Stay & Play

Our growing local dining scene is diverse and exciting with over 100 eateries within a 5 mile radius. From the city that invented the hot lobster roll, Milford continues to innovate and offer a cross-cultural choice of groundbreaking menus and traditional New England favorites. In addition, bustling downtown bars, breweries, and a wide range of special events bring exciting nightlife to the city

When it comes to eateries, you won’t have any trouble finding great food here in Milford. Whether you grab a microbrew and some signature Philly Steak Egg Rolls from Eli’s Tavern or entertain a client with a four-course dinner and a great bottle of wine at Bin 100 Restaurant.

American Fare

Take 7 Seas Restaurant & Pub were there is an undeniable air of authenticity—that feeling that this is the place and that there’s nowhere else quite like it. When you try their Fish and Chips, you’ll know why they’ve been a landmark Milford eatery for half a century. Overlooking the scenic Wepawaug River waterfall, Stonebridge Restaurant offers a picture-perfect backdrop for enjoying a Downtown Salad. At night, the restaurant comes alive with music drawing crowds from all over the state. Across the street, SBC Restaurant & Beer Bar has been serving farm fresh American dishes and the best local craft beer since 1997.

A quick walk around the block and you’ve arrived at Archie Moore’s Restaurant where you can catch the last half of the game and enjoy award-winning buffalo wings that are second to none. Sit at the bar and you can keep your drink chilled on the ice rail and enjoy a freshly made tuna tartar or wasabi mashed potatoes. Around the corner is Colony Grill, an Irish Tavern serving up some of the best thin crust pizza in the city with a to-die-for stinger-infused hot oil pie that is absolutely addicting.

Italian Fare

Bin 100 Restaurant offers a gracious dining experience with elegant Mediterranean cuisine. The Italian-inspired menu is a feast for your senses, highlighting traditional and chef-designed specialty dishes that live up to their artistic presentations. Compliment your meal with selections from an award-winning wine list. At Gusto Ristorante, a legendary Italian landmark, you simply must try the Zuppa di Pesce, melding all the wonderful flavors of the Mediterranean into one sumptuous seafood delight. On the west side of town, Reggiano’s Restaurant offers family-friendly pizza and pasta dishes with affordable lunch options.

International

Feeling adventurous? Serving up authentic Thai cuisine like their beloved drunken noodles and spring rolls, get your ethnic taste buds going at Taste of Thai located in Harborwalk. Enjoy a margarita at Los Cabos in Milford while whetting your appetite for an array of Mexican delights with a taco or tamale at the family-run favorite.

Gastropubs

When it comes to gastropubs, Milford is certainly not lacking. Serving quality comfort foods in a relaxed atmosphere you will find the Bridge House Restaurant. We highly recommend the bread pudding. On the other end of town, Bridge House’s sister restaurant, Bonfire Grill, offers elevated pub food like the Pomodor Mussel Pot or street tacos on their lovely patio. Worked up an appetite shopping at the Connecticut Post Mall? Grab a bite to eat at Bar Louie, specializing in local beer. Be sure to try the loaded nachos and tater tots while you’re there. Grab a pint and some good eats at Orange Ale House, play a game of pool, shoot darts or watch the game on one of their 25 TVs. Newest to the gastropub scene is Milford Sports Pub & Grill, opening in Fall of 2019. Serving up everything from street tacos to shrimp scampi pizza to pretzel burgers, your taste buds will definitely be thanking you.

Breakfast

Start your Sunday with a full stack at any hour of day the from the 24-hour Athenian III Diner, fondly know as the “shiny diner.” For a family-friendly breakfast, lunch or lite dinner be sure to visit Pop’s Family Restaurant on Old Gate lane and enjoy the Grigoriadis family’s warm hospitality. Late afternoon may find you enjoying a cappuccino or delicious crepe at Café Atlantique on River Street. (Insider Tip: Café Atlantique serves the best Espresso Martini in Milford.) While you’re on River Street, satisfy your sweet tooth with a gourmet cupcake at Sweet Cupcasions, winner of the Food network’s Cupcake Wars.  For easy breakfast or lunch takeout, visit Sister’s Park Lane Deli located downtown, Napoli Deli on Bridgeport Avenue or Bert’s Deli on the Boston Post Road

Milford is in the midst of an economic renaissance with an explosion of new businesses moving into town. As a retail mecca in the New Haven and Bridgeport region, consumers travel hundreds of miles  to purchase everything from personal shopping needs, clothing, and gifts to automobiles.

