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Captain's Cove Seaport, Bridgeport - A Seaside Spot

6/7/14 - By Brandee Gilmore

If every day this summer was like this day at Black Rock Harbor, our minds and bodies might just fully heal from the obnoxious winter we endured here in Fairfield County.  (I’m still occasionally looking over my shoulder for snow).  For 90 minutes, it actually felt like the kids and I were on vacation — strolling harborside, angling for our next ice cream cone and playing in the sun.  Captain’s Cove Seaport at Black Rock Harbor is an utter departure from the busy neighborhoods in the shadow of 95 that surround it.  You'll feel lost*  ... and then you'll feel like you're about to drive into an industrial zone ... and then charm will smack you in the face in the form of a colonial-era icehouse replica. 

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Once you’re on the boardwalk, you’re teleported to the seaside spot of your daydreams.  I’m reminded of Key West, due to all the cutesy architecture of the mini-shops along the boardwalk, the kitschy nautical decor flying in the winds of the restaurant deck and bar, and a potpourri of patrons.  My toddler enjoyed peeping out into the marina between shops, as I pushed the stroller and perused the jewelry, clocks and wood carvings for sale.  They’ve been careful to lock off any access ramps to the marina, and fence rails are nice and narrow, so you don’t have extra worries about curious toddlers.  That being said, this was a weekday, so if you’re visiting on a weekend, the crowds may pose more of a concern with loose children. 

Once you’ve had an ice cream cone, like us you may feel the need for some beach fries.  Head toward the restaurant, where you can order everything from burgers and hot dogs to raw bar items, to my personal favorite, the hot crab roll!  We took our popcorn shrimp basket to a shady picnic table nearby, and once the kids finish nibbling, they delightfully hopped on and off the half a dozen former carnival ride vehicles. They could have done it all day.  And mama relaxed.   Really, truly relaxed.  Until the mad dash back to meet the school bus. Ah well!

For those of you with older children, there are some great opportunities for family recreation here, too.  You can charter tours of Black Rock Harbor, go sportfishing, scuba diving, or take sailing lessons … even individually.  Just picture your 16-year-old setting sail for a few hours, while you enjoy pina coladas on the deck.  Can you tell I’m a mother of young children?  I know, I know, "don’t rush it, those days will come too soon!”   I promise to dole out an extra squishy kiss and hug just for thinking it.  ;)  For more fun daytrip ideas check out our CT Day Trip Guide.

Seaport Shops 
May: Weekends only 12-5pm
June/July/August: Tues-Sun, 12-5pm
September: Weekends only 12-5pm

Restaurant
Sunday through Thursday 11am - 9:30pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 10:30pm

Bar
Monday - Thursday 11am - 12am
Friday & Saturday 11am - 1am
Sunday 11am - 11pm

1 Bostwick Ave.
Black Rock Harbor, Bridgeport, CT 06605
203-335-1433

*...and you may be (speaking from repeated experience).  Bostwick Ave. or Saint Stephens Road will get you there -- have a map pulled up before you go.