Summer in Ridgefield is in full swing, and if you’re wondering where time is going, you’re not alone! We prefer to keep the glass half full here though, and there is still so much of the season to soak up. We’ve rounded up ten of the best ways to enjoy some fun in the sun all around town, and we’re certain you’ll check off each activity more than once!
Part of Ridgefield’s charm is the balancing act between our vibrant downtown area and the beautiful farms that remind us we’re in the Connecticut countryside. It’s the ideal time to visit one of them as they prepare for harvest! Head up to Henny Penny Farm to meet the sheep and visit the Farm Store and Fiber Studio.
Or stop by The Hickories, where you’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, preserves, and flowers at their Farm Store, open from Tuesday to Sunday. And while you can roam the fields, they also offer various tours and workshops!
Summer’s bounty is oh, so delicious, and we’re thrilled that the Ridgefield Farmers Market is here to deliver it! Check out local farms, food trucks, artisans, and musicians as they assemble on the grounds of Jesse Lee Church to make summer a little sweeter. The market will be held every other Saturday, so be sure to check our events calendar for dates.
If there’s one thing to do before or after indulging in that ice cream cone, it’s spending time in the water! Break out the fishing gear, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards and head to Seth Low Pierrepont or Bennett’s Pond. You can enjoy paddleboarding at Martin Park Beach as well – and then jump in the water! If you’re an athletic swimmer, you’ll love being a member of the Ridgefield Recreation Center or Silver Spring Country Club.
Who doesn’t love listening to live tunes on a warm summer night? We love CHIRP Concerts in Ballard Park and are sure you do, too! Among the many reasons to love them are summer picnics, so grab a blanket, something to nosh, and park yourself on the lawn for an equally entertaining and relaxing summer evening.
On weekdays or weekends, head to Nod Hill Brewery for a variety of rotating musicians all summer long and stop by 850 Degrees for live music on the patio. Check out our Events Calendar for updates and additions!
Ridgefield does innumerable things well but one to note is food, hands down. With a metropolitan-like variety of cuisine including Latin, Asian, Italian, French, and of course American, the choices are endless! At this time of year you’ll want to dine outside whenever possible, and we’ve put together a great list of places you can enjoy any meal al fresco.
There is nothing quite as refreshing as an escape to nature, and we are so lucky to have so much green space in Ridgefield! Take a hike, a leisurely walk, or pull out your bike and explore the verdant woods. Hemlock Hills, Pine Mountain Reserve, the Rail Trail, and the Norwalk River Valley Trail offer varying levels of terrain, difficulty and scenery, and are great for the whole family to explore. View all nature and outdoor activities in Ridgefield
If you’re feeling artsy, get inspired by the beautiful gardens in Ridgefield! Pack up your paintbrushes and a fresh canvas and enjoy plein air painting at the Sunken Garden at Keeler Tavern Museum or at the Secret Garden at Weir Farm National Historic Site – once the summer home of American Impressionist Julian Alden Weir. There are plenty of magnificent landscapes all around where you can immerse yourself nature’s beauty.
There is no more iconic summer sweet than ice cream, and when it’s balancing atop a cone and melting faster than you can eat it, let’s just say it’s a good day! Stop by Deborah Ann’s new location for a handcrafted cup or cone and enjoy it on their new patio. Pups welcome!
Or head to Gofer Ice Cream for sundaes, milkshakes, soft serve, and other frozen treats that will make your mouth water!
Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy Ridgefield’s beautiful outdoor spaces! Pick up your racquet and play tennis at the Ridgefield High School and Justine H. Butler courts. Join Ridgefield Running Company for their Saturday shop runs, or practice yoga in Weir Farm’s serene setting.
Whether you’re a pro or amateur golfer, you’ll love having access to the Ridgefield Golf Course and Golf Performance Center. And if you’re looking for a truly special experience on impeccably manicured greens, look no further than a membership in the Silver Spring Country Club.
Summer fun is all about getting outside as a family and there are a few summer events in Ridgefield you won’t want to miss. Kick things off with Ridgefield Summer Fest on Saturday, July 29th! This fun annual festival brings together the best of shopping with sidewalk sales and street vendors, dining, music & art along historic Main Street and downtown…and bring the kids because they won’t want to miss the circus moves in the park or the much loved Touch-a-Truck at Lounsbury House!
Throughout the rest of summer, enjoy the magic of a Family Campfire at the Woodcock Nature Center, or the excitement of discovery at Family Fun Day at Weir Farm National Historic Site. Those seeking a quieter experience will enjoy Poetry in the Garden at Keeler Tavern Museum on (July 24th & August 7th) or the All Ages Discovery Tour at The Aldrich on Saturday, August 19th with free admission. Last, but certainly not least, you can enjoy Ridgefield’s beloved Art Walk beginning August 25th and support local talent on a pleasant downtown stroll!
Summer’s [sometimes] slower pace is a great time to indulge in things you can’t normally do. Plan a local escape to one of our charming inns! The West Lane Inn and Fountain Inn allow you to get away without leaving town, and you can enjoy a peaceful morning being served breakfast on one of their lovely porches. Soak up summer and the tranquility they offer – you deserve it!
Cheers to fun in the sun #inRidgefield! Be sure to tag us in all your adventures @inRidgefield.
Thank you to the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce for supporting the Ridgefield community!
