The 20 Best Things to do in Wilton, CT for First Timers
If you’re planning to take a trip to Wilton, Connecticut and this is your first time visiting then you’re in the right place. For a small community of around 20,000 residents, there is a lot to see and experience. There are some popular tourist attractions, but there are also a few well-kept secrets that could make this a fun-filled and exciting trip that you’ll remember for years to come. To help you get the most out of your time there, here are the 20 best things to do in Wilton, Connecticut.
20. Visit the Woodcock Nature Center
The Woodcock Nature Center is located between Wilton and Ridgefield. This amazing wonderland sits on 149 acres and it is filled with color-coded trails that are suitable for all age groups. It is an educational environmental center that sponsors a variety of fun community events throughout the year. Near Halloween, there are hayrides and special games, and there’s even an Easter egg hunt in the spring. There are also several different kinds of wildlife that have been rescued and now make their homes in the natural habitat prepared for them, so you can see all manner of wildlife here and learn about them.
19. Tour the Weir Farm National Historic Site
The Weir Farm National Historic Site is dedicated to the visual arts. This rural home was once the residence of J. Alde Weir, a famous and influential impressionist artist who lived from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. The farm sits on 60 acres and it is surrounded by breathtaking streams, fields, and woods. There are 16 buildings on the site which include the Young Studio the Weir Studio, and several other buildings that display artwork from the Weir, Andrews, and Young families. On weekends, you can borrow art supplies including pastels, pencils, paper, and watercolors to create your own works of art at the Visitor Center porch.
18. Visit the Wilton Historical Society
The Wilton Historical Society features a museum that features a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits. The Historical Society sponsors a variety of events including educational lectures on a variety of historical topics with self-guided or guided tours upon request. Collections of textiles, redware, trains, toys, and tools from yesteryear are featured in its period rooms. There is a lot to see at the museum.
17. Go to the Ambler Farm
Ambler Farm is a historic site that offers a lot of fun activities for the entire family. The farm sponsors educational events throughout the year with hands-on fun learning activities for everyone. There are historic buildings to tour, cultural programs and there is even a maple tap a tree event. Learn about the sustainable agricultural practices of the region and about the rich history of this 22-acre educational farm that welcomes guests and visitors with lots of great activities. There is even a seasonal farmer’s market on the site.
16. Catch a show at the Wilton Playshop
The Wilton Playshop offers yet more entertainment for residents and visitors to Wilton. The performing arts are big in the city and this production house frequently features dancing performances, singing performances, and a variety of stage productions. If you’re looking for some live entertainment while you’re in Wilton, check out the schedule in advance and book tickets for a show.
15. See the Cannondale Train Station
This is a must-see when you’re in Wilton. It connects Wilton and Cannondale with all of the surrounding cities in the region. The building itself is quaint and it sits in the heart of Cannondale Village. This train station is also a historic site and you can learn all about the history of the rails when you visit. It’s also a great place to take pictures
14. Visit the Wilton Library
There is always something going on at the Wilton Library. Before you make your trip, get online and check out their schedule of events so you’ll know what’s going to be happening while you’re in town. Some of the events that are hosted at the library include concerts from famous bands and musicians, interactive educational events and classes, art shows, discussions on books, and much more.
13. Walk the Norwalk River Valley Trail
If you love beautiful scenery and natural environments and you’re a hiker, then you have to visit the Norwalk River Valley Trail. There are a lot of different trails to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty. There are trails for foot traffic and also some great bicycle paths to ride. The trails are interconnected and take you by some of the more popular landmarks and attractions in Wilton, so this is a walk you won’t want to miss out on.
12. Catch a concert at Merwyn Meadows Park
Merwyn Meadows is a park that sponsors some great concerts during the summertime. Merwin Meadows is a community park that is a lot of fun to visit. Lifeguards are on duty for swimming in the pond or enjoying the beach. There is also a playground for the kids, a bathhouse, a pavilion, grills for barbecuing, and an athletic field in addition to the special events that are hosted throughout the summer months.
11. Play at the Comstock Community Center
The Comstock Community Center offers a lot of different amenities. There are indoor recreational facilities for playing basketball and other games, and there are also outdoor facilities available. One of the best things about the center is that it features 2 outdoor lighted basketball courts for evening play, as well as a soccer field, a baseball diamond, and an athletic field for other sports. The center also rents out their facilities for community-sponsored and private events so don’t forget to check and see what’s going on when you’re in town.
