Wolfpit Norwalk, CT

An Indian trail winds through this heavily wooded area, flourishing with abundant wildlife, streams, lakes and ponds. The trail was renamed Wolfpit Avenue due to the abundance of wolves in the area. A ridge in the neighborhood drops sharply on one side, and historians believe that a cave or pit was dug there to collect a bounty on trapped wolves. Wolfpit's location is ideally located for those who work up and down "the line" that follows the old Post Road, south to New York City and north to Milford. The Wolfpit School holds a pumpkin festival and hosts touring companies throughout the year. An annual antique show occurs the last weekend in October, and the annual Norfolk Oyster Festival in September brings thousands of residents to the area.

A variety of dining choices dot the neighborhood from organic to Mediterranean to authentic Irish fare. Named "Best Vegetarian Restaurant" by Connecticut Magazine, The Lime Restaurant sublimely mixes an organic vegan/vegetarian menu with fish and chicken dishes. Enjoy a new freshly made soup each day, warm up with black bean chili or treat your taste buds to Maryland crab cakes accompanied by organic beer. The refreshing turkey cranberry salad, Cajun swordfish and grilled New York strip steak with spicy wasabi-Dijon sauce are favorites in this eatery.

An unassuming strip mall harbors the BYOB Basso Cafe Restaurant, but on the inside you'll discover Mediterranean and South American dishes that tantalize your tongue with selections such as lobster salad with avocado, endives and hearts of palm served with warm grilled Italian bread or a poached Maine lobster served with Sicilian-style saffron risotto. Duck breast, sea scallops, lamb, wraps and panini satisfy your appetite any time of day.

You don't have to be Irish to experience an authentic pub vibe at O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant on North Main. The turret-style brick facade, an oak and glass interior featuring Celtic knot designs and multicolored ceilings put you in the mood to enjoy time-honored English and Irish fare such as scones or a rasher of thinly sliced Irish bacon, grilled apple rings, fresh spinach and honey mustard piled on a bun. The pub also features a large beer selection, outdoor dining and enjoys a reputation among its regular patrons as the best place to have bangers and rashers, beef and Guinness pie with Irish coffee.

If you're looking for a fun and casual neighborhood bar, BJ Ryan's fits the bill with a warm brick and wood interior, outdoor seating, large screen TVs and an eclectic mix of food. Crab cakes, seared halibut, sashimi tuna tacos, fried calamari and pulled pork nachos are just a few of the delightful foods that await your sampling.

A lively club for dancing to live bands and local DJs, the Club Eldorado is steps away from the SoNo train station, which makes it a great place to stop after work. Self-described as a Spanish dive bar, this nightclub also features a lounge and a sports bar with three pool tables, music juke box, five TVs and four projector screens.

The Norwalk Transit District has a fixed-route bus system that provides transportation to and from local neighborhoods, north to Danbury and east to Bridgeport with shuttles to the downtown Norwalk hub where Metro-North riders catch trains to work. Alternative methods include a solid cab system and Uber. Public parking around bus and train stations abounds, and the neighborhood has easy access to major highways. Most errands require a vehicle, but the neighborhood is ranked third in Norwalk for walkability. A task force plans to improve and expand bike routes in the neighborhood, so riders need to proceed cautiously and follow traffic rules.

Although surrounded by private property, Wood Pond Park holds a diverse selection of bird and plant species where you may visit and take photographs. Just minutes away from the neighborhood, Taylor Farm Park features a view of the Sound, open space, a pond, trails, creeks and benches. The area is partially fenced and dogs are welcome to walk and play. Live Green Connecticut hosts an annual health and wellness fair with activities for the entire family, including home improvement ideas, a kids' activity zone, a car show, food, live music and over 200 exhibits.

Three trails loop around the Wolfpit neighborhood with nearly 5 miles of partial sidewalks. The trails lead to 14 Acre Park with its campfire ring, vegetation and pond flowers, and small wildlife like rabbits, squirrels and birds. The central starting point for the trails, the Norwalk Senior Center, features a bocce court, open fields for sporting activities, a playground, tennis courts and a basketball hoop.

Five minutes to the north rests Cranbury Park/Gallaher Estate, a historical site filled with trails through woodlands and groves of trees, shrubs and vines. Every July, the Round Hill Highland Games, the third-oldest Scottish games festival in the United States, attracts thousands of people who enjoy bagpipes, a caber toss, hammer throw and athletes wearing traditional wool kilts.

The cost of living in Norwalk and the Wolfpit neighborhood significantly tops the national average. A one-way public transportation ticket costs $1.50 to the Norwalk city center, although numerous options exist for residents who regularly use the Metro North rail system with its hub in downtown Norwalk. A one-bedroom apartment rents for approximately $2,414, a pub beer costs between $4.50 and $7 and the cost of gasoline is 23 percent higher than the national average.

A 15 minute drive takes you to three shopping malls, Westfield Trumbull, Stamford Town Center and the Danbury Fair Mall, each with anchors such as Lord & Taylor's, Macy's, Sears, Dick's Sporting Goods and L.L. Bean. With so many beaches in the area, a great place to pick up a new suit or flippers is Metro Swim Shop with brands such as Arena, Speedo, Nike and Blue Seventy. From dog training suits to gloves, paddles, snorkels and swim team equipment, this nifty specialty store meets many needs. Serious chefs and home cooks love Penzey's Spices. Patrons say the smell inside reminds them of a South Seas sailing vessel returning to the New World with exotic spices. The selection is unrivaled with choices for grilling and broiling, combinations for salt-free and pepper lovers, an exciting collection of baking extracts and made-to-order gift baskets for newlyweds or housewarmings. Stew Leonard's and IGA provide handy grocery shopping. For fresh local produce, head over to Rowayton Farmers Market. The market is open on Fridays between late May and late October. Vendors carry vegetables, fruit and herbs, as well as dairy products, baked goods, jam and other homemade treats.