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Travel the most exciting Loop in Connecticut
What is the Lower Loop?
The Lower Loop is literally a 10 mile loop around the lower portion of Stratford, Connecticut that has more to offer than you might imagine:
- Four renowned craft breweries with Tap Rooms
- Exciting restaurants with al fresco dining - many that are waterfront
- Three beautiful beaches
- Amazing wildlife refuge
- A waterfront golf course
- Two unique shopping destinations
- An Air and Space Museum
- A regional airport with a friendly dive bar on one end of the runway and a historic Car Hop Drive In on the other end.
Discover Stratford
The Lower Loop is just one of several destinations worthy of a road trip from anywhere. Whether you live in Stratford or many miles away, The Lower Loop has a full day's worth of memorable activities for all ages.
Shop at the Award Winning Mellow Monkey
Not just a store, An Adventure
Just in! Mellow Monkey for the WIN - a fourth time in the 2022 Connecticut Magazine Reader's Poll:
Best Gift Shop in State
Best Home Decor Store In State
Mellow Monkey is a home décor/design store located in the coastal town of Stratford, Connecticut.
In an old warehouse, slightly off the beaten path where the Housatonic river meets the Long Island Sound, Mellow Monkey offers on trend décor, home accents, and gifts featuring a curated blend of offerings from international designers to local artists.
A popular tri-state destination and three time winner of Best in Connecticut Awards for Home Decor, Unique Gifts and Lighting.
Mellow Monkey never fails to live up to its reputation of being "anything but the ordinary."
Shakespeare Market
Visit This Exciting OUTDOOR MARKET
Now an open air market for all to enjoy this beautiful property located directly adjacent to the Housatonic River, the stunning Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Management Area and glorious view of the Long Island Sound.
Dozens of vendors, entertainment and fun for the whole family. The Shakespeare Market is a community driven concept to build on the tragedy of the loss of the American Shakespeare Festival Theater.
After you shop, take a short walk and find Mac's Harbor, the original landing location of Stratford's first European settlers in 1639, Bond's Dock and Fishing Pier - the historical site of Stratford's Oyster houses and famed boxing camp during the first half of the 20th century.
Stratford's Historic District, located on Academy Hill, is a short walk and contains homes from 17th, 18th, 19th, (and 20th) century homes.
Learn More
Shakespeare Market - 1850 Elm Street Stratford, CT 06615 | 203-292-0214
Next Market
Sunday, Aug 7th
10AM - 2PM
Lower Loop Events
Beach Yoga
Movie Night At Short Beach
Short Beach Summer 5K Run
Every Saturday & Sunday
8:00 am
Join us to stretch your body and relax your mind on our beautiful beach.
Sponsored by The Surfside Hotel
10 Washington Pkwy
Short Beach Summer 5K Run
Movie Night At Short Beach
Short Beach Summer 5K Run
Saturday, Aug 6
Kid's Run 8:15am
5K 8:30am
5K run (or walk) through the scenic & bucolic Lordship neighborhood.
Receive a commemorative shirt or glass, giveaways, snacks & fluids with your registration.
There’s also a free kids run on the beach prior to the run.
All proceeds are donated to MADD CT.
The “Walk Like MADD” 2 mile event follows an hour after the run.
Short Beach Park
1 Dorne Drive
Movie Night At Short Beach
Movie Night At Short Beach
Movie Night At Short Beach
Friday night movies at the beach!
Continuing our Movie Nights at Short Beach sponsored by Knapp's Landing Restaurant.
Friday, August 5
Aladdin (animated version)
Friday, August 19
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Friday, September 9
Spiderman - No Way Home
We ask everyone to continue to be mindful of others, maintain proper social distance from other groups and remember to BE KIND to your fellow movie goers.
*Music starts at 6:30. Movie will begin at sunset. Free admission.
Monday Night Movies
Double Bogies & Beer
Movie Night At Short Beach
Monday Night Movies at Point No Point Park
at Dusk
Aug 8
Lightyear
Aug 15
The Sandlot
Aug 22
Minions
Aug 29
Sing
Sep 6 (Tuesday Night)
The Bad Guys
Sep 19
The Greatest Showman
Point No Point Park, the outdoor event space sandwiched between Riley's by the Sea and Little Pub of Stratford.