Our shopping options are impressive by any standards in any small city.  Boasting a major mall there are also many other strip malls with a variety of retail stores, restaurants and office space.

For a more intimate shopping experience downtown Milford or Devon that can offer you the best in unique shops and New England charm.

Shop and Dine in Downtown

There’s no doubt that Milford boasts one of New England’s most beloved town greens, the second longest state. Nestled alongside the harbor, the Green is a stone’s throw from Lisman Landing, the Historical Society, the Milford Center for the Arts, and the tallest flagpole in the State. Ever changing and growing, the downtown area features landmark restaurants like Seven Seas and Stonebridge, quaint shops, a theater and the Milford Public Library library,

The Downtown Milford Business Association consists of 120+ businesses located in Downtown Milford, each committed to maintaining a strong, viable downtown community through our series of signature annual events like Pirate Day, Downtown Milford Farmer’s Market, the Summer Movie Night Series, and the 11th Annual Downtown Wine Trail.

The DMBA is an organization of merchants, restaurants, and service providers working together to improve the community and culture of downtown Milford. With its boutique shops and restaurants, coastal beauty, historic New England charm, and easy access to beaches, Downtown Milford is just waiting to be explored.

Enjoy Walnut Beach

The Walnut Beach business corridor continues to enhance and attract new businesses such as the Walnut Beach Wellness Center, the Firehouse Gallery, and The Fig Cooking School. With the help of the Walnut Beach Association, the community focused non-profit working to beautify, enhance, and promote Walnut Beach, there is a real tourism draw in the Walnut Beach area, infusing the city with tourism dollars. The WBA hosts a series of events throughout the year to help promote the local community. These events include the Walnut Beach Arts Festival, Walnut Beach Clean-Up Day, the Summer Concert Series, and our most recent addition, the Walnut Beach Cornhole Tournament.

Visit the Village of Downtown Devon

Recognized for its decades-long revitalization project, the Village of Devon is the gateway to Milford, situated on the edge of the Housatonic River. This latest up-and-coming neighborhood with boutique shops like Bohemian High, the brand-new Dockside Brewery and Village Marina and Hair House, Devon has recently undergone a lengthy renovation, with brick-paved sidewalks, classic lamp posts, and signage injecting a new energy into village life. With a renaissance of sorts in the small hamlet on the western tip of the city, Devon has a vibrant small-town vibe where you’re sure to run into neighbors at the farmer’s market on Sunday mornings or at happy hour at the Bridge House.

Shop at the Post Mall

The Connecticut Post Mall has been an integral part of Milford’s economic landscape for years. As a part of the Milford business community, the Connecticut Post Mall is dedicated to the community and continues to attract new business in Milford’s ever-evolving economic landscape. Westfield Connecticut Post Mall is the largest shopping mall in the New Haven region, located conveniently just off I-95, Exit 39B and Route 1 (Boston Post Road in Milford), in the heart of Milford. It boasts more than 150 stores, and 25 restaurants and a 14 screen theater and IMAX.

Milford offers a vibrant array of arts experiences that enrich, entertain and enlighten our residents, business community, families, visitors and tourists.

The natural, iconic and historic beauty of Milford (including 17 miles of  shoreline) attracts artists to live here and inspires many residents to discover the artist within.

The arts are alive and essential to the vibe of this community. Many neighborhoods host traditional/yearly events with music, parades and arts & crafts; however, there are two neighborhoods that support and present arts programming year-round to hundreds and thousands of people.

Downtown Milford welcomes residents and visitors by train, car, foot and boat all within a two-block radius – nowhere like it in New England. The heart of the arts, the Milford Arts Council, the MAC (a 501©3 certified in 1971) resides in the east bound train station offering exhibits, community theatre, film and cabaret-style concerts ranging from classical to bluegrass and jazz to rock in an intimate setting with superior acoustics.

The MAC also hosts Pantochino Productions, an award-winning 501©3 professional musical theatre troupe presenting three home-grown new musicals each season.

The city owned Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in the Parsons Government complex hosts local school events, dance recitals, world-renowned Smooth Jazz for Scholars Concert (benefiting Milford students), various bands and other community events presented by Milford Performance Center.

