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Stratford is a town of about 52,000 people on the Connecticut coast, where the Housatonic River meets Long Island Sound, just east of Bridgeport. Founded in 1639, it is one of the oldest towns in the state, and it later became known for aviation as the home of Sikorsky Aircraft, which built pioneering helicopters here.
The historic town center has colonial and Victorian homes, including the 1750 Captain David Judson House, now a museum of the Stratford Historical Society. Boothe Memorial Park is a quirky estate with a collection of unusual buildings, gardens and a museum. The Connecticut Air and Space Center tells the story of local aviation, and Two Roads Brewing Company draws beer fans to its large brewery in an old factory.
The Lordship neighborhood has Short Beach Park, a seawall walk and Stratford Point with its lighthouse. Long Beach offers a barrier beach and salt marsh, and the Stratford Greenway follows the shoreline. New Haven and the beaches of the Connecticut shoreline are a short drive away.
A 32-acre former estate of the Boothe brothers with an unusual collection of small buildings, including a tiny chapel, a clock tower, a windmill and a blacksmith shop, plus rose gardens and a museum of local artifacts. Grounds are free and great for a stroll; buildings open on a seasonal schedule.
A town beach and park on Long Island Sound in Lordship, with a sandy shoreline, picnic areas, sports fields and views toward the river mouth. It is a relaxed family beach in summer. Parking fees for non-residents apply in season; come early on hot weekends.
A long, narrow barrier beach in Lordship between Long Island Sound and a salt marsh, with a swimming beach and wildlife areas linked to the Stewart B. McKinney refuge. It is good for beach walks and birdwatching. Respect closed nesting areas, and check parking rules in summer.
A cast-iron lighthouse built in 1881 at the tip of Stratford Point, where the Housatonic River meets Long Island Sound, still an active aid to navigation. The grounds are not usually open, but you can see it from the shoreline nearby. Check for occasional open house days.
A colonial house built around 1750 on the foundation of an earlier stone house, now run by the Stratford Historical Society with period rooms and a museum building with local history exhibits. It sits in the historic town center. Tours are offered on a limited seasonal schedule.
A volunteer-run aviation museum in a historic hangar near Sikorsky Memorial Airport, with aircraft, helicopters and exhibits on Stratford's long history of aircraft building. Restoration projects are often under way. Hours are limited, so check before going; it suits aviation fans of all ages.
A large craft brewery in a restored early 1900s factory building, with a lively tasting room, a beer garden and views of the brewing tanks. It brews a wide range of beers, including sours and seasonal releases. Food trucks are often parked outside; check the hours and event schedule.
A small town green in the north part of Stratford surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants, with a gazebo and lawn used for community events and concerts. It is a pleasant place to stop for a meal or a short walk. Check the town calendar for summer events on the green.
A paved multi-use path that links neighborhoods, parks and the shoreline in Stratford, part of a growing trail system along the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound. It is flat and easy for walking and biking. Combine it with a visit to Short Beach or the Lordship seawall.
A large wooded town park in north Stratford with trails for hiking and biking, a pond and picnic areas. It was developed in the 1930s with help from the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is a cool, shady escape in summer; trails are easy to moderate and can be muddy after rain.
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