WHY GO: Fairfield CT, home to Fairfield University, is not a “classic” tourist town, but that’s what we love about it. Sometimes, and in this case, off-the-beaten-path is a big win for those hoping to avoid crowds and discover something new on the Connecticut coastline.
Historically, Fairfield and neighboring Southport CT have much in common with many Coastal Connecticut towns. Both were scenes of Native American massacres in the early 1600’s. Fairfield, a hotbed of rebel activity, was torched by the British during the Revolutionary War.
And, like so many other burgs within commuting distance to New York City, when automobiles and a train system allowed for easy access to work, they grew into upscale suburbs, collectively nicknamed “The Gold Coast.”
All this history can be found in compact Fairfield Museum. For some art education, head to Fairfield University and its Art Museum, split in two. Afterwards, hit the beach, rent a boat (with Captain), and/or shop for hours in chain and indie stores, and then stay over in a lovely inn built in New England style. Read on.
Things to Do In Fairfield CT
VISIT: Fairfield University Art Museum
Not to be confused with the Fairfield Museum in town (see below), the Fairfield U Art Museum (FUAM) is actually housed on campus, in two separate locations.
You’ll find work referencing the current zeitgeist at the Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Arts (a performing arts venue). The soaring white-bright space, with polished poured concrete floor showcases a rotating selection of contemporary art that begs debate and discussion.
Up the hill (either a hefty walk or quick drive), the magnificent stone administrative building, Bellarmine Hall, houses both temporary exhibits and permanent pieces originating from the Kress Collection, in its lower level galleries.
Samuel Kress made his vast fortune in Five and Dime stores. Beginning with a substantial gift of art to the National Gallery in DC, his foundation continued to distribute 3,000 pieces of European 13th – early 19th century art to academic and public art museums throughout the USA. One recipient was P.T. Barnum’s Museum of Science and History in Bridgeport CT (currently closed), which turned over these pieces to nearby Fairfield University.
If you’re a well-traveled student of antiquities, and the bas-reliefs lining the basement hallway seem oddly familiar, it’s because they are plaster casts from The Parthenon in Athens. Don’t miss this so-called “Cast Corridor” before entering the main gallery. The oldest paintings in the permanent collection are illuminated alter pieces dating from 1337- 1378. On display, as well, find Roman mosaics and urns on loan from the Worcester Museum. Check website for fees and hours open.
GO: Fairfield Museum and History Center
This Fairfield Museum and History Center is worth a short detour, if only to walk through time from Native American history to the American War of Independence, the Industrial Revolution, the growth of the Suburbs, and current aspects of this shoreline town. What at first seems like a jumble of posters and signage is actually an engaging multi-media exhibit.
Sit in a wigwam or fort. Consider your position during the Revolutionary War: will you choose to enlist in the Continental Army or the King’s Army? How would you make that decision? There’s plenty of such food for thought in this small museum, still open during Covid. Check website for hour/dates open, and admission fee.
VISIT: Connecticut Audubon Centers
Fairfield is lucky to have not just one, but TWO Audubon Centers – allowing visitors a breath of fresh air, hiking, and bird-watching.
Roy and Margo Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary – Connecticut Audubon
There are 7 miles of trails within the 155-acre Larsen Sanctuary (aka Fairfield Nature Center), one mile of which is stroller and wheelchair friendly. According to its website, “The Center features a birds of prey compound at the rear of the parking lot, for close-up views of hawks, owls, falcons, etc. As of fall 2024, the compound includes an American Kestrel, a Barred Owl, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture, and American Barn Owl. Don’t miss the three-mile Fragrance Loop trail, which curves through moist, shady forest and features fragrant native plants and fruit-bearing shrubs that attract birds, bees, and butterflies with their sweet aromas, nectars, and food sources.