Washington Parkway
Cruise In Car Show
Double Bogies & Beer
Double Bogies & Beer
August 7, 2022 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Free to Attend
All Ages Welcome!
Join us Sunday August 7th for our Cruise-In Car Show. Our friends from Black Horse Garage and Shop Two Coffee will be back again this year along with EP Local serving up delicious breakfast!
All are welcome to come and showcase their car! Don’t have a car to showcase? No problem! Come on down, enjoy the day and see what cars are on display.
Beer starts pouring at 10am!
One Headlight will be performing from 11am to 1pm!!
Questions? Email us at events@tworoadsbrewing.com
Double Bogies & Beer
Double Bogies & Beer
Double Bogies & Beer
August 13, 2022 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
All Ages Welcome!
Join us Saturday August 13th from 1:00-5:00pm for the first ever “Double Bogies & Beers” event! Enjoy 9 holes of miniature golf in the Hop Yard playing against your family and friends, with chances to win raffle prizes!
Ticket Details:
$10/person OR $30/group of 4
Each golfer will receive 1 raffle ticket to be entered in our raffle drawing
Hopyard Vendor Market
Hopyard Vendor Market
Hopyard Vendor Market
August 14, 2022 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Come and shop through our local Vendor Market
Full List of Vendors
(Please note, vendors are subjected to change)
The CANdle Collaborative
The Drunken Jerky
Rachel Ashely Designs
Center Street Soap Co
RX Crystals
Milford Photo
Charmed by Wendy
Hanesie Clothes
East Street Arts
L Linen Co.
Holographic Hippie
A Couple 2 Tree
The Prospect Theatre
This is a FREE Event!
Hop Yard Markets are rain or shine! As long as the sun is shining kids and dogs are welcome in the Hop Yard!
Tap Rooms will remain 21+
Future Market Dates
Sundy September 11th
Sunday October 9th
Questions? Email us at events@tworoadsbrewing.com
Cornhole Tournament
Hopyard Vendor Market
Hopyard Vendor Market
August 21, 2022
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Throw Bags, Enjoy a Pint, Win Awesome Prizes!
Join us Sunday August 21st for an epic cornhole tournament! We are teaming up with our friends from Cornhole By The Sound once again to bring you an amazing cornhole tournament with 3 divisions! Prices vary depending on division.
Check-In Begins at 11am
Bags start flying at 12pm
Whether you’re a cornhole pro or just love the game, there is a division for you!
Divisions and cost per team below
Social Division
$50 to play, 60% payout
Competitive Division
$80 to play, 70% payout
Advanced Division
$100 to play, 80% payout
Event brought to you by:
Two Roads Brewing Company
Cornhole by the Sound
Naugatuck Valley Cornhole
Candlewood Cornhole
There is NO age restriction for this tournament
Questions? email us at events@tworoadsbrewing.com
Farm Fresh and LOCAL
Hopyard Vendor Market
Farm Fresh and LOCAL
Every Monday
2:00pm - 6:00 pm
Just outside the Lower Loop, find FARM fresh food brought to you every Monday!
All the fixin’s and trimming to make a complete meal too!
Paradise Green
121 Huntington Road
Parking at The Stratford Baptist Church - 40 Park Street and all along Main Street in the retail center.
Seeking treasure
Seeking treasure
Farm Fresh and LOCAL
Explore one of Connecticut's largest antique centers with approximately 200 dealers across 16,500 square feet and an ever changing selection
Conveniently located off I-95
400 Honeyspot Road in Stratford
203-378-7754
Contact Us
Include Your Lower Loop Event Here
If you're a business in the Lower Loop or Have an Event Happening In The Lower Loop
New To The Lower Loop
Bells ShelLFISH SHOP
Bells ShelLFISH SHOP
Bells ShelLFISH SHOP
681 Access Road Stratford
For over 7 generations the same family line has been harvesting oysters and clams from Long Island Sound, bringing over 200 years of expertise and quality to each and every catch.
