Bridgeport is the largest city in Connecticut and a major port. Its projected population for 2020 is 148,654, making it the fifth largest city in New England. Its cultural offerings include the Discovery Museum, the Barnum Museum, and the Fifth State Distillery. Whether you’re visiting the city for business or leisure, there’s something for everyone.
Bijou Theatre
This historic venue is a great place to watch live events and films. The theater seats 202 people and has a history of showing live shows and films. The venue has two floors and shows different types of events. It also hosts a variety of live music events. Its main function is to present films and live events.
The theatre is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in America. It has screened silent films, vaudeville shows, dance shows, and live music performances. This intimate venue also offers great concessions. Visitors can enjoy a night out with their families at the theatre.
The theater first opened in 1888. Its name has undergone many changes over the years. It was previously known as the RIVOLI and the DOWNTOWN FAMILY CINEMA. Ultimately, it regained its original name 100 years after it opened. The current owners aim to maintain the history and spirit of the historic landmark.
For art and culture lovers, downtown Bridgeport is home to many attractions. The Bijou Theatre, downtown Cabaret Theatre, Barnum Museum, City Lights Gallery, and Housatonic Museum of Art are among the cultural attractions. The city’s historic district also boasts the city’s City Hall and many historic buildings. The city has a variety of cultural activities including the Bridgeport Arts Fest.
Barnum Museum
The Barnum Museum is one of Bridgeport’s lesser-known attractions. It features an extensive collection of artifacts and history, as well as an exhibition devoted to the circus founder Tom Thumb. The museum is open 11am to 3pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Visitors can get a first-class tour from docent Marion. The museum was damaged by storms during the 200th anniversary of Barnum’s birth in 2010.
Another popular place to visit in Bridgeport is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This museum is geared toward children, but there are plenty of activities for adults as well. Visitors can get a peek at space from the Henry B. duPont III Planetarium, while families can go ziplining or try to conquer challenging obstacles.
The museum houses a mounted hide of the famous baby elephant Bridgeport. The elephant Queen gave birth to Bridgeport in 1882, and sixty scientists were there to witness it. Twenty minutes later, P.T. Barnum arrived in a sleigh to bring the infant to the world. He died on April 12, 1886, in the same spot where he was born.
Discovery Museum
The Discovery Museum and Planetarium in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a hands-on science museum. This museum is a popular tourist destination and an educational resource for area schools. It has permanent exhibits as well as three rotating exhibits throughout the year. It was founded in 1958 and first opened to the public in 1962.
It is located in the historic district of downtown Bridgeport. It features a terra cotta facade, domed room, and rounded front. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also home to the Connecticut State Zoo. This museum is free to visit and is open all year round.
The Discovery Museum is comprised of three floors and is divided into different areas. The first floor houses the admission desk, coat closets, and an art gallery. It also features a food court. The museum offers several educational activities for all ages.
The Discovery Museum is a great place for families. There are plenty of things to do in Bridgeport with kids. Whether you’re looking for a day out with the family or just a way to kill a few hours, this museum offers something for everyone.
Fifth State Distillery
The Fifth State Distillery is a unique and fascinating experience for wine lovers. The distillery offers two tours per day at 2 and 3 pm. Each tour lasts about two hours. The tour is led by an expert and is free of charge. The tour is not only educational, but also enjoyable.
The distillery was started in 2014, and uses non-GMO corn for its products. The distillery also uses local ingredients, including non-GMO corn from Pleasant View Farms in Somers. The Fifth State Distillery also offers limoncello and gin.
The Fifth State Distillery is located at 259 Asylum Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut. They create award-winning spirits, including Connecticut Maple Whiskey and Vodka. The distillery also makes the popular Bloody Mary Vodka. They also offer Curbside Cocktail Kits, which can be taken home to make a signature cocktail. They also offer G&T kits.
The Housatonic Museum of Art is another place to visit in Bridgeport. It features an extensive collection of artwork and cultural items from around the world. The museum rotates exhibits frequently, so that you can always see something new and interesting. There are also monthly art shows, artist talks, and performances.
St. Margaret’s Shrine
If you’re looking for a quiet outdoor retreat in the heart of Connecticut, visit St. Margaret’s Shrine in Bridgeport. There you can pray for peace and remember the victims of the Sandy Hook massacre. The most recent tragedy at the Newtown school in December 2013 left many grieving. A Mass will be celebrated at the shrine on Oct. 29, with the Most Rev. Frank J. Caggiano presiding. A meal will follow.
The parishioner and former pastor of St. Margaret’s Shrine was a parishioner for more than six decades. In addition to serving as parish priest, he was active in the Fairfield County chapter of the nonprofit SCORE. This organization provides free small business and entrepreneurial education.
The shrine is a popular destination for visitors and the community alike. The parish’s beautiful grounds and beautiful stained glass windows make this a truly special place. It’s also the site of an annual candlelight service. While visiting, don’t forget to bring your children. The parish has special programs for children.
In addition to serving as a parish priest, the parish offers several programs and events. One such program is Redemptoris Mater Seminary, which opened in Stamford in January 2016. It currently has eight students, with a rector, Father Marco Pacciana. In addition, Father Giandomenico Flora serves as the seminary’s spiritual director.
Pequonnock River Trail
The Pequonnock River Trail is essentially a railroad corridor that runs through the towns of Bridgeport, Trumbull, and Monroe, Connecticut. The trail follows the path of the former Housatonic Railroad and runs parallel to the Pequonnock River. The trail begins in downtown Bridgeport and travels north through Beardsley Park in Trumbull. It then runs along the river in a flat 2.5-mile former railroad bed and ultimately ends in Newtown.
The Pequonnock River Trail is essentially a long, wide dirt rail trail that starts near Tait Road in the north end of Bridgeport and continues north, through the towns of Trumbull and Monroe. At its northern end, the trail meets the Housatonic Valley Rail Trail. Runners can extend the trail’s distance by starting from Seaport Park and running through downtown Bridgeport and Beardsley Park.
The Pequonnock River Trail begins in Beardsley Park, at the corner of Glenwood Road and Crown Street. The trail then parallels the park road and passes the BEARDSLEY ZOO, ball fields, and Route 8. Once it reaches the southern end of Beardsley Park, you’ll arrive at the parking area at Quarry Road.
