10 Things to do in Fairfield, Connecticut
We call Fairfield our home here at Bell’s Pilates, and we want to share this wonderful town with you. Take a look at some of our favorite things to do in Fairfield CT- other than Pilates, of course.
#1 Check Out The Beaches in Fairfield CT!
There are a few great beaches in Fairfield, CT. We have Jennings Beach, Penfield Beach, Sasco Beach, and also Southport Beach in the village of Southport.
Jennings and Penfield are the largest and most popular beaches in Fairfield. Jennings beach has a great long pier with a fantastic view. Sasco and Southport beaches are smaller and a bit more private, perfect for a picnic with the family.
One great thing about the beaches in Fairfield is Long Island Sound- the waves are usually gentle, meaning it’s fun and safe for kids to splash around and have some summer fun.
For all beaches in Fairfield, non-residents will be charged a fee to use the parking lot between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Then outside the summer season, Jennings Beach is one of the best places in the town to take your dog. There is wooded open space nearby for your dog to have some fun.
#2 Lake Mohegan, a Hidden Gem of Fairfield
Lake Mohegan is one of Fairfield’s hidden gems. The local legend is that this lake is actually man-made. It supposedly used to be an old stone quarry that eventually became filled with rain water during a series of storms. Who knows if that’s true- but we know for sure is that it’s a ton of fun!
There is a small beach area at the lake that offers children a safe swimming spot, but the true treasure are the trails around the lake. Miles of trails wind around this little lake, and they are wonderful for hiking. Just make sure you love dogs! These trails have become super popular with dog owners because the rivers and streams around offer some nice places for dogs to hop in the water. It’s a great place to go for a swim, hike, or dog walk!
#3 Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary
The Connecticut Audubon Society’s Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary is one of the oldest private sanctuaries of its kind in the entire country. They hold many events and programs. Mabel Osgood Wright developed the plan in 1914 for the 6+ acre sanctuary to attract, feed, and shelter resident and migratory birds.
Visitors will be able to see some of the 100+ species of birds which visit the Audubon Sanctuary. Don’t forget to visit the museum! It has some wonderful information about local ecology and some great displays.
#4 Fairfield CT’s Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary
This Wildlife sanctuary is also managed by the Connecticut Audubon Society. This wildlife sanctuary spans over 155 acres! It is one of the largest sanctuaries in Fairfield and surrounding communities. In this sanctuary, you’ll find a huge variety of wildlife habitats which are home to all sorts of plants an animals.
You can spend your time exploring the miles of trails there- over 7 miles of them-, and some of which are wheelchair-accessible.
Some of the attractions include migratory ducks in the sanctuary ponds, owls, and other species of birds in the many nest boxes scattered throughout. Other wildlife that is commonly seen are frogs, snakes, turtles, and deer. Here you can enjoy a nature walk with the whole family!
#5 Fairfield University Art Museum
We all need a bit of culture in our lives sometimes. There’s an artist in all of us and that means we can all appreciate great art as well. Luckily, Fairfield University has a wonderful art museum on campus.
There are some great Collections of Art on display. Much of the space is dedicated to Asian, baroque, Celtic, Renaissance, Medieval, and Classical art, including plaster casts made from works from ancient Rome and Greece. With such a collection of paintings, sculptures, and more, the museum is considered one of the best college museums in the United States.
#6 Gould Manor Park
If you just want to relax, then Gould Manor Park is the place to go. Tucked in a quiet neighborhood off I-95, Gould Manor Park’s best feature is its pond. During the Spring and Autumn you can sit and watch the beautiful mallard ducks socialize. Swans and Geese like to crash the party sometimes, too.
When the weather gets cold, it’s time for sledding and skating at Gould Manor Park! the pond freezes over and lots of folks skate around on the pond. It’s a guarantee that you’ll see kids playing some pond hockey if the weather is cold enough. It’s a wonderful spot to relax.
#7 Greenfield Hill Historic District
The neighborhood of Greenfield Hill has a very wonderful historic district.
The most eye-catching building is the whitewashed Greenfield Hill Congregational Church beside a large town green and established in 1725. Also in the district is the Bronson Windmill, with an octagonal wood frame, dating back to the 1890s and the last of the style of windmill that used to dot the landscape of Fairfield.
Every May for almost a century Greenfield Hill Church has hosted the three-day Dogwood Festival while the Dogwood trees are in bloom. It truly is a sight to behold.
#8 Fairfield Museum and History Center
Right by the Town Green there is a local museum with exhibitions that educate visitors about Fairfield’s past.
The Fairfield Museum and History Center is made up of a museum building with several galleries, a library, and an 80-seat theatre.
When this list was compiled in July 2019 there was a display documenting 375 years of the Fairfield neighborhood of Black Rock, and the Spaght Gallery explored all the ways that artisans like silversmiths, quilters and painters, as well as graffiti and tattoo artists have left their mark on their communities.
The Fairfield Historical Society also manages an array of local properties, like the David Ogden House, a saltbox house from 1750.
#9 Fairfield’s Old Post Road Historic District
Fairfield’s Old Post Road Historic District is a fun place to visit, even just driving around. Fairfield’s old town center is on a stretch of the Old Post Road between Turney Road and U.S. Route 1. The district is composed of 75 historic buildings, many of which have been here since the 18th century.
Near the Museum at the #8 spot on this list, there’s the town hall, crested by a cupola, as well as a Town Green, the public library and a variety of beautiful old houses. It’s a great place to walk and take in some history.
#10 The Warehouse at Fairfield Theater Company
If you are in the mood for entertainment, the Warehouse at Fairfield Theater Company (FTC for short) is the place to go. It’s become a common stop between New York and Boston for some big names, and some local and regional acts put on shows there, like the Tom Tom Club for instance.
With a 640 person capacity, it’s a great space for live entertainment.
And remember, if it’s Pilates that you’re looking for in the 06825 06824 06828, 06890, 06880 zip codes, Bell’s Pilates is the place to go!