Arts & crafts fairs line Milford’s historic green (the second longest in New England), between May and October, hosted by various community groups and churches. Fowler Field Pavilion offers free concerts hosted by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Friday nights during the summer. Festivals of all sizes happen all year round, two of the largest include: Pirates Day (June) and the Oyster Festival (August). Downtown merchants, cafes and restaurants display art and host local musicians all year-round.

One of two artist collectives, Gilded Lily offers fine art, jewelry and artisan work created by local artists.

The Walnut Beach Arts & Business District is 4 miles from downtown, nestled between Silver Sands State Park and the MAC’s Firehouse Gallery, which offers exhibits, classes, experiences and workshops in the arts. A second artist collective, ArtFish 42 resides alongside shops, supporting local artisans. This district closely collaborates on seasonal events such as, Third Thursday Strolls, Fairly Frolic, Sup Cup, Walnut Beach Day, Summer Dance Parties and free summer concerts under the Walnut Beach Pavilion.

Enjoy what the arts can provide you, your business, employees and family. Milford has it all!

February 1, 1639, is the date the area then known as “Wepawaug” was purchased from Ansantawae, chief sachem of the Paugusset Tribe. Settlers began arriving shortly thereafter and began to build the town known as Milford. Townspeople played a part in the development of the United States. Adventurers from Milford reached out and founded several other communities and explored afar.Buried treasure is said to exist on a small island the Indians called “Poquahaug”, just a mile off Silver Sands Beach. It is a recognized fact that Captain Kidd and other pirates sailed and hid along the Connecticut coast. It’s no wonder that iron chests filled with “loot” are rumored to be buried on the land called Charles Island!

Three governors of Connecticut called Milford their home. Fort Trumbull was built to provide protection in the late 1700s during the Revolutionary War. Yes, George Washington slept here! During the Civil War, Milford was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Although primarily agrarian, shipbuilding, oystering, small industry and trade on the open seas from the harbor were part of the local economy. The early 1900’s brought the leather industry along with the making of boots, hats and shoes.

After World War II, the population swelled as GIs returned from the war and bought houses in the suburb of New Haven and Bridgeport called Milford. Industry also developed to support the war effort. Norden, Milford Rivet, U.S. Motors, and Edgecomb Steel were some of the familiar names of the time. Other industry followed, most notably the consumer giants of Bic and Schick. Then the completion of I-95 in 1960, with its 7 exits and entrances brought easy access. The Connecticut Post Shopping Center and other development followed rapidly. Development reached a peak in the 70s and 80s, leveled off in the early 90s and then picked up again in the late 90s until we reached our present population of over 50,000 and businesses that number over 2,000.

Our thanks to Richard Platt, Town Historian.

The Milford Historical Society is a non-profit organization open to all people interested in the unique history of Milford. Their mission is to collect and preserve Milford antiquities, to encourage historical investigation, and to disseminate historical information.

Research, school tours and other visits by appointment, between Columbus Day and Memorial Day. Call 203-874-2664 or visit milfordhistoricalsociety.org

Wharf Lane

Three early houses make up the historic complex known as Wharf Lane, named for the old street which ran from the Town Dock, scene of Milford’s commerce by water, to the Milford Green. Along this street could be seen warehouses, general stores, tanner’s and cooper’s shops. A portion of many homes were devoted to businesses and shops and family members were often employed in early trade.

The Eells-Stow House c. 1700

The Eells-Stow House is believed to be the oldest house in Milford and takes part of its name from the Eells family, who arrived in Milford in the later 17th century from the Boston area.

Samuel Eells, born c. 1640, came to Milford with his bride in 1668. After his wife’s death, he moved to Hingham, Mass. Upon his death, the Wharf Lane property was inherited by his son, Col. Samuel Eells.

Col. Samuel Eells was very prominent in the affairs of both Milford and New Haven Colony. He married Martha Whiting Bryan (his second wife) who bore him a son, Nathaniel. Nathaniel married Martha Stow who unfortunately only lived for seven months after the wedding. The widowed Nathaniel then moved to Middletown. He eventually inherited the Wharf Lane property from his step-mother (the Col.s third wife) which he then sold to Stephen Stow, his deceased wife’s brother.

Stephen Stow was born in Middletown in May 1726 and married c. 1752 Freelove Baldwin of Milford. They had seven children, six boys and one girl. Stephen was the captain of a coastal schooner and carried on a trading business up and down Long Island Sound. His day book is in the possession of the Historical Society, and tells an interesting story of his trading business.

