Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT

We haven't been able to go to some of our favorite bike trails due to Fall sports, so took a couple of hours and headed over to Cove Island Park in Stamford with the kids' bikes.  There is no entrance fee at the moment as its after Labor Day.  You can walk into the park during the summer without paying a fee but as there isn't anywhere to park, outside of the beach sticker parking lot, it's not an option if you do not live in the area .  Non residents can buy a beach sticker but it is $225 for the summer and it is only good for weekdays.

We walked the loop with our Dutch Shepherd as the kids rode their bikes on the paved loop.  Its cold but beautiful at the moment.  This weekend is suppose to warm up again, so a great time to check out Cove.

Cove Island Park has two beaches, a salt marsh area, a butterfly garden (thanks to Master Gardener volunteers from Bartlett Arboretum), a mile loop walking trail and paved circular track good for biking and roller blading.  There are picnic areas with bbq grills and Sound Waters Environmental Education Center is located in the park.

For information about Cove Island Park, go to: http://www.stamfordct.gov/city-parks/pages/cove-island-park

Sound Waters is a great educational center and I've been on their education sails in the summer, which are a lot of fun.  Sound Waters does hold a camp in the summer and you do not need to be a Stamford resident to attend.  For information on Sound Waters, go to: http://www.soundwaters.org

Afterwards, as we were so close to Colony Pizza in Stamford, we went for our thin crust pizza fix.  I'm always shocked how few people in our town know of Colony, even though they have recently expanded into Fairfield and Milford.  The only thing to eat at Colony Grill is pizza, at least the original location, but if you have never been, you have to go at least once.  For information, go to: http://www.colonygrill.com

The smaller beach

Our Dutch Shepherd loves the beach.  We have seen dogs off leash but I'm not sure if it is allowed, we saw no signs.  If we let her off leash, she would have gone right into the water after the birds.

We saw some Monk Parrots in these trees, odd to see these vibrant birds living in Connecticut but we see them often at Cove Island Park.

Trying to Pretend it's Still Summer

Well, kids sports have kept us from exploring this Fall and that has been a bit depressing.  So many hikes and bike trails missed.  We didn't even get to go Apple Picking this Fall!  At least this Friday and Saturday look good for some quality time at the beach.  If you live in a town without beach access, its your last chance to go before it turns rainy and cold.  We went to PearTree Point Beach in Darien to hang out as after Labor Day a beach sticker is no longer needed (same does not apply to Weed Beach in Darien).  We have also hit Cove Beach in Stamford to walk around the track with the dog and play on the beach, once again, no beach sticker needed.  Sunday turns cold, so if like me, you live in a landlocked town, its worth it to go to the beach - and its free!  Just keep in mind that facilities will be closed at most places, so bathroom break before the beach.

Pear Tree Point Beach in Darien

For directions, go to: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?name=Pear%20Tree%20Point%20Beach%20Park&address=90%20Pear%20Tree%20Point%20Rd&city=Darien&state=CT&zipcode=06820

Going to Pear Tree?  Want to grab some food?  Its not far from Post Corner Pizza in Darien which has great Greek Pizza and not expensive.  http://postcornerpizza.com

Another way to pretend its still summer?  Grab some ice cream.  Mr. Frosty's in Norwalk is open until the end of October.  They had a great summer with various food trucks visiting them at night but as the weather has changed, you should call to see if there will be a food truck, as there is no longer a schedule.  Great outdoor seating area and of course the water is close. The kids love it. Also, specialty pumpkin flavors are now available.

Check out their website: http://www.mrfrostysicecream.com

The seating area with food truck - I didn't get the name but they were serving empanadas

Looking down at the water from Mr. Frosty's at sunset