The West Side is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Stamford and as such has seen many transitions over the years. This neighborhood has a long history of being welcoming to many immigrant families wanting to establish roots in Stamford. Restaurants, food markets and establishments including local food trucks have found their niche in the eclectic demographics of the West Side.  Many of us who grew up in Stamford (and are beyond the mid-century mark!) remember the West Side as “the” neighborhood for authentic Italian cuisine. I’m sure these names will conjure up memories of day’s past – Sabia’s Open Door, The Brass Rail,  Bevivino’s –  all familiar to long time Stamford residents.  The last remaining (and still very popular) of these original family restaurants is the granddaddy of them all, Pellici’s.  Pellici’s is a Stamford Landmark and has been at the same location on Stillwater Avenue since 1946.  A loyal and expanding clientele continues to flock there for traditional Italian family fare – especially their baked chicken – a secret family recipe handed down for generations.  It’s nice to see with all the changes coming to this neighborhood, a local favorite is still part of the fabric of our ever changing city.

The health and wellness benefits to the community are substantial and many innovative ideas have already taken shape. In 2010, the one-mile district along the Stillwater Avenue commercial corridor was designated the “Vita Health & Wellness District”, with the goal of improving the health of the neighborhood.  Vita is a priority focus for Stamford Hospital.  Initially focused on residents of the West Side, Vita may become a model for the delivery of services throughout the city and beyond.

Speaking of the Stamford Hospital, did you know that the exterior of the current hospital is used as the image for Pine Valley Hospital in the soap opera, “All My Children”?

The new medical center is expected to open in late 2016 has been touted as a state-of-the-art facility.  The redevelopment is expected to raise the profile of a hospital that is surrounded by world class medical facilities between New York and New Haven and is a branch of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and a major teaching affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

For Stamford, and particularly the West Side, the new hospital is expected to deliver significant economic impact.  The U.S. Department of Labor consistently recognizes the health care industry as a huge driver for job growth.  With a roster of 2,400 employees, the hospital is among the top five employers in the City.  Under the expansion, the hospital is expected to grow its staff, though it is still too early to know what the exact increase will be.

Fairgate Farm, located on 129 Stillwater Avenue, is an all-organic, volunteer-powered community farm and part of the Vita Health & Wellness District in Stamford, Conn.  2015 is their fourth growing season. Last year, more than 3.5 tons of organic fruits and vegetable were harvested. Volunteers take home much of what is grown and share it with their families and neighbors.  Fresh-from-the-farm deliveries are also made to local agencies here in Stamford. Recipients include the Scofield Manor residential care facility, the New Covenant House soup kitchen, the Shelter for the Homeless, the women’s shelter at Inspirica and Community Health Centers.

Without a doubt, this is an exciting time for the West Side.   With the success of a revitalized South End,  the West Side could be the next neighborhood ready to make the “leap into the future” and establish itself as the health and wellness hub of the city. Housing options are all inclusive and range from single family homes and condos to multi families and apartments. Charter Oak Communities, formerly the Stamford Housing Authority, has also developed new units and rejuvenated several streets providing attractive, affordable homes for many West Side residents.

So if you’re looking for an area in Stamford with growth potential, and a planned focus on health and wellness, come take a look at this neighborhood. Check out this wonderful townhouse – it could be just right for you!

21 Richmond Pl., #1 – 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhouse with 2 Car Attached Garage

Sometimes referred to as the neighborhood of Ridgeway, Mid-City packs a lot of punch into a small geographic area!  Within a ½ mile radius, residents have access to shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities, fitness centers, a wonderful city park and a public golf course.  There are also corporate complexes and a hotel to accommodate traveling executives or visiting guests.  The housing options include established leafy pocket neighborhoods, gated townhome communities and apartment rental buildings.

Scalzi Park is one of the anchors of Mid-City and is the 3^rd largest city park in Stamford. The park was  named after John A Scalzi, Jr. a lifelong Stamford resident and a talented athlete in three sports – baseball, football and basketball.  Scalzi went on to Georgetown University where he continued his athletic career and became a pro baseball player with the Boston Braves in 1931.  His career was shortened by an arm injury but he continued pursuing his life-long love of sports by becoming a top college basketball and football official and later a district scout for the New York Mets.  Scalzi Park is comprised of 48 acres and features tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, softball fields, running and hiking trails, a splash pad for children, playground, roller rink, and a bocce ball arena.   Cubeta Stadium is also located in Scalzi Park and is home to the Stamford American Legion baseball squad.