Birdcraft Sanctuary and Museum
Founded in 1914, Birdcraft Sanctuary was the first private bird sanctuary in the United States, and the very first to band and release birds for study. This six-acre site was originally created as a refuge to attract, harbor, and feed migratory and resident birds, it sits adjacent to Interstate 95 and residential neighborhoods. Since 1979, Connecticut Audubon Society volunteers, licensed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, have operated a bird-banding station at Birdcraft. More than 18,000 birds have been mist-netted, documented, banded, and released unharmed. Come to see what kind of plantings attract birds on a short all-access trail that includes boardwalks.
HIKE/SWIM: Lake Mohegan Open Space
Lake Mohegan is nestled amid the 170-acre Lake Mohegan Recreation Area, and is a great place to cool off after a short hike (on either the 2 1/2 mile Yellow Trail or 1.6 mile Red Trail) through the woods. Busy in the summer, the Conservation Area is open year round for fishing, hiking, swimming, and nature appreciation.
DO: Beach It
Fairfield and Southport are known for their Long Island Sound sandy beaches. Jennings Beach, Pennfield Beach, Sasco Beach and Southport Beach are all free and open to the public from the end of Labor Day until the beginning of Memorial Day weekend.
Between the summer holiday weekends, however, you’ll pay a pretty penny to get in ($40 per person per day).
DO: Go Boating
Fairfield CT is a seaside town -this “sea” being the Long Island Sound. So, if you’ve got a few hours, and want to get out on the water, GetMyBoat.com will get you there. Like Airbnb for boats of all kinds (sail, power, pontoon, etc.), this website can match you up with a boat and skipper on whatever body of water you happen to be nearby, around the world. And yes, you can find willing boat owners/captains in Fairfield CT.
Where to Eat In and Around Fairfield CT
EAT: Ryebird
This relatively new restaurant/bar, Ryebird, has made quite the splash in Fairfield CT by virtue of its excellent leveled-up pub grub, retro (vinyl) turntable, joyful vibe, and friendly service. I can attest to the delectableness of the “pulled chicken BBQ” sammy – sweet/tangy perfection in a bun.
EAT: Locals Love
Las Vetas Lounge for coffee/breakfast in a fun, eclectic space. Artisan at the Delamar Southport, for top locally sourced food, Brick Walk Tavern for burgers, and Catch A Healthy Habit for smoothies and vegan food.
Where to Stay Near Fairfield CT
STAY: Delamar Southport CT (1.5 miles from Downtown Fairfield)
First conceived as residences built in “New England style,” the Delamar Southport was refashioned as a 43-room, pet-friendly, luxury hotel in 2010. Visitors are usually confused when they pull into the parking lot to see a collection of similarly-styled privately owned condos. Though not part of the Delamar, they add to the New England ambience.
Though the hotel isn’t near water, it offers passes to three area beaches – a most valuable amenity for New Yorkers escaping the city for a few days.
Plus, one of the area’s best restaurants – Artisan – is right on site. You don’t have to go anywhere but to your room after eating superb meals, and drinking the finest wines.
First Impressions of Delamar Southport
Reception is in a small lobby festooned with colorful paintings and modern furniture. In fact these upbeat watercolors and oils (“the owner loves art”) extend throughout the hotel and into the guest rooms.
Carpeting and wallpaper is fresh and brand new, providing an aura of deep cleanliness – most important during Covid-times, when guests need to be reassured that proper measures have been taken to keep them safe.
And they have.
Guest Rooms Delamar Southport
Rooms, in various sizes, are elegant, and pristine, some with fireplaces. Bathrooms gleam in grey veined white carrara marble. Mini-bars have been removed. Slippers on each bed are encased in plastic bags. If you need ice, call housekeeping. This keeps “touches” down to a minimum.
Amenities
The on-site fitness room features top machines, including a Peloton bike. For a more complete workout – Equinox is right across the street (passes available).
The one-room spa, with a romantic fireplace, is perfect for single or couple’s massages – and you won’t have to bump into others waiting for treatments.
