Relax on your deck overlooking the woods and watch the wild turkeys, woodpeckers, red cardinals, yellow finches, and butterflies. Take a leisurely stroll or quick drive to buy sustainably grown seasonal fruits and vegetables at Clover Nook farm, one of the oldest continuously operating family-owned and run farms in the state. Locals especially love their tasty heirloom tomatoes and sweet corn, freshly picked every day. The farm also raises its own lamb, pork and beef--all without hormones. Have a big breakfast at the family-friendly Country Corner Diner and then head to the small local flea market, open every Saturday from May to the end of October, where folks sell just about anything. Not far away is Intellectual treasures at Whitlock’s Book Barn, an antiquarian bookseller housed in two old barns set in a pasture. Selling rare old books, old maps and other ephemera Whitlock’s also has used books for under $5! The October Annual Harvest Festival is a fun family affair, with entertainment and great food. Meet neighbors by joining the Historical Society, Lion’s Club, Garden Club and the Democratic or Republican Town Committees, which host annual dinners, breakfasts, bake sales and blacksmith demos open to all.
"buy sustainably grown seasonal fruits and vegetables at Clover Nook farm, one of the oldest continuously operating family-owned and run farms in the state. "
For those who want a more active lifestyle, have a round of golf at the highly rated family-run 9-hole Woodhaven Country Club, where golf fees are reasonable and greens are “challenging but fair.” Hike the Naugatuck Forest Trail and then enjoy a swim in Veteran’s Memorial Park Lake during the summer. Hike nearby Sleeping Giant State Park and fish for trout in its streams. The trail up the mountain ends at a stone observation tower with a magnificent view all the way to Long Island Sound. You also can walk, skate, ski or bike portions of the 50-mile paved Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Then head to family-run Drazen Orchards in nearby Cheshire, where the owners greet you with a smile and a hello, and you can pick 14 varieties of apples, as well as peaches, plums, pears and quince. (They also have great pies!).
Bethany may be a throwback to lazier by-gone days, but residents have world-class culture and food right nearby. New Haven, only 10 miles away, has some of the best theater on the East coast. See it first at The Long Wharf Theater, an internationally recognized leader in regional theater, which has launched 30 Broadway and Off-Broadway plays. The Schubert Theater has an illustrious history, premiering A Streetcar Named Desire with Marlon Brando, Teahouse of the August Moon with John Forsyth, My Fair Lady with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews, and many more. The Schubert Theater offers performances of dance, cabaret, popular music and family entertainment.
Also close by are Yale University’s world-class museums and art galleries—all open to the public and mostly free, great for a rainy day. The Yale Center for British Art has the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom See the Gutenberg Bible at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript library. The Yale University Art Gallery has an “encyclopedic” collection of art, including works by Degas, van Gogh, Picasso, as well as early Italian paintings, vessels from Tang-dynasty China, masks from West Africa and much more. People of all ages can participate in classes with artists and curators throughout the year. The young and the young-at-heart will enjoy the Peabody Museum of Natural History, which boasts renowned collections that include fossils of our earliest dinosaurs.
After a busy day, head back to Bethany and relax.