Four of their sons, Stephen, Samuel, John and Jebediah served their country in the Revolutionary War, but their father, Capt. Stephen Stow gave his life while nursing 200 smallpox-stricken American soldiers. They had been brought from a British prison ship and cast ashore at Milford Harbor. The full extent of Capt. Stow’s heroism can be appreciated only when it is understood that in 1777 very little was known about fighting this disease and its death toll was appalling. Forty-six soldiers died in one month and are buried in a common grave along with Capt. Stow.

Capt. Stow’s historic home was saved from destruction in 1930 by the efforts of the Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter of the D.A.R. The Milford Historical Society was organized shortly thereafter for the specific purpose of saving this, and many other, Milford antiquities.

During 1981-1982 the Eells-Stow House underwent extensive remodeling because of serious settling on the north facade. This shed much light on the original plan and structure of this old house. All clapboards, sheathing, window frames and sashes were removed revealing the basic structure of the framing. Tradition had the date of the house late in the 17th century coinciding with the arrival of the Eells family in Milford. Investigation of the revealed framing put the date a little later, possibly as late as c. 1720. The oldest part of the house has now been restored by replacing clapboards, sheathing, diamond-pane casement windows and interior refurbishing. This restoration has repaired the Eells-Stow House so that it is now structurally sound and presents an historic building to the people of Milford which, along with the Bryan-Downs House and the Stockade House, represents Milford’s proud past.

The Eells-Stow House is listed on the National Register of Historic Houses.

The Clark-Stockade House c. 1780

The “Stockade House”, so named many years ago, was traditionally the first house built outside the stockade or palisades which surrounded the town of Milford against Indians. The original house was moved to its present site in 1974 from Bridgeport Avenue near the hospital. This house was begun by Deacon George Clark about 1659 and grew in several stages to a saltbox style house.

In 1780 Michael Peck, a builder, and David Camp, his assistant, dismantled the house and built a new house using many of the salvaged building materials. Some of the supporting beams and framework are original to the 1659 house, and are still being used today.

The dimensions of the 1780 house, which you see today, were probably about the same as the old one. Peck’s innovations included higher ceiling, larger windows, a rare built-in bookcase, and raised paneling.

Our building, as you see it today, is still being restored. Ongoing projects are the reconstruction of the original six-fireplace center chimney with its beehive and warming ovens, the paneling, the winding front stairway and the bookcase.

The Clark-Stockade House displays many interesting pieces of Milford furniture, including the Marion Buckingham Tibbals collection, and items from the Platt, Beard, Camp and Eells families.

The Bryan-Downs House c. 1785

Originally built by Capt. Jehiel Bryan and his son on the Post road between Milford and New Haven, this house has been dismantled and rebuilt as you see it today. Jehiel Bryan, Jr. wed Mary Treat in April, 1784 and took up residence in their new six-room salt-box house. Their daughter, Mary Esther, married Ebenezer Downs of Woodbury and lived in the old family home also.

In 1837, upon inheriting the house, their son, Ebenezer Jr. extensively enlarged and remodeled it. The original stone chimney and fireplaces were removed down to the level of the first floor and a smaller chimney was erected. At that time, the front hall was rebuilt and stairs to the second floor were replace. The covered walkway to the barn was made into a summer kitchen, approximately where our small meeting room now stands in the ell-part.

After Ebenezer Jr.’s death in 1873, the family continued to own the house, but used it as rental property until the 1900’s.

It was erected on the Milford Historical Society property in 1977, having been dismantled and stored for several years. This interesting house is typical of the period, retaining its original siding and windows across the front. As the rooms are rebuilt, we will endeavor to reconstruct them around the old center chimney area as they had been before 1837. In 2011, the roof was raised to add another floor for the rear portion of the house.

The Claude C. Coffin Indian Collection is at the south side of the first floor. There is also a “Country Store” and a small meeting room on that floor. On the second floor will be a Victorian parlor and bedroom, a textile storage space and our small reference room.

Not a weekend goes by in Milford without some festival or event taking place, from the largest single day event in the state drawing over 50,000, to gatherings on the green, concerts, and outdoor summer movie nights for kids. With monthly juried arts and crafts shows and widely anticipated events like the Lobster Bake, Sand Castle Competition, Oktoberfest, Duck Race, Woodmont Day and Walnut Beach Festival, there’s always something going on in the city.

