“Explore Fairfield County” is an informational series that provides a glimpse into the wonderful towns and cities in Fairfield County. Fairfield County is diverse in that it includes big cities, small suburbs,beaches, farms, and busy highways. It covers a large geographic area and, because of this, it has a lot to offer families! To help you get the most out of Fairfield County, our contributors have shared the top things they love about each local area. To read more in this series, click here.
Brookfield is a wonderful and warm community that stretches from the shores of Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillionah to the rolling hills that border Newtown and New Milford.
Like most towns in this area, this land was home to Native Americans. Settled in 1710 by John Muirwood and other colonists, they bartered for the land from the Wyantenuck Nation and the Pootatuck Nation under the rule of the Sachem Waramaug and Pocono. Originally called the Parish of Newbury, the town of Brookfield was officially established in 1788. Brookfield was a thriving mill town with grist mills, sawmills, etc. These mills were along the Still River, and the area became known as the Iron Works District. In addition to being a mill town, Brookfield became a summer destination with lakefronts on both Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah
The town is divided into neighborhoods, with the largest being Brookfield Town Center (otherwise known as the “Four Corners”) and Brookfield Center, which is the historic district. In 2016, construction began to create a more inviting downtown area known as Brookfield Village.
While I reside in a neighboring town, I consider Brookfield my home away from home. My children attended preschool in Brookfield, we frequent their massive town park, most of our shopping is done along Federal Road, and we have accumulated favorite restaurants and things to do in the town. Here are my (many) favorite things about Brookfield.
The Great Outdoors
Kids Kingdom Playground is located on the grounds of The Brookfield Municipal Center. The playground is a family favorite. Kids Kingdom has equipment for all ages to enjoy. I love the park’s visibility as I can easily see which direction each of my three children has run in. I also appreciate its clean restrooms that are open seasonally. The playground is surrounded by sports fields that make for the perfect space to run or play ball. 
Technically two different land preservation parks in Brookfield, CT, Gurski Farm and Williams Park, are connected by several hiking trails. Together these parks make up around 200 acres. Originally a dairy farm, Gurski Farm was purchased in 1968 by the town to prevent retail development. Gurski Farm’s hiking trails wind around many open fields and run into a forested area where it meets Williams Park. Williams Park has many recreational uses, including tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a playground. Trails are well-marked and maintained by the local Boy Scouts.
Still River Greenway is a trail running along the Still River that connects the Brookfield Municipal Center to Brookfield Town Center, otherwise known as the Four Corners. This trail is 2.25 miles long and is home to the longest footbridge in Connecticut. There are several benches to sit and relax while taking in the scenery. The trail is handicapped accessible and allows for walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers to enjoy. An additional trail starts at the Brookfield Municipal Center and loops around the nearby woods.
With a total of 2.5 miles worth of trails, Happy Landings sits at 55 Whisconier Road in Brookfield. Formally the farming lands of John Benya, the city of Brookfield purchased 55 acres of open space and 19 acres of woodlands from the Benya family in 1999. What makes hiking here unique is the scenery. Unlike most forested trails in Connecticut, Happy Landings has large open meadows with wide mown paths. Two windmills have been historically restored. Happy Landings is a great place to take a quick walk or hike in the winter since it provides an open area for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Things to Do
I owe much of my children’s upbringing to the Greenknoll Regional YMCA. My oldest daughter started swim lessons at six months old, and we were active members until the start of the pandemic. Sports classes, swim lessons, toddler classes, a babysitting room, kids’ night out, and summer camp programs, we took advantage of ALL they had to offer. Classes are run by kind, caring, knowledgeable staff, and the administration is top-notch. The Y offers many great programs for individuals and families. Check their website for current membership offerings.
Visiting the Brookfield Public Library was once a highlight of our week. Before our current school schedule, we attended a playgroup and story time each week. Children’s librarians and local moms, Miss Debbie and Miss Meg, are amazing at what they do and captivate our children with their story times and library events. The library offers exciting events for every interest – Lego building, arts and crafts, cooking, yoga, bedtime stories, and reading to therapy dogs. They provide a fun-filled summer reading program encouraging children to visit the library and continue reading throughout the summer break.
Strikers Bowling Alley offers 32 synthetic lanes with state-of-the-art, easy-to-use automatic scoring. At Strikers, you can join a league, have a party, or bowl for fun! You can grab food at The Perfect Game or relax in the Spare Time Lounge.
