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Barrett Bookstore: Calling All Darien Book Lovers!

September 1, 2016 by

A person could spend hours happily browsing the shelves at Barrett Bookstore, and over the years many thousands of bibliophiles have done just that. This Darien icon is the epitome of what local, community-oriented bookstores used to be, and you can recapture a bit of that feeling when you visit Barrett Bookstore today.

As you walk around the store, you'll start to see that the books in stock have been chosen with care and reflect the personalities of the owners. And once you wander into the aisles, you might find yourself thumbing through a classic spine-tingling mystery novel or flipping through pages of Shakespeare's love sonnets. You might even find yourself planning your next vacation as you skim travel guides for Greece, Australia, or Thailand.

The bookstore also hosts many community events, ranging from book signings with local and nationally known authors to weekly story time sessions for budding bookworms.

Barrett Bookstore
314 Heights Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-2712
www.barrettbookstore.com
www.facebook.com/barrettbookstore/info

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Get Your Morning Jolt at Espresso NEAT

November 5, 2015 by

Darien locals know that Espresso NEAT offers reliably good coffee in a warm, cozy atmosphere. If you visit during lunch, try indulging in a grilled chicken sandwich with caramelized onions served on whole grain bread, or go for a turkey and cheddar sandwich served on a rich, buttery croissant. Espresso NEAT is also a good place to pick up a cup of coffee and a muffin when you're on the go, as the staff is efficient and friendly in getting orders out quickly.

When you visit you'll probably notice that there's a group of regulars who seem friendly with each other as they each go about their business, some using the shop's Wi-Fi to catch up on email, while others study and still others relax while their kids play quietly nearby. Make Espresso NEAT a habit in your daily routine and you'll likely become part of this crowd!

Espresso NEAT
20 Grove Street
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 202-7215
neatcoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/espresso-neat-darien

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Flex Your Creative Muscles at Darien Arts Center

October 8, 2015 by

The growth of a cultural and arts scene in a town is just as important as a healthy economy, and residents of Darien have been lucky to be supported by the Darien Arts Center for almost 40 years. The organization was founded in 1975 to support appreciation and participation in the visual and performing arts.

Throughout the year, the Darien Arts Center hosts and sponsors classes in dance, music, painting, sculpture, and even martial arts, all for very affordable prices. The annual Darien Art Show is an incredible way to get up to speed on the vast creative talent in the area, with a panoply of paintings and other works on display. “Darien’s Got Talent” is a performance competition that draws a big audience of excited supporters looking to discover hidden talents among their neighbors. During the summer, the Darien Arts Center hosts a variety of cool programs and camps for kids of all ages.

Darien Arts Center
2 Renshaw Road
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 655-8683
www.darienarts.org
www.yelp.com/biz/darien-arts-center-darien

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Experience a High-Intensity Workout at JoyRide Indoor Cycling Studio

August 6, 2015 by

Darien locals rave about the facility at JoyRide Indoor Cycling Studio on Old Kings Highway, which gives fitness buffs a great place to burn calories. The Darien location debuted in 2013 after the studio proved a success in its first location in Westport.

A wide variety of classes are offered here, from the standard JoyRide, 50 minutes of high intensity cycling, to the even more difficult Tabata style training, which mixes intervals in with the ride to really get your heart rate elevated. The studio also hosts mat Pilates classes to tone and strengthen your core, a fitting complement to the cycling workout. Throw in 51/49 training, dance classes, and more, and you’ve got an exercise for just about everybody.

Class prices are very fair and the teaching staff comes highly recommended.

JoyRide Indoor Cycling Studio
25 Old Kings Highway N.
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 349-5454
www.joyridestudio.com
www.yelp.com/biz/joyride-indoor-cycling-studio-darien

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The Maritime Aquarium: Deep Sea Treasures

January 29, 2013 by

Devoted to increasing public awareness of marine wildlife, the Maritime Aquarium was established in 1988 in a refurbished factory at the mouth of the Norfolk River. The aquarium boasts 34 exhibit areas with 259 different species of animal. As you walk through the facility, you’ll trace the path of water into Long Island Sound, starting with a river and salt marsh and proceeding into open water. In addition to a variety of fish, there are seals, otters, sea turtles and sharks to see. All of the settings do a great job of re-creating their natural habitats while still providing lots of opportunities for observation. The aquarium also boasts the largest IMAX theater in Connecticut, with a six story high screen that shows educational programs during the day and Hollywood blockbusters at night.

The Maritime Aquarium
10 N. Water Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 852-0700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-maritime-aquarium-norwalk

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Stepping Stones Museum: A Fun and Funky Children’s Museum

January 23, 2013 by

Located in Norwalk's Mathews Park, this fun and funky children’s museum has a little of everything and is a great place to bring the little ones for a day of learning and play. Every aspect of the building is forward-thinking, from the LEED certified energy efficient features to the roof garden that absorbs rainwater and cools the building. All of the exhibits are planned with the same attention to detail, with visitors raving about the “Water Works” area at the entrance, which lets kids get hands-on with fluid dynamics. Be warned: your kid will get wet, no matter how much you wrap them up. Other favorite exhibits include the fog maker, which always draws a crowd, as well as the Build It! section that lets kids explore the world of architecture and construction with a LEGO raceway, roller coaster, in-progress house and more. It might be one of the best children's attractions near Stamford Corners Apartments.

Stepping Stones Museum
303 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850
(203) 899-0606
http://www.yelp.com/biz/stepping-stones-museum-for-children-norwalk

 

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Cove Island Park: Hit The Beach

December 4, 2012 by

Located in the Cove Island section of Stamford, this is one of the most popular beach recreation destinations in town. That’s because it has facilities for just about everyone. Runners and walkers flock to the one-mile loop trail, with a separate path for bikers and rollerbladers. On the shoreline, there are many great fishing spots that lure local anglers. It’s a great place for birdwatching as well, with over 300 native species present. An interpretive trail running along the water’s edge provides great information on the flora and fauna of the region. There’s even a small aquarium on the grounds run by SoundWaters, a nonprofit educational organization. The one thing to keep in mind is that admission to the park is not free.  Non-residents pay $20 for a one-day pass, but Stamford residents can apply for a year-round pass for free. On Saturdays and Sundays there are public sails around Long Island Sound, which are a great value.

Cove Island Park
1125 Cove Road
Stamford, CT 06902
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cove-island-park-stamford

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