· The Westport Community Gardens – Fancy yourself a farmer, but don’t have the space (or desire to rip up your lawn)? Just south of Long Lots Elementary School is the solution! A hundred plots are available for residents and town employees to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Just as important as the bounty is the sense of community. Members trade seeds, tips, and gossip. They organize big parties, and small get-togethers. They also donate some of what they grow to food pantries.
· Westport Library Riverwalk and Garden - Start at the Westport library and follow the Saugatuck river past the Levitt Pavilion and over to Deadman Brook. This “secret” is just steps from downtown Westport, but you will feel you have the town to yourself!
· Newman Poses Preserve - Say hello to a flock of wild turkeys while you enjoy the diverse habitats of this preserve. Here you will find well-established trails through woodland, wetland, open fields, stands of old white pine, and a trail beside the Aspetuck River. The Newman-Poses Preserve is the only public memorial approved by the family of the late Paul Newman as a way to honor the actor and philanthropist.
· Leonard Schine Preserve & Children's Natural Playground - The Natural Playground was voted one of the Top 50 Playgrounds in the U.S. by Early Childhood Education Zone. It is constructed out of natural materials and is a wonderful way for children to be active and use their imaginations. In addition to the playground is a family nature trail that is perfect for families excited to explore the outdoors. You won’t believe how close to town this playground is. Truly, a hidden gem!
· Haskins Preserve - The 22-acre site — encompassing woods, meadows, two ponds, dams, and a spectacular assortment of rare trees -- is administered by the Aspetuck Land Trust. It’s a gift from Caryl and Edna Haskins, He was a noted scientist, author, inventor, philanthropist, government advisor and pioneering entomologist in the study of ant biology (!). She was a scientist too (diagnostics explosives, alkali metal hydrides, ant biology too), when few women entered the field. Haskins Preserve is on Green Acre Lane, just off South Compo.
Weston:
· The Weston Historical Society hosts plenty of intriguing events, but you don’t need a special reason to visit the sculpture garden on Weston Road. The six whimsical sculptures created by the late philanthropist Daniel Offutt III were previously displayed at his Kettle Creek Road home. Constructed out of recycled metal, they highlight the rural landscape the WHS’ Coley Homestead preserves.
· Lucius Pond Ordway/Devil's Den Preserve - The Lucius Pond Ordway/Devil's Den Preserve is the Connecticut Chapter's largest continuous preserve and the largest tract of protected land in densely developed Fairfield County. Its patchwork of woodlands, wetlands and rock ledges and a series of north-south ridges and valleys woven with streams and swamps make the Devil's Den ideal for low-impact outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching. Our own Laurie Morris owned a home for over 25 years near Devil’s Den. Her children grew up playing on these trails and have many happy memories there.
· Trout Brook Valley Preserve – A crown jewel of Aspetuck Valley Land trust, this 730 acre preserve is a hikers paradise with nearly 14 miles of pristine trails. If this isn’t enough for you, this preserve links with the Jump Hill and Crow Hill preserved to increase the milage to 20+ miles of trails. One of our favorites is the beautiful vista of the Saugatuck Reservoir from the Popp Mountain trail in the Weston Portion of Trout Brook Valley. These trails are wonderful, year-round!
· Bisceglie-Scribner Park – While not exactly hidden to Weston’s residents, this park is certainly a gem. Baseball fields, playgrounds and a perfect pond swimming hole, this park is perfect for local families looking for a day out. Sadly, this is only for Weston residents!
Fairfield:
· Penfield Mills Open Space – Take a trip back in time with a science and a history lesson at this beautiful hiking spot on Ash Creek. This area was Fairfield’s main harbor for many years. In the 1700’s, Peter Penfield built a dam and grist mills across the creek giving this area its name. Learn this and more as you walk or kayak through this beautiful saltwater marsh.
· CT Audubon Birdcraft Museum – Tucked in between I-95 and the train tracks, this gem of a location is walking distance to Fairfield’s downtown. The 6-acre grounds provide walking trails through strategically designed landscapes to attract both local and migrating birds. Inside, the beautiful stone building is a bird museum that explains how our area is critical in bird survival in the northeast.
· Southport Park – This 10-acre park tucked in behind downtown Southport has a natural playground complete with a “tree house” and slide, walking trails and even a view of the train tracks for those train lovers. Another hidden gem right under our noses!
· Ye Yacht Yard – Did you know Fairfield has 2 marinas? The second is a tiny little marina tucked in at the end of Harbor Rd in Southport. We think this little location has one of the best views around. Grab a cup of coffee in Southport village and take a short walk. Bring the kids and let them play in the tide pools. You won’t be disappointed!
