Destination Fairfiled Connecticut
Free Places to Visit in One of New England's Best Towns
Jun 29, 2009
Voted one of the best places to live by CNN in 2006 and one of the preppiest in the 1960 bestseller, “The Official Preppy Handbook,” Fairfield in Southwestern CT has been gradually changing from a relatively sleepy commuter town to a lively community that offers a variety of free recreational activities all year long.
Fairfield's Historic Greenfield Hills
A visit to the Fairfield Museum and History Center will help orient visitors to the town. The museum offers displays on local history, art and decorative arts. Fairfield has many interesting and diverse sections. The most famous and perhaps the most picturesque landmark is the Greenfield Hill. Stop by the Congregational Church which presides over a classic New England green. Timothy Dwight IV was president of Yale University and the pastor of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church from 1783 to 1795. Considered a reactionary in his day, (he was against the smallpox vaccination) he is noted for his contribution as a religious and educational leader. Other famous residents in Greenfield Hill include Robert Penn Warren, author of “All the King’s Men,” and the conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. Guided walking tours are also available.
Fairfield's Audubon Society Offers Nature Trails
Visit the Fairfield Audubon Society Center (separate from the Birdcraft Museum on Burr Street and the Sanctuary on Unquowa Road) and spend some time meandering the six miles of boardwalk nature trails in a 160-acre wildlife sanctuary with a nature center. Another very popular hiking destination with locals is Lake Mohegan, which includes waterfalls called The Cascades. It’s a hidden gem visitors should not miss.
Fairfield University Regina Center for the Arts
Interested in culture, Fairfield University’s Regina Center for the Arts on North Benson Avenue/ The Center has free gallery exhibits of works by the masters and contemporary artists. Also stop by Sacred Heart University located on Park Avenue holds five free art exhibitions each year. Concerts are held at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts and many are open to the public at no cost. Visit their websites for scheduled events.
The Sherman Green in Fairfield
Free open air evening concerts during the summer are a treat on the Sherman Green Lawn in the center of town. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic dinner; then sit back and listen to the music while the stars glitter overhead.
Fairfield's Beaches and Playgrounds
No list of free recreational facilities would be complete without mentioning the wonderful beaches along the Long Island Sound coastline. Fairfield boasts Jennings Beach, Penfield Beach, Richards Beach, Sasco Beach, South Pine Creek Beach, and Southport Beach. Beaches are open to the general public since they are Federal property; however, there is a fee for parking and car stickers are required for entry. The beach has a playground for children, bathhouse and snack bars. Outside showers and concessions are available to the general public. The kids will also enjoy Henry Rowland Memorial Playground.
For more information the town has a website and video with highlights that offer a good overview of what is available.
