Fairfield

People & Lifestyle

Fairfield is home to five town beaches, two well-known universities, many parks, marinas, ball fields, two public golf courses, numerous open-air spaces and a vibrant array of fine dining and specialty retail destinations.

Fairfield residents are known for being well-educated, culturally-minded with flourishing careers. People like to stay busy and on-the-go, which is part of the attraction to the area thanks to its proximity to the I-95 and Merritt Parkway. It is also only 50 miles away from New York City.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Do not be fooled by the name, Firehouse Deli might sound like it serves lunch sandwiches and little else, but it is actually an awesome place to get a quick breakfast. French toast, bacon and eggs, bagels, omelets, and more are available first thing in the morning—a perfect, savory meal to go alongside a piping hot mug of coffee.

For something more upscale, Artisan Restaurant, created by the combined expertise of cooking pioneers Rick Wahlstedt, Frederic Kieffer, and Charles Mallory, fuses American cuisine with New England flair. Emphasizing a farm-to-table approach, the restaurant is cozy with country decor paired with a tavern-like setup.

Brick Walk Tavern is another excellent spot for dinner. An award-winning restaurant with an incredibly unique menu, Brick Walk’s chefs are intent on creating a memorable experience for each and every guest.

Hidden away in a shopping center is a popular taqueria known as the Bodega Taco Bar, which serves inventive Mexican food and a variety of tequila-based cocktails.

Searching for a relaxed, Irish pub setting? Colony Grill serves incredible thin-crust pizza in their signature hot oil. Brick + Wood is another hotspot for pizza, baking both custom-made and wood-fired pies. Italian street food is also one of their specialties.

Locals enjoy grocery shopping at The Pantry, the number one gourmet specialty foods shop in Fairfield. Meals are available there, too. Their award-winning pastries, prepared meals section, salad bar, and deli allows guests to pick exactly what they want.

Things to Do

The annual Dogwood Festival is one of the oldest family-oriented festivals in Fairfield. When gorgeous white and pink buds from the 10,000+ dogwood trees begin to bloom during spring, residents gather to wander the tree-lined streets and visit the many vendors who show up to sell their wares during this special festival. There are lots of events held during the festival, as well, such as races, live music, activities for children, and much more.

Penfield Pavilion is a popular event and wedding venue in Fairfield. The larger of two pavilions in the area, it has a covered deck and the ability to accommodate up to 300 guests. Scenic, unobstructed views of the water create the perfect backdrop for a cocktail party or gathering.

Sherman Green Gazebo, which has been standing for more than twenty years in Fairfield, is another popular entertainment spot that famously hosts the summer concert series.

In Fairfield, locals love attending the annual Sidewalk Sale. The neighboring town of Westport also hosts a similar event. Hosted by Fairfield Center, shops along Sherman Green set up bargain racks and major sales outdoors so people can mill through the streets and find incredible sales. Fashion, jewelry, books, home decor, clothing, and much more are available to purchase.

Sports lovers are in luck too because Fairfield is home to innumerable recreational activities including 6 private and public golf courses, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, swimming and boating. With over 170 acres of parks, visitors and residents alike have plenty of space to spread out and move.

Schools

• Fairfield Ludlowe and Fairfield Warde High Schools
• Fairfield Woods, Roger Ludlowe and Tomlinson Middle Schools
• Burr, Dwight, Holland Hill, Jennings, McKinley, Mill Hill, North Stratfield, Osborn, Riverfield, Sherman, Stratfield Elementary Schools
• Fairfield Country Day
• Fairfield Prep
• Fairfield University
• Sacred Heart University