NORWALK, Conn., July 5, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- (WITH PACKAGE) Just over the New York border 35 miles (57 kilometers) from Manhattan, lies a destination that's been delighting kids and adults since the days of P.T. Barnum's three-ring circus. This summer, Coastal Fairfield County offers something to please every family member, all just a tank of gas away from midtown Manhattan.
Perched atop a hill overlooking Greenwich, the Bruce Museum of Arts & Science offers a dynamic mix for children of all ages. Of special note for kids is weekend storytelling and art & mask-making workshops.
Located on 118 acres, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center includes a small New England farm with barnyard animals and picnic area. Overbrook Natural Science Center, the hub of the Center's nature activities, has a live pond-life exhibit in simulated habitats, otter pool and boardwalk that winds by a stream toward woodland nature trails. Visit in March for maple sugaring or October for apple cidering.
One of Connecticut's largest attractions, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, combines an aquarium, maritime history hall and IMAX Theater in one. Dedicated to providing an education and appreciation for Long Island Sound, the Aquarium features interactive displays, ever-changing exhibits, harbor study cruises and many special programs. More than 125 species of marine life, including harbor seals and sharks indigenous to Long Island Sound, live in re-creations of their own habitats.
Just north of the Aquarium, the Stepping Stones Museum for Children invites children and their families to explore, imagine, create and discover new experiences with each visit. Designed for children ages one to 10, the interactive learning environment is built on the principle that children learn best by doing. Hands-on exploration and discovery are encouraged utilizing the themes of science, technology, arts, culture and heritage.
Science, art and culture are the threads that connect many of the area's attractions. Experience adventure in art & science at The Discovery Museum with more than 100 hands-on art and physical science exhibits, and planetarium shows. The Challenger Learning Center, a sophisticated computer-simulated space mission to Mars for adults and children 10 & over, is available by reservation.
Bridgeport is known as "the city that P.T. Barnum built." Here, the Barnum Museum pays tribute to the varied career of this noted entrepreneur, politician, journalist, impresario, museum owner, founder of "The Greatest Show on Earth" and, perhaps, father of family entertainment. Families will marvel at exhibits devoted to such Barnum show business legends as General Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightingale." A complete scale model of Barnum's best-known creation -- the Three-Ring Circus -- and unique memorabilia and exhibits on Barnum's life and times will amuse kids of all ages.
Dedicated to the rare and wonderful animals of North and South America, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, on 33 park-like acres, began as a place to exercise Barnum's circus animals when they wintered in Bridgeport. Today, special features include an indoor South American Rainforest exhibit, New England farmyard, greenhouse, carousel museum and seasonal programs.
At the Children's Garbage Museum, an environmental education facility, demonstrate the recycling process and its importance to the future. Located in Stratford's Southwest Connecticut Regional Recycling Center, the Museum offers a unique variety of hands-on exhibits, a learning laboratory, and an amphitheater for videos and lectures. A 125-foot enclosed skywalk allows a tour of the recycling plant to view how recyclables are delivered, processed and prepared for sale.
What better ending to a perfect day, than a baseball game in a state-of-the-art ballpark. At Harbor Yard, the entire family can experience Fairfield County's only professional baseball team in full "swing." The Bridgeport Bluefish enjoy the distinction of being the most successful team in the history of minor league baseball!
Farmyards to space missions, tigers to sharks, there's something for every family member in Connecticut's Coastal Fairfield County. Families will enjoy making memories to last a lifetime.
Created in 1993, the Coastal Fairfield County Convention & Visitor Bureau represents all travel & tourism related organizations in the thirteen communities of southwestern Connecticut. These communities include the cities of Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport and the towns of Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton, Westport, Weston, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe and Stratford. The Bureau serves as the primary contact point in the region for leisure travelers, meeting planners, tour operators, sporting event organizers, the film industry and media/travel writers.
WHEN TO GO:
Coastal Fairfield County offers the best of all four seasons. Tempered by its coastal location, both summer and winter are mild. Garden tours and flower shows abound in the spring, while summer and autumn offer hundreds of outdoor arts & crafts shows and festivals, and of course, the area's spectacular fall foliage.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Five excellent airports -- all within one hour's drive including LaGuardia, JFK and Westchester County in New York, Newark in New Jersey and Bradley in Connecticut, serve the region. In addition, Amtrak serves the Stamford and Bridgeport train stations and ferry service is offered between Port Jefferson, Long Island and Bridgeport.
GETTING AROUND:
While a rental car offers the best flexibility, Metro-North Commuter Railroad offers frequent service between nine of the region's 13 communities. In addition, visitors can reach Manhattan in just 45 minutes by train.
WHERE TO STAY:
When traveling with kids and need a little extra space, two family-friendly options are Stamford Suites (359-7300) and Homestead Guest Studios (847-6888) in Norwalk. Indoor and outdoor pools will bring smiles for sure. Splash into the Doubletree Club Hotel (853-3477) in Norwalk and the Holiday Inn (334-1234) in Bridgeport.
WHERE TO DINE:
Kids love pizza and two great spots they'll feel right at home are Post Corner Pizza, Darien and Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizza, Westport. For seafood kids will enjoy, check out the Restaurant at Captain's Cove (335-1433).
WHAT TO DO:
Bruce Museum of Arts & Science (869-0376), Stamford Museum & Nature Center (322-1646), Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (852-0700), Stepping Stones Museum for Children (899-0606), The Discovery Museum (372-3521), Barnum Museum (331-1104), Beardsley Zoo (394-6565), The Children's Garbage Museum (381-9571), Bridgeport Bluefish (345-4800)
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
When planning your visit, contact the Coastal Fairfield County Convention & Visitor Bureau at 1-800-866-7925 or 1-203-899-2799 or visit www.coastalCT.com.
Area code for the region is 203
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CONTACT: Coastal Fairfield County Convention & Visitor Bureau
Mary L. Woods, Director of Communications
(203) 840-0770 ext. 314
maryw@coastalCT.com