Overview For Newcomers

If you close your eyes and think about what a typical New England town would look like, it would have many of the things that can be found in the very picturesque Wilton, Connecticut. From its elegant historic homes, winding roads, rural history, and deep sense of community, Wilton is the ideal picture of a bucolic landscape that isn’t just frozen in a timeless painting, although it is home to one of the few art themed national parks. 

Founded in 1640, Wilton was settled from the some of the original founders of Norwalk, located just to Wilton’s south. As an agricultural settlement, the rolling hills and fresh water attracted famers and people who wanted more space, higher ground and new start. By 1802, America was recovering from the ravages of the Revolutionary war and Wilton’s population was growing, but Wilton was far enough away from the industrial ports along the Long Island Sound so it retained its bucolic charm and agricultural heritage. That tradition continues today as just under a 1,000 acres of land continue to be protected from development. 

The Norwalk River runs through the center of Wilton’s commercial district, and yet also provides the scenic Shenck’s Island and a walking path along the riverbank. Route 7, or the Danbury Rd. splits Wilton and serves as the spine of commercial activity. But turn onto the backroads, and the signs alerting drivers about horseback riders, or wayfinding signs pointing to areas for hiking and fishing are reminders of the country life that anchored Connecticut country lifestyle to long ago. Local real estate agents showing off Wilton, start with Nod Hill Road, a scenic loop that serves a reminder of these roots, and with a smile, they might add that this is one of the top streets to live on in the entire country.

Despite its rolling hills, pastures and small-town charm, Wilton is also famous for its bedroom community vibe of Manhattan’s workforce. It is celebrated as a practical matter by a decent train station in the commercial district. Wilton is about 95 minutes from New York City or New Haven, making it centrally located.  It’s accessible from the Merritt Parkway and I-95 Highway, and parking is free at the town’s train stations. While most residents fly out of the NYC airports, regional airports such as Danbury, Westchester and Tweed offer routes that can connect at larger airports or for that trip out to Nantucket, Montauk or Block Island.

Exploring the rural beauty of Wilton

There are many trails for hikers in Wilton, starting with the Town Forest. At its northmost edge is a waterfall known as Sheep Falls. A miller once owned property off Nod Hill and had a large herd of sheep, suggesting, at least in historic folklore, that the falls were named for that sheep washing activity there. The falls continue as the bubbling Barrett’s Brook which flows in a southwesterly direction through the Town Forest. The orange trail follows the stream corridor crossing Barrett’s Brook in several places. It is one of the most attractive of the Town’s trails in all seasons of the year. 

The Town Forest also features Horseback riding on designated bridle trails. 

Camping is permitted at the Town Forest’s two camp sites; however, no facilities exist, and permits for camping are required and can be obtained by Wilton’s Conservation Office.

Schenk’s Island rivers are stocked with trout and during the season its open for fishing.

Wilton’s beach, is located on a pond at  Merwin Meadows. 

If you’re a serious hiker and want to challenge yourself to what will be the longest trail in Fairfield County, check out the Norwalk River Valley Trail. Beginning at the oceanfront Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, the 30-mile trail connects Wilton, Ridgefield, and Redding, and ends in Danbury’s Rogers Park. The 6.2-mile stretch in Wilton includes a mix of boardwalks, town roads, and off-road trails. 

Experience art and history on the winding roads of Wilton

Wilton is home to Connecticut’s only National Parks protected site. Weir Farm holds the distinction of only a one of a few sites dedicated to the visual arts. American Impressionist painter Julian Alden Weir, fell in love with the wild flowers and pastures and the park offers visitors the opportunity to experience that moment as you can stroll the grounds of the 60-acre property to see Weir’s studio, house, and gardens. 

Famously, the author of the Stepford Wives, Ira Levin lived in Wilton in the 1960s, and he loosely modeled the town of Stepford on his former married home of Wilton, Connecticut although he said in 2002:“I had Connecticut in mind simply because I had lived in a ‘bedroom community’ there for a few years and knew the background. I’m sure there are similar communities outside every major American city, many more now than back in the seventies.” Levin also wrote the novels  Rosemary’s Baby, and The Boys From Brazil, Deathtrap, and A Kiss Before Dying all made into movies. 

The Wilton Library not only hosts the historical archive of the town, but celebrates Jazz musician David Brubeck with a permanent exhibit. The library is designed around an open air courtyard and with large windows that bringin natural light, it is a living homage the architects that built iconic buildings following the landscape and its beauty at every turn.

For more of a hands-on feel for history, the Wilton Historical Society Museum Complex is an assembly of 18th- and 19th-century houses, barns, galleries, and a blacksmith shop. There is even an exhibit featuring a typical Wilton kitchen from the 19^th century. Wilton’s agrarian heritage is within reach and the celebrated Ambler Farm, a 22-acre community hub with farm animals, organic gardens, and educational programs. Local theater productions are shown at the Wilton Playshop. Two of the town’s top-reviewed restaurants are Athithi Indian Cuisine and Bangkok Republic. 

For visitors, the old Silvermine Tavern has been reimagined as Graybarns. In addition to the the bar and restaurant, rooms are available for stays. The Silvermine is the junction of Norwalk, New Canaan, and Wilton, and is home the Silvermine Artists Guild and Galleries.

Norwalk also is home to other hotels like the nearby boutique Watershed, which consistently gets great reviews. It is located directly on Route 7, or Danbury Rd.