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Brookfield is a wonderful and warm community that stretches from the shores of Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah to the rolling hills that border Newtown and New Milford.
Like most towns in this area, this land was home to Native Americans. Settled in 1710 by John Muirwood and other colonists, they bartered for the land from the Wyantenuck Nation and the Pootatuck Nation under the rule of the Sachem Waramaug and Pocono. Originally called the Parish of Newbury, the town of Brookfield was officially established in 1788. Brookfield was a thriving mill town with gristmills, sawmills, and other industrial facilities. These mills were along the Still River, and the area became known as the Iron Works District. In addition to being a mill town, Brookfield became a summer destination with lakefronts on both Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah.
The town is divided into neighborhoods, with the largest being Brookfield Town Center (otherwise known as the “Four Corners”) and Brookfield Center, which is the historic district. In 2016, construction began to create a more inviting downtown area known as Brookfield Village.
While I reside in a neighboring town, I consider Brookfield my home away from home. My children attended preschool in Brookfield, we frequent their massive town park, most of our shopping is done along Federal Road, and we have accumulated favorite restaurants and things to do in the town. Here are my (many) favorite things about Brookfield.
The Great Outdoors
Kids Kingdom Playground is located on the grounds of The Brookfield Municipal Center. The playground is a family favorite. Kids Kingdom has equipment for all ages to enjoy. I love the park’s visibility as I can easily see which direction each of my three children has run in. I also appreciate its clean, open restrooms that are available seasonally. The playground is surrounded by sports fields, making it the perfect space for running or playing ball. 
Technically, two different land preservation parks in Brookfield, CT, Gurski Farm and Williams Park, are connected by several hiking trails. Together, these parks comprise approximately 200 acres. Originally a dairy farm, Gurski Farm was purchased by the town in 1968 to prevent retail development from occurring. Gurski Farm’s hiking trails wind through many open fields and intersect with a forested area, where they meet Williams Park. Williams Park offers a variety of recreational facilities, including tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a playground. Trails are well-marked and maintained by the local Boy Scouts.
Still River Greenway is a trail that runs along the Still River, connecting the Brookfield Municipal Center to the Brookfield Town Center, also known as the Four Corners. This trail is 2.25 miles long and features the longest footbridge in Connecticut. Several benches are available for sitting and relaxing while taking in the scenery. The trail is handicapped accessible and allows for walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers to enjoy. An additional trail starts at the Brookfield Municipal Center and loops around the nearby woods.
With a total of 2.5 miles worth of trails, Happy Landings sits at 55 Whisconier Road in Brookfield. Formerly, the farming lands of John Benya, the city of Brookfield purchased 55 acres of open space and 19 acres of woodlands from the Benya family in 1999. What makes hiking here unique is the scenery. Unlike most forested trails in Connecticut, Happy Landings has large open meadows with wide mown paths. Two windmills have been historically restored. Happy Landings is a great place to take a quick walk or hike in the winter since it provides an open area for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Things to Do
I owe much of my children’s upbringing to the Greenknoll Regional YMCA. Sports classes, swim lessons, toddler classes, a babysitting room, kids’ night out, and summer camp programs – we took advantage of ALL they had to offer. Classes are run by kind, caring, knowledgeable staff, and the administration is top-notch. The Y offers many great programs for individuals and families. Check their website for current membership offerings.
Visiting the Brookfield Public Library was once a highlight of our week. Before our current school schedule, we attended a playgroup and story time each week. Children’s librarians and local moms, Miss Debbie and Miss Meg, are amazing at what they do and captivate our children with their story times and library events. The library offers exciting events for every interest – LEGO building, arts and crafts, cooking, yoga, bedtime stories, and reading to therapy dogs. They provide a fun-filled summer reading program, encouraging children to visit the library and continue reading throughout the summer break.
The Brookfield Library will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this September. Be on the lookout for LOTS of fun events planned for the celebration. 
Brookfield Craft Center is recognized as one of the finest professional schools for creative study in America, dedicated to teaching traditional and contemporary craft skills and fostering the appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Their classes and workshops are taught by nationally acclaimed, local, and visiting artists who regularly bring their experience and creative energies to their unique institution.
Fit For You is a Pilates and Fitness Studio that offers group classes, personal training, and training on reformer machines. Group classes include Pilates, Pilates Barre, and 305 Fitness. The studio is owned and operated by Alysa McBergin, a Brookfield native and certified STOTT PILATES Instructor, trained Barre and Stability Chair Instructor, Certified 305 Fitness Instructor, and a Lululemon Ambassador. Alysa and all the instructors at Fit For You make movement fun and effective.
