As the cold of winter begins to melt away and sun starts to peek out of the clouds, Fairfield University students are ready to shake off those winter blues and dive right into the blossoming spring. From exploring new towns to soaking up the sun on the beach, there is lots to do during the springtime. I have compiled a list of the best spring activities to explore before the semester ends.
Take Advantage of Free Library Passes
Did you know that the library offers free and discounted library passes for students and staff? It’s a fantastic way to explore the area without breaking the bank. One of the best opportunities they offer is a discounted pass to the Beardsley Zoo. Instead of paying the full $19, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the zoo for only $10. The Beardsley Zoo is located in Bridgeport, CT, so it’s right near campus, making for a great way to spend a nice spring day.
The library also offers free admission for two adults to the Bruce Museum, located in Greenwich, CT– just a short 30 minute drive from campus. The Bruce Museum is a hidden gem for arts and sciences lovers as it features a diverse range of exhibitions and events. Whether you want to admire contemporary paintings or dive deep into the world of dinosaurs, the Bruce Museum is a great blend of education and fun. By taking advantage of the free museum, you can visit the museum and make a whole day out of it in Greenwich. Greenwich is known for its high-end shopping, beautiful parks and homes and excellent dining. Swing by the Bruce Museum and explore Greenwich all in one.
Similarly, the library offers free passes for up to four people to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. This museum offers a large collection of art exhibitions and events, ranging from classic works to cutting-edge modern art. Take a trip to the Guggenheim Museum and make a day trip out of it in New York! If you want to make a day out of art, the MET Museum offers “pay as you wish” admission to CT students.
You can find the full list of library passes on the Dimenna-Nyselius Library website. You can call to reserve a pass up to three hours before picking it up or you can go to the front desk in the library to ask for one.
Visit a New Town
Spring is the perfect time to get exploring and take a roadtrip to a town you have never been to before. If you don’t have a car on campus, there are many towns on the Metro North train line that you can explore.
New Haven is a great place to explore and you can take the Metro North to Union Station if you don’t have a car. Known for its rich history, art scene and of course, Yale University– this city has something for everyone. New Haven also flags itself as “the pizza capital of the world,” so I recommend taking a trip to Sally’s Apizza, Frank Pepe’s, or Modern Apizza. All three restaurants are famously known for their thin-crust charred pizza cooked in a coal-fired oven.
Westport is another charming town near Fairfield that is perfect for a spring outing. You can also take the Metro North (in the other direction) to Wesport’s train station. Also, known for its vibrant shopping, stroll along Main Street lined with unique boutiques and trendy cafes. After a day of shopping, you can head over to Combo Beach to watch a beautiful sunset overlooking the views of Long Island Sound.
Lots to Do in Fairfield
If you are not exploring too far or don’t want to get off campus, there is lots to do in Fairfield. Along with Westport, Fairfield has its own beaches. If you are up to it, you can take a walk to the beach from campus– it will take you about an hour.
During the warmer months, students will find themselves spread out throughout campus, enjoying the sunshine and nice weather. Whether you want to sit outside on a bench and read, relax with a picnic, or play a pick-up game of basketball, there is plenty of space here on campus to do so.
With so many engaging activities to explore this spring, whether it’s taking advantage of free library passes or exploring new towns, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season. Spring is the time for new beginnings, relaxation and fun and with these options, you can be sure to have a great rest of the semester before it shortly ends!