Milford is a coastal city in New Haven County, Connecticut. It is located between the cities of New Haven and Bridgeport. As of the 2020 census, the city’s population was 50,558. It includes the villages of Devon and Woodmont. There are plenty of things to do in Milford.
Historic districts
Milford, CT is a city that has a rich history. The town’s early residents included 139 people who served in the Colonial Wars, and more than two hundred people who served in the Revolutionary War. In 1640, the town’s planters were dissenters from the New Haven Colony, and they decided to form a new town. The group was led by Reverend Peter Prudden, a minister with the Davenport and Eaton Company.
Milford grew slowly during the colonial period, with only about 1,600 people living there in 1755. The natural harbor and access to the ocean facilitated a small shipping industry. In addition, oystering and fishing supplemented the colonial diet. In the 18th century, these activities grew into major industries. Today, six houses are preserved in the River Park Historic District, all built before the turn of the century. Among these are a pair of five-bay center-chimney houses that were constructed around 1700.
Milford has a number of historic districts. One of the most significant of these is the River Park Historic District, which comprises the town’s institutional and residential center. This district illustrates the town’s development from the colonial period to the early twentieth century. This district includes several well-preserved Greek Revival-style houses, as well as representative vernacular examples of major domestic styles. The town also features early twentieth-century community planning and a river park system. The preservation of these buildings and their open landscaped surroundings enhance their significance as historical landmarks.
Parks
There are numerous attractions in Milford, Connecticut. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity or a romantic getaway, the area has something to offer everyone. There are also three historic houses, dating back to the 17th century. The oldest of these is the Eells-Stow House. This home was once owned by the Boston hailing Eels family, and was later passed on to the Stow family.
One of the best parks in Milford is Eisenhower Park, which includes 44 acres of wilderness. It has a network of trails and a wide range of activities. The park is home to diverse wildlife and rich scenery. It also features the Wepawaug River, which flows through the park. This park is also pet-friendly and welcomes all ages.
Silver Sands Beach is another great option for family outings. This beach is surrounded by nature and is a popular destination for summertime vacations. It also features a fishing pier, one of the state’s longest boardwalks, and covered picnic tables. Visitors can also walk to Charles Island, which can be reached by crossing a sand bar during low tide. You can find on-street parking, which is free, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to park your car.
Restaurants
Whether you are looking for takeout or delivery, you can find many different options in the city of Milford. Several businesses accept online orders, phone orders, and even curbside pickup. Some even have delivery options through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates. Whether you are looking for a local restaurant or a place that caters, you are sure to find one that offers an excellent meal.
The Iron Rail in New Milford is a renovated historic restaurant that will be a welcoming and classic experience. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its extensive menu includes traditional dishes as well as modern Italian specialties. It also offers a large wine selection. Whether you are planning a romantic dinner or a family event, you can find a delicious meal at the Iron Rail.
Strega was one of the 14 restaurants chosen by the experts of Connecticut Magazine’s Best Restaurants in New Haven County. The restaurant was also named one of New Haven’s Best New Restaurants. Additionally, Archie Moore’s Bar and Restaurant in New Milford was named one of the city’s Best Traditional American restaurants. All of these restaurants make “Experts’ Pick” lists for several categories, and several are even included in the prestigious “Hidden Gem” list.
Shopping
The town of Milford, Connecticut, is home to an array of small businesses. Small businesses create jobs in their local community, which means more money for public services. Additionally, they purchase more local products and services, meaning less pollution for the environment. Small businesses also contribute to neighborhood development and improve the community.
The downtown area is full of specialty shops and boutiques. These shops range from chic coffee shops to high-end interior design boutiques. In addition to specialty stores, Milford also boasts a thriving nightlife. Visitors to this area will be thrilled to discover a variety of culinary, fashion, and lifestyle offerings. The shopping district is steps from the train station. Besides the many local shops and restaurants, the town also boasts a popular Orangetheory Fitness, a high-energy fitness studio.
Oyster festival
The annual Milford Oyster Festival (sometimes shortened to “Oysterfest”) is an annual cultural festival in Milford, Connecticut. A fun day for the whole family, the festival celebrates the best of Connecticut’s seashore and its seafood industry. The event is held each September and is well worth a visit.
The event is free and open to the public. Sponsorships are available for local businesses and affiliated non-profits. Volunteers are also needed to help make the event a success. Several events will be held throughout the day to keep people entertained. Some of the highlights include the oyster tasting, live music and a classic car show.
The festival also features local and national music and food vendors. You can sample and purchase some of the 30,000 fresh oysters harvested by the Briarpatch Shellfish Company. There will be a variety of performances, including a live concert by Creed frontman Scott Stapp. You can also catch a Foo Fighters tribute band.
Beaches
The beaches in Milford, CT are perfect for a day out with the family. The town is home to five public beaches, with lifeguards on duty. These beaches offer everything from family-friendly activities to romantic retreats. Visiting the beach is also known to help relieve stress, improve sleep, and increase vitamin D levels.
Milford has a long history dating back to Colonial times, and the Milford Historical Society helps preserve the area’s heritage. The town boasts several colonial-era homes, including the historic Eells-Stow House, which is reputed to be the oldest house in Milford. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic walk along the waterside, which includes a scenic lookout point. Rock outcroppings and islands can be seen from the shore.
There are several beaches in Milford, CT, including Milford Beach and Woodmont Beach. Each has its own unique amenities and conditions. Regardless of the season, you can enjoy the Milford beaches all year round.
Walking trails
If you are looking for walking trails in Milford, Connecticut, you’ve come to the right place. There are several different options that are both scenic and fun to hike. In Milford, you can explore the Silver Sands boardwalk. Taking the boardwalk to the beach is a wonderful way to get some real exercise. You can even hike out to Charles Island, which is infamous for being submerged at high tide. The boardwalk is long enough to give you a real workout, and there is free parking nearby.
You can also take a stroll along one of the city’s public walking trails, such as Beaver Brook marsh. Located on private property, the 41-acre freshwater marsh is accessible through a public access easement. Unfortunately, a fire in 2012 destroyed the boardwalk along this trail, but the city plans to replace it soon. There are also new maps and brochures to help you find the right path. These brochures also give you information about the town’s various walking trails.
The Kress Family Trail occupies the former Shepaug Valley Railroad route, which was also known as the Shepaug, Litchfield and Northern Railroad. Another trail, Larkin State Park, meanders through woods for ten miles, following the former New York & New England Railroad. Another popular route is along the Mattabessett River, which used to be used by trolleys, but is now pedestrian-friendly.
Museums
Museums are a great way to learn about local history and culture. Most museums are run by nonprofit organizations that preserve important artifacts and educate visitors on different cultures. The Eells-Stow House, for example, is said to be the oldest home in Milford. The family moved to the town in the late seventeenth century from the Boston area. You can also visit the Clark-Stockade House, a 17th century house that was moved to its current location in 1974. The house was built by Deacon George Clark around 1659, and eventually became a saltbox style house.
There are many museums in Milford, CT. For example, the Housatonic Museum of Art is a great place to learn about the local art scene. The museum includes works by Picasso, Miro, and Chagall. Other attractions include the Mattatuck Museum, which features Connecticut and regional history. Another museum that you may enjoy is the Waterbury Button Museum, which has over 10,000 buttons from around the world. The Milford Historical Museum is another great option for learning about local history.