As someone who grew up in Fairfield, I remember thinking to myself in high school, wow this town is boring – there’s nothing to do here! Then I went to Penn State for college. I quickly learned that some people actually live in the middle of nowhere. They genuinely don’t have anything to do, like they hang out at a store called Wegmans or at a Walmart. They don’t have a movie theater nearby, or a mall, or the BEACH! I quickly became a lot more grateful and nostalgic for the town I grew up in, and currently still live in. If you are ever feeling the same, don’t fret, because I’m going to go through the best things to do in Fairfield, CT.
Things to do in Fairfield, CT
Take A Walk On The Beach
Fairfield is blessed to have two public beaches, and often I think I am not grateful enough for them! I remember this strange sensation when I was at Penn State, of truly being landlocked. I don’t know how to explain the feeling, but I felt almost claustrophobia after months away from the beach. Pennsylvanian locals would tell me they would rent a camper to go to the beach. They’d drive SIX hours to go to the beach, and that honest to god blew my mind.
When I’m home, (and the weather is nice), one of my favorite things to do in Fairfield, CT is to go for a walk along the beach at least once a month! It’s fun to try to time it, so you can walk out on the jetty towards the lighthouse when it hits low tide. Are the Fairfield Beaches the nicest beaches the nicest in the work? Definitely not, but it is most certainly better than no beach!
Go To The Farmers Market On The Treen (Summer Sundays)
One of my favorite things to do in Fairfield, CT is going to the farmers market. You inevitably always see someone you know, catch up with the vendors, and buy fresh and delicious food! There’s also flowers, seafood caught that morning, sourdough bread, bao buns, quiches, cured meats, locally brewed spiked cider, and so much more!
All the food products we’ve bought from here give our meals a level of freshness you just don’t get from food at the grocery store! Plus, it always makes me feel good to know that my purchase is helping to support my community!
Catch A Movie At The Community Theater
After years of this theater not looking so hot, it’s been restored to its former glory! Sacred Heart bought the run down building, renovated it, and now we have our very own movie theater downtown. While it sometimes doesn’t show the newest movies right exactly when they come out, it’s not too far and cheaper than other theaters!
While I personally would rather pay more to lay down in the reclining seats at the AMC, the SHU Community Theater is still a Fairfield establishment and a great last minute option to have! They have other events, like comedy shows and live music. You can see these not too far from home and at a great price!
Get A Coffee And Work At Las Vetas
One of the most perfect, romanticizing your life things to do in Fairfield, CT, is to go to Las Vetas. Las Vetas is a coffee shop not too far from the train station or Playa Bowls, that has vintage everything. Everything is thrifted, so the mugs and tables are all slightly different. There’s all kinds of decorations from records, to photo walls to old books. The vibe is eclectic and warm. This makes it a place many people come to chat, do work on their computer, or hang out.
It helps that the food and coffee are also yummy as well! Hanging out at Las Vetas is truly a part of the Fairfield experience. It’s especially a great place to go when you have some free time.
Eating a Pizza From Colony at Sasco
Another classic Fairfield activity starts with getting pizza from Colony, one of the best pizza places in town (you can read more about the best restaurants here). Next, take a drive over to Sasco beach and back into a parking spot. Then sit and eat in your trunk as you watch the sunset!
Whether you do this with friends, family, or alone, watching the sunset with good food will always be a peaceful and enjoyable experience!
Go On A Hike Around Lake Mohegan
A great place to stretch your legs, be in nature, and see tons of dogs, is Lake Mohegan. Around the lake is acres and acres of land with many paths of varying difficulty, as well as a small private beach, which I do not personally recommend (the lake is man made and is closed because for one reason or another, algae, bacteria, way too often).
Lake Mo is a great place to go with your family and dog, friends, significant other, or just by yourself! After a long week at work, nothing feels better than to disconnect and go for a walk in nature.
Get Ice Cream at Sunny Daes or Frozen Yogurt at 16 Handles
After any school concert or production, kids sports games, or truly any night during the summer, there will be people congregating at Sunny Daes of 16 Handles. There are two Sunny Daes, one on Black Rock near Country Cow, the other on the Post Road near WichDay, and thank goodness there are two! Neither stores have tons of seating inside, so people sit outside on the benches and hang out.
People like to argue which Sunny Daes is better. I think probably the one closest to you, that feels most nostalgic, is the one people prefer. I’ve tried the same ice cream flavors at both places and personally think that the Black Rock location is better, but it’s also the closer one to me, so be your own judge!
16 Handles is frozen yogurt, not ice cream, but it is also pretty good! As maybe you can guess from the name, there are 16 levers that you can pull to make your own bowl. There are many different toppings you can add, from cookie dough, to candy, to marshmallow sauce, you can customize your bowl to be exactly what you want! 16 Handles also has more options for people who are dairy free or have allergies compared to either of the Sunny Daes. Regardless of where you go, there’s always a delicious sweet treat that you can get in town!
