Daytime things to do in Norwalk, CT?

October 6, 2007 4:15 PM

I have an evening meeting in Norwalk, CT on Monday (late) afternoon. I'll have the better part of Monday to burn, and am looking for something/s to kill a few hours with.

I love museums, zoos, aquariums, etc, or even just a good park/beach/other spot to read a book/take photos/people watch. I know it's close, but I'd prefer not to go in to NYC for the day, and am looking for Norwalk (and close surroundings) specific suggestions.

(I'm 23 and female if it matters)

Thanks in advance!

posted by rinosaur to Travel & Transportation around Norwalk, CT (13 answers total)

There's the Maritime Aquarium, which is in South Norwalk and has an IMAX theater. The neighborhood is a decent place to people-watch although the gentrification is a little out of hand these days. But still, just across the bridge you can stroll at the beach.
posted by janell at 4:34 PM on October 6, 2007

Having gone to high school in Connecticut, I prefer to think of the state as a desolate wasteland from which I barely escaped. However, South Norwalk (sometimes abbreviated to "SoNo" by people hoping to hype the area) has some fun little shops and restaurants. I suggest The Maritime Aquarium; after looking at the fishies, you can wander south to see the historic district near Haviland and Elizabeth streets (referenced in this Wikipedia article), or simply peruse Main Street for whatever boutiques have opened up there in recent years.
posted by Help, I can't stop talking! at 4:37 PM on October 6, 2007

3rding the Maritime aquarium. This question reminded me that I want to go again. Thanks.
posted by horsemuth at 6:37 PM on October 6, 2007

The Beardsley Zoo is down the road in Bridgeport. But if I had to choose where to take an out-of-towner, yeah, I'd go for the Maritime Aquarium and environs. You really only need to find one place to park, the area is quite compact. Weather looks like it'll be nice on Monday, too...
posted by gnomeloaf at 7:48 PM on October 6, 2007

I agree with the above. Here are a couple other suggestions:

Sherwood Island State Park in neighboring Westport is a lovely place to walk and sit.

Stew Leonard's is worth a visit if you haven't seen it. The store is at 100 Westport Avenue and a sight to behold. It's the Disneyland of grocery stores.

(Wilton, CT native here)
posted by girlhacker at 8:20 PM on October 6, 2007

Well, if you're in the market for a zoo trip, you could come to my house in Norwalk. I have a guinea pig and two cockatiels.

Seriously, tho, yes, visit the Maritime Aquarium. If you take a stroll around as Help suggested, stop in at Chocopologie, the cafe of Knipschildt Chocolatier, which is cute and has delicious take-home stuff. Wander around SoNo if you like to poke around in little shops. The weather should be nice, so if you're in the beach mood, go on to Calf Pasture and relax. I think the mini golf over there should be open, too.
posted by houseofdanie at 9:12 PM on October 6, 2007

Oh! I don't know where you're coming from, but if you don't have Trader Joe's where you are, go on over to the one in Darien or the one in Westport. They're both just a few minutes from Norwalk.
posted by houseofdanie at 9:14 PM on October 6, 2007

Personal opinion - skip Sherwood Island and visit Compo Beach instead. It's off season now so free to get in, and imho nicer to visit.

Cranbury Park in Norwalk is also nice, but more in that "if you're already there" sense of the word.

(not a resident, but I work in Wilton so spend many a lunch hour at some of these spots)
posted by devbrain at 10:32 PM on October 6, 2007

nthing the Maritime Aquarium. I actually camped out there on a class trip once in middle school... they called the program Sleep With The Sharks. The Stew Leonards suggestion made me hungry... I used to go get lunch from their massive food buffet there. You can get a huge container full of delicious food for the same amount of money you would spend at a fast food place. Anyone here know the name of that greasy little hot dog shack when you get off 'The Wiz' exit on 95 south? Thats a fun lunch joint too.
posted by hummercash at 8:38 AM on October 7, 2007

If it is a nice day I suggest Cranbury Park. It is a beautiful old estate turned into a park that used to be "the" place to hang out around there, although I imagine it has changed a lot since the um 70s. It used to be called Gallaghers. Walking trails, trees to climb and people watching. Great place to bring a book and laze around.
posted by okbye at 10:48 AM on October 7, 2007

hummercash, are you talking about Swanky Frank's? The name alone makes me smile. But sadly, The Wiz is no longer.
posted by houseofdanie at 12:07 AM on October 8, 2007

mmmm, Swanky Franks... I live in OR now, but I do miss the Swanky Dog.
posted by janell at 1:46 PM on October 8, 2007

yup, Swanky Franks... thats it. My favorite is still Rawley's on Post Rd. in Fairfield... but I don't think Chico works the grill anymore ;/

1 dog with cheese and bacon
1 order of fries
1 chocolate shake
posted by hummercash at 5:46 PM on October 8, 2007