Right around the corner from Scalzi Park is one of two Stamford Public Golf Courses, E. Gaynor Brennan Golf.  The course was officially called the Hubbard Heights Golf Club from its inception in the ’20s, until 1978. The name was changed that year to E. Gaynor Brennan, in honor of the former official who was instrumental in purchasing the club in ’49. The 70 acre course was originally private but opened for play to Stamford residents on April 1, 1949.

There are quite a few “pocket” neighborhoods in this section of Stamford.  One of these neighborhoods is known as Hubbard Heights.  Taking a ride down Hubbard Avenue is like a drive through the city’s history.  In the early 1900’s downtown was expanding and the population was growing and becoming prosperous.  A hospital was built and most of the doctors purchased homes in this nearby neighborhood. In fact, Hubbard Avenue was often referred to as “Doctor’s row”.  But the neighborhood goes back even further.  Two pillars on Hubbard Avenue report it was settled in 1796.  The pillars were erected in 1900 and many large Colonials, Tudor and Ranch style homes were built during this period.

Another Single Family neighborhood in Mid City is the tranquil and bucolic neighborhood of Revonah Woods.   The streets are quiet and shaded by lush vegetation and colorful flowers. This might seem a world away from the hustle & bustle of city life, but is actually less than one mile from downtown nightlife and shopping.  This little oasis is beloved by residents who feel they live in a hidden gem in the middle of a city.   It was originally developed in the 1920’s, far from downtown, but the city grew around it and the neighborhood character remains remarkably untouched.  Residents love the feeling of living in the country but are just a short walk away from all amenities. There is a mix of architectural styles from 1920’s Georgian, Federal and Tudor style mansions to ranches and capes built after World War II.

Chesterfield is another neighborhood in Mid-City. A gated condominium community, it was originally a garden-style apartment complex known as Bracewood Lane and it is now comprised of single level and townhome style condominiums.  It was developed in the early 1980’s and continues to be one of the most popular complexes in Stamford, offering 2 pool and a clubhouse.

The central hub of these neighborhoods is the bustling Ridgeway Shopping Center. It went through a major renovation in 1999, re-adding a supermarket, more retail stores, pedestrian friendly corridors and a parking garage.

When I grew up Summer Street was a 2 way street with a much more residential feel, though a lot of the Victorians were used as offices back then too. I remember the days when there were two large shopping centers next to each other – Ridgeway  which had Sol’s Toy Store, Penn Drug, Sears (with the horsey ride out front) and Ridgeway Theatre; and Town & Country with the Army & Navy store, La Bretagne Restaurant and Fotomat!.  I grew up in a garden apartments known as Mayflower Gardens (there’s an office building there now with a big red sculpture in the front), on the corner of Summer & Second St.  Back then (yes, a few years ago) Washington Boulevard did not run behind the apartments – it was woods up to the River and my girlfriend and I were the “Queens of the Forest”.

Mid-City offers an unbelievable array of lifestyle choices with recreational and shopping opportunities galore.  It’s perfect for those looking to be in a neighborhood with all your amenities close at hand and yet a sense of suburbia.  So come take a look at Mid-City, it just might be the right fit for you!

A diverse community, Waterside is located on Stamford’s most western peninsula in the southern part of Stamford.  The Western Branch of the inner harbor of Stamford Harbor separates the South End from Waterside along with the east branch of the harbor.  They are the highest concentration of water-dependent uses in the metropolitan area and are the most intensively-developed portion of the city’s coastal area. The inner harbor is near the city’s central business district at the hub of three major transportation modes (highway, rail, and water).  Historically, the Stamford Harbor west branch was a center for the distribution of coal in the city and for shipbuilding. It was also the terminus for steamship services to New York. Today, O&G Industries receives shipments of sand and gravel there in barges for its concrete and asphalt plants. O&G also permits commercial fishermen to use their docking facilities.

