Top 10 Spring Things to Do in Fairfield County

There’s no denying that those first colorful blooms of spring bring joy to our hearts and a sense of renewal to our souls. Luckily, baby bloomers abound in Fairfield County at the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens and Goodbody Garden in Stamford, the 40-acre New Canaan Nature Center, Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton, and the Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport.

Over the last few years, many of us have ventured into the great outdoors in search of fresh air and exercise, embracing our state’s many natural wonders. Walkers, joggers, hikers and bikers have discovered (or rediscovered) the wondrous parks, forests and trails in Fairfield County – each offering its own unique and memorable features. Just a few you might want to explore include The Mianus River Park that straddles the Stamford-Greenwich border, the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens in Stamford, the New Canaan Nature Center, The Norwalk River Valley Trail, The Connecticut Audubon Society and Brett Woods Conservation Area in Fairfield, Trout Brook Valley State Park Reserve in Weston, Ridgefield’s Bennett’s Pond, Hemlock Hills, Pine Mountain and Lake Windwing; and the Aspetuck Land Trust, that winds through Easton, Weston, Fairfield and Westport. (Many welcome pets; click here for updated information on visiting state parks)

There’s no better way to get energized as you welcome the arrival of spring than on an invigorating bike ride; and, with the next-generation electric pedal-assisted models available to rent, everybody can get in on the action. Don’t have your own wheels? Rent them for an hour or two or longer – and get pedaling! Try River Bicycles in Greenwich, Danny’s Cycles in Stamford, or Cycleology Bike & Ski in Westport.

There simply aren’t many things in this world more loved, more appreciated, more craved, than chocolate. Chocolatiers are magicians who transform the simplest ingredients into not just delicious confections, but works of art. Fortunately, Fairfield County has no shortage of these dedicated artisans who understand that we can’t live without them! You can’t go wrong with Knipschildt Chocolatier in Norwalk, Isabelle et Vincent and BE Chocolat in Fairfield, Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shop in Ridgefield, Bridgewater Chocolate Factory in Brookfield, Noteworthy Chocolates in Bethel, Castle Hill Chocolate in Newtown, and Le Rouge Chocolates and Cakes by Aarti in Westport.

Craft breweries are popping up everywhere; and more than beer stops, these are destinations – making their homes in refurbished factory buildings, train stations, farmhouses, old hospitals, and even churches. What they all have in common is a passion for handcrafting sensational IPAs, Pilsners, Stouts and more, using locally grown, natural ingredients. Best of all, there are lots to choose from. Most serve food, stage Trivia Nights, have games and feature live music to elevate the experience. Here's hopping you’ll visit some or all of these: Half Full Brewery and Lock City Brewing Co. in Stamford, Charter Oak Brewing Company in Danbury, Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery in Bethel, Nod Hill Brewery in Ridgefield, Redding Beer Company, NewSylum Brewing Co. and Reverie Brewing Co. in Newtown, Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford, Aspetuck Brew Lab and Brewport in Bridgeport. And for a full line of non-alcoholic (but exceptional) brews, try Athletic Brewing Company in Stratford.

The Connecticut Antiques Trail is a treasure hunter’s dream come true. Antique shops large and small dot the quaint towns in historic Fairfield County. Whatever you’re looking for – 1700s-1900s Americana, furniture and home decor from every era, silver, jewelry, vintage clothing, collectible toys, tools and gadgets – it’s all here, at prices to satisfy first-timers, enthusiasts and collectors alike. So, make a day or weekend of it and visit any or all of these antique shops: Black Rock Antiques Center in Greenwich, Estate Treasures of Greenwich in Old Greenwich, Greenwich Living Antiques & Design Center, Avery & Dash Collections, Antique & Artisan Gallery in Stamford, Fairfield County Antique & Design Center in Norwalk, Glen Leroux Antiques Inc. and L’Antiquaire in Westport, Our Place Antiques in Fairfield, Fairfield Auction in Monroe,  Mongers Market, Black Rock Antique Galleries and Tongue In Chique in Bridgeport, and Stratford Antique Center in Stratford.

There’s a definite sense of pride in sipping a top quality wine cultivated, aged and bottled right here in Connecticut. Farm wineries have sprung up all over the state, offering award-winning reds, whites, rosés, fruit and dessert wines – even some unique concoctions like carbonated wines and wine shushies. Although the climate and land availability is generally more favorable in neighboring Litchfield Hills (check out all the wineries there), two of the state's premier wine makers are Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Newtown, Jones Winery in the beautiful white hills of Shelton – a destination well worth a visit.

Nothing is more invigorating than the feel of crisp, salty air in your face, that first tug at the end of your line, and the rush from reeling in that whopper. Spring was made for charter fishing – and Fairfield County offers plenty of great choices on Long Island Sound to rent a charter and…go fish! Check out Road Work Ahead Fishing Charters and Stamford Fishing Charters in Stamford, Salt Addict Fishing Charters and Middlebank II at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport.

The days are longer; the nights are warmer and the urge to enjoy a great meal without feeling fenced in is one you can’t resist. So why not plan a delectable rendezvous, maybe stroll along the pier or take in a sunset, and welcome spring back for another visit! Just a few of the many great choices for outside dining in Fairfield County are Lugano Wine Bar & Salumeria and l’escale in Greenwich, Crab Shell in Stamford, Washington Prime in South Norwalk, The Spread and Harbor Lights in Norwalk, Tablao in Norwalk, Fairfield, and Ridgefield, Boathouse Restaurant in Westport, Blackstones Grille in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Southport; for people- and harbor-watching at its best, you can’t beat the 400-seat patio and bar at Captain’s Cove Seaport Restaurant in Bridgeport (opens Memorial Day Weekend); and for casual lakeside dining and a huge patio bar, try Down the Hatch in Brookfield, the only waterfront restaurant on Candlewood Lake.

There’s no better time than spring to put on a comfortable pair of shoes and take to the streets of the beautiful and historic towns of Fairfield County. Strolling past quaint shops and boutiques, galleries, and markets, greeting passersby or stopping at a local watering hole or restaurant is just plain wonderful and rejuvenating, as you feel the very history that unfolded beneath your feet. There’s not a town that should be missed; but a few standouts are Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Fairfield, Weston, Ridgefield, Monroe and Bridgeport.