A Little Love Letter to Norwalk, CT
/It’s been a full DECADE (gasp!) since I moved from my home state of New York to the neighboring state of Connecticut. And during all that time, I’ve failed to publicly declare my love for the City of Norwalk.
Norwalk can be gritty and grubby, especially when compared to its glamorous, chic neighbors like New Canaan and Westport. But if you give the “sixth most populous city in CT” a chance, you’ll find that it’s a vibrant, exciting place with a lot to offer. And to help inspire you, I now present FIVE reasons why this New Yorker Digs Norwalk.
Reason 1: Norwalk’s Family Offerings are locally Unparalleled
Norwalk is home to two of the most beloved and well known children’s museums in the New York Metro Area. No other town in Westchester or Fairfield offers more for children than a particular stretch of South Norwalk.
Stepping Stones is a beautiful, award-winning play based museum for young children. It has permanent exhibits like its Energy Lab and Tot Town that provide parents with surefire ways to entertain and enchant their children on even the gloomiest of days. And it also offers wonderful traveling, temporary exhibits to keep locals coming back again and again to see what’s new.
Many years ago, I remember learning that a coworker living on Manhattan’s Upper East Side had an annual pass to Stepping Stones Museum because his family loved it so much - suffice to say, that just makes sense. Stepping Stones is a very special place and the parents of Fairfield County are lucky to have it around.
Just down the street from Stepping Stones is another Norwalk family treasure, the Maritime Aquarium. This aquarium houses nearly 7,000 animals in over 75 live exhibits. There are interactive exhibits like a shark and ray touch pool and an adorable meerkat exhibit with three viewing “bubbles” to climb in. There’s so much more to ogle at the aquarium and there’s even an IMAX Theatre on the premises for more fam-friendly fun.
AND Norwalk is also home to the original Stew Leonard’s. Supermarkets aren’t usually havens for children, but with its animatronics, petting zoo and kid friendly programming, Stew’s is most definitely an exception to the rule. Kids LOVE it.
reason 2: in Summertime, A Tiny Waterfront AREA of East Norwalk Comes Alive
It’s a bummer that with so much of Fairfield County sitting directly on the Long Island Sound, there really isn’t too much of a waterfront dining scene. And of the few popular waterfront spots that do exist, many are expensive, adult dining options (L’Escale, Rowayton Seafood).
This is not so in East Norwalk. The small but vibrant coastal community here is authentic and relaxed - beachy, lobster shacks abound. One of my favorite ways to spend a beautiful, warm day locally is to grab a pristine lobster roll and crisp beer at Knot Norm’s and then waltz across the street to Mr. Frosty’s outdoor-only ice cream shop for a root beer float. Both spots are delicious and perfect encapsulations of “Summer in the Northeast.” And before you leave the area, stop by Copps Island Oysters for some take home treats of their fresh oysters and sea-themed wares at their stunning retail shop.
reason 3: there’s a very solid and growing art scene in norwalk
While so many wonderful places have closed their doors during COVID, 2021 brought Norwalk some wonderful additions. The Norwalk Art Space opened on West Avenue as a place “to increase opportunities and equities in the local arts community”. The space is beautiful and its inclusive mission is wonderful. Admission to the museum and the classes and events it offers are always free. The museum deserves routine visits for its art, particularly as new exhibits replace the prior ones. But it gets even better - the small, lovely café inside the Norwalk Art Space is operated by Bill Taibe, celebrated and absolutely outstanding CT restaurateur and chef. I’ve visited the café for both breakfast and lunch so far and each meal was incredible.
Also born out of the pandemic, the parking lot off Issacs Street in the Wall Street area of Norwalk has been transformed into the “Norwalk Art Park” with the help of local developer Jason Milligan. Known also as Norwalk CT Murals, the park features an ever growing number of murals painted on wood panels. The area also recently welcomed delicious and woman owned Rebel Daughter Cookies as a resident in a building beatified by a stunning wrap around mural.
And directly across the street from the Art Park sits MAD or “Manifest All Dreams”, Norwalk’s creative hub, offering a space where artists exhibit work, collaborate, communicate with their audience and connect with the community.
reason 4: South Norwalk is a happening, Walkable Area full of Bars, Restaurants and Shops
If you’re looking for a fun, happening area to stroll around or to spend a night out, preferably without your kids, South Norwalk (aka SoNo) is probably your best bet in all of Fairfield County. This downtown area is filled with bars, restaurants, shops and vibes.
Match has been in South Norwalk for over 20 years and it remains a great option for dinner even with kids. The Spread is another excellent restaurant in SoNo. Or slurping ramen at Mecha Noodle Bar’s location in SoNo is always a good idea (and Mecha has one of the best cocktail programs in CT). The Breakroom also recently opened in SoNo and it serves coffee (including of the CBD infused variety), sweets and savory Italian goodies until late in the evening.
Mixed in with all the dining and drinking options, Main Street and Washington Street each offer lots of mom and pop shopping options, and even some cool activities like the always free, SoNo Switch Tower Museum.
Things are always evolving in SoNo and it’s exciting to see what is coming next.
reason 5: The beautiful Diversity of Norwalk Is Reflected In Its Food Options
Norwalk has a diverse population and that means that many delicious, diverse cuisines are offered. Norwalk has Valencia Luncheria, a Venezuelan standout for delicious arepas, empanadas and tropical vibes. Norwalk has Capri’s Cuisine, a traditional Uruguayan empanada shop and bakery with close to 60 empanada varieties. Norwalk has Los Portales Grocery, a Mexican taco, burrito and grocery shop that is so authentic, I’m always the only gringa in there.
Norwalk also has Haruki, a tasty Japanese izakaya. Norwalk has Zul Cafe and Grill, an authentic Pilipino counter service restaurant and market. And Norwalk has No Leftovers, a Jamaican and Caribbean spot perfect for grabbing jerk chicken to go. There is still so, so much more that we’ve yet to discover.
Happy Exploring!
