by: Like many coastal communities, Stamford is defined by its waterfront – and what better way to be defined than Harbor Point. A peninsula jutting out into the Sound as part of the city’s South End section, Harbor Point shines as one of the largest and most successful redevelopment districts in the nation.
A mixed-use development, Harbor Point boasts more than 2,000 new apartments and condos, intermingled with swaths of offices, restaurants, and retail establishments where factories once stood. Common spaces include several parks, marinas, and a boardwalk.
Its most notable residential developments include The Lofts at Yale & Towne, a redeveloped lock factory, 101 Park Place at Washington Boulevard, a 15-story luxury apartment complex adjacent to a park, 111 Harbor Point, another 15-story tower, and Beacon Harbor Point, a two-tower, 22-story harborside complex.
Whether you live in Harbor Point itself or elsewhere in Stamford, the district’s myriad retail, food, and cultural attractions are all within easy reach – especially thanks to the Harbor Point Trolley – a free service that shuttles people between Harbor Point and downtown Stamford via a 14-stop, 30-minute loop.
Here’s a rundown of Harbor Point’s can’t-miss attractions:
- Fairway Market. A stop on the trolley loop, Connecticut’s first Fairway outpost – and the chain’s seventh and largest – is an 85,000-square-foot store located at the corner Market and Canal streets.
- Historic District. Spanning nearly 200 acres, this neighborhood in Harbor Point includes some of the city’s oldest buildings, dating back to the late 1800s, and the Pulaski Street Bridge, a wrought-iron bridge spanning the Rippowam River.
- Farmers’ Market. Held Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harbor Square, the market offers a variety of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, breads, flowers, plants, and more.
- Boating. You don’t have to own a boat to get out on the water – opportunities and options abound. The Carefree Boat Club is a membership program that provides access to a fleet of different style boats for various occasions, from fishing to parties. In addition, Harbor Point’s four marinas offer afternoon and sunset sailboat excursions, kayak and paddleboat rentals, and even a complimentary water taxi service.
- Food & Dining. Harbor Point features a wide variety of cuisines presented by some of the trendiest establishments. From Fortina’s pizza and Italian fare, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s comfort food, and Walter’s iconic hot dogs, to Crab Shell’s catch-of-the-day seafood and the heaven-sent treats and baked goods of Patisserie Salzburg, no matter your craving it’s sure to be satisfied.
- Health & Wellness. A robust roster of weekly fitness classes is on offer at Harbor Point’s parks and outdoor spaces — including Zumba, CrossFit, and yoga. Hey, parents – there’s even a weekly “Stroller Strides” class that moms and dads caring can do with their babies. Additionally, Harbor Point is home to several health, wellness, and beauty establishments, including saunas, gyms, salons, and spas to pamper you from head to toe.
This post is sponsored by The Staci Zampa Team
First photo by Julia Dags