A fine specimen of Gothic architecture, The Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist has expanded from a small church originally established in early 1850s to a large structure accommodating multiple immigrants of the Catholic faith today. In contrast to the Gothic exterior, the interiors are simple yet captivating. The church is famously called 'The Mother Church of Stamford'.
Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a one-stop destination for all educational and fun activities. Sprawled over 118 acres (47.75 hectares), it is home to the large Hecksher Farm and the Tudor-style Bendel Mansion that houses an interactive center and museum. It also boasts a planetarium for astronomical shows and a four-level observatory equipped with a 22-inch (56-centimeter) telescope. Every exhibit within the museum is tailored towards kids and features interactive artifacts to teach them about animal life, culture, history, science and fine art. The myriad trails take you through glacial erratic rocks, ephemeral pools, woods, pastures and farmlands with alpacas, pigs, chicken and llamas. The highlights are the Edith and Robert Graham Otter Pond and the playground where kids befriend a variety of animals. This center organizes events like maple sugar and harvest festivals, farmers' markets, astronomy projects, wildlife camps, antique car shows and wine tastings.
Famous as 'Fish Church', First Presbyterian Church of Stamford has seen multiple changes since it was first established in the late 19th-Century. However, its Modern architecture continues to leave visitors and congregation members spellbound with stunning stained glass interiors and a 56-bell carillon.
The Ferguson Library is not actually a single library, but rather a network of four separate locations and a Bookmobile that travels throughout the city. Named after Ferguson Library's esteemed president, Ernest A. DiMattia, Jr., a magnificent early 20th-century building forms an apt home for the main branch of the library. Spread over four levels, it houses an extensive collection of books, magazines and other publications, alongside CDs, DVDs and multimedia resources. A Small Business Resource Center, a computer lab offering educational programs and the Purdue Pharma Consumer Information Center can also be found here. Just off the lobby is a room dedicated to new materials, while the second floor houses a variety of special collections. Author receptions, film screenings and other events are often hosted in the library auditorium. During library hours, the warm aroma of coffee wafts through the doors of the attached Starbucks cafe and into the award-winning Ferguson Library Bookshop. For bibliophiles and those with a thirst for knowledge, there can be no better place to explore than the Ferguson Library.
Fort Stamford was built in 1781, in a bid to protect the coastline that extended from Horseneck to New Haven. The fort was restored and is used as a recreational park. The park with its lush green lawns, walking trails and picnic tables is ideal for a day picnic. It also features ruins of the fort and a garden.
With a name as mystical as Brú na Bó, and a colorful milieu of artworks adoring the window, you are lured to walk into this magnificent art and antique shop. If you have an eye for antiques or love to collect works of regional artists, then you will love browsing through the collection of Brú na Bó. Its ever-changing inventory of paintings, porcelain art, textiles and new furniture reflect the work of talented local painters and craftsmen. The collection of antique furniture found here is extensive, offering a lot of options in products which are handcrafted from reclaimed antique woods. And its association with art is not just restricted to visual artworks, as the shop also arranges special performances by local as well as upcoming national artists or bands, throughout the year.
The Smithtown Masonic Temple with its great event line-up and performers attracts music lovers from all over. Always abuzz with activities, there is never a single dull moment here. Music festivals, local concerts and musical events organized here are well attended. Truly, its a local venue not to be missed!
Dating back to early 1776, the Jacob Purdy House was the former headquarters of Sir George Washington. One of architect Samuel Horton's renowned works till date, the house, in 1979, was declared a registered monument in the National Register of Historic Place. Over the years, this historic structure has gone on to become an integral part of White Plains' rich history. Today, the house is the headquarters of the White Plains Historical Society.
Founded in 1998, the Toquet Hall Teen Center is a community space where youngsters can indulge in clean and safe fun. The idea is to provide a secure environment to the teenagers, where they can participate and enjoy different activities. Dance, music, theater and other creative avenues are explored here, thereby, introducing them to a different world. Every event and show held here is sans any drugs or alcohol. The hall can also be rented for events, provided it is in sync with the core values of the teen center.
The opulent Meadowlands is a house that comes under the purview of Darien Community Association. This historic estate that is included in the National Register of Historic Places can now be hired for private celebrations and events.
It is a historic windmill located on Bronson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was built in the year 1894 for Frederic Bronson, from whom it derives its name. It is a tall structure made of Georgia pine and has stone exteriors. The architectural style featured by the windmill is Corcoran Storm Defying Windmill. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 1971 and is also a part of the Greenfield Hill Historic District.
The treasured landmark of Huntington Lighthouse has provided security and guided boats to safety for over a century. During the early 1800s, the Huntington harbor was a bustling port for ships commuting to Land Island. The lighthouse is still used as an active aid for navigation. The mission of the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society is to reinstate, handle and raise finances for further preservation of the same. Specialized tours are arranged each Sunday in summer from 11:00a to 3:00p. It also organizes events for the public and to gain their active participation. A few of the leading events include the Family Safe Boating Expo, All Chic Work Crew, Huntington Boating Safety Week, to enlist a few.