Featured Listings
1670 Elm Street, Stratford (Academy Hill), CT
$500,000
This stunning residence is beyond regal, boasting an impressive registration with the National Register of Historic Places dating back to 1835. Located in the esteemed Shakespeare Theatre District, this Renaissance-inspired gem is designed to captivate even the most discerning of tastes. Once the home of Alfred Ely Beach, the visionary inventor behind NYC's first subway, this home has been expertly renovated w/ attention to period details while preserving its historic essence. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly w/ old-world charm & grace. Ten ft ceilings, 3 fireplaces, formal living & dining rooms, sitting room, library, family room, 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, this home is both spacious & inviting. The library/office can be easily converted to a 5th bedroom / guest room w/ an attached full bathroom. The contemporary kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a center island, six-burner gas convection oven, breakfast area, and a mud room/large pantry. Additionally, the restored garage/barn can accommodate 4 cars and has over 800 square feet of storage space. Entertain in style with a fabulous screened porch and decks. Several updates including: electrical, central air, roof upgrades, 12 zone sprinkler system & in-ground garden, leaf filtering roof gutters, whole house air filtration, HVAC vents & system. This gracious home is located within a community association of 5 homes w/ welcoming curb appeal & the benefit of community maintained grounds. Location leaves you wanting for nothing more! A short stroll to Academy Hill, Main street - shops and restaurants, metro north, Stratford Library, Churches and community center. The historical society is located right in the neighborhood! Minutes from beaches, dock & mooring, center of town where you will find summer concerts in Paradise Green, farmers markets and many other seasonal gatherings. Enjoy hiking? - discover over 400 acres of wildlife sanctuary in Roosevelt Forest with ponds, trails, picnicking and play areas. Enjoy the Lifestyle!
365 Roosevelt Avenue, Stratford, CT
$369,000
This beautiful home boasts an open-concept living space, perfect for entertaining & family gatherings which is one of the owners favorite things they fell in love with. Four bedrooms, including a main level bedroom, & 2 full bathrooms, there's plenty of room for everyone. The home underwent a total remodel in 2013, & features a modern kitchen w/ granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, & counter seating. The large dining room & living room are perfect for hosting dinner parties. Enjoy outdoor entertaining on the trex deck off the kitchen through the french doors, which overlooks the spacious backyard with a fire pit & shed. The upper level has 3 bedrooms & a full bath, including massive primary bedroom with cathedral ceiling - another favorite of the owner, a sitting area & a walk-in closet. Hardwood floors run throughout the home, the energy-efficient natural gas heating & hot water system, along with the solar system, keep energy bills low. The home also has newer windows, doors, & siding. The Nest Thermostat adds to the efficiency, & the walk-out basement provides plenty of storage. An oversized driveway offers ample parking. The community of Stratford has much to offer including Paradise Green weekly concerts in the summer season, restaurants, fairs & farmers markets all just a short distance away! Enjoy hiking? - Roosevelt forest, love the beach? - several options right in town very close by in Lordship! It is all right here & leaves you wanting for nothing more!
1670 Elm Street, Stratford (Academy Hill), CT
$500,000
This stunning residence is beyond regal, boasting an impressive registration with the National Register of Historic Places dating back to 1835. Located in the esteemed Shakespeare Theatre District, this Renaissance-inspired gem is designed to captivate even the most discerning of tastes. Once the home of Alfred Ely Beach, the visionary inventor behind NYC's first subway, this home has been expertly renovated w/ attention to period details while preserving its historic essence. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly w/ old-world charm & grace. Ten ft ceilings, 3 fireplaces, formal living & dining rooms, sitting room, library, family room, 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, this home is both spacious & inviting. The library/office can be easily converted to a 5th bedroom / guest room w/ an attached full bathroom. The contemporary kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a center island, six-burner gas convection oven, breakfast area, and a mud room/large pantry. Additionally, the restored garage/barn can accommodate 4 cars and has over 800 square feet of storage space. Entertain in style with a fabulous screened porch and decks. Several updates including: electrical, central air, roof upgrades, 12 zone sprinkler system & in-ground garden, leaf filtering roof gutters, whole house air filtration, HVAC vents & system. This gracious home is located within a community association of 5 homes w/ welcoming curb appeal & the benefit of community maintained grounds. Location leaves you wanting for nothing more! A short stroll to Academy Hill, Main street - shops and restaurants, metro north, Stratford Library, Churches and community center. The historical society is located right in the neighborhood! Minutes from beaches, dock & mooring, center of town where you will find summer concerts in Paradise Green, farmers markets and many other seasonal gatherings. Enjoy hiking? - discover over 400 acres of wildlife sanctuary in Roosevelt Forest with ponds, trails, picnicking and play areas. Enjoy the Lifestyle!