By Tyler R. Morrissey
To be called the best means you are at the top of your game in whatever industry you work in. For 20 years, Connecticut Magazine has scoured the Nutmeg State in search of Connecticut’s best places to eat, shop or take part in family entertainment with their annual “Best of Connecticut” list. We are not surprised that some of the towns honored on this year’s list are also home to some of our most spectacular listings.
Stamford
“The city that works” is just an hour or so from New York City, but there are also plenty of places to get a delicious meal right in Stamford. Among the restaurants to earn a “Best of Connecticut” moniker were B Restaurant and Elm Street diner. Both of these establishments have extensive menus that keep people coming back for more. Stamford also took home honors for the top sports complex in the state. At Chelsea Piers Connecticut, the 465,000-square-foot facility has two ice rinks, an Olympic-sized pool, batting cages and many other sporting amenities.
Just 1.5 miles from Chelsea Piers is this captivating Colonial at 14 Holly Cove Circle. Enjoy serene, elevated water views of Holly Pond from virtually every room of this four-bedroom, three and a half bath home. This four-level residence features an open floor plan, natural gas heat and two gas fireplaces.
Fairfield
Featuring five miles of shoreline on Long Island Sound and more than 59,000 residents, Fairfield is a charming town with diverse neighborhoods with their own unique characteristics. According to Connecticut Magazine, Fairfield is also home to the state’s best hot dog at Super Duper Weenie. Known for their homemade toppings, its specialty dogs include the New Englander, topped with sauerkraut, bacon, mustard, sweet relish and raw onion. Fairfield bakery, “The Pantry” also received a nod from the magazine as one of nine bakeries to serve up the best pie in the state.
A quick 10-minute drive from The Pantry and you will arrive at 1313 Old Academy Road. Nestled in the Greenfield Hill section of town, this home resides on two beautifully landscaped, park-like acres. Impeccably renovated, this 3,830-square-foot residence offers dramatic, sun-filled interiors including a spacious living room and dining room with a fireplace.
Ridgefield
In Northern Fairfield County in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains is the town of Ridgefield. Founded 300 years ago, this classic New England town earned three mentions in this year’s “Best of Connecticut” list. The best wine bar in the state can be found at Sarah’s Wine Bar, which features 1,300 wines from the United States, France and other places around the world. For the best place to see a blockbuster movie, look no further than Prospector Theater. Modeled on the grand theaters of old, this majestic first-run theater was designed with the wow factor in mind. In addition to the show stopping theater, there is also a cafe that serves coffee, beer and wine. When you think of barbecue, most don’t think of Connecticut, but Hoodoo Brown BBQ was one of seven restaurants to claim the title of “Best Barbecue.”
Just four miles down Route 7 from Hoodo Brown BBQ is this one of a kind Victorian at 17 Laurel Hill Road. The home resides at the end of a private country lane and offers space that the whole family can use. Renovated over the past decade, the property features large and comfortable living spaces for gatherings big and small, with a welcoming covered front porch and double entry doors that lead to a dramatic foyer.
Guilford
Guilford has a small, historic and charming atmosphere, which is highlighted by its rustic character and individuality. It’s also a great place to live in New Haven County if you love food and dining out. Taking the No. 1 spot for the best casual outdoor dining experience was The Place Restaurant. Enjoy wood-fired clams, lobsters, fish, chicken, steaks and sweet corn while seated on tree trunks at large outdoor tables for a dining experience like no other. Also receiving a mention was Bishop’s Orchards, which was named one of several places to get fresh pie and one of the best wineries in the state to visit.
Both Bishops Orchard’s and The Place are located on the well-known, Boston Post Road. Set away, yet not too far from both of these establishments is 231 Nortontown Road. This private estate welcomes you with grace and beauty as you enter the home through stone pillars that bring you to the residence set on over five acres. The home is architecturally designed with the intent to create both interior and exterior spaces that will fit your lifestyle for all seasons. As you walk the property, you’ll notice the grounds surrounding this residence are truly spectacular. The backyard boasts style and grandeur with a Gunite pool and patios that offer outdoor living at its best.
Litchfield
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Northwest Connecticut is the gorgeous town of Litchfield. Right now is the perfect time to experience everything this area has to offer. Connecticut Magazine recognized Litchfield for having two of the best hiking trails in the state in Mount Tom State Park and the White Memorial Conservation Center. For those who enjoy sipping on fine sprits, Litchfield was also recognized for having Connecticut’s best distillery. Litchfield Distillery has soared to the top of the state spirit scene in two short years, with their six varieties of bourbon to choose from, including vanilla bourbon and coffee bourbon whiskey.
Close to both trails and Litchfield Distillery is 290 Northfield Road. Luxury and privacy define this captivating architecturally redesigned contemporary estate on 48 acres. Enjoy the majestic and captivating views from every room of this sophisticated home, featuring Venetian plaster walls and an open floor plan with an expansive kitchen that includes a sizable island. Walk out to the long and covered breezeway to the detached four-car garage with an unfinished bonus space that can be completed for a two-bedroom guest apartment or in-law space. The property also features two barns including a 10-stall horse barn, making it an excellent equestrian estate.
