Where Do You Go on Day Trips Near Fairfield?

Higher energy costs prompted many of us to curtail airline travel -- none of us wanted to pay the exorbitant fuel surcharge fees- and we even reduced the frequency of interesting, but costly, car jaunts.

But that is all in the past.  Or is it?

It really doesn’t matter. More often than not, lack of time and conflicting friends’ and family schedules are the contributing factors hampering sociable togetherness. Rather than carve out days or weeks to vacation together -- or alone -- it just may be time to simply plan a day trip or two.

For most of us, local excursions or visits to nearby sites can be as equally pleasurable and they sure require less planning and coordination.

So where do you go on day trips nearby?  Almost anywhere. 

Perhaps a long hike -- well maybe not that long -- with a backpack full of edible treats to enjoy along the way. Pack up the fun and go. While a staycation may involve amusing activities in the home, let’s face it, those beastly chores and household tasks often get in the way. Enjoying books, board games, or simply some quiet time can be done at nearby parks, beaches, or outdoor venues. Here are some suggestions: 

• Devil's Den Preserve, Weston
• Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
• Pequonnock Valley Greenway, Trumbull
• Silver Sands State Park, Milford 
• Webb Mountain Park, Monroe

Act like a tourist.

Often travelers will contact the Chamber of Commerce of their planned vacation destination, to get an idea of activities, events and tourist attractions available to visitors. A little investigation into regional municipalities just might result in a wealth of information and arm you with any number of potential adventures.  Think of places in your area where out of towners come to visit, and be a tourist yourself. 

Here are some touristy happenings in nearby towns and cities: 

• Alive@Five Concerts, Downtown Stamford
• Oyster Festival, Norwalk
• Gathering of the Vibes, Bridgeport
• Oyster Festival, Milford
• Shakespeare on the Sound, Rowayton
• Shakespeare in the Park, New Haven

Expand your intellectual side.

Museums, art galleries, regional and local theatres, and concert halls rotate their offerings and displays frequently enough that day trips can be planned at a moment’s notice or throughout the year. Plus, after exposure to such cerebral exploits,  you’ll be able to flaunt your new cultivated self to friends and family.  

Here are some museums, art galleries, nearby theatres, and concert halls to check out: 

• The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield
• The Barnum Museum, Bridgeport
• The Peabody Museum, New Haven
• The Westport Country Playhouse
• The Yale Repertory Theatre, New Haven
• The Shubert, New Haven
• Ridgefield Playhouse
• The Palace: Stamford Center for the Arts

Not only can local day trips provide individual or group fun, they deliver off-site revelry without the cost and hassle of arranging overnight accommodations, multiple meals per day, and potentially complicated travel logistics.

So hop on a train or bus - or simply start the car and go.

SHARE: Where are your favorite day trips to from Fairfield? Tell us in the comments.