Newfield-Westover-Turn of River - Stamford, CT Area Guide

The mid-19th century saw the neighborhood become a destination for families thanks to the homes on the shoreline, and increasing industry brought many people to the area for jobs. Once fallen prey to an economic downturn, a major revitalization in the mid-20th century brought the neighborhood where it is today. Downtown renewal has brought about thousands of square feet of office space, malls, and over a hundred restaurants over the last decades. The rebirth of the neighborhood continues today with a humming downtown district and suburban neighborhoods thriving. Stamford Center for the Arts helps area residents foster an appreciation for the arts by hosting programs for young playwrights and emerging artists in the performing arts. The Stamford Museum and Nature Center remains a vital and cultural spot for the community with educational programs, exhibits and special events to engage the community.

Only a 10-minute drive to downtown Stamford stands between you and fine dining. Stay in the neighborhood, and find a bevy of options from pizza to Indian cuisine. Bridge Street Wienery, rumored to have the best hot dog in the New England sector, houses itself in a simple but cozy cafe. With the menu featuring mac and cheese bites, burgers and fried pickles, comfort foods make top priority here. The hot dog steals the show, slathered with everything from bacon to coleslaw to make it a sure winner. Try the fried Oreos for dessert when you want a sweet finish to a belly-busting meal. For a traditional diner experience, neighborhood folks head over to Bull’s Head Diner on High Ridge Road. Find a little bit of everything at this local favorite, including fresh seafood options such as calamari, fried clam strips, or a variety of fish choices from baked, broiled, grilled, stuffed or fried. Alternatively, sink your teeth into one of Bull's signature steaks, cooked just the way you like them. Olio's casual fine dining restaurant features an impressive lineup of good eats. The popular brunch menu supplies favorites such as lobster eggs Benedict and house-made crepes. The Olio signature Bloody Mary stands as the king of all breakfast drinks, served in a mammoth Ball jar with pickled house vegetables, crispy pork belly and sweet chili shrimp. Coalhouse Pizza makes the perfect Friday night combination of pizza and beer, with live entertainment such as comedy nights, live bands and karaoke. Discover plenty of people enjoying this kitschy yet classy joint on any given weekend. Picking a brew may be hard with the list of over 50 craft beers available.

Owning a car is useful when navigating the mainly residential area. Interstate 95 serves as the main thoroughfare in and out of the city, and the Merritt Parkway is easily accessible from the neighborhood. Route 1, Route 137 and Route 134 make entry into the neighborhood a cinch. It's easy to park in most areas, with restaurants and stores providing free parking, with the exception of the downtown area with metered parking. Book an Uber with your smartphone, or call ahead for taxi service. Stamford's main branch of the New Haven Line on the Metro-North Railroad serves as the third-busiest station in the system. The line brings thousands of passengers to and from the New York City area every day. Nearby Glenbrook and Springdale stations funnel through smaller crowds but remain useful stops for those in the neighborhood. An express train leaves Stamford every morning and evening for Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, a 45-minute commute. Amtrak has a high-speed route between Boston and Washington that makes several daily stops in Stamford. Initiatives with pedestrian safety in mind have been established in the city with mixed-use paths, bike lanes and curb extensions installed throughout. Bike paths and greenways encourage cyclists and walkers to utilize the neighborhood's streets.

A ample selection of parks housed within the neighborhood provide meeting places, game venues and fitness opportunities for members of the community. Scalzi Park hosts baseball fields, playgrounds, splash pad, roller hockey rink and fitness area. Young locals skate at the skateboard park and fitness nuts enjoy the paved paths throughout the park. A dog park in the Courtland Park allows owners to unleash their dogs in a fenced-in area, with shaded benches nearby for owners to relax. The Ukranian Day Festival, held annually every September brings crowds of residents joining in the fun. The dancing goes on all day while music played by live bands hums in the background, and the picnic style food served up keeps bellies happy. Stop by and talk to the vendors selling everything from crafts to polka records, a great way to engage in lively conversation.

With a 30-minute commute to nearby New York City, the area remains an affordable alternative to expensive Manhattan. A one-bedroom apartment costs $1,743 a month to rent and a beer sets you back $6 at the local watering hole. A one-way ticket to Manhattan's city center costs $21 on peak hours, and gas prices tend to be 20 percent higher than the national average.

The shopping landscape is made up of charming boutiques downtown, strip malls filled with a smorgasbord of stores mixed with big-box and chain retailers. Franklin Street Works hosts a contemporary art space, cafe and social gathering scene near the downtown area. A funky spot where young dreadlocked locals mingle with business men in suits, it's a sight to behold. Pedigree Ski Shop specializes in all things ski, with a knowledgeable staff on duty to assist with purchasing snowboards, skis and accessories. A love for the sport extends to everything in the store from the selection of specialized goods to the individualized care given to each customer. Treasure Hunters Thrift Shop has a funky shop containing everything from 80s boomboxes to that cable-knit sweater you never knew you needed. Home furnishings, vintage jewelry and all sorts of knickknacks and accessories are artfully arranged for your perusal. Neighborhood grocery options include Fairway Market, Shoprite, Stop & Shop and Grade A Market. Sophia Farmers Market houses a natural market featuring organic locally sourced produce. Find specialty items and gourmet goods on the shelves of this cozy little market. Stamford Downtown Farmers Market hosts a seasonal market filled with fruits, veggies and fresh-baked goods from local artisans.