South Norwalk, better known as SoNo, is a hip enclave in the larger city of Norwalk, Connecticut. Here tourist attractions rub shoulders with great eats, repurposed industrial architecture, and high-end shopping. For this afternoon in South Norwalk, we’re hitting up the SoNo Riverwalk, shopping at the SoNo Collection, carousing with the fish at the Maritime Aquarium, and marveling at stately architecture along the way.
Map thanks to Wanderlog, a trip planner app on iOS and Android
SoNo Riverwalk
Our afternoon in South Norwalk begins at the SoNo Riverwalk. Parking adjacent to the Allison Wyatt Playground, the rest of this adventure is to be had on foot. Instead of a walk down Main Street, I prefer the Riverwalk. It parallels Water Street and the Norwalk River. Along with picturesque views, it also provides placards with tidbits of Norwalk history, including an emphasis on oystering which was a way of life and livelihood for many Norwalk laborers in years past.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
The Riverwalk’s terminus is the Maritime Aquarium (although going north it continues through Oyster Shell Park). This aquarium is often overlooked due to the Connecticut aquatic behemoth the Mystic Aquarium, but this satisfies in its own right. Teeming with fish and sealife, this aquarium includes under and above-sea creatures such as sharks, sea turtles, seals, schools of fish, and my favorite, the river otter!
Keep on Walking
After the aquarium, take a jaunt down North Water Street, Ann Street, and Pine Street to see historic industrial buildings that have been repurposed beautifully. Among these is the aquarium, but also nearby businesses, residences, and restaurants are now housed in these former factory spaces. Take Ann Street for instance. It seems like a small side road but surprise, check out the former mill building, the Corset Factory, which is now upscale residences. These hidden gems are behind every corner in Norwalk.
Murals and Architecture
For whatever length of time you may be spending in SoNo, or Norwalk in general, make sure to keep an eye out for the series of murals, many of which invoke city pride, that grace wall space to add pizzazz to an empty facade. For instance, the mural on the corner of Marshall Street and Main Street pays tribute to a bygone era. Or check out the mural outside O’Neill’s Irish Pub in homage to the city’s industrial past. The architecture in this city is pretty distinguished too. In addition to the industrial structures, across the street from the second mural is the Little Zion Church. Originally erected as the Second Congregational Church, this stately house of worship, with its spire reaching to the heavens, has been hosting parishioners since 1889.
Shopping and Eating
Since the revitalization of SoNo, shopping has been on the to-do list for this hip neighborhood. Things took a turn for the fancy though when the SoNo Collection upscale shopping mall opened on Main Street. Spanning roughly two city blocks and hugging Interstate 95, this mall features chic favorites such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Zara, the Apple Store, and Sephora.
There are plenty of independent stores lining the streets of SoNo as well. And food options? There are tons, including the much-lauded SoNo Seaport Seafood, the steakhouse Washington Prime, and the uber-cool The Spread. For ethnic cuisine think of everything from Mexican to Tapas to Hawaiin to Asian fusion. Spacecat Brewing Company is close by for craft beer, SoNo 1420 American Craft Distillers for the hard stuff, and SoNo Baking Company when you need a pick-me-up baked good treat. There’s also a movie theater located on Main Street, a refreshing alternative to the suburban mega theaters.
Our Afternoon in South Norwalk
Clearly, this afternoon in South Norwalk could actually turn into a whole weekend. There is so much to see, buy, explore, eat, and to imbibe in South Norwalk. (This doesn’t include the rest of the city that is ripe for investigation in its own right!) For more fun in Western Connecticut, check out An Afternoon in Western Connecticut, An Afternoon in Stamford, or A Weekend in the Litchfield Hills.
