Just One Hour From NYC, Greenwich Is The Perfect Connecticut Day Trip Destination
By Lisa Sammons|Updated on March 20, 2023(Originally published March 14, 2023)
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
Looking for a great day trip to Connecticut from NYC? There are tons of things to do in Greenwich, Connecticut that will appeal to a variety of tastes. It’s only an hour’s drive or train ride from the Big Apple. Check out some of our favorite spots in Greenwich:
Greenwich was first settled in 1640, and incorporated as a town in 1655. As you can imagine, there are plenty of historic buildings in the area. The town's historic district is made up of about 86 acres, featuring buildings made in a variety of eras and architectural styles. There are late 19th-century Italianate buildings, early 20th-century Georgian Revivals, and post-World War Commercial-style buildings. Exploring this area is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Greenwich, Connecticut.
A definite spot to see on this Connecticut day trip from NYC, the Greenwich Audubon Center is a tucked-away bit of nature within the city. The preserve aims to educate visitors about the natural world that surrounds us and provide protected spaces for birds and other wildlife. They are known to host events throughout the year and also offer a summer camp and various youth and school programs. Get the most up-to-date information about visiting here from the Greenwich Audubon Center website.
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Greenwich Point Park: 11 Tods Driftway, Old Greenwich, CT 06870
Greenwich Point Park, 11 Tods Driftway, Old Greenwich, CT 06870, USA
Greenwich Point Park is one of our favorite day trips in Connecticut, especially in the warmer months. Among its 147 acres, the beach is probably the most popular spot, with a launch for kayaks and boats. The area is also home to the great Tod's Point Trail. There are still many historic buildings on the former estate, too.
There's something so special about independent bookstores, and one of our favorites is Diane's Books in Greenwich. The staff here love to provide suggestions and have expertise in every genre. More than just a bookstore, there are also book group consultations available as well as the Read of the Month Club a Book Bag, where the staff fills a tote full of books based on the recipient's interests. A stop here will make your day trip to Connecticut from NYC that much more enjoyable.
Bruce Museum: 1 Museum Dr, Greenwich, CT 06830
Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr, Greenwich, CT 06830, USA
The Bruce Museum features exhibits on Connecticut history, art, and nature. It's a fun and educational thing to do in Greenwich, Connecticut with plenty of urban legends surrounding it.... Did you know it's also considered to be one of the most haunted places in Connecticut? Be sure to check its schedules of events and exhibits. Just a few of the more permanent ones include The Robert R. Wiener Mineral Gallery and the Nature Cycles Shape Our Land Gallery.
The Flinn Gallery: 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
The Flinn Gallery, 101 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830, USA
The Flinn Gallery is a small art museum inside the Greenwich Library. It features art from a variety of mediums and time periods, and since the exhibits change frequently, there's always something new to see! It is certainly worth the day trip to Connecticut from NYC. You can find out more from the Flinn Gallery website. And if you have time, check out the library itself. They host more than 1,500 events and programs throughout the year.
How many of these Greenwich spots have you visited on a day trip to Connecticut from NYC? Got any other must-see spots in this great city? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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More to Explore
Exploring Connecticut
Rachel Raimondi|March 19, 2023
What are some of the oldest towns in Connecticut?
Settled in 1607, there is much to the history of the Constitution State. Check out some of the oldest towns in Connecticut:
Windsor: This town in Hartford County goes all the way to 1633. Learn about this spot at the Windsor Historical Society, explore Northwest Park, and much more.
Hartford: Although it was not named the capital city until 1875, the city itself was established in 1636. Visit the Mark Twain House and Museum or take in the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden.
New Haven: Home to Yale University, this city was established in 1638. Some of the best attractions here to take in include the Peabody Museum of Natural History and the Connecticut Science Center.
What are the largest cities by population in Connecticut?
There are about 3.6 million people living in Connecticut. Here are just a few of the largest cities by population in Connecticut:
Bridgeport: This seaport city in Fairfield County has a population of about 148,000 people. It’s actually the fifth most populous city in all of New England. Some of its most well-known places include the Discovery Museum and Planetarium and Seaside Park.
Stamford: This Fairfield County city’s population clocks in at around 136,000 people. Its financial district is well-known and actually comes in second to the NYC metropolitan region. Companies like UBS and the Royal Bank of Scotland are located here.
Are there any animal encounters in Connecticut?
If you want to take in some animal life while in the state, check out these animal encounters in Connecticut:
Mystic Aquarium: This aquarium is home to the biggest outdoor beluga exhibit in the nation. Among the many animals you’ll be able to see here include jellyfish, sharks, seals, alligators, and sea lions.
Beardsley Zoo: Located in Bridgeport, this zoo has been around since 1922. Be sure to check out the indoor rainforest, the Siberian tigers, and the New England Farmyard. There is also an indoor carousel.
Burgis Brook Alpacas: This spot is located in Canterbury. Stop in to see dozens of Peruvian huacaya alpacas, many of which you can give a little pet.