Brookfield Craft Center is recognized as one of the finest professional schools for creative study in America, dedicated to teaching traditional and contemporary craft skills and fostering the appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Their classes and workshops are taught by nationally acclaimed, local, and visiting artists who regularly bring their experience and creative energies to their unique institution.
Fit For You is a Pilates and Fitness Studio that offers group classes, personal training, and training on reformer machines. Group classes include pilates, pilates barre, barre, and 305 fitness. The studio is owned and operated by Alysa McBergin, a Brookfield native and is a Certified STOTT PILATES Instructor, trained Barre and Stability Chair Instructor, Certified 305 Fitness Instructor, and a Lululemon Ambassador. Alysa and all the instructors at Fit For You make movement fun and effective.
If your family enjoys golf, Golf Quest is for you. Golf Quest provides lessons for every golfer from Junior (17 and under) on up. Lessons can be private or group with PGA Golf Professionals as your teacher. They have over 70 tee stations, 3,000 S.F. of putting green, and a clubhouse. In addition, they have a miniature golf course and batting cages. Birthday party packages are also available.
Walk in anytime to the Pottery Factory to create paint-your-own pottery, glass fusing, candle and soap making. The Pottery Factory offers instructor-led Paint & Sip classes, birthday parties, and even more on its studio events calendar.
DiGrazia Vineyards offers winery tastings and tours. Estate-grown and family-operated since 1978, making grape, fruit, table, and dessert wines, including the famous Wild Blue, a blueberry wine with brandy added.
JJ Stacks is the best of both worlds, with delicious food and a mini-golf course to entertain the kids. Serving burgers, sandwiches, ice cream, donuts, and adult beverages, JJ Stacks is the perfect place to stop for a family outing. Check their social media for posted events and specials.
Shopping
Not only will you find a ton of retail stores lining Federal Road, but you will also find the greatest boutiques for moms and more!
Located at the Four Corners/Town Center Brookfield, Traveling Chic Boutique carries various women’s clothing lines, jewelry, handbags, candles, and accessories! I love stopping in when I need to grab a gift or treat myself to a new trendy outfit.
Lovely has an amazing selection of women’s and kid’s clothing, gifts, and accessories. Here you can find the perfect outfit or gift for any occasion.
Food, Food, and More Food
Brookfield has an abundance of dining choices that it’s hard to narrow down the list! Here are some of my top pics for dining out in Brookfield.
Down the Hatch is located directly on Candlewood Lake. It’s a great family restaurant to visit since the kids are always kept busy watching the passing boats or a place to enjoy drinks outdoors on a date night or girls’ night out.
Bagelman and Jesters Coffee are a must-try for breakfast and great coffee.
The Cafe is a newer addition to town located at the Four Corners/Town Center Brookfield. They serve fresh and delicious breakfast, lunch, coffee, and drinks. Their space is large but cozy and adorably decorated. It’s a great place to meet friends, bring your kids, or sit with your laptop and work.
Salt 2.0 is a quick-service kitchen cooking fresh and healthy salads, bowls, wraps, burritos, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. They offer many gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Maggie McFly’s is an all-around, make anyone you take there happy kind of restaurant. Their menu is expansive, so I suggest previewing it at home to avoid getting overwhelmed. Much of their food is locally sourced, and their drink menu is impressive. My favorite is their sangria flights.
For a night out with grown-ups, I love to head to Market Place Tavern (which also serves an amazing brunch), Pulcinella’s, Cibo, or Del Primo for great menu and drink items.
I will never turn down a meal at a Mexican restaurant, and Brookfield has two great options. Hacienda Don Manuel is a classic sit-down restaurant. Their dirty margarita is my favorite. Taco Bachi is a take-out establishment and a favorite local place for quick tacos, burritos, or a torta.
Twins BBQ has a roadside location for delicious BBQ pick-up, a food truck, a mobile taproom, and catering.
Sweet Treats
I love a good dessert, and Brookfield has a TON of options for every dessert lover!
For a frozen dessert, head to Rich Farm. The ice cream is homemade, and the portions are gigantic. Or try Newbury Gelato and Peachwave.
Brookfield is home to Bridgewater Chocolate, and their store is conveniently located on Federal Road. I love to gift their beautiful and delicious chocolate and also bring a stash home for myself.
Order from Who Want’s Cake, Curvy’s Cupcakes, or Kelly’s Sweet Rewards for delicious baked goods.
Whether you are visiting Brookfield for the day or thinking about calling Brookfield home, I hope these suggestions help you enjoy exploring the town.
Very informative. Thank you, Stephanie!