If I ever find myself on a speed date, this is the phrase I’m using.

I also don’t think people remember what happened the last time CT had a hockey team.

The Danbury Trashers

Map yourself a route down Shippan! That’s where I used to run when I lived in Stamford.

Warning: I’m about to gush about my favorite running place in the whole world, so this is gonna be a long post :)

It’s an incredibly safe area, and with all of its roads you could loop yourself in and out of tons of scenic routes. Shippan has some beautiful homes and even more beautiful landscaping. Also some slightly challenging roads in terms of incline - Shippan Ave itself is mostly flat with a slight decline towards the end, but a lot of its intersecting roads have steep hills and are just great for short bursts.

IMO much better than running in the woods (due to safety). Just be wary that some cell users have patchy service towards the peninsula - but it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to call 911, obviously. I’m also 95% sure you’d be able to find a group of runners who live in or frequent Shippan, if you’re into a group workout.

My route started by the West Beach entrance. I’d run down towards the beach, past both soccer fields on left and baseball on right, following the path behind the pumping station brick building, leading towards Rippowam. I’d either head up Iroquois or follow along the path by the wave breaker towards Lanell. I’d run down Shippan Ave and would just go wherever my heart desired.

-Ralsey and Sagamore are both steep hills, so I liked to do those on my way back out.

-Ocean Drive West is beautiful to run southwest along on during sunset. Views across the water through backyards all the way down, with an AMAZING sunset spot at the end of Fairview Drive at the beach. You can also view the ‘castle’ of Shippan along this route.

-If you’re doing a sunrise run, stick to the eastern side. At the end of Hobson there is a small area adjacent to the rocks of the beach club where you can walk out towards the water. It’s directly to the right of the house at the end of the road; 10/10 spot. Also an incredibly beautiful view from the very top of Ocean View Drive, just around the corner, but this one gets a 9/10 only because there isn’t a spot to sit down.

So although it’s slightly removed from downtown (barely. about 2-3 minutes east and totally worth driving to), I’m gonna throw in Elm Street Diner.

Been going there my whole life since they opened. Their consistency is amazing, always upbeat happy people working, and this time of year you’re almost guaranteed to get a free donut with your check (if you weren’t smart enough to already order one).

I can’t stand it when people don’t leash their dogs, even when signs are marked so clearly that they must be leashes at all times.

We have a rescue, he’s extremely loud around other dogs, and without a proper introduction, he can become aggressive. Does that mean we shouldn’t take him on walks in the woods? Of course not, he deserves to go on hikes still live a good life. We follow the rules - we harness & leash him up and keep him well out of the way of other dogs.

Just because your dog is friendly doesn’t mean they can be off leash. If your unleashed dog runs up to my leashed rescue, and my dog just so happens to not like your dog… man we’ve got a problem on our hands.

Follow the rules. Leash ya dogs where ya have to. If your dog doesn’t “like” being on a leash, well, that’s on you for not training them.

Harbor point is filled with turn and burn apartments. They consistently raise rent YoY with no added amenities, and people are starting to wake up to it.

The free trolley that runs through harbor point and also through downtown was supposed to bridge the gap between the awkward distance of downtown night life and their cute area by the water, but I swear I rarely see people riding them.

I feel like harbor point is only nice if you really like walking dogs and paying for overpriced views.