The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Stamford, Connecticut Now
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The city meets the country in this sophisticated region of Connecticut. Since 1641, the nation’s best and brightest have been calling Stamford, Connecticut their home, and for good reason. Whether you’re walking miles upon miles of scenic shoreline, shopping local boutiques or enjoying a superb foodie scene—you’ll quickly find that there is never a dull moment in this vibrant city, that is both spirited and diverse.
Source: Connecticut Office of Tourism
In the Harbor Point district, you can stroll the boardwalk and even rent a kayak or a paddleboat. The district hosts live music and performances, block parties, farmer’s markets, craft shows, movie nights, and more throughout the year. Although Stamford is a small city, you'll get to experience numerous cultures thanks to the city's diverse population. From the bustling urban shopping centers to the breathtaking parks and historical sites, this city has something for everyone. These are the top five reasons why Stamford, Connecticut should be on your bucket list.
1. THE CUISINE & COCKTAILS
Flinders Lane Kitchen & Bar is a modern Australian restaurant in the Lower East Side of Stamford that takes you down under. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Watermelon Smash Cocktail with vodka, basil, lemon and fresh watermelon—concocted with rhubarb-infused Park alpine dry gin, Campari, and vermouth or give the Smokey Sunsets Cocktail with scotch, pineapple, vanilla, cinnamon bitters, blood orange, and pop of Champagne a try.
Sometimes cultures collide in the most delicious way—Flinders Lane Kitchen & Bar is the premier place to unwind and enjoy delicious starters, small plates and mains after a day in Stamford, Connecticut. Favorite dishes include Thai Kangaroo Salad with cucumber, tomato, lemongrass, cilantro, mint, and chili-lime dressing, Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad with shallots and red wine vinaigrette, Pan Seared Branzino with carrot ginger puree, fennel herb salad and asparagus, House Made Potato Gnocchi with lemon ricotta, mushrooms, parsley, chives, and Grana Padano—as well as Shrimp & Lobster Linguine with chili butter, chives, and pangritata.
Take the time to indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy one of many decadent desserts such as Grandma Stewart’s Legendary Sticky Date Pudding with caramel sauce, ice cream or Longford' Small Batch Ice Cream & Sorbet.
2. THE ART
The Stamford Art Association’s Townhouse Gallery holds eight shows each year. Two of which are solo exhibits and six are juried exhibits with prominent jurors from art schools, galleries and institutions in New York and surrounding areas, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum, Bruce Museum, and Museum of Modern Art.
Source: Stamford Art Association
The highest quality of their shows is assured by the renowned jurors they attract from neighboring museums and art galleries. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday from 12pm to 3pm.
3. THE SHOPPING
Conveniently located in downtown Stamford, Stamford Town Center is not just a shopping center, it is an entertainment center. The urban shopping center has been a beloved landmark in the heart of downtown since its grand opening.
Source: Connecticut Office of Tourism
This world-class shopping destination with over 120 retailers include favorites such as Safavieh, Brooks Brothers, J. Crew, Sephora, and Macy’s.
4. THE GARDENS
Nestled among the historic landscape of Southwestern New England, Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is a natural preserve like no other in this region. The gardens feature nearly 100-acres of irreplaceable open space highlighting the best of what Connecticut's native landscape has to offer: magnificent award-winning Champion trees, charming gardens, wildflower meadows, red maple wetlands and boardwalks, woodland walking trails, varied wildlife, and native habitats.
With 13 distinct gardens and hundreds of new species to discover, Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A sampling of unique gardens include the Sensory Garden, Herb Garden and Cottage Garden. For weekend gardeners to budding young botanists, the gardens offers a place to relax, learn, and unplug.
5. THE BEACHES
With 2 gorgeous sandy beaches, Cove Island Wildlife Sanctuary is also one of only 27 recognized important bird areas in the state by the National Audubon Society. The park is known to contain a wide diversity of wildlife, including over 50 species of butterfly and 309 species of birds.
Source: Connecticut Office of Tourism
Situated on the Long Island Sound, West Beach is spread across 26-acres. Included you’ll find a pond, six ball fields, two soccer fields, six tennis courts, a basketball court, a restrooms, concession buildings, beach volleyball courts, and open lawn space.
WHERE TO STAY IN STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT
Welcome to The Lloyd Hotel Stamford, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, where upon arrival, the striking design, warm hospitality, and whatever-you-need mindset will delight you. Located in the heart of downtown Stamford, and conveniently surrounded by restaurants and office parks—you’ll experience a uniquely curated boutique hotel outfitted with designer West Elm furniture, the highest level of service, and luxurious amenities.
