Fairfield County Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Fairfield County, Connecticut with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Fairfield County

Fairfield County is a beautiful region in Connecticut, United States of America. Famous for incredible natural beauty, historical gems, and cultural landmarks, Fairfield County is an excellent destination for exploration. It is easy to get to Fairfield County, with its multiple transportation options, including airports, bus stations, and car rentals. In this travel guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to plan a perfect visit to Fairfield County.

List of Places to Visit in Fairfield County

Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Fairfield County:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport
  • Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport
  • Lockwood-Mathews Mansion in Norwalk
  • The Discovery Museum and Planetarium in Bridgeport
  • The Glass House in New Canaan

Natural Attractions of Fairfield County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Stamford Museum and Nature Center
  • The Greenwich Point Park
  • Stratford’s Long Beach
  • Sherwood Island State Park in Westport
  • Sheffield Island Lighthouse

Hiking/Biking Routes of Fairfield County

Fairfield County has several beautiful biking and hiking routes for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes for you to consider when exploring the region:

  • Trout Brook Valley Preserve Loop
  • The Norwalk River Valley Trail
  • Southford Falls State Park Trail
  • Ridgefield Rail Trail
  • Devil’s Den Preserve

Best Things to Do in Fairfield County: Activities and Tours

Fairfield County has plenty of activities for tourists to enjoy, from sightseeing to various outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

  • Go to the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk
  • Visit the Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven
  • Tour the stunning gardens at the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford
  • Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Litchfield Hills
  • Go whale watching at Long Island Sound

Week-Long Itinerary for Fairfield County

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for a trip to Fairfield County:

Day Activity
1 Visit Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
2 Tour the Glass House, New Canaan
3 Hike at Devil’s Den Preserve, Weston
4 Explore Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk
5 Relax at Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
6 Experience Hot Air Balloon Ride over Litchfield Hills
7 Visit the Barnum Museum, Bridgeport

Food and Drink Scene of Fairfield County

Fairfield County has a vibrant food and drink scene. From farm-to-table cuisine to gastro-pubs, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Fairfield County:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll Sandwich from Lobster Post in Cos Cob
  • New Haven-style pizza from Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Fairfield
  • Steamed Cheeseburger from Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden
  • Chowder at The Chowder Pot in Hartford
  • Ice cream at Ferris Acres, Newtown

Local Beverages

  • Wine from the Jones Family Winery in Shelton
  • Peach Tea from Bridgewater Chocolates
  • The “Hoodsie Cup” from Hood Ice Cream, Vernon
  • Beer from Half Full Brewery in Stamford

Where to Stay in Fairfield County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Fairfield County has some incredible accommodation options. From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay. Here are some of the best places to stay in the region:

  • The Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel, Greenwich
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Stamford Downtown, Stamford
  • Hotel Zero Degrees, Norwalk
  • The Circle Hotel Fairfield, Fairfield
  • Courtyard by Marriott Danbury

What to Buy in Fairfield County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Fairfield County has some beautiful souvenirs and local products that you must take home with you. Here are some of the best options:

  • Connecticut Maple Syrup
  • Cable Knit Sweaters
  • Hand-Crafted Pottery
  • Artisan Chocolates from Bridgewater Chocolates
  • Handmade Soaps

Local Culture and Customs of Fairfield County

Fairfield County is steeped in history and culture, and there are some local customs that you should know about before your visit:

  • It is customary to tip between 15% to 20% in restaurants
  • Say “Hi” and “Thank You” when greeting and thanking locals or shopkeepers
  • Respect the environment and the wildlife
  • Know that Connecticut has strict driving laws

Best Time to Visit Fairfield County

The best time to visit Fairfield County is between May and October when the weather is pleasant. Spring and fall are particularly spectacular due to the vibrant foliage displays. Winters can be cold and snowy, which makes it suitable for skiing and ice-skating.

Do’s and Don’ts of Fairfield County

Do:

  • Visit the museums and historical landmarks
  • Take advantage of the scenic trails for hiking and cycling
  • Visit the farmer’s markets for fresh produce
  • Try out the local food and drink scene
  • Admire the natural beauty

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the environment
  • Be impolite or disrespectful towards locals
  • Drive recklessly
  • Ignore traffic rules and regulations

Safety and Health

Safety in Fairfield County

Fairfield County is generally a safe place to visit, with low crime rates. However, it’s good to stay alert at night and in crowded areas, especially in urban centers like Bridgeport.

Health in Fairfield County

It’s important to keep in mind that mosquitoes and ticks are common in Fairfield County, so bring insect repellent. Pollen levels can be high during the spring and summer months, which can affect those with allergies.

Getting to Fairfield County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Fairfield County is well-connected, with various transportation options available.

Airports Near Fairfield County

  • Bradley International Airport, Hartford
  • LaGuardia Airport, New York City
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City

Bus Stations Near Fairfield County

  • Peter Pan Bus Lines, Danbury
  • Greyhound Bus Lines, Stamford
  • Connecticut Transit, New Haven

Other Options

  • Car Rentals
  • Taxi/Cab Services

How to Get Around in Fairfield County

The best way to get around in Fairfield County is by car, especially to visit the more scenic areas. However, the Stamford and Norwalk transit lines offer useful and inexpensive transport within the towns.

Where to Go Next from Fairfield County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Fairfield County is surrounded by many charming small towns and attractions that you can visit. Here are some of the best nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Mystic Seaport Museum
  • Gillette Castle State Park
  • Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
  • Yale University, New Haven
  • Newport Mansions

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fairfield County is a beautiful and unique region with an abundance of history, culture, and natural beauty. We hope that this guide has been helpful and inspiring for your visit to the beautiful Fairfield County. Pack your bags and visit this region for an unforgettable vacation!



    Black Rock
    Bridgeport
    Darien
    New Canaan
    Stamford
    Stratford