Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Where Art, Nature and Science Intersect in Stamford

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a unique cultural landmark that combines art, pop culture, and nature in a way that's fun for visitors of all ages. This Stamford-area attraction comprises more than 80 acres of nature trails, which are ideal for exploring the area’s native wildlife and natural wonders.

The rolling meadow hosts numerous picnic spots if your nature walk works up an appetite, and kids of all ages will love to visit the animals at the center’s Heckscher Farm. Exhibits change regularly in the Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries, but you’ll always find stunning displays of modern art and science. At the top of the Stamford Museum, a fully-operating observatory contains a 22-inch research telescope that offers visitors over age 5 a chance to view the starry night sky.

Whether you come to enjoy nature, to learn about science or to immerse yourself in art — or a combination of all three — you'll likely enjoy a visit to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center!

Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT 06903
(203) 322-1646
www.stamfordmuseum.org

Black Forest Pastry Shop: Treat Your Coworkers to Tasty German Pastries

In the Stamford area, Black Forest Pastry Shop is the resident German bakery for all of your chocolate, cake, and pastry needs. This downtown Greenwich shop bakes all of its delicious confections from scratch each day, and it even offers handcrafted lattes for those who want to pop in for a coffee and a pastry on their way to work.

Black Forest Pastry Shop specializes in hot cross buns, traditional German pastries, and colorful cakes for special occasions, as well as cookies and tortes that can be purchased by the dozen. The casual interior is filled with glass pastry cases overflowing with intricately decorated sweets and breads, and its friendly employees are always on hand to take a custom order for a wedding, birthday party, or corporate function.

The shop is open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays.

Black Forest Pastry Shop
52 Lewis Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
(203) 629-9330
www.blackforestpastryshop.com
www.yelp.com/biz/black-forest-pastry-shop-greenwich

Sterling Farms Golf Club: Where Golf, Dining and Theater Are a Hole in One

Sterling Farms Golf Club is a beautifully remote, scenic golf facility designed for players of all skill levels. This unique course is located on park-like grounds that comprise 144 acres of a once-operating dairy farm, and although it was first designed in 1969, it has since been renovated by renowned golf course architect Robert McNeil.

The par 72 course features 18 holes of varying levels of difficulty, and its heated driving range offers ample practice space all year round. Experienced golf pros hold private lessons at the course for those who want to improve their game, and there are frequent tournaments if you want to show off your skills. Have dinner at the Sterling Restaurant or even take in a movie after your golf game at the course’s historic Curtain Call Theater located on the grounds!

Sterling Farms Golf Club
1349 Newfield Avenue
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 461-9090
www.sterlingfarmsgc.com
www.facebook.com/SterlingFarmsGC

The Paper Store: Much More Than Just Stationery

The Paper Store is a must-see shop for stationery enthusiasts in the Stamford area, as this adorable gift store is filled to the brim with unique paper goods, greeting cards, and thoughtful gifts galore. Contrary to its name, the store sells much more than just paper, and you may find yourself browsing its colorful shelves for a full afternoon!

Clothing items and handbags from popular names like Vera Bradley make great gifts for a loved one or even for yourself, while cell phone covers and other electronic accessories are offered in bright, bold patterns. The Paper Store also sells customizable jewelry items from brands like Chamilia and Kendra. The baby section is filled with adorable trinkets and clothing items that any new family would love to receive as a gift, and there is even a wide selection of toys for older children.

The Paper Store
2215 Summer Street
Stamford CT 06905
(203) 324-6907
www.thepaperstore.com

Let the Good Times Roll at Bowlmor Lanes in Norwalk

Formerly known as AMF Rip Van Winkle Lanes, Norwalk's Bowlmor Lanes is replete with amenities that make this bowling alley a favorite among locals. Traditionalists will appreciate the venue's reliable equipment, 38 refurbished lanes, a bar area with cold brews and pub snacks, and weekly league play, while those seeking an experience with more flair can expect some top-class amenities and entertainment options. These include craft beers and custom cocktails, laneside food and drink service, and an arcade with billiards, air hockey, even laser tag.

Professional event planners can even help you organize a great birthday party, office outing, or fundraiser at Bowlmor!