· Perry’s Mill Pond – Every student in Fairfield knows this location because this is where the 3rd-5th grade go each year for their science field trip! This 58-acre open space is in the geographical center of Fairfield. It contains picturesque hiking trails along the mill river. Many people bring their dogs to walk here (on leash, please!).
· Lake Mohegan Open Space Area – Besides the swimming beach, Lake Mohegan is a mecca for local dog owners. The 170 acres are full of trails perfect for hiking with or without your dog. There’s even a dog beach! Many dogs will be off leash on the trails so please be aware.
· Connecticut Audubon Center of Fairfield – 155 acres of trails, ponds and birds! Great for hiking, year-round (even cross-country skiing) in the Roy & Margot Larsen Sanctuary trails. Visit the birds of prey at the rescue area behind the center for an up-close look. Inside is a small boutique and some other animals. The center runs activities year-round, including some great summer and vacation camps.
Norwalk/Rowayton:
· Rowayton Dog Park – Tucked into charming Rowayton, adjacent to the library and potting shed, is the perfect place to run your pooch and make some friends. This hidden gem will be a winner with all of the newly re-located city folk!
· Bayley Beach – Free for the local Rowyaton residents, this beach is a quiet respite from the better known Calf Pasture beach. Non-residents can pay a daily usage fee to enjoy the children’s playground, basketball court, volleyball area and outdoor showers. The Pavilion includes Di's Sea Shanty snack bar, restrooms, and changing rooms. Picnic tables and barbecues are available.
· Farm Creek Preserve – Part of the Norwalk Land Trust, this 16 acre part is filled with trails and a tidal estuary. Everyone who visits Farm Creek Preserve is an amateur biologist, just ask the Norwalk public school 4th graders who visit this preserve as part of their science curriculum!
· Norwalk Islands – A chain of about 25 islands running from Norwalk to southern Westport. The best known of these islands in Sheffield Island which has a ferry from late May-September, a lighthouse and mansion. Other islands of note are Chimon, Shea, L’Hannock & Cockonoe (Westport). Many of these island have beaches, and Shea Island is even available for camping (permit required). Visit them in a small boat or kayak. These islands are full of hidden gems, we’ve only named a few and we hope you will share any you discover!
Central Norwalk:
· Norwalk River Valley Trail – 30 miles connecting Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, Connecticut to Rogers Park in Danbury, passing through Wilton, Ridgefield, and Redding along the way. The Norwalk segment begins at Calf Pasture Beach and follows the Norwalk River on a hard surface and stone dust trail. The following sites are worth a stop and visit along the way:
o Taylor Farm Park – This Park is known for allowing dogs to be off-leash, so if you are looking for a place for you and your pup to play, this is place!
o Veterans Park & Marina – A 35 acre park that includes a marina and boat launch site, a playground, bicycle, and jogging paths, basketball courts, soccer, hockey, and football fields, baseball diamonds, visitor docks with full power available, a boating center and marina. The Park also includes a walk esplanade overlooking scenic Norwalk Harbor. The NRVT splits at this location to travel along either side of the river allowing you to choose your own adventure for the day.
o Oyster Shell Park – A unique place from which to view the Norwalk Harbor and both waterfronts east and west of the Norwalk River. A 9-hole disc golf course is also a large attraction. Unlike Taylor Farm Park, no dogs are allowed at this park.
o Mathews Park – Known for the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion and Stepping Stones Children’s Museum, this park also has a playground, tennis courts, picnic areas and a historic cemetery. Well worth a stop off on your travels.
Wilton/Redding:
· Offinger’s Farm on Chestnut Hill Road. In the family since 1929, it’s the place to grab fresh-picked tomatoes, onions, squash, beets, rhubarb, corn and whatever else is in season. It’s not the only farm stand in the area, but it’s one of the best.
· Ambler Farm – While not exactly hidden, we love it so much, it must make the list. Animals, Farm Stand, and events galore, this farm is more than a gem to have in Wilton. With its focus on education, this is the place to be to lean about maple sugaring, sheep shearing and much, much more.
· Weir Farm – A National Park for Art! The home of American Impressionist Julian Alden Weir, the Farm is now a center for impressionist art. Walk the stunning grounds and make a sketch of your own. Bring the kids and follow along with the Jr. Ranger program to earn a patch at the end.
· New Pond Farm – A year-round environmental education center and working farm. Learn to milk a cow, make maple syrup and how the Native Americans in our area lived. While we think this place is a gem, it is definitely not hidden. Register for programs well in advance as they fill up fast!
· Putnam Memorial State Park – “Connecticut’s Valley Forge” Learn about all things revolutionary war at this state park. See where the continental army encamped for the winter of 1778-1779. Imagine the life of a soldier during this time in the tiny huts. There is an indoor museum center in addition to the outdoor encampment and a park with walking trails, a playground and picnic tables.