Bell’s Shellfish proudly harvests clams and Stratford Point Oysters year round.
Dal Mar By The Sea
Bells ShelLFISH SHOP
Bells ShelLFISH SHOP
346 Stratford Road
(203) 870-8877
The newest restaurant in the Lower Loop!
Take Away or Eat Outdoors on Patio.
Explore The Lower Loop
Shopping
Breweries & Bars
Shopping
If you like to shop, Stratford has two award winning shopping destinations. The eclectic gift and home decor store, Mellow Monkey, and the largest selection of antiques around, Stratford Antique Center.
Dining
Breweries & Bars
Shopping
Dine out - outdoors, indoors or waterfront. The Lower Loop has it all!
Breweries & Bars
Breweries & Bars
Breweries & Bars
If craft brew is your vice, The Lower Loop has 4 unique working breweries with Tap Rooms and the friendliest Dive Bar around
Beaches & Nature
Historic & Landmarks
Breweries & Bars
All of Stratford's wonderful beaches are located in the Lower Loop - great for swimming, wind or kite surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking. Short Beach offers access to people with limited mobility. The Lower Loop is also host to Connecticut Audubon at Stratford Point, and the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge.
Sports & Recreation
Historic & Landmarks
Historic & Landmarks
The Lower Loop's Short Beach Park hosts a Par 3 Golf Course with panoramic views of Long Island Sound. There are also tennis courts, a playground, beach volleyball courts and ball field available. The Lower Loop's Lordship neighborhood is a wonderful place for walking, running or biking.
Historic & Landmarks
Historic & Landmarks
Historic & Landmarks
The Connecticut Air and Space Museum operates in The Lower Loop and offers public tours. While not open, the Stratford Point Light can be viewed from the adjacent Audubon Connecticut at Stratford Point
Dine Drink and Stay
Dining and Drinks
Knapp’s Landing - Waterfront indoor/outdoor
Located along the mouth of the Housatonic River where it meets Long Island Sound.
Breath taking panoramic views from their large waterfront patio or indoor dining room.
Indoor/Outdoor bar. Live Music
Seafood, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, lobster rolls, salads, pasta, and more. Full bar.
520 Sniffens Lane L/D daily
Riley’s by the Sea - Waterfront in/outdoor
Located steps away from the Long Island Sound and the Lordship Sea Wall.
Breathtaking views of the Sound and of Long Island from their huge outdoor patio, indoor dining room and bar. Seafood, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, lobster rolls, salads, pasta, and more. Full bar.
14 Beach Dr L/D Tue-Sunday
Little Pub of Stratford - 10 Washington Parkway L/D daily
Breathtaking views of the Sound and of Long Island from their large outdoor patio, indoor dining room and boat shaped bar. Seafood, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, lobster rolls, salads, pasta, and more. Full indoor and outdoor bar. Connecting waterfront boutique hotel.
Cibus Latin Fusion - In/outdoor dining
1 Woodend Drive L/D daily
Cricket Car Hop - Retro Fast Food- In/outdoor
900 Access Rd M-Sat
PizzaCo - in/outdoor
1625 Stratford Ave L/D Tue-Sun
Parlor - A Pizza Joint - indoors/takeaway
999 Stratford Avenue L/D Tue-Sun
Windsock Inn casual dive bar and eatery open daily indoors/outdoors
295 Main St
Nikki's Beach House indoors/outdoor
1 Dorne Drive
Pickle Barrel Deli - casual indoors/outdoors
1889 Main Street
Lordship Corner Market - casual indoors/outdoors - deli, grocery and ice cream shop.