One of the most iconic structures in Waterside was the iron-trussed bridge built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company in 1887. Originally named Oliver Street Bridge, its name was later changed to the Pulaski Street Bridge.  It was the largest and considered the most magnificent of Stamford’s four iron bridges. The Pulaski Street Bridge connected the South End to Waterside, but after 100 years in existence it was no longer structurally sound.  The bridge was demolished and replaced by a generic roadway.  To placate community outrage, the pieces were not scrapped but set aside in hope of future use.  Unfortunately the sections were taken apart with a blowtorch making re-construction difficult.

From 1900 to 1949 Waterside continued to grow. Thanks to the drawings of Whitman Bailey, (a sketch artist who began contributing almost weekly to the Stamford Advocate in 1924 and continued for 30 years) the early images of the emerging Waterside community have been preserved. Waterside was one of Whitman Bailey’s favorite sketching areas.

In more recent times, Waterside has experienced another growth spurt with worldwide corporations and local enterprises calling Waterside their home.  The corporate headquarters for Gartner, Inc., Conair, and Daymon Worldwide have been established in the area for over two decades. Italian and seafood restaurants provide waterfront dining and opening in 2008 The Loading Dock, a unique catering facility became the area’s first truly modern, industrial-chic venue for all kinds of celebrations. The summer water taxi connecting the two peninsulas of Waterside and Harbor Point expand weekend entertainment options.

Housing options in Waterside run the gamut from apartment complexes and modest single or multi-family homes to waterfront condos and lavish residences in the private waterfront communities of Southfield Point and Dolphin Cove Quay.

When most people think of Stamford’s multi-million dollar seaside neighborhood with private yacht clubs and floating docks, Shippan is the first area that comes to mind, but Dolphin Cove is a younger waterfront community which lies at the southeastern tip of Waterside. Most of the streets have nautical names and it has strong ties to the boating community with deep water access that can’t be found in other areas of Stamford. The original 121 acre parcel belonged to C. Russell Feldman, an industrial mogul, and was purchased in 1972 by Barry Montgomery who envisioned developing a seaside community reminiscent of old New England villages. The homes are on small lots but with a big emphasis on the water and summer fun! This private community has association pools, tennis, beach and deep water docks.

Waterside has yet to see the vast development that has taken place in the adjacent South End Harbor Point peninsula. That is part of the appeal for buyers looking for a waterfront community with potential for growth, or those seeking a more private waterfront enclave.

Come take a look at Waterside, it just may be the perfect fit for you!

Central location, vintage charm, lots of housing options, commuter friendly – just some of the reasons residents choose to make Glenbrook their home.  Bordering Darien to the east, Springdale to the north, Cove to the south and downtown Stamford to the west, many of the tree lined streets are within walking or biking distance to the train, restaurants, schools, shops and Stamford’s vibrant downtown-or a very short car ride. Truly a small suburb of Stamford!

Glenbrook Post Office on Courtland Avenue – 1912

In 1866, Joseph Whitton purchased a 20-acre tract  in New Hope, as the area was originally called. The New Canaan railroad was built five years later, passing through the center of Whitton’s land. Whitton laid out streets, including Cottage Avenue, Union Street, and Railroad Avenue.  In the 1870s, New Hope residents decided they wanted a name more pleasing to the ear and came up with “Glen-Brook.”  Until the 1960s Stamford’s now large neighborhoods, like Glenbrook, were often looked on as individual, unofficial towns, and residents would write their mailing addresses using the name “Glenbrook, Conn.” instead of “Stamford, Conn.” In the 1950s, the train station was moved from a spot near the Courtland Avenue overpass (on the New Haven line) to its present location a bit to the northwest on the New Canaan line.

The area became very popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s and many homes were built during that era.  The vintage charm of these homes resonates for today’s buyers, who love the details and quality of that period.  Living close to the city center is also making a comeback for people who want conveniences within arm’s reach and not the maintenance and additional expenses that come with living on larger lots in more remote locations. If living in single family home isn’t your cup of tea, Glenbrook offers many other options for a lifestyle that might suit your needs; townhomes, condominium complexes, and rentals ranging from new construction apartment buildings to flats in multi-family homes are also available.

