by B. B. James

Created on: October 12, 2009

Situated on Long Island Sound, Stamford, CT, is rich in nautical and botanic pleasures in the summer, as well as offering options for visitors who are interested in Colonial America. The charming downtown area provides a sophisticated stopover for a meal and shopping, too.

Visitors to Stamford in the summer usually head for Cove Island Park, a large public park that offers swimming, boating, and fishing. The park is large enough that even on the busiest days, a spot can easily be found on the beach or under trees on the grassy area near the sound. Lifeguards and meticulous cleanup of the beach area make it a charming and safe spot for families, while the recreational areas (tennis, soccer, frisbee, etc.) can keep even the most active busy all day. Novices can rent canoes, kayaks and rowboats at Cove Island, and boat owners can tow in their own. Either way, it's a great way to spend an afternoon.

Stamford's other major park is Bartlett Arboretum, a 60-acre area of woodlands, gardens, and marsh. Walking paths have been built throughout the woodlands, and a wooden boardwalk skirts along the edge of part of the marsh. If your timing is right, you'll see waterfowl floating in the marshes and perched in the trees. The gardens included an immense areas devoted to magnolias and rhododendrons. For tea drinkers, the arboretum's collection of tea plants from around the world will be a sure winner (and tea from some of the leaves can be purchased in the gift shop and at the weekly farmer's market on-site).

The Stamford Nature Center is near the Bartlett Arboretum. It's geared to kids of age 12 and under, and it includes a petting zoo, and farm equipment that kids can climb. There's also a planetarium, though it has very limited hours.

As befits an important Colonial city that was directly on the route from New York to Boston, Stamford has an active historical society. During the summer months, the society puts on events almost every weekend. There are demonstrations of blacksmithing, horseshoeing, and various military drills. There are cooking and crafts demonstrations. Some events take place on the lawn in front of the impressive old city government building that the historical society now maintains, and others take place around town.

Being a fairly wealthy city in a very wealthy state, Stamford also has all the amenities that could be desired: golf courses, spas, luxury shopping, quality accommodations, and a thriving art-and-theater scene. The hotels are mostly name-brand chains, but they are very good versions of those hotels; for example, there's a Marriott Spa hotel. And there are two options for independents: The Chesterfield and the Amsterdam. More than 150 local restaurants run the gamut from casual cafes to luxury French and Italian dining.

Finally, Stamford's location is ideal for making it base to visit the rest of southern Connecticut and the adjoining areas of New York. Consider it for your next trip.

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