With all the festivals and events happening in Milford, you’re always guaranteed good times. Below are some major festivals listed by month. We hope you can join us! As the date nears to each festival access our Community Calendar for more finalized information.

March

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

April

Smooth Jazz for Scholars by Jay Rowe

May

5K Run & Walk by Milford Hospital
Annual Kite Fly by Milford Living Magazine
Duck Race at Milford Harbor by St. Gabriel’s School
Sail Quest
Memorial Day Parade

June

Captain Kidd’s Treasure Hunt Pirate Festival by DMBA
Mary Taylor Methodist Church Craft Fair of the Green

July

Summer Nights by Harbor Lights Concert Series Friday’s 7 pm at Fowler Field
Downtown Milford Farmer’s Market by DMBA
Sand Scultpure Contest by Milford Arts Council, the MAC
Walnut Beach Concert Series, Sunday evenings
BIC Golf Classic

August

Milford Oyster Festival – milfordoysterfestival.org
Lobster Bake by Milford Rotary
Summer Nights by Harbor Lights Concert Series Friday’s 7 pm at Fowler Field
Downtown Milford Farmer’s Market by DMBA
Walnut Beach Concert Series, Sunday evenings
Walnut Beach Arts Festival

September

Antique Apparatus Show & Muster by Engine 260
Folks on Spokes by Bridges
Irish Festival by Milford Irish Society
Wine Trail by Milford Downtown Business Association
Oktoberfest by Devon Rotary

October

Halloweekend Fall Festival
Trick-or-Trot

November

Veteran’s Day Parade
Festival of Lights on the Downtown Green heralding in the holidays

December

Lamplight Stroll by Milford Downtown Business Association

Milford, the “Small City with a Big Heart,” and the westernmost outpost of New Haven County is one of Connecticut’s oldest communities.  Founded in 1639 through a purchase of land from the Paugussett Indians, the city has managed to retain a stretch of residential waterfront laced with about 1,000 houses. Milford’s 17-mile frontage on Long Island Sound — the longest stretch of coastline in the state—is edged with 13 beaches interrupted only by a few marinas and a yacht club.

Laurel Beach

Designed by the famous architect Stanford White, Laurel Beach, a private association, was expertly planned in such a way to offer water views from every street. Each of the nine perfectly positioned avenues are centered around the 5th Avenue Park. While most residents live in Laurel Beach throughout the year, the seaside community serves as a destination for vacationers during the summer months. The Laurel Beach Association Clubhouse—known by locals as “The Casino”—becomes the hub of social life during summer months. With its sprawling wraparound porch and nearby tennis and basketball courts, the casino is reminiscent of a scene from Dirty Dancing. Residents also enjoy a private bricked, ocean-side boardwalk running the length of the nine streets.

Walnut Beach

Nestled on the West side of town alongside Silver Sands State Park, Walnut Beach has long served as a haven for summer visitors. By the turn of the 20th century, families vacationing to Walnut Beach came to expect a whiz-bang medley of games, shows, and rides at the Walnut Beach Amusement Park. While the sounds of the merry-go-round, skating rink, calliope, and motorboats are a distant memory, Walnut Beach has returned to its roots as a vibrant beach community. It features plenty of sand, a fishing pier, a cherished sand castle competition, a highly attended summer concert series, and a tranquil boardwalk connecting Walnut Beach to Silver Sands State Park. Stroll the sand and pocket a treasured jingle shell, or perhaps one of the many kindness rocks left along the dunes to be discovered. Walk the picturesque boardwalk and grab a double scoop from Walnut Beach Creamery. In fact, make it a triple.

Fort Trumbull Beach

A seaside haven alongside Milford Harbor, Fort Trumbull is perched high on a bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. The area offers the best of all worlds because of its proximity to downtown, the Milford Yacht Club , Port Milford and the entrance to Milford Harbor. Savor the sailing races on Thursday evenings from Trumbull Ave. and a spectacular fireworks display on Fourth of July. And with street names like Shell or Surf Ave, the neighborhood is a treasure. Here you’ll find folks walking along water’s edge, popping into Food Fare for an ice cream sandwich and spending their days on the sandbars at low tide.

