraced the craft brewery movement. However, few have achieved the level of international recognition as Two Roads, which has established a significant presence globally.

The company operates from the beautifully restored U.S. Baird Building on Stratford Avenue. This impressive brick structure was formerly utilized for the production of transfer presses.

For those interested in the brewing process, tours are available on Saturdays, while the tasting room welcomes guests seven days a week.

The aesthetic of the facility is remarkable, featuring exposed wooden floors, steel beams, and large windows that allow natural light to permeate the space.

Due to high demand on Saturdays, it is advisable to arrive early, as the tasting room operates on a one-in, one-out policy once capacity is reached.

The year-round offerings include a Helles Lager, a Hefeweizen, a session IPA, two double IPAs, a dry-hopped pilsner, and a coffee stout.

These are complemented by seasonal specialties and various limited releases. In addition, a new food truck operates outside on most days.

3. Roosevelt Forest

Stratford’s own forest is a remnant from the Great Depression, created as part of a project by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This New Deal initiative aimed to provide employment for millions of Americans during that era.

The forest comprises a mixture of hardwoods such as maples and oaks, alongside softwoods like spruces and pines. Numerous trails, some of which are marked, invite visitors to explore this peaceful sanctuary, meandering past a pond and through wetlands.

This area is rich in wildlife, boasting a variety of bird species, deer, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

In addition, Roosevelt Forest is equipped with conveniences such as picnic benches, shelters, cooking pits, and children’s playgrounds. It is important to mention that, at the time of this writing, Roosevelt Forest was available exclusively to Stratford residents.

4. Short Beach

Situated where the Housatonic River merges with Long Island Sound, Short Beach features a picturesque sandy shoreline. This beach is bordered by tranquil park areas and athletic fields, providing a perfect vantage point for the majestic sunrises.

Among the recreational facilities available are playgrounds, a sandbox for young children, tennis courts, softball fields, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a links-style nine-hole par 3 public golf course.

Additionally, there are picnic areas along with a concession stand, and the Beach House Grill by the golf course caters to visitors.

Throughout the summer, terns and wading birds such as piping plovers nest along the beach and forage in the intertidal zones for small fish. Fishing enthusiasts also frequent Short Beach to catch snapper bluefish and baitfish.

For non-residents planning a visit, it is advisable to contact Stratford’s Recreation Department to inquire about obtaining a beach sticker well in advance.

5. Lordship Seawall

Located at the southernmost point of Stratford is a serene area where visitors can park and enjoy the stunning vistas of Long Island Sound.

The Seawall remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, featuring only a single dining establishment, Riley’s by the Seawall. Nonetheless, the scenery is exceptionally beautiful during sunrise and sunset, providing ample opportunities for photography.

Long Island can be seen in the distance, and if time permits, one can observe maritime traffic navigating along the Sound.

A small beach area allows for direct access to the water, making it a suitable place for canine companions during the off-season. This gravelly beach is ideal for shell collecting, but it is worth noting that parking fees for non-residents can be considerable.

6. Stratford Antique Center

Housed in a spacious blue warehouse, the Stratford Antique Center is the longest-running multi-dealer antique store in Fairfield County.

Open seven days a week, this venue features more than 200 dealers offering a variety of treasures and collectibles.

The inventory includes antique appliances, furniture, clocks, ceramics, signage, tableware, jewelry, luggage, fabrics, paintings, photography, lighting, books, comics, vinyl, and glassware. There is actually far more here than can be enumerated in this format.

An enthusiastic shopper could easily spend several hours exploring the curated selection. Such dedication often leads to delightful discoveries.

7. Long Beach

This sandbar extending west from Lordship has an interesting history, and today serves as both a critical refuge for shorebirds and a peaceful area to unwind away from the hustle and bustle.

Until 1958, a small amusement park existed at the far western end of Long Beach, linked to Bridgeport’s East End by a bridge.

Following the park’s closure, a community of 45 beachfront cottages remained, but in 1996, the bridge was destroyed by fire, permanently severing access for the neighborhood.

Over time, the cottages and attractions have returned to nature. The remaining peninsula has been designated as a public park and remains an “unimproved” beach without additional facilities.

Bathing and fishing opportunities are available at the eastern end, while the middle section of the beach serves as a vital nesting area for least terns and piping plovers.

8. Stratford Center Historic District

Comprising 220 acres surrounding Stratford’s Academy Hill area, this district has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. Below, I will discuss some of its main attractions, including the 18th-century Captain David Judson House.

Centered around the First Congregational Church and its historic burial ground, the Historic District encompasses numerous heritage buildings. For those engaging in a walking tour, the Lieut. William Thompson House (1762) at 904 East Broadway is particularly captivating.

Above the west bank of the Housatonic, Shakespeare Park is the location of the American Shakespeare Theatre, founded in 1955, but which remains vacant as of this writing following its destruction in an arson attack in early 2019.

Many prominent actors, including Katharine Hepburn, James Earl Jones, and Christopher Walken, performed in the theater during its peak. At the time of writing, the town was evaluating proposals for the site’s future.

In the meantime, this area hosts a weekly farmers’ market on the first and third Sunday of each month throughout the year.

9. Captain David Judson House

This prominent Georgian residence, erected in the mid-18th century, was built for Captain David Judson, who served as the head of Stratford’s militia, responsible for the town’s defense.