Bowlmor Norwalk
701 Connecticut Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 838-7501
amf.com/ripvanwinklelanes
www.yelp.com/biz/amf-rip-van-winkle-lanes-norwalk

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Ferguson Library: So Much More Than Just Books

Local libraries reflect a community’s commitment to provide locals with educational opportunities, computer resources, and cultural enrichment, and Stamford’s Ferguson Library does just that. The interior is spacious and welcoming, offering many spaces to read and work (with lots of electrical outlets for your laptop or tablet). The library staff is always willing to help you locate a book or film, assist you at a computer terminal, or reserve one of the library's meeting rooms for you. Book lovers and bargain hunters will also enjoy the unique used bookstore located on the library’s main floor.

Expansive offerings for kids and teens not only include books, magazines and films, but also age-appropriate social programming. Other events at the library include public readings by authors, workshops and classes, film screenings, essay contests, and musical performances. Check the calendar on the library’s website to see what events are scheduled next.

Ferguson Library
1 Public Library Plaza
Stamford, CT 06904
(203) 964-1000
www.fergusonlibrary.org
www.yelp.com/biz/ferguson-library-stamford-4

Unleash Your Creativity at Franklin Street Works in Stamford

As cities develop, property owners recognize that not every building can be a profit center. Sometimes you need to create space for an area’s cultural life to grow, and the Franklin Street Works is in Stamford a great example.

This contemporary studio and cafe has developed into a hub of the city's up-and-coming arts scene, and its mission is all-inclusive. Franklin Street Works consists of three separate gallery spaces and an attached cafe. founded by Kathryn Emmett. She's a former partner at a local law firm who decided to follow her passion and create a space where the art she loved could flourish, and she’s done a spectacular job. The galleries also host a variety of programs that serve to further illuminate the art on display. In addition, numerous workshops give hands-on art instruction to locals for free. The cafe is notable for serving high-end artisanal coffee, perfect for kick-starting your synapses in the morning.

Franklin Street Works
41 Franklin Street
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 595-5211
www.franklinstreetworks.org
www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-street-works-stamford

Lorca: Authentic Churros and Fresh Coffee in Stamford

Stamford’s Lorca combines craftsmanship, charm, and of course, coffee! Owner Leyla Dam was trained as an architect but she decided to channel her love of good coffee and Spanish food into her own business.

Dam traveled to Sevilla to learn how to make churros, the skinny Spanish doughnut, from the authentic source, and then spent a year working at an artisan coffee bar to bring her java skills up to par. The bustling activity level at this Stamford cafe proves that Dam's efforts have paid off, and the churros here win raves. Served with a dark chocolate dipping sauce, they’re bound to become your new favorite sweet treat. If you’re feeling like something more savory, go for a breakfast sandwich.

Visit Lorca's website to learn more about this Stamford cafe.

Lorca
125 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 504-2847
www.lorcastamford.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lorca-stamford

The Grass Is Greener at Stamford’s Bartlett Arboretum

In 1913, Dr. Francis Bartlett, founder of the F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company and noted botanist, purchased 30 acres of woodland in North Stamford to build his home upon. He also built a research laboratory for his company, and over the next few decades, he imported a staggering array of plant specimens from all over the United States to study. In 1965, he moved the laboratory to North Carolina, and the city of Stamford purchased his land and converted it into a public arboretum.

They’ve since expanded it to cover 91 acres of gorgeous parkland that draws locals who need to decompress in the glory of nature. The wildflower meadow is a beautiful habitat for a variety of gorgeous flowers. The indoor herbarium, which is open Mondays through Thursdays, boasts a collection of more than 3,500 species of plants. The arboretum also has a large outdoor play area for kids.

Bartlett Arboretum
151 Brookdale Road
Stamford, CT 06903
(203) 322-6971
www.bartlettarboretum.org
www.yelp.com/biz/bartlett-arboretum-stamford

Fine Shopping at the Stamford Town Center

Looking for a place to shop new Stamford Corners Apartments? Go to Stamford Town Center, where a treasure trove of shops and eateries are available for your shopping and dining pleasure.

Macy’s is the store that anchors this shopping spot, so you know you can find the best of everything from fashions and housewares to electronics. Give yourself a fashion makeover at Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Abercrombie, Banana Republic, Gap, Express, A/X Armani Exchange, Chico’s, Loft, or White House Black Market. When your tummy starts growling, you’ll find plenty to eat and drink at the Capital Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, Ichiban Teriyaki House, Kona Grille, and Plan B Burger Bar. There’s plenty of free parking, too!

The Stamford Town Center is open daily.

Stamford Town Center
100 Greyrock Place
Stamford, CT 06901
(203) 324-0935
www.shopstamfordtowncenter.com
www.yelp.com/biz/stamford-town-center-stamford-3

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