City: Stamford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 39 Scofieldtown Rd.
2. Cove Island Park
City: Stamford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 977-5214
Address: 1281 Cove Rd.
Description: If you’re in far southwest Connecticut and want to beat the heat, come to Cove Island’s large open beaches, which are now open for nonresidents. One of the two beaches here is actually on the island, right at the mouth of a large inlet called Holly Pond. This is a jogger’s paradise, complete with a sign-posted loop. The park has areas for picnicking, biking, and rollerblading, along with a summer food court, a playground, a harbor for small boats, and fishing hot spots. In one corner a scenic rocky area faces Long Island, a favorite for photographers, and a small salt marsh is a great place for spotting birds. There is also an interpretive trail on which you’ll learn all about Long Island Sound.
City: Stamford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 307 Atlantic St.
4. Soundwaters Center And Schooner
City: Stamford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 323-1978
Address: 06902
Description: Take a ride on the 80-foot Soundwaters, a replica of an old three-masted schooner. The tours are 2.5 hours, and include lectures by trained naturalists. You might not pay too much attention, though, while you’re raising the sails, hauling in the net, and examining the day’s catch. Children under 5 are unfortunately not permitted on the boat. The schooner is attached to the Coastal Education Center in Cove Island Park, and here you can learn about the history and science of Long Island Sound. There are aquarium tanks, too, and if you’re there on Sat at 1 p.m., you’ll see the fish get fed.
5. 84 Park
City: Stamford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 973-0300
Address: 84 West Park Place
Description: This “ultra lounge” has all the low-lit Art Deco wonder and plush seating you expect from a nightclub, but is done just a little better. The DJs who spin here keep things mellow, except when things kick into high gear for a party or event. As well as being a hangout for Stamford’s sophisticated and wannabe sophisticated twentysomethings, 84 Park also hosts private gatherings and celebrations. But you probably want it on another night, maybe for karaoke or a masquerade ball, or just for a drink. There are VIP lounges with 19 tables, plasma televisions, and a kitchen that serves pan-Asian cuisine, and the bar makes impressive martinis and highballs.
6. Grand
City: Stamford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 323-3232
Address: 15 Bank St.
Description: Technically called g/r/a/n/d, this high-ceilinged nightclub in the center of downtown Stamford features cocktail hours at a sleek bar with glass panels that change colors, curved steel stairs and glass railings, and unusual serving trays. Upstairs you can find a quieter table to eat at, or head up to the lounge. The New American food here is a cut above most nightclubs, with “little plates” like Wagyu beef sliders and crispy artichoke hearts taking center stage. The macaroni and cheese in particular is fantastic. That makes this fascinating bar/restaurant/club the perfect place to take a date and spend all night. Just be careful about spilling the chocolate fondue on your clothes.
7. Curtain Call Theater
City: Stamford, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 329-8207
Address: 1349 Newfield Ave.
Description: This theater company was founded in 1990 as part of Stamford’s great cultural and business renaissance. The performances they put on are mostly musicals like 1776 or Annie, including some fun interactive murder mysteries. There are actually two stages here, the main one and the Dressing Room Theatre, to which you may bring your own dinner and drinks. The name of this venue is technically the Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, so don’t get confused if you see that being used sometimes instead. Students pay half price, although the ticket prices are incredibly low for Connecticut, period.