A striking feature of the main facade is the pediment, with a broken scroll design, which is regarded as one of the finest examples of its kind in the state.

The Judson family has owned this property since the 1630s, with nine generations residing here until 1888. The house is painted a deep red and preserved as a museum by the Stratford Historical Society.

It is noteworthy that all furnishings within the house have a connection to Stratford. Among the items is a piano that was previously owned by William Samuel Johnson, a key figure who framed the United States Constitution.

10. National Helicopter Museum

This complimentary museum offers insights into the contributions of Igor Sikorsky and the history of helicopter production in Stratford.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday during the summer, and Friday through Sunday at other times, the National Helicopter Museum is located in the eastbound building of the Stratford Railroad Station.

Within its walls, visitors can explore Sikorsky’s professional journey, which includes the development of the first effective American helicopter, the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300 (1939).

Another aviation pioneer, Dr. Anselm Franz, developed the gas turbine engine in Stratford during the 1950s; a cutaway of his T55 is prominently displayed.

In addition to a plethora of models, photographs, and documents, the museum contains some captivating exhibits. These pertain to notable individuals such as pilot John Olsen, who flew a Sikorsky R4 above the Arctic Circle in 1946.

It is fascinating to discover how many innovators called Stratford home during the mid-20th century, including Vincent Bendix, credited with pioneering developments like the auto self-starter and four-wheel brakes.

11. Wells Hollow Creamery

Continuing past Roosevelt Forest, you will soon arrive at this charming family-run dairy farm and ice cream shop.

Located on a fifth-generation farm, Wells Hollow Creamery produces over 50 flavors, ranging from Amaretto Cherry to Vermont Maple Walnut. In addition to cones and cups, the shop features a menu of sundaes and shakes.

Choices include “no-fat” options, frozen yogurts, and sorbets. More than just a place for quick service, the farm invites guests to explore. Children are delighted by the presence of barnyard animals, including cows (with calves in summer), goats, and chickens.

Be sure to check the calendar for seasonal events, such as a fantastic corn maze in the fall.

12. Connecticut Air and Space Center

This small yet informative museum details Stratford’s aerospace history and is located on Main Street, directly across from Sikorsky Memorial Airport.

The museum was established in 1998 following the closure of the Stratford Army Engine Plant. It occupies two buildings that were previously part of the plant complex.

This positions it as one of the few museums in the United States situated within an authentic WWII aircraft factory.

A variety of aircraft in different stages of preservation can be viewed, including a 1945 Vought / Goodyear FG-1D Corsair 92460, a 1948 Lockheed TV-2 / T-33 Shooting Star (57-6558), and a 1961 Northrop T-38A Talon (60-0900), recognized as the world’s first supersonic jet trainer.

One of the museum’s long-term restoration projects includes a unique Sikorsky S-60 “Flying Crane” prototype from 1958, which represents the last aircraft designed and tested by Igor Sikorsky.

13. Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point

Situated across the Housatonic River in Milford is a vital coastal bird habitat. At the river mouth lies the expansive 840-acre Charles E. Wheeler Salt Marsh and Wildlife Management Area.

Over 300 bird species have been documented in the tide pools, barrier beaches, dunes, and tidal salt marshes present here.

At the southernmost point, located on a sandy spit at Milford Point, stands the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center. Inside, one can explore enlightening wildlife exhibits and observe nest cams for ospreys and purple martins. I recommend engaging with a volunteer to learn which species may be observed in the preserve during your visit.

Additionally, visitors can engage in birdwatching along the preserve’s beaches and utilize the scopes available at four observation platforms.

The abundance of shellfish attracts colonies of American oystercatchers and piping plovers, both of which nest on the beach, while ospreys nest in the marsh.

Various other waders gather here during late summer, while snowy owls are frequently spotted in the area throughout winter.

14. The CT Audubon Society at Stratford Point

Since 2015, this 30-acre site located south of Short Beach at the Housatonic River mouth has been revitalized as another sanctuary for shorebirds.

Stratford Point features a blend of habitats conducive to attracting nesting and migratory birds, including open grasslands, scrublands, coastal forests, and rugged outcrops in the water.

During the 2010s, a water garden and migration trail were established in collaboration with Stratford’s Two Roads Brewing Company and the Jeniam Foundation. Additionally, specific bird gardens attract various autumn migrants, and visitors can wander along the peninsula’s edges.

The refuge is adjacent to the picturesque Stratford Point Light, built in 1822. While it was fenced off during my visit, it remains visible from a short distance.

15. Academy Hill Green

This meticulously maintained public space is located at the intersection of Academy Hill and Elm Street, just behind the Christ Episcopal Church and the Captain David Judson House.

This elevated area carries a rich history; in the 17th century, it was known as Watch House Hill, where early settlers constructed their defensive blockhouse and palisade.

The name transitioned to Academy Hill in the early 19th century, following the establishment of the Stratford Academy.

The park features manicured gardens with a circular path lined with benches. It is also home to Stratford’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, in addition to the town’s World War II memorial, which consists of an arch supported by four columns.

There is ample shade from the park’s dense foliage, and the memorial garden showcases ornamental shrubs, hydrangeas, and rose bushes.

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