Arts, Eats, and Ease by the Coast

From trail to coast, Fairfield County brings all the chill vibes you need. Hike with llamas, sip wine, see art, cruise The Sound, pamper yourself, and stroll walkable main streets.

Travel

2-3 days

Seasons

Spring
Summer
Winter
Fall

Stops

Rowanwood Farm
Aquila’s Nest Vineyards
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Spa at Delamar Greenwich Harbor
L’escale
SoundWaters
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Downtown Westport
Westport Country Playhouse
Inn at Longshore

People walking llamas along vineyard path in green landscape

Rowanwood Farm

Begin your trip with something truly unique – llama hiking! Pair up with one of these gentle creatures for a peaceful stroll through nature. After, find even more relaxation at Newtown Salt Spa where you'll chill in a room filled with calming and healing Himalayan salt.

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Hand holding waffle cone with ice cream near creamery stand

Ferris Acres Creamery

Yellow summer squash in basket and flowers labeled Farm Fresh on wood slice

Castle Hill Farm

Couple toasting with wine in vineyard at sunset

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards

Stop by Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, an innovative, experience-focused winery, tasting room and event venue on a 40-acre estate. Hang in a 75-seat wine bar and tasting room with a baby grand piano, and an outdoor seating terrace overlooking the vineyards. In some seasons, you can even rent private pergolas and fire pits.

Colorful wall installation with a woman observing in an art gallery

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Next, explore The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, one of the few non-collecting contemporary art museums in the United States, playing an important role in the exhibition of cutting-edge art.

While in the area, check out the Ridgefield Cultural District for live theaters, museums, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, shops, a park with an accessible playground, formal gardens, and free concerts. Then stay over at The West Lane Inn.

Marina with yachts docked near a large illuminated waterfront building at dusk

Spa at Delamar Greenwich Harbor

The next day, pamper yourself at Spa at Delamar Greenwich Harbor. Enjoy a wide array of custom treatments including nail services, waxing, facials, massage, and body treatments by Biologique Recherce and Valmont.

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Greenwich Beach shoreline with people walking, grassy dunes, and cloudy sky

Sandy beach with people walking and houses in the distance under cloudy sky

Island Beach

Sculptures shaped like rockets made of colored material that reflects light in a gallery with large windows.

Bruce Museum

People dining at outdoor tables beneath a red Versailles restaurant awning

Table with ros√© wine, salad, guacamole with chips, and roasted vegetables

Bistro V

Raspberry tart with cream and edible flowers on wooden surface

L’escale

After your spa treatment, dine waterside at l’escale for seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, designed to transport the ambiance of Provence to the Gold Coast of Connecticut.

Sailboat with three white sails sailing on dark blue water

SoundWaters

Then sail Long Island Sound aboard the 80′ schooner SoundWaters for a two-hour sunset or afternoon sail. And after all that time on the sea, check into The Stamford Hotel or The Lloyd.

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Waterfront restaurant Prime with dock and American flag

Dining tables with striped chairs near a modern fireplace and holiday decorations

Prime Stamford

Colorful flowering plants in pots on green lawn with blooming pink trees

Garden bed with pink flowers, green foliage, and a small tree

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens

Asian dishes with shrimp salad and rice, served with two glasses of red wine

Pearl East

Child with pigtails looking at kelp and fish in aquarium tank

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Come nose-to-nose with sharks, seals, river otters, sea turtles, jellies, and other amazing animals at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk — plus enjoy public cruises, hands-on touch tanks, and 4D theater. After, sit down at farm-chic restaurant The Tavern at GrayBarns.

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People sitting on bench by water under large tree, child walking nearby

Sandy beach with calm water and trees providing shade at Calf Pasture, Norwalk

Calf Pasture & Shady Beach

Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Harbor Tour

Grilled seafood salad with squid, octopus, peppers, and onions

El Segundo

Downtown Westport

Browse downtown Westport for high-end boutiques and cosmetics, name brand stores, and restaurants – all with a waterfront backdrop. While in the area, don’t miss a trip to The Collective West, owned by celebrity designer Christian Siriano.

Westport Country Playhouse

That evening, enjoy a show at Westport Country Playhouse, an award-winning professional theater devoted to the production of contemporary new plays as well as timeless classics.

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