Danbury is a big city situated in Fairfield County in the US State of Connecticut, approximately 80km northeast of New York City. The city is regarded as one of the country's most active and livable locations. It is a beautiful blend of New England charm and modern global appeal, and there are several attractions to keep the tourists engaged.
Geography And Climate Of Danbury
Danbury covers a total area of 114.45 sq. km, of which 108.64 sq. km is occupied by land, and 5.81 sq. km is covered by water. The city is nestled at the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, south of Candlewood Lake. It is surrounded by several towns, including Ridgefield, Redding, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, and Patterson. Danbury's landscape comprises undulating hills and the Western Highlands, a group of not-very-high mountains to the west and northwest. The city's ground altitudes vary from 378 feet to 1,050 feet above sea level.
Danbury experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with heavy snowfall, while summers are humid. In January, the average daily temperature is 26.8 °F, while in July, it is 73.9 °F. The yearly precipitation averages 52.1 inches and is dispersed relatively equally throughout the year.
History Of Danbury
Danbury was founded in 1687, incorporated in 1702, and became a city in 1889. Danbury served as a logistic depot for the Continental army throughout the Revolutionary War. In 1777, the British, commanded by Major General William Tryon, invaded the town. Danbury was nicknamed Beantown initially for the quality of the beans it produced, but it later gained the nickname Hat City during the nineteenth century when it became the heart of America's hat industry. Nowadays, Danbury manufactures furniture, machinery, and electrical products. The city serves as the headquarters of Western Connecticut State University.
Population And Economy Of Danbury
As per the latest US Census, Danbury has a population of 87,642 inhabitants. The city's population is increasing at a 0.65 % yearly pace and has expanded by 1.30 % from the 2010 census, which reported a population of 86,518. The White people make up 61.08 % of Danbury's population, followed by people of other races (16.68 %), Black or African American (9.67 %), people of two or more races (6.17 %), Asian (6.17 %), and Native Americans (0.21 %). Danbury has a median household income of $94,300 and a poverty rate of 10.99%. The local economy of Danbury is diverse, with services, manufacturing, retail, and commerce being the most important sectors. The center downtown commercial sector thrives under the direction of CityCenter Danbury, a redevelopment initiative. Approximately 5,500 people are employed in the region by industries such as banking and law.
Attractions In Danbury
Danbury Railway Museum
The Danbury Railway Museum, housed in a historic railway station in the city's east end, was established to document the legacy of railroading in Danbury and the nearby region. Model train layouts, exhibitions full of vintage pictures and antiques, and a 6-acre railyard full of ancient railroad gear, some of which have been repaired, are among the museum's highlights. Visitors may also enjoy an exhilarating half-hour train trip between April and November. The museum's opening hours differ according to the season, and it is closed on all holidays, excluding Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Danbury Fair Mall
The Danbury Fair Mall, one of the region's biggest retail centers, officially opened its doors in 1986. The mall has over 200 retailers and eateries spanning 1.2 million square feet. Families with young children frequently visit the mall to ride the enormous double-decker carousel in the food court, and the mall conducts Family Fun Nights and other kid-friendly activities throughout the year.
Danbury Museum And Historical Society
The Danbury Museum And Historical Society, comprised of five unique historic buildings, is a must-see for anybody seeking to learn about Danbury's past. Huntington Hall, which is accessible Tuesday through Saturday, houses the majority of the museum's exhibits and displays. Guests are also welcome to join the annual Hat City Ball, which is held every January. The entrance covers an open bar, music, and lots of food, and tickets may be purchased online or at the museum.
Bear Mountain Reservation
Bear Mountain Reservation, located on a 140-acre tract that contains the 888-foot Bear Mountain Peak, provides a variety of wonderful walks for guests to enjoy. Several of the paths loop around and link, and the majority of them are of easy to medium difficulty. The Orange Trail is an exception, a rocky trail that winds down to the coast of Candlewood Lake and offers stunning vistas of the lake. There is plenty of space in the reservation's paved parking lot, and there are numerous shaded picnic sites for those who just want to relax and enjoy the landscape.
Danbury Ice Arena
The Danbury Ice Facility, which opened in 1999, is a 3,000-seat arena that provides a variety of skating activities for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Skating classes are available all year, and all students receive free entrance to every public skate session held throughout their class semester. Recreational hockey leagues for youngsters and adults, specialized hockey teaching, and entertaining DJ skate nights are among the other popular activities offered by the arena.
Ives Concert Park
Ives Concert Park is an outdoor amphitheater encircled by trees and lush gardens on a stunning 40-acre site in the city's west. The park, which holds the name Charles Edward Ives in tribute to the famous composer, presents a broad range of musical events and theatrical shows throughout the year, including Shakespearean plays and reggae music festivals. Special events such as car shows and paint and drink evenings are occasionally hosted there as well. The land also has various hiking paths that are available to the public even when there are no concerts or activities taking place.
Most travelers, like the rest of the state, simply pass through Danbury to avoid the traffic on the coast on their trip to or from Boston and New York City. Little did they know that they were missing out on the great activities that could be done in this great town.
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Carol Salman August 1 2022 in Places
