1. Sheffield Island Lighthouse Cruise
City: South Norwalk, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 838-9444
Address: 132 Water St.
Description: This is one of two standout island cruises in the state (the other is the Thimbles in New Haven County), and should be on everyone’s list of activities. The catamaran cruise leaves from Norwalk Harbor, right next to the Maritime Aquarium, and holds up to 49 passengers. The captain and crew will tell you facts and legends on your way out past harbor seals to the island. The large 1868 stone lighthouse is the big attraction on the island, and you should certainly take the tour of its 10 rooms and take in the view from the top. However, there is also a nice picnic grove, and some folks choose to go swimming out here in the Sound. A small nature trail is located in the part of the island run by the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, so you can walk out to a nice observation deck or even circumnavigate the island. Keep your eye on the time, though: You don’t want to get left out here. Or do you?
2. Lush
City: South Norwalk, CT
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (203) 854-9116
Address: 18 S. Main St.
Description: In SoNo, this is your best bet for a night out on the town, with very professionally designed and executed decor. Plush chairs and small tables are perfect to just have drinks at, and the atmosphere is chill but festive. As far as music, DJs usually spin hip-hop and house music at Lush, and people are not shy about getting on the floor to dance. The popular DJ Newberry, a tristate legend since the 1990s, spins here on Saturday nights. There’s a VIP lounge where you can relax with a bottle of champagne, and the bar makes great martinis. Lush does have a strictly enforced dress code, though, so dress to impress.