Gulf Beach

Sunsets here—they never get old. The crescent-shaped sandy beach on Gulf Street, fishing pier and views of Charles Island are some of the best-kept secrets of the city. In the summer, while everyone is heading West to Walnut, Gulf Beach offers the best of both worlds with onsite parking, bathrooms and the only beach front snack stand serving up burgers, dogs and 25 flavors of soft serve. Opposite the beach, Gulf Pond is a haven for shorebirds with viewing platforms on both Gulf St. and Buckingham Ave. Just a walk to downtown; this treasured neighborhood features blocks so beautiful, they look fake. And, those majestic seaside villas on Point Lookout and Eveningside, well, let’s just say they can easily hand with those waterfront estates in Darien any day.

Bayview Beach

Come Fourth of July, there’s no better place to be than Bayview where there is a highly-anticipated neighborhood parade. Tucked in between Welch’s Point and Calf Pen Meadow Creek, Bayview is home to about 300 families—many of who have lived in the beach community for generations. In Bayview, you’ll come to love the Chinese Auctions, Land Races, Swimming Races, Diving Competition, Bug Juice, sand castles, sailing, and, most of all, the sense of community.

Morningside

A perfect blend of old and new, Morningside is perched high on a bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Industrialist Henry G. Thompson named his sprawling summer estate “Morningside” due to its enviable location facing the rising sun. This year-round community is home to about 200 families who gather for neighborhood picnics, monthly gatherings at the seawall and a Fourth of July block party.

Woodmont Beach

Truly a slice of waterfront heaven, Woodmont Beach unravels like a spool of ribbon for more than a mile around jetties, points and coves. Once popular summer vacation spot sporting many large, fashionable hotels and inns, Woodmont Beach began as a summer colony, ribboned with shoreline walkways and mansions. Today, the lovely seaside neighborhood is a town unto itself with its own borough hall, beautification committee and volunteer fire department. Woodmont is dotted with  well-planned landscapes of tiger lilies and hydrangeas, enlivening gray-shingled homes. Scattered in between are Arts and Crafts, Sticks and Dutch colonials and a handful of condos. Officially incorporated as a borough of Milford in 1903, Woodmont is roughly one square mile with about 760 households, its own library and an annual Woodmont Day with all-day music, a parade and pie eating contest that locals live for.

Three of the beaches offer public parking (Walnut Beach, Gulf Beach and Silver Sands). Residents can pick up their beach parking stickers at the Milford Police Department, 430 Boston Post Road, 878-6551 (Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday). Visitors pay per diem at the city beaches.

If it seems like a new brewery opens in Connecticut every week, that’s not far off — the state’s beer scene continues to grow at a rapid clip, with nearly 80 operational breweries and dozens more in planning and development. Brewery production in Connecticut has surged by over 600 percent over the last six years, while the number of breweries in the state has more than tripled since 2014. The state’s massive production growth in recent years ranks among the top 10 nationally, morphing Connecticut’s brewery sector into a $745.7 million industry in 2017.

Connecticut is one of those places where the craft boom is still reverberating. And in Milford, we have a collection of craft breweries hosting tours with samplings, live music and community events year-round.  Tap into the world of craft beer by touring the Milford Point Brewery, Tribus or Dockside and enjoy local brews, tasting room amenities, food trucks, special events and more.

Tribus Beer Co.

Not far from the Housatonic River in Milford, you’ll find Tribus between, of all things, the Milford Rider’s dirt motocross track, and a tiny soccer field. The name Tribus comes from its having three founders: Sean O’Neill, and ex-NEBCo brewing pair Matt Weichner and Sabastian D’Agostino.

As Milford’s first brewery and taproom, Tribus serves ales and lagers “designed and crafted by certified International Brewers.” Dedicated to producing world-class beers and a fun, relaxed atmosphere, Tribus features a taproom equipped with a 25-plus seated bar top and TVs, and shuffleboard, darts, and board games are on hand. Take your brew outside where you can sit in the shade on the picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.

Tribus Beer Co. is open Thursday: 4pm – 9pm; Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 10pm; Sunday: 12pm – 9pm

Milford Point Brewing

Jerry Candido and Chris Willett, launched Milford Point Brewing on April 7, 2018 on National Beer Day. The duo joined the city’s brewery market, The final operation in Milford’s brewing trinity is Dockside Brewing, breaking ground on their new waterfront brewery along the Housatonic River.

Milford Point Brewing started out with a small taste room and growler-filling room where customers could sample and buy beer for off-site consumption. They also sell and deliver kegs of their beers to more than a dozen bars in Milford and in surrounding towns, producing roughly 176 kegs of beer monthly.

