Fairfield University is a private Jesuit University located just over an hour from New York City on the Connecticut coast only one mile from the beach.  The 200-acre beautiful campus is home to approximately 3,300 undergraduates. More than 80% of undergraduates live on campus fostering a close-knit community. Fairfield is considered a lovely place to live in the Northeast,  set along the Gold Coast of Connecticut with a  thriving arts community, and many well-regarded restaurants and shops.

Visitor Information: Tour Fairfield University

Transportation: The nearest major airport is Tweed New Haven Regional Airport, 28 miles from the center of campus. Another major airport is Westchester County Airport, which has domestic flights from White Plains, New York and is 31 miles from Fairfield University. Traveling by train? Take Metro North from NYC or New Haven to Fairfield; car service is available at the Fairfield Railroad Station. Amtrak also services the area; the Bridgeport station is approximately 10 minutes by car from the university. 

Stay: Close to campus, in Fairfield check in to the Inn at Fairfield Beach, The Circle Inn or Hi-Ho; all three hotels partner with the university; mention that you are visiting Fairfield for possible discounts. For a more luxurious, high end stay you can't beat the Delamar in nearby Southport.

Coffee: A favorite spot in downtown Fairfield, Shearwater Coffee Bar is the kind of place students and locals happily hang out throughout the day meeting friends or typing away on their laptops. Owner Ed Freedman imports organic coffee beans from small coffee farms in South America, East Africa, and Indonesia for his artisan brews.

Breakfast: Hole In the Wall on Post Rd in Fairfield is open starting at 7 am and serves right through to dinner with an extensive menu that has many Mexican and Southwestern options. 

Lunch: It’s hard to choose which specialty pie to order at Brick+Wood in addition to salads, Paninis and a mozzarella bar. New Haven’s famous Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria has a branch here, order their legendary white clam pie. 

Dinner

Casual:  Ramen and Pho reign at Mecha Noodle Bar, an Asian fusion spot where we hear other must orders include the steamed Bao and roasted mushroom dumplings. In the mood for a burger head to Flipside Burgers & Bar or Plan B Burgers a stylish chain serving burgers, beer, and bourbon. Bodega serves inventive Mexican fare; try the Baja tacos, ceviche, and killer burnt brisket. (They don’t take reservations but you can call 30 minutes before your arrival to join the waitlist.) Pizzeria Molto serves way more than just pizza; there’s a full range of Italian tapas, salads, and more substantial entrees. A local foodie friend and Daytripper contributor said he likes to go to Fin for authentic Japanese cuisine and sushi and Shu for Chinese Szechuan Cuisine.

A Step Up: In the Delamar Hotel, Artisan’s menu highlights New England style seafood-focused dishes from Parisian chef Frederic Kieffer. It’s worth the short drive to Westport to dine at chef Bill Taibe’s, The Whelk where it would be a shame if you skipped the bbq clams, crabs toast or squid ink cavatelli. Taibe’s other restaurant Kawa Ni is also widely considered to be one of Westport’s best with a focus on Japanese and Pan –Asian plates. 

Local Attractions: In Fairfield being close to the shore means there are ample opportunities to bike, kayak, boat, fish, or enjoy a walk on the beach. The Fairfield Theatre Company is a small, intimate venue and a great place to see a show, check the schedule for when you’re in town. Other local activities include Lake Mohegan Recreation Area, Jennings Beach, Two Roads Brewing Company, Webster Bank Arena, and the Quick Center for the Arts.