Post Road North - Milford, CT

The rich history of Milford dates back to the first English settlers that purchased the land in 1639. The area known as Milford was once a popular beach resort and hugely successful oystering, shipbuilding and farming community.

Today, you can celebrate Milford's oystering history at the annual Oyster Festival. This popular event hosts local and national musicians, live entertainment, and children's activities. Watch renowned headliners, partake in canoe and kayak racing, and feast on over 30,000 oysters and clams.

Explore Milford's arts and culture with nearby museums, such as the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. The museum serves as one of the oldest and largest natural history museums in the world, and you can visit for free every Thursday afternoon between September and June.

Post Road North locals have their pick when it comes to dining. Whether in the mood for Italian, hearty burgers, Chinese or sushi, the establishments here ensure you never have to travel far to satisfy your cravings.

For great Italian food and excellent service, head over to Fratelli's Italian Restaurant on New Haven Avenue. Locals love the handmade cheese used in the sliced tomato and mozzarella stack and other tasty dishes here. The veal chop Parmesan stands as another favorite to try. Sip on cocktails while you wait for your dinner to arrive — this place serves up delectable drinks from a list of specialty martinis.

Plan B Burger Bar at Milford Marketplace serves fresh grass-fed beef burgers and comfort food specialities. Locals flock to this Connecticut staple for weekly happy hour specials, an impressive bourbon and beer menu and a satisfying no-frills meals. Sample a variety of unique burgers, including the West Coast Burger topped with a fried egg, avocado and a Kalamata olive mayo. Snack on beer-battered shrimp, hot wings, truffle fries, mini chili-cheese hot dogs, sliders and puff-pastry wrapped brie drizzled with bourbon caramel. A variety of salads, lighter fare and gluten-free options remain available in addition to comfort food classics, such as country meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. Be sure to save room for dessert, and try the Plan B FunniBone, a rich, chocolate cake filled with peanut butter mousse and covered in silky chocolate ganache.

Momo Sushi on Turnpike Square provides fresh sushi and an inspired Japanese menu for Post Road North residents. Take advantage of the lunch specials during the weekday for sushi or bento boxes at an affordable price. Come for dinner or date night, and sip sake while enjoying the sushi, sashimi and hibachi menus. Try the Milford roll made with spicy crab, yellow tail and avocado, or for something different, sample sushi pizza, a signature dish that consists of flatbread topped with tuna, salmon, avocado, jalapeño and a spicy eel sauce.

For a fun night out with friends, head to Gipper's Restaurant & Ale House on Old Gate Lane. The family-run restaurant features spacious indoor seating and an outdoor patio. Over 20 televisions make this spot perfect for watching a game, and 15 beers on draft and over 100 bottled beers means you have a multitude of drink options. The bar also hosts events such as karaoke on Saturdays, DJs on Friday and trivia nights.

Post Road North residents have many options when it comes to getting around the neighborhood. Commute conveniently by car with easy access to Route 162, US 1 and Interstate 95. Travel to Downtown Milford in less than 10 minutes, or travel throughout the state and New York by Metro-North Railroad. Take a 1.5-hour train ride from Milford to Grand Central Station in the heart of Manhattan.

Street parking remains available, as well as plenty of parking outside of most businesses, restaurants, shopping centers and the railroad station. You can hop on a taxi outside of Metro-North Railroad or set up service from the smartphone-based Uber. Additionally, feel comfortable both walking and biking in the neighborhood; take advantage of bike-friendly major roads, such as Orange Avenue and North Street, and designated trails near Eisenhower Park.

Nearby Eisenhower Park offers something for everybody, from children's playgrounds to an off-leash dog run. Children can spend the day exploring Bodie's Place, a playground nestled inside Eisenhower Park. The accessible playground, also referred to as a boundless playground, is a specifically designed playground designated for children of all ages and abilities. Kids can play and learn with slides, sensory activities, oversized structures, a sandbox, swings and multiple accessible ramps.

In addition to the playground, the park provides covered picnic areas, tennis courts, a pond, nature trails, and plenty of paths for both walking or jogging.

Those looking to play a game of golf can visit The Orchards Golf Course Club, located across from Eisenhower Park. The public, nine-hole, par 32 course provides a professionally maintained facility and lessons for beginners.

Although the Post Road North area features a higher cost of living in comparison to the rest of Connecticut, it has a lot to offer its residents. An average one-bedroom rental costs $1,425. In general, the cost of living in Milford runs 6 percent higher than the state average.

Those commuting by bus should expect to pay $1.50 for a one-way trip, while the cost of commuting by train ranges from $2.50 to $25. A one-way trip from Milford to Grand Central Station costs $25, with discounts available for children and for traveling during off-peak hours. Gas prices in the area settle in at 11 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at a local pub or bar cost you around $5, but locals take advantage of happy hour specials and discounts.

Shop one of several nearby malls, such as Westfield Connecticut Post Mall or Milford Marketplace, both on Boston Post Road. Cross off everyone on your list at Westfield by shopping for the entire family at stores including Target, Macy's, Sears and The Children's Place. The smaller Milford Marketplace offers speciality shopping with stores such as The Paper Store, LOFT and Soma Intimates in addition to several salons and Massage Envy Spa.

Visit Atiana's Boutique for a collection of stunning dresses from top designers. The boutique sells formal dresses ideal for special occasions, such as prom, weddings and cocktail parties. Locals shop Once Upon a Child in the Turnpike Square shopping center for like-new children's clothing, toys and furniture. The consignment store offers impressive discounts on name brand items and also allows you to sell your children's gently used items once they grow out of them.

Locals have a variety of options when it comes to grocery shopping. Shop healthier choices at Whole Foods Market in Milford Marketplace or Trader Joe's in Peck Lane Plaza Shopping Center. Nearby Walmart and Super Stop & Shop provide affordable one-stop shopping, while those looking to purchase in bulk can shop at Costco on Boston Post Road. Head to The Downtown Milford Farmers Market from May through October for a selection of fresh, local produce. More than 20 local farmers and vendors sell artisan pastries and bread, fresh pasta, cheese, speciality oils and vinegars, flowers, and handmade apparel and goods.