Positioned as the �Gateway to New England� just 35 miles (57 kilometers) outside New York City, Connecticut�s Coastal Fairfield County has long-attracted visitors drawn to its coastal setting.

A perfect introduction to life on the Long Island Sound can be found at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. Built in a restored foundry beside the Norwalk River, the Aquarium is unique in its dedication to a single body of water � the Long Island Sound. The Aquarium also includes a maritime history museum and IMAX Theatre showcasing nature-based films on a giant six-story by eight-story screen. Those looking to explore the Sound first-hand can board the Aquarium�s Research Vessel (RV) Oceanic for an educational tour of life on, and under, the Sound.

An intricate part of the Sound�s legacy is lighthouses. Throughout Coastal Fairfield County, over 30 of these life-saving beacons can be viewed from the water and land. For an excellent example, board the GW Tyler Lighthouse Ferry for a short harbor tour to the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Built in 1868, the lighthouse offers four floors and ten rooms to explore.

Another excellent opportunity to connect with the water is at Bridgeport�s Captain�s Cove Seaport. Board a 40 foot Navy launch to view the beautifully restored Black Rock Lighthouse (built in 1823) and Penfield Lighthouse ~ said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper! The Seaport also includes a collection of miniature colonial and Victorian buildings housing unique gift shops, and the Dundon House Museum of the Sea. A coastal cruise in Black Rock Harbor provides excellent views of Fayerweather and Black Rock Lighthouses.

Those yearning for more adventure can head to Stamford for a cruise aboard the SoundWaters, a re-creation of a 19th century three-masted schooner, for ecology tours of the Long Island Sound. Don�t miss the chance for some participatory seamanship as you help hoist the sails and sing sea chanteys. The cruise offers breathtaking views of Coastal Fairfield County and the Manhattan skyline.

For adventure, check out Small Boat Shop Kayak Tours. Begin your day with a brief kayaking lesson then explore the Norwalk Islands � one of only two island clusters on the Long Island Sound. Expert guides at the Small Boat Shop takes care of lunch, you take care of the fun.

Fishing enthusiasts will love Coastal Fairfield County. World-renowned among fly-fisherman, Westport Outfitters offers lessons and takes visitors to some of the best sites in the area. Check with the chef at your hotel, as they may be able to cook up your catch at the end of the day.

Water has always carried a mystique � in Coastal Fairfield County, the mystique is revealed with wondrous adventure upon wondrous adventure.

Established in 1993, the Coastal Fairfield County Convention & Visitor Bureau represents all travel & tourism related organizations in the fifteen communities of southwestern Connecticut. These communities include the cities of Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport and Shelton, and the towns of Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton, Westport, Weston, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Trumbull and Stratford. The Bureau serves as the primary contact point in the region for leisure travelers, meeting planners, tour operators, sporting event organizers, the film industry and media/travel writers.

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Media Contact: Mary Lukens +1 203 853-7770 x314 maryl@coastalCT.com