One Of Bridgeport's Top Neighborhoods Has Ocean Breezes, Scenic Connecticut Parks, And A Small-Town Feel

Bridgeport is one of Connecticut's bright spots. It boasts 1,300 acres of parks, plus museums, a vibrant culinary scene, and regional sports, and though it's a relatively small city of just 144,000 people, there are 13 distinct neighborhoods. One of them to put on your must-visit list is Black Rock.

If you're a fan of the shore, this neighborhood set along the Long Island Sound has a different vibe from the sandy shoreline of Westport, also on the Long Island Sound. You'll love the quiet waters of Seabright Beach, where you won't have to worry about crowds. Another spot for soaking up the sun is St. Mary's-by-the-Sea, a waterfront park with a beach, tables to settle in for that perfect picnic, and a walkway that's ideal for a stroll by yourself or hand in hand with a significant other. And if that wasn't enough, there are several other parks to enjoy the greenery in the area.

Location is everything. Not only do you get all the water views, but Black Rock is also easy to get to by car, bus, or train. Though it's just a mere 10-minute drive to downtown Bridgeport, you don't have to venture beyond Black Rock for a bit of nightlife and a great meal. This neighborhood with small-town energy delivers big fun.

If you want to be by the water, you have plenty of options to choose from in Black Rock (much like all the seaside fun in nearby Fairfield). For seafood, dine at Captain's Cove Seaport on Black Rock Harbor. Once you've tickled your palate, work off the calories on the boardwalk – but you may be tempted to further indulge, be it the ice cream, candy, handmade jewelry, or other specialty items found there. Then, make your way to the 325-acre Seaside Park where you can take a dip in the water and picnic on the beach. On the park's western end is the historic Fayerweather Island Lighthouse on Black Rock Harbor.

Once you're ready to peel yourself away from the water views, take in the greenery at Ellsworth Park, where you'll find tennis courts, a children's playground, and more. Meanwhile, Longfellow Park is ideal for baseball, soccer, and other sports.

The neighborhood boasts events like Black Rock PorchFest, a daylong festival in August with 80 bands and several food trucks rolling around the neighborhood. During much of the summer on Tuesday nights, you can also kick back and enjoy live music with the Black Rock Concert Series at St. Ann's Field. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a beverage or two. St. Ann's Field is also home to the farmers market that runs from mid-June to mid-October. Spend Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. getting fresh produce, as well as jewelry and other items, from vendors.

Connecticut's small towns are known to delight foodies, such as Old Lyme with its gourmet dining. In Black Rock, too, you'll likely be surprised by the variety of cuisines. Start with Middle Eastern fare at Bereket Turkish Cuisine. Depending on the time of year, dine al fresco and feast on lamb meatballs, falafel wraps, kebabs, and more. For Irish treats, head to The Shebeen for a pint, to hear some live music on the weekend, or to enjoy a full Irish breakfast. Another Irish-inspired eatery is The Castle. You'll find live music there most evenings, and you can feast on fish and chips, chicken curry, veggie burgers, and more. Check the calendar of events at Park City Music Hall for upcoming live music shows or maybe just to grab a bite. The menu features Tajin shrimp, Korean-style fried chicken, Cuban roast pork tacos, and other delectables. Finally, the Blind Rhino is big on wings of all sorts, along with pork nachos, sloppy joe potato skins, and cheesesteak egg rolls. Polish it off with a brownie sundae or ice cream sandwich.

The Black Rock neighborhood is close to accommodations like Dune Fairfield Beach, which is just 2 miles away from the center of town, and The Surfside Hotel, less than 5 miles away. Book your room and waste no time planning your trip to this charming coastal neighborhood.