While deeply connected to nearby New York City, Stamford is much more than just a bedroom community for the Big Apple. This mid-sized Connecticut town boasts plenty of attractions in its own right, from a scenic waterfront and indie theater to antique shops galore and a buzzing restaurant scene.
Spend an idyllic afternoon at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, a working farm with nature trails and a gallery-filled Tudor manor. Cove Island Park is a pleasant green space with beaches, a rocky shoreline and decent bird watching over salt marsh and mudflats. For more aquatic action, take a cruise aboard an 80-foot schooner run by SoundWaters. Time for a drink? Stop at Half Full brewery, a craft beer maker that offers tours and tastings.
Aside from NYC, another nearby getaway is Greenwich, with historic homes, pretty gardens and a boutique-lined main street. In the opposite direction, maritime-loving Norwalk is famed for its aquarium, seafood restaurants and nearby islands. Both towns are easy train rides (less than 20 minutes) from Stamford.