Norwalk, Conn., June 19, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- (WITH PACKAGE) Positioned as the "Gateway to New England" just 35 miles (57 kilometers) outside New York City, Coastal Fairfield County has long-attracted visitors drawn to its coastal setting.
A perfect introduction to life on the Long Island Sound can be found at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Built in a restored foundry beside the Norwalk River, the Aquarium is unique in its dedication to a single body of water -- the Long Island Sound. The Aquarium also includes a maritime history museum and IMAX Theater showcasing nature-based films on a giant 6-story X 8-story screen. Those looking to explore the Sound first-hand can board the Aquarium's Research Vessel (RV), Oceanic, for an educational tour of life on, and under, the Sound.
An intricate part of the Sound's legacy is lighthouses. Throughout Coastal Fairfield County, eight of these life-saving beacons can be viewed from the water and land. For an excellent example, board the Seaport Islander for a short harbor tour en route to the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Built in 1868, the lighthouse offers four floors and 10 rooms to explore.
Another excellent opportunity to connect with the water is at Bridgeport's Captain's Cove Seaport. The Seaport serves as homeport for the Lightship Nantucket -- the last operational member of the lightship fleet. The ship, commissioned in the latter part of the 19th century, was used in treacherous waters where lighthouses could not be built. The Seaport also includes a collection of miniature colonial and Victorian buildings housing unique gift shops, and Dundon House Museum of the Sea.
A coastal cruise in Black Rock Harbor provides excellent views of Fayerweather and Black Rock Lighthouses, and fishing charters are available.
Those yearning for more adventure can head to Stamford for a cruise aboard the SoundWaters, a re-creation of a 19th century three-masted schooner that conducts ecology tours of the Long Island Sound. Don't miss the chance for some participatory seamanship as you help hoist the sails and sing sea chanteys. The cruise offers breathtaking views of Coastal Fairfield County and the Manhattan skyline.
For more excitement, check out Small Boat Shop Kayak Tours. Begin your day with a brief kayaking lesson, then explore the Norwalk Islands, one of only two island clusters on the Long Island Sound.
Fishing enthusiasts will love Coastal Fairfield County. World-renowned among fly-fishermen, the Compleat Angler and Westport Outfitters both offer lessons and guide anglers to some of the best sites in the area. Check with the chef at your hotel, as they may be able to cook up your catch at the end of the day.
Water has always held a mystique; in Coastal Fairfield County, the mystique is revealed with wondrous adventure upon wondrous adventure.
Photo available for this release: SONO Seaport To view photo, go to www.enewsrelease.com/pressroom and enter Release I.D. #27454
WHEN TO GO:
Coastal Fairfield County offers the best of all four seasons. Tempered by its coastal location, both summer and winter are mild. Water-related activities are best enjoyed from late spring through early autumn. Off-season, Winter Creature Cruises aboard the RV Oceanic are available through the Maritime Aquarium.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Five excellent airports, all within one hour's drive, include 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 among nine of the region's 13 communities. In addition, visitors can reach Manhattan in just 45 minutes by train.
WHERE TO STAY:
Set in the heart of Downtown Stamford, the Stamford Marriott Hotel (357-9555) offers water views and a revolving, roof-top restaurant with panoramic views of the Long Island Sound. With its own marina, the Cos Cob Inn (661-5845) offers convenience in a luxurious setting. The picturesque 52-acre Inn at Longshore (226-3316) includes on-site golf, tennis, paddleball, swimming, windsurfing, boating and spectacular water views. Both the Seagrape Inn at Fairfield Beach (255-6808) and Marnick's (377-6288) in Stratford provide the perfect opportunity for moonlit walks with their coastal setting.
WHERE TO DINE:
Coastal Fairfield County offers numerous seafood restaurants. Consider these for great food and waterside ambiance: Crab Shell in Stamford (967-7229); SoNo Seaport Seafood in Norwalk (854-9483); Splash in Westport (454-7798); Dolphin's Cove in Bridgeport (335-3301); and Knapp's Landing in Stratford (378-5999).
GETTING ON THE WATER:
SoundWaters (323-1978); The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, IMAX Theatre & RV Oceanic (852-0700); The Compleat Angler (655-9400); Westport Outfitters (226-1915); Sheffield Island Lighthouse (838-9444); Sound Sailing Center (838-1110); Small Boat Shop Kayak Tours (854-5223); Longshore Sailing School (226-4646); and Captain's Cove Seaport (335-1433).
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
Contact the Coastal Fairfield County Convention & Visitor Bureau at 1-800-866-7925 or 1-203-899-2799. Visit the Web site at www.coastalCT.com.
The area code for the region is 203.
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.
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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