If your family enjoys golf, Golf Ranch is for you. Golf Ranch provides lessons for every golfer from Junior (17 and under) on up. Lessons can be private or group with PGA Golf Professionals as your teacher. They have over 70 tee stations, 3,000 S.F. of putting green, mini golf, and a clubhouse.
Gymnastics Revolution has a new giant facility in Brookfield. They offer gymnastics and ninja classes, summer camp, and drop-in play hours.
Walk in anytime to the Pottery Factory to create paint-your-own pottery, glass fusing, candles, and soap making. The Pottery Factory offers instructor-led Paint & Sip classes, birthday parties, and even more on its studio events calendar.
DiGrazia Vineyards offers winery tastings and tours. Estate-grown and family-operated since 1978, making grape, fruit, table, and dessert wines, including the famous Wild Blue, a blueberry wine with brandy added.
Shopping
Not only will you find a ton of retail stores lining Federal Road, but you will also find the most fabulous boutiques for moms and more!
Located at the Four Corners/Town Center in Brookfield, Traveling Chic Boutique offers a variety of women’s clothing lines, jewelry, handbags, candles, and accessories. I love stopping in when I need to grab a gift or treat myself to a new trendy outfit.
Sports moms rejoice; Brookfield has multiple stores for our athletic offspring! Soccer and Rugby Imports is new to Brookfield and makes my commute for soccer uniforms much shorter. Happy to have them as a new addition to Federal Road. Wesco Sports outfits hockey and lacrosse players. The Bicycle Center has saved me with their knowledge and ability to repair our family bikes.
Food, Food, and More Food
Brookfield has an abundance of dining choices, making it hard to narrow down the list. Here are some of my top picks for dining out in Brookfield.
Down the Hatch is located directly on Candlewood Lake. It’s a great family restaurant to visit since the kids are always kept busy watching the passing boats, or a place to enjoy drinks outdoors on a date night or girls’ night out.
Bagelman, New York Best Bagels, and Jesters Coffee are a must-try for breakfast and great coffee.
The Cafe is located at the Four Corners/Town Center Brookfield. They serve fresh and delicious breakfast, lunch, coffee, and drinks. Their space is large but cozy and adorably decorated. It’s a great place to meet friends, bring your kids, or sit with your laptop and work.
Salt 2.0 is a quick-service kitchen cooking fresh and healthy salads, bowls, wraps, burritos, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. They offer a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Maggie McFly’s is an all-around, make anyone you take there happy kind of restaurant. Their menu is expansive, so I suggest previewing it at home to avoid getting overwhelmed. Much of their food is locally sourced, and their drink menu is impressive. My favorite is their sangria flights.
For a night out with grown-ups, I love to head to Market Place Tavern (which also serves an amazing brunch), Pulcinella’s, Aki, Brookfield Social, or Del Primo for great menu and drink items.
I will never turn down a meal at a Mexican restaurant, and Brookfield has two great options. Hacienda Don Manuel is a classic sit-down restaurant. Their dirty margarita is my favorite. Taco Bachi is a take-out establishment and a favorite local spot for quick tacos, burritos, or tortas.
Twins BBQ offers a roadside location for delicious BBQ pick-up, a food truck, a mobile taproom, and catering services. They have expanded their outdoor area with seating and activities to keep the littlest diners entertained.
Chick-fil-A and Dairy Queen may not be small businesses, but they have a huge impact on the community. Both franchises are owned by local families and support area youth programs, sports, the library, and other community initiatives. Who doesn’t love nuggets and a blizzard?
Sweet Treats
I love a good dessert, and Brookfield has a TON of options for every dessert lover!
For a frozen dessert, head to Sweet Scoops, Newbury Gelato, or Peachwave.
Local teen entrepreneurs opened Munchin Hedgehog and recently celebrated its first anniversary. Visit Munchin for ice cream, candy, and more!
Brookfield is home to Bridgewater Chocolate, and their store is conveniently located on Federal Road. I love to gift their beautiful and delicious chocolate and also bring a stash home for myself.
Order from Who Wants Cake for delicious custom cakes, cookies, and treats.
Whether you are visiting Brookfield for the day or considering making it your home, I hope these suggestions help you enjoy exploring the town.
Very informative. Thank you, Stephanie!