From all the topics given us to discuss about the one that most attracted me was 5 places to visit around the University of Bridgeport. I lived here in the United States for about 4 years now, most specifically in Bridgeport and I really enjoy some activities around this area. On my project I will discuss about 5 great spots to visit within 5 miles from the UB campus. The places are:
- The Connecticut Beardsley Zoo;
- Seaside Park;
- Dolphin’s Cove Bar and Restaurant;
- The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum;
- Captain’s Cove Restaurant and Bar.
The Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
The Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a very nice place to visit while staying around the Bridgeport area. It is always an interesting experience for visitors to see some animals that you would not have the opportunity to see in their natural habitat.
The zoo offers a variety of animals including some exotic species such as the Golden Lion Tamarin, the Black Rat Snake, and the Canadian Lynx to name a few.
More Than a Zoo
The zoo also has some nice entertainment such as hosting birthday parties, the space can be rented for any specific event such as graduation parties, wedding ceremonies, which attracts many possible visitors. Being around wild and exotic animals is very cool and it can even make people visit the place for different purposes.
The zoo also states the importance of conservation. It is a big deal for the Bridgeport zoo to train its staff members with the knowledge of how to treat and conserve the nature. The mission statement is very unique as it states that :
“Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquiring a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment. Animal exhibits, plantings, graphics and Zoo programs are to be represented in such a manner as to give the visitor a sense of awareness and concern for the intricate beauty and fragility of our planet.”
Another place that really attracts me in this city is definitely seaside park right next to UB campus. I can really advise everyone to give seaside a chance, it can really be a nice spot to hang out specially during the summer.
Seaside Park
Another place that really fascinates me in this city is definitely Seaside Park, right next to UB campus. I would like to advise everyone to visit Seaside and discover for themselves that it is a nice spot to hang out especially during the summer.
It is absolutely amazing especially during sunrise and also when the sun goes down. It offers to the University of Bridgeport students a very cool and beautiful sight from the sidewalk.
Famous Annual Festival
Besides everything that the park offers, the annual festival “Gathering of Vibes” held every August is celebrated at the Seaside Park.
The summer season makes it even better to attend because of the good weather. It consists of a four-day music, camping and arts festival that is celebrated with the music of an American rock band Grateful Dead playing their diverse variety of music. Seaside is definitely a nice spot to hang out with family and friends.
Even on cold and rainy days it is good to drive at Seaside Park and watch the ocean.
Even to just take a walk on the sidewalk by the beach during nice days is very nice and it can really clear your mind while you walk. The seaside walk is definitely the place to visit within five miles from the University of Bridgeport.
Dolphin’s Cove
Dolphin’s Cove is a very nice and comfortable Portuguese restaurant with a delicious variety of American and Portuguese food. The restaurant specializes in seafood dishes and the most famous dish that everyone seeks when they go to the Cove is the “Paella”. I have been there a few times and I can assure you that the food is delicious.
My top five entrees there are:
- Clams Casino ( clams with crab meat stuffing).
- Fried Calamari.
- Garlic Shrimp.
- Clams Portuguese Style.
- Grilled Calamari.
Amazing View
Besides that, the restaurant offers an amazing view from its deck. The ocean is below the deck and people can actually see the ocean right outside the restaurant windows. Nothing is better than to enjoy the sunset from the deck of Dolphin’s Cove. While you can enjoy a lobster baked to perfection on the table, you can enjoy the sunset. The restaurant is old and very famous around the Bridgeport area.
Seven Best Dishes at the Cove
My advice is to definitely try to go during the summer on hot days as it is just amazing to sit there, relax and enjoy the day. The big plus of this establishment is that it is on the water and can be an amazing place to get a bite, to eat, have a drink and talk to friends.
The restaurant is located in a semi-industrial area, but there are very nice views of the boats and you can see the Bridgeport ferry go by while you are having a nice cold drink.
Fancy Dining Room
There is also indoor dining room with tables set with white table cloths, so it would be a good place to try on a rainy day or on the winter since the deck would not be an appropriate place to enjoy in those weather conditions.
Photo Album From the Restaurant
Captain’s Cove Restaurant and Bar
Captain’s Cove Bar is another big attraction in Bridgeport. It is a very nice bar with an amazing view.
Variety of Entertainment
Every day of the week they have a different type of entertainment. For example, on Wednesdays they host a karaoke at 7 p.m, open to the public and they have a special deal of all day: one piece fish fry at just $4.99. In addition, every August they host a special event for those who love fishing:
“Every August, Captain’s Cove hosts two popular fishing tournaments, the Interclub and the WICC World’s Greatest Bluefish Contest.”
In addition to that, from Monday to Friday, 4-7 p.m, they have a happy hour with just $3 drafts and other drinks.
The design of the place is absolutely awesome with a very nice view from the deck. People who visits the Cove are basically college students from Sacred Heart, Fairfield University and also the University of Bridgeport.
Read about the history of Captain’s Cove.
The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum
This is definitely something you should be interested in visiting. The Adventure Park is very cool and fun!
I had the opportunity to go there during the pre-season with the men’s soccer team and I really had a very good time over there. All of my teammates were very happy for being there as well as we could do a lot of different type of things that usually we do not have the opportunity for a day-to-day basis.
Different Courses for Different People
The park is divided into three different sections and the website emphasizes that you do not need to be extremely strong to complete the courses as they state that:
“You don’t have to be a circus acrobat or Tarzan! Choose from eleven different color-coded trails, from “beginner” (easier and lower to the ground) to intermediate, to advanced (the most challenging).”
The easiest one is made for young people who do not have the necessary strength to complete the course. Then there is an intermediate section which is harder to climb and lastly there is the hardest course which is the highest from the ground and it demands physical strength and stretching capability to perform well throughout the course.
Find out about the prices and hours of the park.
The park is very secure due to the quality of the equipment that they offer.
There are some rules though that should be followed:
- Be at least (5) five years old with sound body and mind capable of performing specific safety tasks independently.
- Minors must have supervision by parent or guardian while climbing at the park.
- Read and understand all instructions.
- Participate in the safety briefing for using all safety and permanently installed equipment in the park.
- Understand and accept the risks involved.
Those rules are made for the safety of the public, so following is mandatory for you to have a really good time at the park.
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