Danbury

Encompassing just over 720 acres of meadows, forests, and rocky hillsides, Tarrywile Park & Mansion is the largest city-owned park in the state. The park offers plenty of things for visitors to do, including a handful of picnic areas, a beautiful lake tucked away in the forest, and more than 20 miles of hiking trails. In addition to its beautiful and varied natural terrain, the park is also home to two historic buildings: the 19th-century Hearthstone Castle and a Shingle Style mansion set on an 11-acre property with a gatehouse and several other outbuildings.

Tarrywile Park & Mansion is open to visitors by appointment.

70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, CT 06810, Phone: 203-744-3130

Located in a historic train station in the east end of town, the Danbury Railway Museum was created to chronicle the history of railroading in Danbury and the surrounding area. Highlights of the museum include model train layouts, exhibits full of old photographs and artifacts and a 6-acre railyard full of historic railroad equipment, some of which has been restored.

Between the months of April and November, visitors can also take an exciting half hour train ride. Hours of operation vary depending on the season, and the museum is closed for all holidays except Labor Day and Memorial Day.

120 White St, Danbury, CT 06810, Phone: 203-778-8337

One of the biggest shopping malls in New England, the Danbury Fair Mall was first opened in 1986. The mall is made up of approximately 200 different stores and restaurants spread out over 1.2 million square feet.

Families with small children often come here to ride on the large double decker carousel in the food court, and the mall hosts Family Fun Nights and other kid-friendly events throughout the year, including a two-week-long carnival in one of the parking lots at the beginning of the summer.

7 Backus Ave, Danbury, CT 06810, Phone: 203-743-3247

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

Made up of five separate historic buildings, the Danbury Museum & Historical Society is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about the history of Danbury. Most of the museum's exhibits and displays can be found in Huntington Hall, which is open Tuesday through Saturday.

If you'd like to tour the other buildings, guided tours are usually offered on Saturdays. Visitors are also welcome to come to the Hat City Ball, a special fundraising event held every January. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum, and admission includes an open bar, music, and plenty of food.

43 Main St, Danbury, CT 06810, Phone: 203-743-5200

Tucked away on a 140-acre property that includes the 888-foot Bear Mountain Peak, Bear Mountain Reservation offers plenty of excellent hikes for visitors to enjoy. Many of the trails loop around and connect with one another, and most of them are of easy or moderate difficulty.

The one exception is the Orange Trail, a steep path that leads down to the shore of Candlewood Lake and boasts wonderful views of the water. Plenty of parking is available in the reservation's paved parking lot, and there are several shady picnic areas for anyone who would like to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

17 Bear Mountain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811

Built in 1999, the Danbury Ice Arena is a 3,000-seat arena that offers a wide selection of skating programs for people of all ages and ability levels. Skating lessons are offered year-round, and all students receive complimentary admission to any public skate session that takes place during their class semester. Other popular activities offered by the arena include recreational hockey leagues for youths and adults, personalized hockey coaching, and fun DJ skate nights.

1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT 06810

The Danbury Sports Dome is the biggest domed facility to be found anywhere on the East Coast, and it hosts a wide range of fun activities and events all throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to join one of the drop-in soccer games, play a game of lawn bowling, or enjoy a game of pick-up lacrosse. The indoor fields can be rented by the hour, and the facility also offers battle balls for rent. There is also an on-site concession stand, which offers a wide range of food and drinks as well as catering for birthday parties and other special events.

25 Shelter Rock Ln, Danbury, CT 06810, Phone: 203-778-3663

The first urban winery in Connecticut, Shelter Rock Winery runs a unique wine-making club that enables members to produce their own world-class wine in a friendly, sociable environment. The grapes are sourced from California by the owner, who also happens to be an experienced winemaker from Italy, and members who are making their own wine are given the opportunity to choose their preferred varieties of grapes. The winery has plenty of things to offer visitors who don't have time to make their own wine as well; it often offers tours, dinners, and wine tastings, and the space can be booked for private events.

5 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury, CT 06810, Phone: 203-948-8235

Named after Charles Ives, the state composer of Connecticut, the Ives Trail Greenway is a 20-mile hiking trail that stretches from Bennett's Pond in Ridgefield to Redding Open Space. The trail passes through four towns and crosses over both public and private lands, with terrain ranging from gently rolling hills to rugged cliffs. Several parts of the trail are not suitable for inexperienced hikers; visitors use the trail at their own risk and are advised to turn back if they encounter any sections that feel unsafe. Motorized vehicles are not permitted anywhere on the trail, but horses and mountain bikes are welcome on some sections.

36 Sugar Hollow Rd, Danbury, CT 06810, Phone: 203-797-4632