If you want to search out unique items to decorate your living space, take a trip to United House Wrecking, which has become something of a Stamford institution. Conceived as a demolition business, United House Wrecking started collecting old bricks, lumber, odd doors and leftover pieces of furniture from homes that were, shall we say, “passed their prime”.  This popular and distinctive store is located on Hope Street in a 43,000 square feet emporium filled with salvaged antiques, architectural remnants, and more recently, new furniture and custom made items were added to the mix. It’s been at the Glenbrook location since 1988 and attracts customers from far and wide who like to browse the immense space in search of the perfect find.

If you’re a NYC commuter, Glenbrook is certainly on your list of places to live in Stamford. The New Canaan Branch of Metro North stops in Glenbrook and has direct routes to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal.  Five thru trains leave Glenbrook each weekday morning starting at 5:45 am and in about 50 minutes you will arrive in Midtown.  There is also quick and easy access to I95 to the South and the Merritt Parkway to the North.

The Glenbrook Community Center, home to Activities For Kids – the former Glenbrook Elementary School

If you enjoy contributing to the community, consider joining The Glenbrook Community Association. This active association has organized fundraisers, neighborhood restoration projects, after school activities, preschool, summer camp and Internet webpages to keep you informed of all that’s going on in the community.  Since 2000, the Glenbrook Neighborhood Association has held an annual block party popular in the neighborhood. The free event features food, games, a raffle and music. The association raised money in 2006 for a small park on Hope Street. A fun fact – in August 2007, scenes for College Road Trip, a Walt Disney film released in 2008, were shot on location in one of the Queen Anne style homes of Glenbrook.

 When you’re considering where to live in Stamford, take a look at Glenbrook; a neighborhood that harkens back to the lifestyle of yesteryear with a renewed appreciation from the newest generation of homeowners.

If there is one neighborhood in Stamford that fits the description “Everything old is new again”, Harbor Point’s redevelopment of the South End would be at the top of the list. There are 322 acres on this waterfront peninsula south of the Stamford train station which has become a national model for urban planning.

A little history … its earliest beginnings were in the manufacturing industry when Linus Yale, Jr. and Henry Towne came to Stamford in the late 1860’s attracted by an ample labor force, proximity to railroad lines and good harbors for schooners.  The partners built a small factory, and although Yale died during construction on their first expansion project, Towne continued on with the project and led the company to become one of the world’s largest lock and hardware manufacturers.  The complex eventually covered 21 acres and at one time employed close to 25% of Stamford’s population!  Mind boggling when you think of that in terms of Stamford’s current population. No wonder Stamford was often referred to as Lock City!

Yale & Towne had a good run before completely closing it’s Stamford operations 100 years after they started – in the late 1960’s. Thirty buildings were left behind, some were demolished in the early 1980’s and the remaining began to fill up with painters, sculptors, musicians and photographers. By 2000 most of the complex was rented to artists who formed the Loft Artists Association.  LAA is now in its 23^rd year and holds various events ranging from studio tours & lessons to public art projects.

The old factory building is now home to the The Lofts at Yale and Towne,  a popular loft style apartment complex built in 2010 as part of Harbor Point’s redevelopment.  They have since been joined by the Key at Yale and Towne, 111 Harbor Point, 101 Park Place, The Vault, Beacon Harbor Point, Postmark Apartments, 121 Towne Apartments, and Infinity Harbor Point. All together there are over 2,300 newly constructed apartments in this bustling waterfront community; each building with its own unique appeal.

Sensing a wonderful opportunity to make this a true community,  businesses were quick to jump on the band wagon at Harbor Point. Fairway markets, CVS, highly acclaimed restaurants (some headed by world renowned chefs), and the largest university-affiliated veterinary referral center in the country, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, to help take care of all your furry friends!

The Harbor Point Trolley makes getting around quick, easy & free. It runs every day with 14 stops, in a 30 minute clockwise loop, (M-F, 7AM-11PM, Sat, 9:30AM-11PM & Sun, 10:30AM-9PM) including the Stamford Train Station and downtown Stamford.  There is also a water taxi which provides transportation from Harbor Point to Stamford Landing for even more waterfront dining and entertainment options. Residents feel this is a very user-friendly community that makes it easy to stroll around-there’s a very welcoming vibe.

The South End’s Harbor Point has become its own little suburb with a little bit of everything for everybody. If you want to be part of a bustling, walkable, waterfront community with history but a modern aesthetic, Harbor Point could be just the right fit for you!