350 Stratford Road
Dal Mar by the Sea Pizzeria - take out with some outdoor seating
346 Stratford Road
My Gyro Turkish Cuisine - indoors/takeaway
1030 Stratford Avenue - L/D Mon-Sat
Frozen Confectionery Delights
60 Access Road Daily
Goody Bassett’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
2404 Main St Daily
Lordship Corner Market Ice Cream Shop
350 Stratford Road
Craft Brewery Tap Rooms
Fairfield Craft Ales — Small batch craft brews in friendly tap room with games, BYO food
724 Honeyspot Rd Th/F/S/Sun
Area 2 Brewing - in/outdoor tap room, BYO food - connected via walking path to Two Roads Brewery
1526 Stratford Ave Daily
Two Roads Brewery — in/outdoor tap room and beer garden, BYO food
1700 Stratford Ave Daily
Athletic Brewing Company (non-alcoholic) in/outdoor tap room with games, BYO food
350 Long Beach Blvd Fri/Sat/Sun
HOTEL
The Surfside Hotel (small boutique hotel located right on the shores of Long Island Sound)
10 Washington Pkwy, Stratford, CT 06615
Phone (203) 612-7523
Shopping
Shopping
Mellow Monkey Gifts & Home Décor — one of Connecticut’s most unique shopping destinations
360 Sniffens Lane (near Knapp's Landing Restaurant)
Mon-Thu 12-6 | Fri-Sat 10-6 | Sun 11-5
Stratford Antique Center—16,500 sq feet multi dealer shopping venue
400 Honeyspot Road 5 mins 10-5 daily
Shakespeare Market - 1850 Elm Street Stratford, CT 06615 | 203-292-0214
The Shakespeare Market is a community driven concept to build on the tragedy of the loss of the American Shakespeare Festival Theater.
Now an open air market for all to enjoy this beautiful property located directly adjacent to the Housatonic River, the stunning Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Management Area and glorious view of the Long Island Sound.
After you shop, take a short walk and find Mac's Harbor, the original landing location of Stratford's first European settlers in 1639, Bond's Dock and Fishing Pier - the historical site of Stratford's Oyster houses and famed boxing camp during the first half of the 20th century. Stratford's Historic District, located on Academy Hill, is a short walk and contains homes from 17th, 18th, 19th, (and 20th) century homes.
Outdoors
Beaches and Parks
Short Beach Park—swimming, mobility mats, golf course, softball fields, and courts for basketball, paddle-ball, tennis, and volleyball, sailboard lessons, fishing, concession stand, large playground, changing and shower facilities. Bonfires with permit. Summer outdoor movie nights. Blues on the Beach Concert and Bonfire on the Beach Event. 1 Dorne Drive. Beach stickers for non-residents are $250/season or $20/day Mon-Thu and $40/day Fri/Sat/Sun and holidays - good at both Long & Short Beaches
Long Beach—public beach area for swimming, sailboarding, shell and sea glass collecting and fishing. Located at the end of Oak Bluff Road in Lordship. Non resident fees (see above).
Russian Beach—public beach located on Park Blvd in Lordship. Limited access provided by the Point-No-Point walkway, the beach is located at the East end of Point-No-Point. No fee. Limited nearby street parking only.
Audubon CT at Stratford Point — Beautiful 30-acre site, located adjacent to the Stratford Point Lighthouse at the junction of the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound. A great place to see nearly 300 species of birds on a path that runs along bluffs providing panoramic views of Long Island Sound. Open M-F 7am-5pm
Museums
Connecticut Air and Space Museum -
Vintage aircraft, memorabilia, and artifacts that pertain to Connecticut, both inside and out.
Located in the historic 1929 Curtiss Hangar
225 B Main St, Stratford, CT 06615
All AGES WELCOME! Admission Charge
Hours: Saturday: 10am- 4pm | Sunday: 10am- 4pm
Contact: (203)-345-1559 - CASC@ctairandspace.org
Also....
Connecticut Air & Space Center
CASC Workshops & Storage
550 Main Street
Hours: Tues: 9am-2pm, Thu: 9am-5pm, Sat: 9am-2pm
Visitors to Bldg 6 & 53 must be at least 18 years of age due to Army regulations.
All new visitors must:
- Sign-in at Security
- View the Safety Video
- Sign the Liability Waiver
Guests can then proceed with their cars to the CASC's Restoration Workshops on Sniffens Lane.
Contact: (203)-345-1559 - CASC@ctairandspace.org
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