Locals Love: Norwalk

Ask locals where to stay and many recommend the stylish The Watershed Nowalk, a hip boutique hotel that gets high marks for its upscale comfort and artistic appeal. Other enthusiastic recommendations include The Norwalk Inn and the Courtyard by Marriott — all affordable, convenient bases for exploring Norwalk.

To those in the know, South Norwalk’s historic downtown district of galleries, shops, dining and bars is referred to as simply SoNo. Just a stone’s throw away from the South Norwalk Train Station, the heart of the district is Washington Street, where you will find lively spots filled with locals soaking up the seaport lifestyle. From the stylish cocktails and creative cuisine of Match to the comfort classics of SoNo Harbor Deli & Café just around the corner on Water Street, there’s plenty to sample and savor here.

The popular Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is always a crowd pleaser for explorers of all ages. Locals recommend its highly interactive exhibits, IMAX movies and more. And if you want to grab lunch afterwards, go for a harbor-front table at Sono Seaport Seafood, just up the street. Or head to Calf Pasture Beach, a great spot for scenic views in virtually every season.

If it’s a water adventure you seek, the Sheffield Island Ferry takes you out to tour the 1868 lighthouse with amazing views of the coast and Long Island Sound.

Of course, visiting a grocery store may be the last thing on your mind, but what about one with a farm animal petting zoo in the parking lot? Stew Leonard’s Norwalk store on the Westport Road (Route 1) was the first of its kind, part dairy, part grocery, part “Disneyland.” Walking through this unique and playful store, kids can’t help looking up at all of the singing barnyard characters while adults enjoy the farm-store quality.

Not far from Stew’s, turn onto Main Street and head for Valencia Luncheria, a local favorite for mouth-watering Latin specialties. 

For the back story of this pre-Revolutionary-era “oyster town," head to the Norwalk Historical Society at norwalkhistoricalsociety.org, where you can also see New-Deal-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) murals. You can find more ideas about Norwalk’s historical sites, including walking tours and WPA mural tours, at Discover Norwalk.

Ready to visit? Start with the Greater Norwalk Arts Council for ideas or go to the City of Norwalk website to find visitor information. And be sure to check out Visit Sono for even more great suggestions of places to stay and play in Norwalk.