Located in the southeast corner of Stamford and known to residents simply and affectionately as “The Cove”, this coastal community offers many amenities and recreational activities on the waterfront which are attractive to residents and visitors alike. The jewel of the neighborhood and one of Stamford’s most popular parks is Cove Island.

Cove Island wasn’t always a nature haven.  In fact, Cove Island became separated from the mainland after a flour watermill was constructed on the land and expanded by its owners in the late 1700s.    Henry J. Sanford bought the property in the 1830’s and founded Stamford Manufacturing Co. in 1844 which manufactured dye extracts, bleached minerals and licorice. The factory on Cove Island stayed in business until 1919, when it burned down, with the Stamford Advocate calling it one of the most damaging fires in city history.  Over time, the island was converted to a park by the City of Stamford, with the US Army Corps of Engineers developing the island’s beach in the late 1950s. (Who knew I’ve been going to that beach since the very beginning!)

You could say Cove Island Park “has it all” – developed recreation facilities, a 1-mile loop walking/running trail with a trolley shuttling people between the beaches & parking. Other amenities include a children’s play area, a roller blade/cycling path, expansive lawn areas and Terry Connors Ice Rink. There are two sandy beaches, a small salt marsh, inter-tidal mudflats, boat docks plus Holly Pond and the Cove River offering great opportunities for bird watching. Rocky shoreline areas offer a place for anglers to hook that “big one” and a small bluff offers an excellent place for those looking for an expansive view of the Sound

Since 2000, the park has been the headquarters of SoundWaters, the community’s nonprofit environmental education resource in the Long Island Sound region. They offer educational programs about Long Island Sound and provide additional programs in conjunction with Stamford Public School classrooms.

While Cove Island Park provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Chelsea Piers opened in 2013 offering sporting enthusiasts a year round indoor recreational experience. Chelsea Piers is one of the finest sports and recreational facilities in the country, offering instructional programs, sports leagues, competitive teams, fitness and drop-in fun for children and adults. It is also the second largest (400,000 sq. ft.) sports and entertainment complex under one roof in the United States!   It is located on Blachley Road on the former Clairol factory site, right off exit 9 of I95.

Since we’re talking history, before Chelsea Piers and the Clairol factory plant, the Blachley Rd. site was known as Noroton Hill and was home to the estate of one of The Cove’s most prominent residents, Schuyler Merritt.  A community leader and congressman for many years, Schuyler Merritt is best known as the chairman of the commission of the Merritt Parkway (one of the most iconic roadways in America), which later was named in his honor.

Now that you have a brief history of the area what do the housing options look like?  Real estate in The Cove is primarily made up of medium sized (three or four bedroom) homes  small (studio to two bedroom) condos, apartment buildings or three-deckers, duplexes, and old Victorian homes sectioned into apartments. Most of the residential real estate is occupied by a mixture of owners and renters. Adding to the area’s appeal is a wide array of conveniences including ethnic food markets and a variety of restaurants & bars beloved by locals – from pizza & chili dogs to steak & seafood, BBQ & 1^st class Italian food.

So if you’re looking for a seaside neighborhood with loads of recreational amenities, “The Cove” may be the perfect fit for you!

During these dog days of summer, a trip to the Long Island Sound waterfront is a great place to stave off the heat.  A refreshing swim and offshore breezes provide a welcome respite from oppressive summer temperatures.  It seems fitting the next stop on our neighborhood series features the waterfront community of Shippan.  Shippan’s history is as old as the history of Stamford, as it dates back to July of 1640.  For the first fifty years, the beautiful peninsula served as corn fields.  By the end of the 17^th century, Shippan, like the rest of Stamford, was given to individual owners as determined by the Stamford proprietors in their town meetings.  One of the most interesting land ownership stories is that of an investor named Michael McDeavitt who purchased the 1870 Ocean House, a hotel for summer tourists, which he renamed either “The Shippan House” or “The Shippan Point Hotel”, depending on what you read.  The Shippan House was located on the site where Woodway Beach Club stands today.  With the vision of expanding the amenities, by the end of the 1880’s McDeavitt had added a beach pavillion, bathing houses, a two story high casino and a carousel.  The carousel was later moved to a new site (now home to the Marina Bay Condominium complex) and remained there until the 1970’s.