The duo doubled the size of their operation at 230 Woodmont Road by expanding into a neighboring site. The addition of the taproom added another 850 square feet to the brewery along with a few new bells and whistles.

Along with several sitting and standing tables, the recently-expanded brewery features an extended 10-tap bar that will serve Milford Point’s beers along with wine and cider. Like other breweries, customers can also play a mix of games including shuffle board and darts.

“Milford is a proud town of locals with a vibrant, welcoming and energetic community. Milford Point Brewing are locals supporting locals with craft beer,” Chris Willett, co-founder of Milford Point Brewing says.

Milford Point is open Thursdays 4 to 9 p.m., Fridays 4 to 10 p.m., Saturdays 1 to 7 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 7 p.m.

Dockside Brewery

For Dan Bagley, co-founder of Dockside Brewery, there is nothing better than a good beer and beautiful view, which is exactly what he hopes to offer by bringing Milford a waterfront brewery.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the growing craft beer community in Milford, and look forward to working closely with folks from neighboring craft breweries, and with other businesses in the city and across the state,” Bagley says.

Nestled on the banks of the Housatonic River, Dockside Brewery will be a waterfront destination as the newest addition to Milford’s growing craft beer scene. The site where Dockside plans to open up shop – complete with a craft brewery, 30 tap lines, a waterfront biergarten, and approximately 112 parking spots – is located just over the Washington Bridge, which connects Milford to Stratford.

“Our hope is for Dockside to serve as a Gateway to Milford,” said co-founder Bob Chicoine. “Now more than ever, the craft beer industry is thriving with a more than $700 million impact statewide. And, we believe that Milford residents, as well as folks across the region, deserve to be able to enjoy locally brewed beer near the waterfront and to experience the neighborhood revitalization benefits of the growing craft beer industry. Our aim is for Dockside to be more than just about beer: It will be a gathering place, a source of local identity and pride, and a means for local job creation.”

With over 17 miles of coastline, it is not surprising that water activities are very popular. Boating is one of Milford’s favorite past times. There are a number of ways to enjoy Long Island Sound and the Housatonic River. There are two public Boat Launches. The city ramp is located at Fowler Field, in downtown Milford and there is a state ramp on the Housatonic River located off of Naugatuck Avenue in Devon under the I-95 overpass.

There are fees to utilize both ramps. Boaters can either purchase a seasonal pass or pay daily. For more information on the city ramp, contact the Tax Collector at 203-783-3217 or Milford Landing Operations Manager at 203-874-1610 and for the state ramp call 203-735-4311.

Milford Landing Marina at the Head of the Harbor is a municipal marina that offers visiting boaters several amenities, such as concierge service, launch ramp, tennis and basketball courts, pump out service, ice and water, electricity, laundering and showering facilities and a barbecue area. For reservations, contact (203) 874-1610.

Residents can come and enjoy the picnic tables, rose garden and landscaped walkway along the harbor leading up to the Hotchkiss Memorial Footbridge, that crosses the Harbor offering a breathtaking view of the waterfall underneath the memorial bridge.

Milford Boat Works is a full service marina with a gas dock and offers slips for transient boaters.

The Milford Yacht Club is another marina offering services for visiting boaters, such as a swimming pool and showering facilities. This is a private club with only reciprocal transients welcomed.

In addition, there are numerous private docks and facilities for the State Agricultural and National Marine Fisheries laboratories in Milford Harbor.

With seventeen miles of scenic coastline surrounding a charming and traditional New England downtown, Milford offers vast beauty and a myriad of backdrops. Especially ideal for a wedding, the city sets the stage for a chic tented affair to an upscale country retreat—and of course there are the Insta-worthy photos of a veil blowing on the beach.

From the gorgeous colors in the fall, to the magic of snow in the winter, and in the warmer months the beauty of being outdoors along the coastline, you can really create any type of wedding in Milford depending upon the season.”

Our member businesses look forward to helping you create your ultimate wedding experience, from a traditional wedding venue to unique, small and intimate setting. Browse our Business Directory for all of your planning needs.

