Sometimes you just have to get away. Escape the piling laundry, to do lists, paperwork and bills. However relaxing, far away vacations can be costly, and so in this economy, the buzzword is "Staycation."
Whether your get-away is for the day, one night or the weekend, you don't have to travel far in southwestern Connecticut to escape. You don't even have to leave southwestern Connecticut. Why not just take I-95 or the Merritt to Stamford?
You'll find art, antique shopping on canal street, ballet , art cinema, comedy, shopping, great restuarants, special outdoor events, skateboarding and the beach.
Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy told me via Facebook "There is no place better than Stamford to enjoy a Staycation. Some of my favorites are: Cove Island Park, Stamford Museum and Nature Center, the Bartlett Arboretum and the Loft Artist Association Gallery."
Check more recommendations from people who live in Stamford below.
I started thinking about Stamford as a staycation after getting an email from the Stamford Marriott touting it's new "Great American Summer Package." Starting at 129.00 dollars a night, a family of four gets breakfast, an in-room movie and a cooler. There are also other package deals, starting at $109.00. Affordable, right? The added bonus is that the Marriott is pet friendly and walking distance to downtown restaurants and events.
My dog Willamena and I stayed on a one-day-vaca.

We drove to Bartlett Arboretum where dogs can walk the trails on leash, (it's free on Wednesdays) and then we split a steak from Morton's. (You can even eat at Morton's on a budget during POWER HOUR. From 5pm to 6:30pm and 9pm to close, enjoy four-dollar drinks and Bar Bites for six dollars a plate.)
There are plenty of great hotels in Stamford if you choose to stay over. One Stamford resident recommends "the new luxury hotel at Shippan Point" (The Hotel Chesterfield) Here is a listing from listing from Travelocity of some Stamford area hotels.
Several women told me their favorite spot is the Agora Spa. Again, it is at the Stamford Marriott. You can get couple massages; or she can go to the spa and he can take lessons from But golf pro Jon P. Coto.
You would have to plan several trips to Stamford to take it all in. Here are suggestions from other Stamford residents.
From @BryxMoon1988 via twitter: "Favortie spots in Stamford: Stamford Town Center, Scalzi Park, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cove Island Park, Planet Pizza. Just to name a few."
From @TMcFeeley "Bartlett Arboretum, obviously The Cove"
From Liz: "The cafe at Juliska! The redone Mall, the beach, and antiques row."
From Niki: "Agora Spa, Gloss, I am with Liz. "
From Tommy: "Alive @ 5"
From Scott: "SKALZI SKATEPARK X1000 The best in the northeast! And top it off with a trip to Colony Pizza."
From Pat: "Start off with a nice walk around Cove Beach, then to Stamford Pizza or Remo's for the best pizza in town for lunch. Afterwards stop by Capriccio's on Bedford Street for a little people watching and have a refreshing sgroppini and to end the night go to Napa & Co. or Ferrante's for a great dinner. If you want to do a little partying afterwards go to Brickhouse, Tigin or Grand."

Bartlett Arboretum