Another more recent favorite memory was the Star-Lite drive-in move theatre located on Shippan Ave across from Cummings Park. Stamford’s first & only drive-in was open for 20 years – 1951-1971 and gave many nights of enjoyment under the starry skies.   

From cornfields to casinos to carousels, Shippan has seen many transformations in its long history.  Today, Shippan has about 1,200 homes spread across one square mile.  Housing options vary from grand seaside estates, 1900’s vintage homes on quiet side streets to waterfront condominium complexes.  With a half dozen clubs, marinas, and a range of beaches, Shippan also defies the car-dependent stereotype of other bedroom communities. According to residents, they will tell you that in warmer weather they walk almost everywhere.

Speaking of walking – it is common for residents to move from one home to another in the neighborhood. The practice has been called the “Shippan Shuffle.” It’s not unusual for people to have lived in more than one house in the neighborhood during their lifetime.

If you are socially inclined, there are many opportunities to meet your fellow neighbors.  The Shippan Point Association is a membership-based organization which lists beautification and safety as among its missions.  Members of the Gourmet Club take turns hosting potluck dinners, while the Shippan Garden Club famously hosts a yearly wreath-judging contest called the Doors of Shippan.

If your dream is to live by the Sound, walk to the beach, or spend your idle hours boating plus be part of an active community, take a look at the easy, breezy lifestyle of Shippan.  It just might be the right fit for you!

Check out my new listing at 57 Downs Avenue in Shippan – it could be just the right fit!

4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, Fireplace, Hardwood Floors Throughout, 1st Floor Family Room & Bonus Finished 3rd Floor!

Asking Price: $700,000

Check out this list of locations to see fireworks this Fourth of July Weekend!

Please note: Event details may have changed and might not be reflected on this list. Please check with appropriate organizations and municipalities if you are planning to attend any of the events. This is not a definitive list of fireworks shows. Let us know of more shows in the comments.

Bridgeport Skyblast Fireworks over Seaside Park

Seaside Partk, 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport, CT 06605

Fireworks and concert on June 26, 2015 at Seaside Park. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Danbury Fair Mall Annual Fireworks Show

7 Backus Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810

Live bands and other Entertainment start at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2015. Musical acts include Fast Ricky and The Wild Ones. Fireworks at dusk.

Darien Fireworks

Darien High School, Darien, CT

The 2015 Fireworks Display will be held at Darien High School on Friday, July 3, 2015 (Rain Date: Sunday, July 5). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at sunset. Food vendors will be on-site. Parking passes are available for on-campus parking.

Fairfield Independence Day Fireworks

Viewing at Penfield Beach or Jennings Beach, Fairfield, CT

Grucci fireworks show Friday, July 3 (rain date of Saturday July 4). Fireworks start at dusk from a barge in the Long Island Sound and can be seen from Penfield or Jennings beaches.

Fort Griswold Celebration on the Thames

Fort Griswold State Park, Groton, CT

Family-friendly event on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Fort Griswold State Park. Featuring entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks over the Thames River. Free admission. Music by the No Shame band from 6 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Sailfest Fireworks start at 9:20 p.m. Parking available at Groton Heights School or Washington Park.

Town of Greenwich Fireworks Displays

Greenwich Point Park and Binney Park, Greenwich, CT

Greenwich will hold two fireworks celebrations, one at Binney Park and the other at Greenwich Point Park. Both shows will be on Friday, July 3, 2015 (Rain date for both shows is July 5). The Binney Park Show will start at approximately 9:10 p.m. and the Greenwich Point Show will begin at approximately 9:35 p.m. Attendees are urged to arrive early.

Hartford Riverfest Fireworks

Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, Hartford;

Riverfest Hartford is set for Saturday, July 11, 2015. Entry is free. Entertainment starts at 4:00 p.m., and includes live bands, various amusements for all ages, kids’ activities, food and more, followed by fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

Lime Rock Racetrack Fireworks

Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT

The 2015 Salisbury Rotary Club Independence Day Fireworks Show at Lime Rock Park is on Saturday, July 4, 2015. Admission is $20 per carload. Infield and Outfield Gates open at 6:00 p.m.; all concession stands will be open. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:00 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, July 5, 2015.)

Madison Fireworks Display

West Wharf Beach, Madison, CT

This event will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. While there is no admission fee, the town of Madison is accepting donations. The fireworks will launch from the waterfront areas in Madison. (Rain date: Sunday, July 5.)

