Along the way, there are plenty of museums, shops, local dining, and entertainment venues to complement your Byway experience. You can also nominate a road to be designated as a Byway, so be on the lookout for those hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! Terri Murray
Here are some of my favorite outdoor activities around the state. Let me know your thoughts…
1. Take a hike. Check out the Audobon Society in Greenwich and Fairfield, Earthplace in Westport, Devil’s Den Preserve in Weston. Want to go farther? Check out Kent Falls State Park in Kent. There are so many beautiful trails nearby, I just picked my favorites. Some of these trails let you take your dog and bike…but check first.
2. Explore nature. In addition to hiking, visit Stamford Museum & Nature Center, their wonderful playground and all the animals, chickens, otters, trails and wildlife. Or go climbing at The Discovery Adventure Park! They've strung lights in the trees to provide just enough gentle illumination, at night! New, extended hours.
3. Take a daycation. Check out Legoland Discovery Center, Westchester. With two rides and a 4D theater in addition to all the LEGO® brick fun, the kids will be entertained for hours. Visit them online for tickets and info. Going north? Visit the CT Science Center or the Yale Peabody Museum.
4. Join the animals. Disconnect at the Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport. Be sure to visit their Tropical Winter Greenhouse, a tropical paradise. As you stroll through, you can see several species flowering. It's a short walk through another world! Like farms? Check out the wonderful Ambler Farm in Wilton or the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.
5. Travel through history. Ride a vintage train through a restored 1903 station at the Danbury Railway Museum, check out the Essex Steam Train, or visit the New England Air Museum and learn the history of aviation.
6. Enjoy Family festivals. Have a family day of fun at the Spring on the Farm Festival, Stamford, in May. Watch a flock of sheep get its annual shearing and see what happens with their wooly coats! You’ll learn how wool is turned into yarn. There’ll also be storytelling, face painting, crafts, a plant and herb sale, local food trucks and hayrides. Cheer for spring at the Dogwood Festival in Fairfield, a community celebration of food, flowers and fun. Participate in the Dogwood Dash. Join the celebration in New Haven’s historic Wooster Square for the Cherry Blossom Festival and see more than 70 Yoshino Japanese Cherry Blossom trees.
7. Visit a farmers market and pick the season’s freshest. Click here for a list.
8. Get into culture. Spend a day in NYC. Check out the Intrepid, Museum of Natural History, the MOMA or the Guggeheim. Then eat at Eataly!
9. Cruise around. Take a boat ride or local cruise. Entertainment Cruises New York cruises year round from Chelsea Piers NY and Lincoln Harbor Marina (Weehawken, NJ). The five vessels each provide a different type of on-the-water experiences. Unbeatable views of the New York City skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and The Statue of Liberty. Even closer to home, check out the wildlife cruises at Norwalk Seaport, or listen to music while visiting Island Beach or Great Captain's Island in Greenwich.
10. Get out in the garden and plant some vegetables together. Visit the folks at Wakeman Town Farm for great ideas and advice. MacArdles, Geigers, Terrain, Stews and Home Depot have great planting supplies.
