A Day in Ridgefield, Connecticut
DATE IDEAS • TRAVEL
A Day in Ridgefield, Connecticut
We spent an afternoon in this historic town, and here’s what we loved!
We’ve taken to planning Date Days during which one of us picks a town in Connecticut, and we put together an itinerary of places to visit and events to attend in an effort to get to know our surrounding area and sneak in some cultural experiences.
What We Love About Ridgefield
This was our first time visiting Ridgefield and we instantly loved it. First, driving in from our town, we had quite the view of idyllic country homes (read: “sizeable” and “country”) situated among beautifully manicured lawns and sprawling properties. Second, there were so many families strolling through town, enjoying the beautiful weather and clear skies. And third, it was just all so cute!
If you’re looking for an ideal New England town, Ridgefield should be on your list!
Plan a Day in Ridgefield, CT
This was a short and sweet day in town, but that’s partially because we planned it around a couple of key events happening at the Museum and the Brewery. However, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We’re fans of planning a handful of stops throughout our day leaving flexibility for spontaneity and buffers for delays JIC we decide we want to stay at a spot awhile longer.
11AM: Brunch at Wooster Hollow Café
1230PM: Explore the galleries and sculpture garden at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
2PM: Amble down to Ridgefield’s shopping district for some window shopping
4PM: Grab a drink in the Nod Hill Brewery biergarten
It’s a simple itinerary, but the best part is that if you pick your day right, you can get the best bang for your buck.
Where to Eat, Shop & Play in Ridgefield, CT
RESTAURANTS
We’re proud to say we travel for food as much as adventure — seeking out the best hole-in-the-walls and Michelin Star restaurants.
But with Victoria’s allergies and dietary restrictions, we’re extra cautious about where we eat. We contact restaurants, triple check online menus, and make reservations for as many meals as we can to ensure we have a safe meal plan for every adventure.
The following restaurants confirmed they were gluten-friendly, completely gluten-free, or could safely accommodate a gluten-free / celiac diet, but we encourage you to do your own due diligence before dining at any of these establishments to confirm they can safely meet your needs.
The Cake Box
We frequent the Westport location of this gluten-free bakery, but it is our favorite! Everyone we have taken to The Cake Box is shocked that their cakes, cupcakes and other treats are gluten-free. They have a range of flavors and everything is delicious. We do recommend you make this stop earlier in the day as they can sell-out early, and make sure to order ahead online for the best cakes you’ll ever have.
Our Rating: 5/5
Nod Hill Brewery
Nod Hill has been on our sights for a while now after having attended community events in which they served their beer. But what drew us to the actual brewery is their biergarten, which is where they host a ton of local bands and musicians. They have an indoor tap room as well as the biergarten (which also hosts multiple food trucks) that has an family-safe space and a designated 21+ area. The best part? For our gluten-free friends, they also offer a rotating frozen cocktail (which is delicious) and a selection of wines and ciders. The garden is family and pet-friendly, but it is first-come, first-serve in terms of seating.
Our Rating: 4/5
Wooster Hollow Café
Well priced and friendly service. A late breakfast / early brunch (11am) opens up the entire menu at Wooster Hollow. Their menu was rather expansive with a full list of egg-dishes, pancakes and a laundry-list of lunch sandwiches. They offer delicious gluten-free bread as an alternative and had gluten-free pancakes (which I’ll be trying on our return visit!). In James’ words, “It’s as good as it gets these days for comfort food.”
Our Rating: 4/5
SHOPS
With the convenience of online shopping and a long-list of go-to brands, when it comes to in-person shopping, we prioritize mom-and-pop shops, spectacular service, and one-of-a-kind finds. You may not always find something you’ll purchase, but we hope you’ll enjoy these shops regardless.
CT Run Co.
Fellow runners, this cute shop should be on your radar! Download their Radar Running app for run and in-store events, including sales. We caught their anniversary sidewalk sale where gear (including shoes) was marked down up to 75% off! We snagged Tracksmith leggings for $40, if that gives you an idea of how great the sale was. Everyone was friendly and so helpful — it’s clear this shop is a community staple.
Our Rating: 4/5
PLAY
Part of the fun of exploring a new place is finding events and/or cultural mainstays that are enjoyable for all ages, personalities and interests. We’ll always prioritize affordable (aka free) and outdoor events because we believe that these experiences should be available to everyone.
The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art
Plan your visit to the Museum for the third Saturday of the month for free / donation-based entry. Pre-registration online is encouraged as demand for these days can get quite high, but the process is easy and once registered all you have to do is give the name of the reservation at the front desk upon arrival. The Museum also hosts art-making activities and other programs like Story Time during Third Saturdays. And the Sculpture Garden is worth the stroll.
Our Rating: 4/5
Until our next chapter!
xo, James & Victoria
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