Milford Kick-Off the Summer Blast

Lisman Landing Marina, 37 Helwig St., Milford, CT 06460

Thursday, July 2, 2015 from 4 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Lisman Landing Marina. Music by Flashback and RumRunners. A fireworks extravaganza to light-up the harbor at 9:15pm.

Naugatuck Fireworks

Old Firehouse Road, Naugatuck, CT

Celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2015. The festivities will feature entertainment, food and a variety of family-oriented fun. Fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. (Rain date: Friday, July 3, 2015.)

New Canaan Family Fourth of July Celebration

Waveny Park, New Canaan, CT

The 35th annual Family Fourth of July Celebration will be held Saturday, July 4, 2015 at Waveny Park. (Rain date: July 5.) The late-day fun includes the following festivities: family picnicking, live music, a children’s area, a food court, and a spectacular fireworks display. Family passes can be purchased online on the New Canaan website.

Newington’s Annual Extravaganza

Mill Pond Park, Newington, CT

The 34th Annual Extravaganza is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Mill Pond Park in Newington. The festivities will feature food vendors, musicians, paddleboats, entertainment, fireworks, games and many other family-oriented activities. Admission and parking are free.

Niantic’s Celebrate East Lyme Fireworks

Main Street, East Lyme, CT

The 15th annual Celebrate East Lyme is coming up on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Main Street will be filled with food, fun and activities for everyone in the family. The day concludes with a fireworks display over Niantic Bay.

Orange Fireworks and Concert

Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road, Orange, CT

Sunday, July 5, 2015. Concert 6:30-9:30 p.m., fireworks to follow.

Norwalk Fireworks

Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk, CT

The City of Norwalk Recreation and Parks Summer Concert Series presents fireworks and a concert on July 3, 2015. (Rain date July 5.)

Quassy Amusement Park 3-D Fireworks

Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury, CT

Fireworks over Lake Quassapaug at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2015. Free admission; there is a $7 parking fee. Rides, food and attractions are an additional charge.

Redding Rock ‘N Roll Roots Revival Music Festival and Fireworks

Lonetown Farm and Museum, 43 Lonetown Road (Route 107), Redding, CT

Saturday, July 4, 2015. Music starts at 3 p.m., crafts and games for kids start at 3:30 p.m. On-site food vendors. Fireworks show. Attendees are urged to bring picnic blankets or chairs. Fee: Adults $15; Students/Seniors $10; Kids 12 and under are free.  Presented by the Redding Historical Society.

Rowayton Fireworks Show

Bayley Beach, 11 Pine Point Rd, Norwalk, CT 06853

Saturday, July 4, 2015 (Rain date: Sunday, July 5). Fireworks display will be launched from a barge beginning at 9:15 p.m. Access to parking at Bayley Beach will be according to daytime rules. Vehicles with a Bayley Beach sticker will be admitted free; $25 charge for vehicles without a sticker.

Stamford 2015 Independence Day Fireworks event

Cummings Park, Stamford, CT

Thursday, July 2, 2015 (Rain date Friday, July 3, 2015.) Entertainment and music beginning at 6:00 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:00 p.m. Admission is free. Viewing is also available at West Beach.

Stratford Fireworks

Short Beach Park, Stratford, CT

The Stratford annual fireworks display will begin at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2015.  (Rain date: July 6.)

West Haven Savin Rock Fireworks

Bradley Point Park, West Haven, CT

Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015. (Rain date is Sunday, July 5.) Event also features music by The Mike and Mike Band and The Navels at the Savin Rock bandstand from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Weston Family Fourth Celebration

Weston Middle School Field, School Road, Weston, CT

The Weston fireworks will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2015 (rain date Sunday, July 5.) Event is being held at the Weston Middle School field. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. No entry from Lords Highway after 7:00 p.m. Guests should enter from School Road and Route 57. Fireworks start at 9:20 p.m.

Westport Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Compo Beach, 260 Compo Road South, Westport CT

Fireworks show is Friday, July 3, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. Tickets required for entrance. (Rain date: July 6.)

Wilton Fireworks

Wilton Athletic Complex, Wilton, CT

The Wilton Parks & Recreation Department fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. Event also features music starting at 5 p.m.

Have A Blast!