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CONNECTICUT | GREENWICH

Alfresco Attractions

Nature abounds in bucolic Greenwich

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

By Ellen Chang

LOCATED 30 MILES NORTHEAST of New York’s Manhattan, Greenwich, Conn., offers a respite from the cacophony of the city while providing cultural and sports options amid the backcountry and rolling hills.

In Greenwich, visitors can experience myriad outdoor activities nestled in a small New England town’s ambiance.

Summer and fall in Greenwich are full of charm, offering various alfresco and cultural havens. Watch polo matches, savor wine and check out the local culinary delights at an outdoor weekend festival.

TAKE IN A MATCH

Founded in 1981, the Greenwich Polo Club hosts a spate of public matches on Sundays during the summer, a fun outing in the backcountry after you attend brunch. Gates usually open hours before games begin, giving ample opportunity to munch on snacks and sip on polo-inspired cocktails.

The picturesque polo club put itself on the map when it hosted presti

GREENWICH POLO CLUB

gious tournaments such in the Players’ Lounge VIP as the East Coast Open, PUBLIC (areas).” Gold Cup, Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup (attended by Prince Harry) and the POLO MATCHES Spectators can also partake in divot stomping, grab a drink at the Pony Silver Cup. ARE Bar and have an afternoon “Each season we have seen the club’s public SCHEDULED snack from the gourmet food trucks. match attendance grow,” TO BEGIN In the fall, you can experisays Leighton Jordan, AUG. 30. ence the foliage as the leaves managing director of the turn russett, gold and red and Greenwich Polo Club. “You enjoy live music while trying can make a day at polo as laid back out delicacies prepared by local chefs. or sophisticated as you’d like, from picnicking on the east lawn to mingling CONTINUED

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

CONNECTICUT | GREENWICH

Rear entrance of main Audubon Center building

GREENWICH AUDUBON CENTER

Tasting plates, Greenwich Wine + Food Festival

SARA LUCKEY/GREENWICH WINE + FOOD

USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION

FROLIC IN THE FORESTS

Nature lovers can head to one of many trails in Greenwich to check out the wildlife, birds and rivers.

For a casual stroll, take a walk at Montgomery Pinetum Park, which includes the lush Greenwich Botanical Center, ponds and hiking trails.

Nearby is the Greenwich Audubon Center, which spans 686 acres. With its seven nature sanctuaries, the park attracts bird-watchers and wildlife and nature fans. A live bird cam offers a look at the area’s different species.

Adventure seekers can spend the day at the Babcock Preserve, which features about 7 miles of hiking and horseback trails. In the winter, you can crosscountry ski.

For more variety, walk around the trails at Mianus River Park in nearby Stamford, Conn. The river stretches for 2 miles and is a popular area to spot local wildlife. The nature reserve boasts 391 acres and features both deciduous and evergreen trees among the many species of grasses, ferns, toadstools and wildflowers. The park is also home to myriad birds, fish and other animals.

VENDORS AND VINO

The Greenwich Wine + Food Festival is scheduled for Oct. 2-4 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich. Visitors can watch some of their favorite TV personalities during live demos and sample food and drinks from more than 200 vendors. Previous participants include Martha Stewart, Daniel Boulud, Scott Conant, Valerie Bertinelli and Alex Guarnaschelli.

Live musical performances round out the day. Past performers included Ziggy Marley, Tim McGraw, Train, Natasha Bedingfield and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.

The festival was created by Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media, the parent company behind Greenwich Wine + Food and Serendipity magazine.

“What began 10 years ago as a way to bring everyone together for some incredible food has become a can’t-miss weekend amongst foodies,” Unger says. “Each year brings new and exciting experiences for anyone looking to learn more about the culinary greats of our area in one location.”

A portion of ticket sales benefits nonprofit organizations including Food Rescue US and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Tickets can be purchased at greenwichwineandfood. com and at the gate.

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