10. Walk the trails at Schenck’s Island
Schenck’s Island is the main trail system that takes visitors on a loop around the island. It’s filled with breathtaking scenery and wildlife as it winds around the Norwalk River. There are several clearings made to provide amazing views. Improvements to the area include picnicking sites, fishing areas, and places to kick back and relax by the edge of the water.
9. See the Richard Foster House
The Richard Foster House, also known as the Round House is one of the most interesting architectural structures in Wilton. The modern structure was constructed by Richart T. Foster, a famed architect in 1968, but it is considered to be a modern design. This is one of the few actual residences that can rotate 360 degrees to offer a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape for each room in the home.
8. Catch a refreshment at Marlys Bar & Grill
This is a quaint little bistro type establishment that offers some of the best American food in town. They make the best burgers in town and specialize in family-style cooking. During normal operation hours, the restaurant offers to take out or dine-in and they also have an amazing area for outdoor patio dining on a first-come-first-served basis. No trip to Wilton is complete without trying the great food and beverages at Marly’s Bar & Grill.
7. Catch a healthy meal or snack at Naked Green’s
One of the most unique health-minded eateries in the country is located right in Wilton, CT. Naked Greens specializes in cuisine that is made fresh every day from truly fresh ingredients. Everything here is healthy but it’s also extremely tasty. They offer soups, salads, wraps, and healthy beverages. if you’re into fitness but you also enjoy deliciously prepared foods and drinks then you owe it to yourself to give Naked Green’s a try. You might just find your favorite new menu items while you’re there.
6. Give Little Pub Wilton a try
Little Pub Wilton is the beer connoisseur’s dream. In addition to offering an amazing selection of cold brews, the establishment also makes some of the best food in the city. They specialize in hot lobster rolls, blazing chicken wings, shrimp tacos, and a variety of mixed cocktails. During normal operational times, there is also live entertainment available at the Little Pub Wilton and it’s a great place for adults to go to kick back, have a few drinks, and enjoy the entertainment offerings.
5. Check out the Farmers’ Market
If you’re visiting Wilton during the summer months then you simply must check out the Wilton Farmer’s Market. It’s held all summer long through October 30th on Wednesdays. The vendors are open for business from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. The Farmer’s Market is held on the grounds of the Wilton Historical Society and the featured products are fresh fruits and vegetables along with flowers, honey, maple syrup, local organic produce, homemade bread and other baked goods, pesto, cheese, jams, jellies and more. There are even take-out lunches and dinners available from local food vendors on-site.
4. Tour the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum
This quaint museum is open during the summer. It’s a work in progress located at 295 West Avenue in Norwalk. The museum has some of the most amazing architecture in the area. It is simply stunning on both the exterior and the interior. The rococo design gives you the sense that you have just stepped into another time era from centuries ago. The mansion features some amazing artwork on the walls and ceiling with unique wall treatments and fixtures. If you don’t have time to go inside and tour the mansion, at least stop by the front of the structure to have your photo taken.
3. Visit the Glass House
The Glass House is a large museum that features a sculpture gallery as well as a painting gallery and numerous art exhibits. This is one of the most unique visual arts organizations in the state of Connecticut. There are so many different things to see while you’re there, we recommend signing up for the 2-hour tour so you cover everything that this visual arts center has to offer. You’ll also find unique architectural exhibits as well as landscaping that is absolutely breathtaking. During normal operational times, guided tours are available in increments from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. See the Fairfield History and Museum Center
The Fairfield History and Museum Center offers a plethora of exhibitions and programs that are appropriate for children, families, and adults. This venue is filled with interesting art and historical exhibits and it’s a great place to learn the history of women’s suffrage and local and regional history as well. During normal operational hours, the museum sponsors interactive educational programs and activities and events. Due to the Covid-19 closures, many of the programs have been offered online.
1. Visit the Westport Astronomical Society
While you’re in Wilton, you’re not far from Westport and it would be well worth your time to venture the short distance to visit the Westport Astronomical Society. Astronomy buffs will love the Fred Bump Education Center where monthly meetings are held as well as continuing education classes in the field of astronomy. The observatory is the highest point in Westport with the done resting on top of an old Nike radar tower. The public is welcome to observe the stars and planets through its powerful telescope. It will be an experience that you won’t soon forget.