Great River Golf Club

Combine the beauty of nature and the versatility of a banquet facility and you’ll start to understand why more and more couples are opting for golf course weddings. Every couple is different, and there are as many kinds of venues as there are kinds of weddings, but there aren’t many that include the beauty of nature and the versatility of a banquet facility as well as a golf course. With beautifully landscaped grounds offering a magnificent outdoor setting for your wedding ceremony at Great River Golf Club. The picturesque views of the golf course, clock tower, and waterfall are also the perfect scenic backdrop for your wedding photographs. Great River’s elegant and spacious banquet hall, with high, vaulted ceilings, an elegant chandelier, and exquisitely draped tall windows, can accommodate large wedding receptions of up to 180 guests, as well as more intimate celebrations. Time to begin your happily ever after!

Milford Yacht Club

Don your best seersucker. Nestled on a secluded coast of Connecticut, Milford Yacht Club hosts weddings in our quintessential New England town. Guests partake in cocktail hour, with water views on the sprawling lawn and then enjoy dinner under the tent. Or, they can head inside to the reception room featuring large windows and hardwood floors that offer the picture-perfect venue for a nautical-chic wedding.

Grassy Hill Country Club

What better backdrop for wedding photos than emerald green as far as the eye can see? Whether the wedding is during the warm-weather seasons with the green grass as the backdrop, or in winter, with fluffy, white snow on the fairways, it’s tough to beat the setting. At Grassy Hill Country Club, your wedding ceremony can be held in their picturesque canopied courtyard with an enchanting garden gazebo. Or, your guests can enjoy a cocktail reception on the beautiful patio overlooking the magnificent golf course. Intimate or grand – Grassy Hill Country Club is the picture perfect backdrop for celebrating your love story!

Wedding Resources

Photographers

Rentals Equipment, Party, Tents

Catering, Special Events

Banquet Facilities

Bakery Specialty Cupcakes, Cookies & Cakes

Accommodations

Connecticut Audubon Society’s Coastal Center at Milford Point is located on an 8.4-acre barrier beach and is situated next to the 840-acre Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh and Wildlife Management Area at the mouth of the Housatonic River. The Coastal Center promotes the awareness of Long Island Sound’s ecosystem, the birds and habitats it supports, and its preservation needs; and provides access to Long Island Sound and its many habitats: tidal salt marshes, barrier beaches, tide pools, and coastal dunes.

The Coastal Center is a bird-watcher’s paradise – 315 species have been seen here, including many rarities. The Coastal Center offers a full range of educational programs and many events for families, children, and adults. The Coastal Center provides educational exhibits, a tide pool demonstration tank, a salt-marsh laboratory, and program and meeting rooms.

The Coastal Center’s grounds contain the 8-acre Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, a boardwalk and observation platform with interpretive signage, and a 70-foot covered observation tower for panoramic vistas. Viewers from around the world watch the Center’s seasonal Osprey Cam, operated from our 18-foot tall nesting platform.

The Coastal Center at Milford Point is located at:
1 Milford Point Rd.
Milford, 06460

Visit their website for more information.

Parks

Milford has ample recreational opportunities available to residents. The city offers 24 ball fields, several indoor recreational facilities and community centers, 8 parks and 24 playgrounds. For a complete listing of all the parks and recreational facilities, visit the Recreation Department’s Facilities Page.

• Caswell Cove – fishing
• Eisenhower Park- tennis courts, soccer field, playground, hiking trails
• Milford Skate Park – skateboarding
• Mondo Pond – Fishing, hiking
• Silver Sands State Park -beach, boardwalk, and hiking trails.
• Wilcox Park – hiking trails

Walking Tours

If you are looking to take in some sights while getting some exercise, you should consider either taking a historical walking tour of Milford or enjoying one of Milford’s Favorite Walks, which can be found in this booklet published by the Milford Environmental Concerns Coalition.

Milford Walking Tours

Whether you are a beginning golfer or touring professional, the city’s golf courses offer fair yet challenging golfing experiences. From a wooded parkland-style front 9 to a challenging, modern, links-designed back 9 where water comes into play, Milford’s courses are consistently ranked as some of the very best in the country. With picturesque views, perfectly manicured fairways and greens, and signature holes from the 1st through the 18th, Milford courses are a must-play for any golf enthusiast.

• The Orchards, a municipal 9 hole executive golf course 203-877-8200
• Great River Golf Club 203-876-8051, a Tommy Fazio designed course.
• Grassy Hill Country Club 203-795-3100
• Mill River Country Club 203-375-5641, 18 hole private golf courses located in nearby Stratford.