Places to Visit/Things to Do
Unfortunately, Stamford doesn’t have any mainstream zoos or aquariums, but you do have the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. This is the closest you can get to a zoo in Stamford, with a small number of animals that includes two otters. The museum and nature center itself is geared primarily for the kids, but any ages can enjoy here. The museum is filled with hands-exhibits, especially those perfect for young ones. The facility is open from 9 am to 5 pm, but hours may change depending on the time of the year. They are also closed on major holidays. Admission into the Stamford Museum & Nature Center costs $12 for adults, $2 less for seniors above 65, $8 for students above 18 with a valid ID, and $6 for kids aged 4 to 17. Members and children under 4 are free.
Stamford is full of historical sites. One of them is the Caumsett State Park. This is a state park that is located on a peninsula stretching into the Long Island Sound. The park is located on an English-style estate with sporting and recreational amenities, trails for those who enjoy nature, and more. The manor house is also part of the state park. The estate was owned by Marshall Field III when he purchased the lands in 1921. He named the land after its Indian name, Caumsett. He built upon his estate, adding everything a man could ever want, such as a country club, hunting preserve, and sporting facilities for almost every sport. Caumsett State Park is open from 9 am to 9 pm.
Located in nearby New Canaan, Connecticut, is the Glass House. The Glass house, also known as the Johnson house, is a historic home that is made of glass. Built in 1948 and 1949, it was designed by Philip Johnson to be his own home. While it originally started out as his home, it now is one of the most unique attractions in Connecticut. You can book a tour of this unique house anywhere from the beginning of May to the end of November. Tours are given on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They are not open on Tuesday and Wednesday. The hours for every day except Sunday is from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. On Sundays, they open at 11:30 am and close at 5:30 pm. For just a tour of the glass house, tickets cost $25 for one hour. For more in-depth tours of both the house and galleries, there is a higher cost.
Stamford has several parks, but Cove Island is one of the most popular. The 83-acre park is also comprised of a beachfront that is located on the Long Island Sound. Cove Island is popular among residents and tourists alike mainly due to its activity opportunities such as rollerblading, biking, walking, barbecuing, swimming, and much more. There is also a tram which you can ride around the island in. One of the main reasons people visit this park is to have a picnic here. Aside from the park itself, the view goes perfect with a bite to eat. To get into Cove Island, there is no fee unless you arrive in a vehicle, in which case there would be a parking fee.
A great way to wrap up your visit to Stamford is to visit the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. The 93-acre attraction features several things within their doors, such as events and concerts, children’s camps and educational programs, and more. The botanical gardens showcases the flora and terrain of Southwestern New England. The Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens grounds are open every day from dawn till dusk. The office of the attraction is open from 9 am to 4 pm Mondays through Fridays. If there are special events going on, hours might change. The admission into Bartlett is free, unless certain events charge admission.
Best Way to Tour Stamford, CT
- The best way to tour the city of Stamford (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Prompt Bus Charters, you can order the buses you need. Prompt Bus Charters is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every needs. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Prompt Bus Charters can help you. Prompt Bus Charters offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Visit www.promptbuscharters.com to book your rental bus today!
Best Places to Eat/Shop
- Stamford Town Center – The Stamford Town Center, located in downtown Stamford, is one of the largest shopping malls in Connecticut. The mall is home to 3 anchor tenants, and it features over 100 stores, restaurants, and services.
- High Ridge Shopping Center – The High Ridge Shopping Center is another popular shopping destination within Stamford. They feature convenient every-day stores like grocery stores, as well as clothing retailers.
- Ridgeway Shopping Center – The Ridgeway Shopping Center is probable the second most popular mall in Stamford, coming after the Stamford Town Center. While it does seem kind of small, the mall features a decent variety of shops to choose from.
- Columbus Park Trattoria – Who doesn’t enjoy eating a fancy meal once in a while? If you decide to do so, head over to the Columbus Park Trattoria. The Italian restaurant is rated the #1 fine-dining restaurant in Stamford by tripadvisor (in 2018).
- Olio – If you’re looking for a great local place to eat at, head over to Olio. The American-International restaurant is both vegetarian and vegan friendly. It is rated the #1 local place to eat at in Stamford by tripadvisor (in 2018).
Enjoy your Trip!