Destination Ridgefield:  Come visit!

Ridgefield is a picturesque, progressive community in the southwest corner of Connecticut. Ridgefield is readily accessible from Danbury, Wilton and the northeastern part of Westchester County on routes 7, 33 and 35 and is within a half-hour’s drive of the Merritt Parkway and Interstate 84. The Branchville Train Station, just five minutes from the center of town, is Ridgefield’s connection to New York City on the New Haven Line of the Metro-North Commuter Railroad.

In 1938, the Connecticut Guide called Ridgefield’s Main Street “one of America’s most beautiful rural streets.” Still famed for its beauty and interesting places, Ridgefield’s village is best investigated on foot, and there are stops to please all ages. Main Street passes antique homes from the beginning of the 18th Century to grand homes built at the end of 20th. In the business district there are many places to dine, from the elegant to the casual. Or stop at Chez Lénard, Ridgefield’s always-popular hot dog stand, on Main Street. Park at the municipal lot off Bailey Avenue to start your stroll and head north or south. A full loop south to the blinker light at Route 33 and north to the stop sign at Route 116 is about three miles and a popular route for health-conscious walkers and joggers. North will take you to Ballard Park, which has a playground and gardens. South will take you past two museums, the Aldrich (check out the outdoor sculpture) and Keeler Tavern.  Overnight visitors may choose to stay in one of the historic inns downtown (The Elms Inn or West Lane Inn) or the new eco-friendly B&B Green Rocks Inn.  Stonehenge Inn is also lovely for a weekend getaway.  

Close by in New York state is wonderful Salinger’s Orchard and Farm Market great to visit all year.

Details
The municipal parking lots in Ridgefield offer free parking for up to three hours; if you plan a longer visit, there is a long-term lot on Governor Street, just west of the Boys and Girls Club. For the definitive guide to Ridgefield, buy a copy of FiveVillage Walks, published by the Ridgefield Archives Committee. It’s available at local businesses including The Ridgefield Press office.

Links:

1. •    The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art  
   

2. •    Weir Farm
   

3. •    Concert Happenings in Ridgefield’s Parks (CHIRP)
   

4. •    Ridgefield Playhouse
   

5. •    Ridgefield Guild of Artists
   

6. •    The Ridgefield Theater Barn
   

7. •    Restaurant Guides
   

8. •    Ridgefield Chorale
   

9. •    Green Rocks Inn - an eco friendly B&B