How to spend a day in Stamford for under $60

If you are coming to Stamford, Connecticut on business, taking a day trip or making a pit stop on the way to your final destination, you can find fun activities and local hot spots without breaking the bank.

Make the city work for you and your wallet with these simple steps.

1. Have a GPS in your car. If you are traveling by car you should have a GPS. It’s the year 2010. You could buy a cheap map at the train station but every place will take twice as long to find. Maps are also hard to fold.

2. Familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods of Stamford. The ones by the water are Cove and Shippan. The woods and parks are in Westover and North Stamford. The other sections are Glenbrook, Springdale, South End, East Side and West Side.

3. The main streets around Stamford are Long Ridge and High Ridge roads that run parallel to each other. There is also Hope and Summer Streets. (Which run perpendicular?) These all connect to each other and will bring you everywhere you need to go on this journey.

4. Drive down Hope Street to the Springdale train station where you will find the Springdale Diner next door. Eat breakfast here. Their hash browns are the best. $10

5. Drive north on Long Ridge Road to the Westover section and hike at Mianus River Park. There are many trails along the Mianus River which are very nice in the fall. Soak in the country atmosphere even though you are in a city. Free

6. Drive over to High Ridge Road and find a little Italian deli named Fusaro Market. It’s hidden between a couple of houses. Order their fresh mozzarella and roasted pepper sandwich with balsamic vinaigrette to go. They also sell authentic Italian foods and cold cuts. Add a drink = $7

7. Drive north on High Ridge Road to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Walk around the lake and visit the animals, farm, planetarium and observatory. $10

8. Drive back down High Ridge through the downtown area and towards the water onto Cove Road. Park your car at the top of the hill in a parking lot in front of Cove Pizza. (It’s free and you won’t get towed.) Walk down the hill to Cove Island Park. Walk on the trails that overlook the beautiful views on Long Island Sound and Stamford’s beaches. No need to dig into your pocket for a $20 day beach pass. Free

9. Drive a mile up Cove Road to Myrtle Avenue where you will find Colony Grill. This special thin crust pizza is the best in Stamford according to the people who live there. Asking for anything other than a pizza, beer or soda will let them know you’re not from Stamford and may result in a heavy stare by the waitress. A whole pie + drink = $20

10. Finish the day by driving into downtown on Bedford Street. There is an indoor/outdoor café named Capriccio Café. I recommend sitting outside and looking at the Stamford skyline at night. Soak up the atmosphere. Sit among the local people and taste their signature drink called the Shakerato. $6

This is how to enjoy good food and different environments all over Stamford without going to expensive restaurants and national chains.

Were you looking for a “Getting the best of what Stamford has to offer under $60: Priceless” at the end? Well, you just got it.