Devon/Walnut Beach - Milford, CT Area Guide

English settlers purchased the land now known as Milford from Native Americans in 1639. They built a gristmill there the following year. Milford served as part of the primary route connecting Boston and New York during the Revolutionary War.

In subsequent centuries, the area grew to include farms, oyster harvesting operations and shipbuilding businesses. At the same time, Milford began to draw New Haven and Bridgeport residents on looking for a holiday at the beach. It was not long before enterprising individuals began building resort lodging, restaurants and shops appealing to tourists.

The New Milford Historical Society and Museum maintains permanent and temporary exhibits depicting the region's history. Walnut Beach hosts a number of annual events, including a Halloween Parade, summer concert series, Ice Cream 5K Run and Walnut Beach Arts Festival.

The Devon and Walnut Beach area offers a variety of culinary options, from sit-down Italian, Peruvian and gastropubs to lobster shacks and pizza. The most populated stretch of choices lies along Route 1, with additional options on Naugatuck Avenue.

Aldario's Restaurant stands out as a decades-old institution in the Milford area. Owners Chef Sante and Rosemary Faustini keep their prices reasonable and their menu interesting, often featuring dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Try the baked oysters Rockefeller and veal cutlet parmigiana.

With clear views of Long Island Sound, Costa-Azzurra Restaurant features a banquet room as well as a cozy restaurant and bar. The establishment has a reputation for hearty cuisine. Locals often order the Clams Casino, fra diavolo shrimp and clams or the lobster tails.

The Stonebridge Restaurant provides locals with a classic New England seafood establishment with a formal dining area complete with mahogany bar, as well as a large outside area for al fresco meals. Locals love the clam chowder and the paella with fresh seafood. The staff happily accommodates those with dietary restrictions.

Devon and Walnut Beach sit close to Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. Most residents of the area drive to work, with the average commute time about 26 minutes. However, the community is very bicycle friendly as well as walkable.

The community is home to several limousine companies and a private cab company. Uber serves Devon and Walnut Beach. However, there is no public transportation here.

Silver Sands State Park sits adjacent to Devon and Walnut Beach in Milford. The nearly 300-acre property consists of forest, restored salt marsh, beach, sand dunes and open areas. It features docks for swimmers and kayakers, trails and picnicking areas. Birders regularly visit the park thanks to the Charles Island bird sanctuary, which is part of the park. They are often in search of least and common terns, snowy owls, short-eared owls, rough-legged hawks and herons.

The state acquired land for the park after a hurricane destroyed 75 homes there in the 1950s. The foundations of some of these houses and cottages are visible in marshland at the park, particularly during low tides. The state also oversaw restoration of its coastal wetlands in the 1990s after soil analyses indicated the presence of pollutants, most likely residual from when the area was home to a landfill.

During low tides, visitors are able to walk across a sand ridge from the mainland portion of the park to Charles Island. In addition to hosting the bird sanctuary, the 14-acre island contains remnants of a Catholic retreat built in the 1920s.

The park is family-friendly. Dogs are permitted as long as they remain on leashes and are not allowed on the sandy beach. There is no fee to use the park.

The nearby city-owned Walnut Beach Park costs $5 per car from Memorial Day through Labor Day but is free to use the remainder of the year. A boardwalk beginning at the park connects to Silver Sands State Park. The boardwalk is three-quarters-of-a-mile long. The park's pavilion is available for rent by reservation.

The cost of living in Milford sits 6 percent higher than the Connecticut average, and the cost of gas in Milford runs 11 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer in Milford costs an average of $5.75. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $1,225 per month.

Walnut Beach offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities, including the Walnut Beach Creamery, which sells handcrafted gourmet ice cream. Owners rotate flavors depending on the season. Try the Bananas Foster made from fresh bananas, brown sugar and rum. Tourists often visit the Creamery to watch staff making fresh ice cream. The family-owned New Town Market serves as both a convenience store and a top-rate delicatessen; it features standard grocery items along with gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan items. The Firehouse Art Gallery not only sells original artwork but also stocks its gift store with cards, prints, and a number of hand-crafted gifts. Scoot & Paddle rents kayaks and stand-up paddle gear and also sells outdoor clothing, sunscreen, and a line of candles.