“Explore Fairfield County” is an informational series that provides a glimpse into the wonderful towns and cities in Fairfield County. Fairfield County is diverse, including 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.
The historic town of Bethel lies 70 miles north of New York City in the northern part of Fairfield County. It is close enough for many to travel into New York City or lower Fairfield County via train or car for work, yet it remains a quintessential idyllic New England town. Downtown Bethel is filled with boutique shops and delicious foods for everyone to enjoy. Even high schoolers and middle schoolers love to walk downtown when school lets out on a nice day.
With a population of approximately 19,000, there is just one public school system with two elementary (K-2), a 3-5 grade, middle (6-8), and one high school – all located in one large educational park. There is also a K-8 program at the local St Mary’s Church. Bethel may be the most famous for being the birthplace of P.T. Barnum, founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. A statue in his honor resides beside the library, and the town center is named P.T. Barnum Square. Bethel has much to offer, including great restaurants, shopping, and beautiful scenery. Here are some of the local’s favorites.
Shopping in Bethel
WorldAtlas.com named Bethel one of nine towns in Connecticut with vibrant downtown areas. One stroll down Greenwood Avenue and you will understand why.
Byrd’s Books
You can find Byrd’s Books on the main strip of Greenwood Avenue. It always has the latest releases, and its helpful staff will not only help you to find everything you want and need, but they will order you anything they don’t have on hand and get it delivered as soon as possible. They also have a weekly story time and host a “Where’s Waldo” scavenger hunt around town every summer. As a side note, Bethel also has a slew of used bookstores.
The Toy Room
Find the latest and most fun toys, from the classics you grew up with to the newest toys for your kids to grow up with. They offer a unique selection of quality toys, including crafts, games, dolls, science projects, building kits, pretend play, puzzles, toys for infants, educational, special needs, and developmental toys. Not only do my children love stopping in for the toy selection, but the store has a resident pup, Josie, that they look forward to seeing.
Gather Boutique
If you’re looking for the perfect Pottery Barn-esque gift of home decor and unique local finds, you definitely want to stop by Gather. From delicious-smelling candles to adorable baby outfits, you’ll surely find something you’ll love. This quaint little shop is located on the main strip in an old Victorian home. Its warm and inviting atmosphere will have you admiring this beautifully designed space, and you won’t be able to walk away without a special find.
Love & Company, Etc.
Stay stylish with clothing, accessories, and more at this downtown boutique, run by a local mom.
Stay Stylish
Styled by Luisa
Luisa is a seasoned hairdresser with a full-service salon right on Greenwood Avenue. One trip to Luisa will make you feel fabulous! She specializes in haircuts, hair color, Keratin treatments, blow-drying and styling, and bridal styles. Luisa styles all ages, so even your mini will leave looking and feeling good.
Restaurants in Bethel
Restaurants in Bethel could be a post of its own—a long post of its own! From American comfort food to good-for-you food to Italian, Asian, Greek, Mexican, ice cream, coffee houses and cafes, and fusion, Bethel has it all and more.
My favorite way to hear the latest on Bethel eating is to follow the Facebook page Support Local—Bethel, CT. Here, you can find recommendations, specials, events, and all things Bethel.
Famous Pizza
Family-owned and a town favorite, you will love this Greek-style pizza, a one-of-a-kind recipe passed down through generations. Their menu offers a variety of tasty options, truly something for everyone. With warm and friendly service, you’ll enjoy it year-round. Open-air seating is fun in the warmer months and offers the perfect view for November’s annual Christmas tree lighting.
Sycamore
Sycamore has been serving up food since 1948. This 50s-style diner offers a great menu from burgers to their amazing homemade root beer. It is, by far, our favorite breakfast place. Park directly out front, flip on your lights, and get some old-fashioned curb service. In the summer, The Sycamore hosts car shows on the weekends. If you’re looking for a ’57 Chevy, this is the place to be.
Outdoor Activities in Bethel
Blue Jay Orchards
Who doesn’t love picking their own apples or eating homemade cider donuts every fall? We are lucky to have this local orchard and store (also the place to pick your own pumpkins). Inside, you can purchase their goodies (bonus points if you can get them there when they come out of the oven) and jarred varieties of jams, jellies, sauces, and other baked goods from local businesses. And don’t forget to pre-order your holiday pies before they close the shop for the season!
Huntington State Park
This amazing property offers incredible scenery of open fields and trails for walking, hiking, biking, and even riding horseback. Families enjoy canoeing, archery for deer hunting, letting their dogs swim in the ponds, and fishing. Spend the day or just an hour, taking in the fresh air and gorgeous surroundings as you participate in your favorite activities.
Meckauer Park
Meckauer Park contains two playground structures and swings for various ages, basketball courts, an all-purpose field, an approximately half-mile paved trail loop, and a fenced-in dog park. Bathrooms are also open seasonally. 
Indoor Fun
The Giggling Pig
The Giggling Pig is the ultimate destination for all things creative. The art studio hosts classes, camps, adult events, and birthday parties. Painting, drawing, clay, ceramics, and slime are just a few examples of the materials that you bring your imagination to at the studio. My children have thoroughly enjoyed camp, drop-in classes, and birthday parties at the Bethel studio.
The Cave
Glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bowling, axe throwing, and two levels of arcades equal lots of fun! Everyone loves it when an invitation to a party at The Cave comes in the mail or we head there on a rainy day.
Greenwood Features
This is not your ordinary movie theater. Greenwood Features features four screens that show new releases, classic films, and independent features. Follow them to stay up to date on their fun movie events. Their top-notch concession stand offers elevated theater food, alcoholic beverages, and gelato from a local store.
Seasonal Town Events
Downtown Bethel offers something fun to do with friends and family each season. Bethel boasts an active parks and recreation department, library, chamber of commerce, and municipal center, which offer plenty of activities to keep people of all ages busy.
Autumn in Bethel brings Trick or Treat Street, where hundreds of costumed children trick or treat throughout town. Run the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving week or the annual Firecracker 8k race. Bethel Winterfest starts the holiday season with local shopping, strolling through town tasting fresh soup, smores, and hot cocoa, and taking a ride on horse-drawn carriages. Summer Food Truck Friday is a favorite; spread out a blanket, grab food from a wide selection of trucks or takeout from town restaurants, let the children run on the municipal center lawn, and listen to a band for the evening.
Made in Bethel
Cloudy Lane Bakery
Did you know a Fairfield County Mom favorite thing is made right here in Bethel? Cloudy Lane’s mission is to make dairy-free and gluten-free snacks so delicious that they’re indistinguishable from traditional treats. They definitely follow through on that promise. Their snacks are delicious.
